Denon 103R

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by PHC1

More magic in the mids, more delicate highs, heck, everything is starting to sound more mechanical and dry to my ears as compared to Shindo.

Serge.......That's what I keep hearing from all the Shindo owners.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by ehoove

Alberto,
I'm running a Denon DL103r in my Jelco SA750D arm (20gr effective mass) with outstanding results. Audible improvement over the match of the same headshell/cartridge in the (LAD) Jelco SA370h varient (13.5 gr. effective mass), so the DL103r likes a heavy arm. A Denon DL 301MkII or DL304 might be an option in the SME arm at 12.5 gr effective mass, unless it is the improved version at 6.5 gr. effective mass. If you have the improved version, the cartridge will be controlling the arm which of course does not lead to great sound.

Do you know which version you have?
Regards,
Jim

Thanks Jim. I have a 3009ii NOT improved (which ironically seems to be preferred to the "improved") so I should be OK compliance wise. I had "done the numbers" before, but I've learned that there's usually more to it than that. As your own experience suggests, for the Denon, higher effective mass may be better.

I am thinking of having my 3009 refurbished and rewired like Jeff (Tonepub) has done and then try the Denon.

Alberto
Alberto

[ronenash]

I am a long time 103R user and love it. If you want to take this cartridge to a whole new level you can remove the body and purchase an aluminium body to replace it. Can be had on ebay for ~$60. You can even use the cartridge nude mounted on a mounting aluminium plate ($15 on ebay). You need to make sure that your tonearm can balance the extra weight. The cartridge with the alumiun body is 14.5 grams.
What you will get in return is better detail, better defined bass more air and transparency. I think the Denon can compete with cartridges 6 times its price in this form.

You can see some discussion on modifiying the denon here. There are many more on the web.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by ronenash

I am a long time 103R user and love it. If you want to take this cartridge to a whole new level you can remove the body and purchase an aluminium body to replace it. Can be had on ebay for ~$60. You can even use the cartridge nude mounted on a mounting aluminium plate ($15 on ebay). You need to make sure that your tonearm can balance the extra weight. The cartridge with the alumiun body is 14.5 grams.
What you will get in return is better detail, better defined bass more air and transparency. I think the Denon can compete with cartridges 6 times its price in this form.

You can see some discussion on modifiying the denon here. There are many more on the web.

This 103R cart continues to impress! It is breaking in and is getting to be quite a performer. I'll definitely look into the alum or wood body versions. Maybe I'll even try the Soundsmith version. http://www.sound-smith.com/denon/index.html

[turntable]

Serge

Go wood if you want the treble to be smoother, better focus and lose the slight raggedness, go alum if you want the more air, transparency etc, but overall leaner/faster v the stk model.

or get two

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

Serge

Go wood if you want the treble to be smoother, better focus and lose the slight raggedness, go alum if you want the more air, transparency etc, but overall leaner/faster v the stk model.

or get two

Shane, if I use the Dynavector XX2MKII I used to own as a reference, I should go wood on the 103R. The 103R could be just a bit smoother up top but for the price, there is very little to fault.

[Tonepub]

Originally Posted by Alberto

Thanks Jim. I have a 3009ii NOT improved (which ironically seems to be preferred to the "improved") so I should be OK compliance wise. I had "done the numbers" before, but I've learned that there's usually more to it than that. As your own experience suggests, for the Denon, higher effective mass may be better.

I am thinking of having my 3009 refurbished and rewired like Jeff (Tonepub) has done and then try the Denon.

Alberto
Alberto

Alberto, I should be getting mine back sooner rather than later. They do more than just rewire it, the guys at SMEtonearms.com completely rebuild the arm and bearings from the ground up. With the new wiring, etc, they claim better than new performance.

I've got a pair of the ZU Denons, so I'll put one on each of my Volvere SP tables and compare one with the modern 309 and the completely rebuilt 3009. Perhaps when I'm ready to do the listening, you should come up for the afternoon!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by tonepub

Alberto, I should be getting mine back sooner rather than later. They do more than just rewire it, the guys at SMEtonearms.com completely rebuild the arm and bearings from the ground up. With the new wiring, etc, they claim better than new performance.

I've got a pair of the ZU Denons, so I'll put one on each of my Volvere SP tables and compare one with the modern 309 and the completely rebuilt 3009. Perhaps when I'm ready to do the listening, you should come up for the afternoon!

Sounds like a fun project. Looking forward to your findings.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by tonepub

Alberto, I should be getting mine back sooner rather than later. They do more than just rewire it, the guys at SMEtonearms.com completely rebuild the arm and bearings from the ground up. With the new wiring, etc, they claim better than new performance.

I've got a pair of the ZU Denons, so I'll put one on each of my Volvere SP tables and compare one with the modern 309 and the completely rebuilt 3009. Perhaps when I'm ready to do the listening, you should come up for the afternoon!

Sounds good. I may have to go to Seattle for work in a few weeks, a stop in Portland would be great. The 3009 + Zu combo is exactly what I am eyeing.

Alberto

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Alberto

Sounds good. I may have to go to Seattle for work in a few weeks, a stop in Portland would be great. The 3009 + Zu combo is exactly what I am eyeing.

Alberto

I've always thought of you as a wood cartridge body kind of guy.... I'm pretty sure there are alternatives to the pretty expensive soundsmith solution for the 103R.