2. analog
  3. 1283028660

Now I understand why its legendary.

Enough have been written about the Denon DL 103 cartridge, but I for the first time (last week) listened to the 103 in my own system...and "impressed" is an understatement.
I thought the 103 sounds better than some cartridges I've had up to $1200. It doesn't beat my current reference but if I gave my reference a 10, the 103 would be a solid 8 and I paid less than $150 new shipped. Am I smokin' or is the 103 this good? or is it me not expecting anything for $150 and getting quality?
scar972

Showing 2 responses by jtgofish

jtgofish
490 posts
 
Yes a very good cartridge for the money.
I think the other giant killer cartridge is the Stanton 681EEE.Which I prefer to the Denon 103.I think the Stanton beats it for imaging depth and detail but the Denon is similar in its musicality and engagement-which is something very many MC cartridges regardless of price fail to deliver.
jtgofish
490 posts
 
Further to my ealier post.
I was wrong.The 103 is a lot better than I thought.
I bought an SME 3009 Seies II improved tonearm and this arm works beautifully with this cartridge.
I am now getting the big vibrant sound people have mentioned.

I came across a post by Thorsten Loersch advising people to try this arm and cartridge combination if they want to experience the full potential of the 103.He is absolutely correct.His explanation that modern rigid arms are not suited to the 103 but that an arm like the knife edge bearing and detachable headshell of the SME which can let go of resonances does seem to make sense.
The good news is that you do not have to pay very much for a SME Series II improved tonearm.So this further enhaces the chance of getting really good sound for a relatively small price.What you save could be well spent on a good phono amp.The Dynavector DV75 works well in my system.
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