Raul speaks the truth.
The problem with many DL103 and 103R rebuilds is that they frequently throw the baby out with the bath water. Whenever you change a design with something as dramatic as a cantilever and stylus replacement, you run the risk of upsetting the balance.
This should come at no surprise. As a result, the ideal rebuild is as much due to serendipity as it is to quality of workmanship and parts.
For example, I’d recommend Soundsmith for a ZYX, Benz, Ortofon or Dynavector rebuild. I’d hesitate to recommend them for some other brands, only because the cartridge’s character would change too much. This is true of every quality rebuilder, and Soundsmith absolutely qualifies as such.
One of my very picky customers reports outstanding results with his Andy Kim DL103R rebuild.
I have much respect for both the DL103 and the 103R - especially at their price point. In standard form, they have a very balanced presentation, with a slightly truncated treble (missing a bit of delicacy and nuance) and are a bit noisy in the groove when compared with a much more ambitious stylus profile.
I recently re-visited my 103R and blogged about it over here: https://galibierdesign.com/jelco-and-denon/
As I mention in the above blog post, it’s incumbent on you to treat any cartridge as if it were a top tier one. Don’t take shortcuts when setting it up. Confirmation bias tends to result in people giving less attention to the setup of a $400 cartridge than to a $4K one.
... Thom @ Galibier Design
The problem with many DL103 and 103R rebuilds is that they frequently throw the baby out with the bath water. Whenever you change a design with something as dramatic as a cantilever and stylus replacement, you run the risk of upsetting the balance.
This should come at no surprise. As a result, the ideal rebuild is as much due to serendipity as it is to quality of workmanship and parts.
For example, I’d recommend Soundsmith for a ZYX, Benz, Ortofon or Dynavector rebuild. I’d hesitate to recommend them for some other brands, only because the cartridge’s character would change too much. This is true of every quality rebuilder, and Soundsmith absolutely qualifies as such.
One of my very picky customers reports outstanding results with his Andy Kim DL103R rebuild.
I have much respect for both the DL103 and the 103R - especially at their price point. In standard form, they have a very balanced presentation, with a slightly truncated treble (missing a bit of delicacy and nuance) and are a bit noisy in the groove when compared with a much more ambitious stylus profile.
I recently re-visited my 103R and blogged about it over here: https://galibierdesign.com/jelco-and-denon/
As I mention in the above blog post, it’s incumbent on you to treat any cartridge as if it were a top tier one. Don’t take shortcuts when setting it up. Confirmation bias tends to result in people giving less attention to the setup of a $400 cartridge than to a $4K one.
... Thom @ Galibier Design
Dear @ultima700 : No surprise with the venerable 103 ( I own it. ) that through several years now it was taked to be marketed under other " names ".
The more famous an expensive cartridge with 103 motor is this one that L.Walker him self promoted along its great and expensive TT Walker Proscinium:
https://audiofederation.com/dealership/prices/magic-diamond/index.htm
Yes, outperforms many today cartridges over 4K. I listened mounted in that Walker TT through a ffirst rate room/system.
Thank’s to share your experiences with.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,