Life after a DENON DL103 ?

[MiiB]

I have previously owned MC-20, MC-30 and also the Audio-technica's OCC-5 and OCC-9. All were good carts, but the real winner for me is the Cadenza Blue from Ortofon.. an amazing cartridge that really lets the music flow in the bast analogue way..

[Arno Pf]

Originally Posted by analog_sa

Never used an EMT but none of the Benz or Dynavector carts i've had would be a clear improvement on the 103. Completely different presentation a 103 fan is likely to hate.

And another vote for Ortofon MCs, especially the older ones.

What cartridge are you using now?

[awkwardbydesign]

Had a 103, liked it, AT OC9, liked it but not as much, now retipped Decca London SuperGold, love it (mostly). Each in suitable arms, of course. All different presentations, so system needed adjusting to suit. Have a Van den Hul retipped SPU to try sometime, that might be closer to 103 territory.

[Tea-Bag]

I'll throw in my 2 cents.
I have a dynavector DV20? and a DL-103.
I had the Denon modded by Peter Lederman at SoundSmith with a ruby cantilever and Wood Body. A real big improvement, and still holds some of that Denon tone with improved definition and lushness.
He knows his stuff. This is where DIY I would let the masters work with it.

[bear]

Surprised no one ever tries the higher up Denon carts?!?

The thing the Denon 103 does well is the nice midbass--midrange. A lot of higher end carts seem to do highs nicely in one way or another, but lack any body or weight. Of course that will vary all over the map depending on the arm and the TT itself. An audio friend locally had been working on garrard 301/401 s and they certainly impart a sound of their own...

I am partial to the Koetsu Black myself.

(they vary too...)

_-_-bear

[mr ed]

Buy a Schick arm for it, then have it retipped. If you have not already ditched the plastic body do that and then enjoy it for a few more years. Any of the wood or aluminum bodies will be a nice improvement.
I use a Zu with Schick and have never really pined for more.
Cheers

[kevinkr]

I used my Schick initially with the ZU and it was quite nice, the SPU whether the GM E II or Meister Silver actually is quite a bit better, I own both..(Startling so over stock ZU) The ZU does play well beyond its price point, and retipped with a more modern stylus profile is probably significantly improved. The stock DL-103 even in the ZU incarnation has real problems in the highs and with trackability. My system is extremely unforgiving. (In the sense that you hear pretty much exactly what is going on)

[jason12]

Benz Micro Glider or ACE. Will leave Denon in the dust.

[Arno Pf]

Originally Posted by jason12

Benz Micro Glider or ACE. Will leave Denon in the dust.

On what will these be substantially different or better than a DL103?

Did you own all 3 cartridges to compare?

Did you also compare them to any Ortofon?

[jason12]

Originally Posted by Arno Pf

On what will these be substantially different or better than a DL103?

On quality of sound. I had different Denons. No ortofons though. Could not stand DL103 spherical tip which made inner tracks sound inferior. Benz makes the record to sound natural - just the way it was cut. Off course if the record is worn - no cartridge will help.