Question on Denon DL-103 retipping options and preferences


I have been looking at getting a Denon DL-103 retipped and I have narrowed it down to getting it done by Steve at VAS or by Andy at Needle Clinic. 

Both companies approach to the DL-103 is very different and I am curious if anyone has heard cartridges from each or what you think that may be better for amazing sounding rock.

Steve recommends a wood housing and then will do a Boron/MR retipping, where Andy will modify the plastic housing on the DL-103 to convert it's enclosed outer body to a half nude body, lightening it up which he says will make it track better.  His conversion will be a micro ridge nude stylus (sapphire/boron cantilever) 

So as stated very different approaches, same cost for the most part, I have ruled Soundsmith out just based on time, I know Andy turns around in a day, but have read a lot about both so I figured I would ask the question to see where people lean more often.  I do already have an ebony housing, just want to get a cartridge that punches way above its weight.

If there is something I should look at outside the DL-103 I would be open to hear about it.

Just for the record this cartridge will be going on a SOTA Sapphire VI with an Audiomods series 6 tonearm and I have a McIntosh MP100 going to a tube rolled Schiit Freya+ driving by two Odyssey Kismet monoblocks and Martin Logan speakers.  
128x128justinrphillips
Dear @justinrphillips : You posted:


""  If there is something I should look at outside the DL-103 I would be open to hear about it   ""

"  Not looking for the Denon sound .... just looking for a great MC cart that will make me happy with rock ...."

"""   I have never heard a Denon 103, and for that matter I have never heard a MC on my system.   """

""""   I have been curious what a 103r moded would be like compared to a 103   """"

Certainly all those statements makes sense to you and maybe for other gentlemans but not for me.

It's obvious that you have a misunderstood on your overall " looking for " due that you are not an experienced gentleman.

I own and owned almost all 103 versions that I bougth several years ago when I was exactly as you: ignorant on what means " great " cartridge ( your word. ).

The 103 was not designed for home systems and is a cartridge that lives in the very wide and deep mediocrity sea and I was swiming there for " years " and seems to me that you want it.

 Good luck with.

R.



Dear @justinrphillips : You posted:


"" If there is something I should look at outside the DL-103 I would be open to hear about it  ""

" Not looking for the Denon sound .... just looking for a great MC cart that will make me happy with rock ...."

"""  I have never heard a Denon 103, and for that matter I have never heard a MC on my system.  """

""""  I have been curious what a 103r moded would be like compared to a 103  """"

Certainly all those statements makes sense to you and maybe for other gentlemans but not for me.

It's obvious that you have a misunderstood on your overall " looking for " due that you are not an experienced gentleman.

I own and owned almost all 103 versions that I bougth several years ago when I was exactly as you: ignorant on what means " great " cartridge ( your word. ).

The 103 was not designed for home systems and is a cartridge that lives in the very wide and deep mediocrity sea and I was swiming there for " years " and seems to me that you want it.

 Good luck with.

R
I did have a case that can stand up to your cross examination you are correct I am ignorant!  I have a budget and need to start somewhere!  I would like to try something other than the MM world I have been living in.  I am ignorant, I do not want to be swimming in the “very wide deep mediocrity sea” and have asked for help.  I am researching my butt off but still can’t spend more than $700 at this point.  
@justinrphillips:

I think that your approach makes perfect sense. A good way to get into the world of MCs is to do what you are doing.

Please don`t let yourself get discouraged by some of the answers here.

I have two retipped/recantilevered/modified DL 103s. Both sound different from the stock 103, and both sound better, IMO. One retipper who hasn`t been mentioned in this thread yet is a guy who calls himself Needlestein. You might google him. He works fast, and his prices are fair.

Regards tkr


@justinrphillips: I agree totally with what tkr says. Plus a LOT of folks like the Denon "house sound", it's why it's so popular.
I started with a Denon DL-103 because of all the great things that I read about it and to me it didn't disappoint. Several years later it still makes me smile and for the price of a new one I can get one of my broken ones rebuilt with a better stylus. I'm very happy at this price point. I'd be very upset if I messed up one of my carts, I'd probably throw my whole TT rig in the trash if I messed up a thousand dollar cart! I would be sick and disgusted with myself. I have no interest in playing in that field, good for the guys that can.

BillWojo