The Denon DL-103 is a cartridge that does a lot of thing right...especially for the money.
The cartridge has a very respectable generator assembly that has been the focus of upgraders for decades. Its chief weakness is the aluminum cantilever and conical stylus that it comes with. Body replacement is also another area that can realize sonic improvement.
The high frequency response of the stock DL-103/103R gets a bit congested and lacks the high speed definition of higher priced competition. Fortunately you can fix this and send the cartridge off for a retip.
I have used a DL-103D since 1979 and waited way too long to try a quality retip version of the cartridge. The DL-103D is arguably the TOTL of the DL-103 series. It came with an aluminum cantilever and "special elliptical" stylus. The DL-103D is also a much more compliant cartridge than the DL-103/103R.
Stock out of the box the DL-103D is a much more resolving than the 103/103R. It has a reputation for bass slam and great dynamic range and its reputation is well deserved.
As good as the DL-103D was stock, the retipped version of that cartridge is much, much better. I have had a 103D retipped by VDH (boron cantilever and VDH type 1 stylus) and SoundSmith (ruby cantilever and optimized contact line stylus). The SoundSmith option was the equal of the VDH option and less expensive.
The first time you hear a retipped DL-103/103R/103D you will notice the relaxed, high definition sound that didn't exist before. They still sound like the great musical thing that it was before it left for retipping but now it is a measure better.
It is definately a strong contender for a cartridge that can make you forget about searching for better sound. Yeah better is out there but for a significant price.
I am not subject to swapping out equipment very often. Once I find gear that pleases me I tend to stay put. I suppose that makes me a non-audiophile but I am passionate about sound quality. Its just that I learned a long time ago that first time impressions can be misleading and expensive.
Ed
The cartridge has a very respectable generator assembly that has been the focus of upgraders for decades. Its chief weakness is the aluminum cantilever and conical stylus that it comes with. Body replacement is also another area that can realize sonic improvement.
The high frequency response of the stock DL-103/103R gets a bit congested and lacks the high speed definition of higher priced competition. Fortunately you can fix this and send the cartridge off for a retip.
I have used a DL-103D since 1979 and waited way too long to try a quality retip version of the cartridge. The DL-103D is arguably the TOTL of the DL-103 series. It came with an aluminum cantilever and "special elliptical" stylus. The DL-103D is also a much more compliant cartridge than the DL-103/103R.
Stock out of the box the DL-103D is a much more resolving than the 103/103R. It has a reputation for bass slam and great dynamic range and its reputation is well deserved.
As good as the DL-103D was stock, the retipped version of that cartridge is much, much better. I have had a 103D retipped by VDH (boron cantilever and VDH type 1 stylus) and SoundSmith (ruby cantilever and optimized contact line stylus). The SoundSmith option was the equal of the VDH option and less expensive.
The first time you hear a retipped DL-103/103R/103D you will notice the relaxed, high definition sound that didn't exist before. They still sound like the great musical thing that it was before it left for retipping but now it is a measure better.
It is definately a strong contender for a cartridge that can make you forget about searching for better sound. Yeah better is out there but for a significant price.
I am not subject to swapping out equipment very often. Once I find gear that pleases me I tend to stay put. I suppose that makes me a non-audiophile but I am passionate about sound quality. Its just that I learned a long time ago that first time impressions can be misleading and expensive.
Ed