Denon DL 103 Pro

[Svend N]

It wasn't Zu I was thinking of, it was these guys out of Montreal: https://www.audiomusikraft.com

And my mistake, it was Stereophile that has it on their recommended components list, not TAS. Check out the reviews page on the AMK website....

Not sure if this one is there, but here is a rather long and very thorough review: https://positive-feedback.com/audio-...aph-cartridge/

Edit: it looks like you can buy either a new DL-103 or the DL-103R preinstalled in a new shell, or buy just the shell and do the install yourself with your own cart. Not sure if you can send them your existing cart and have them move it over to a new shell...worth checking out. The reviews are quite glowing, it seems.

Edit 2: Peter, forgive me for hijacking your thread. I posted the above info here in the event that the 103 Pro was unobtainable, and a possible alternative was sought. Hope this helps someone... Didn't intend to take away from your recommendation of the Pro.

[Marco]

Hi Alex,

How is Denon DL 103 Pro different from vanilla Denon DL 103?

The DL-103 Pro is essentially a stock DL-103 that has been specially modified by a small group of Ex-Denon employees, making cartridges, SUTs, etc, under the company name of Highphonic. And the 'Pro' is used in Japan at some radio stations for broadcasting purposes.

These guys really know what they're doing, having had lots of experience with Denon cartridges, so know how to get the best out of them. I believe that judicious changes are applied to the suspension system and compliance, but contrary to what is often said, Highphonic do not fit the cartridge with an elliptical stylus. The 103 Pro has the same conical (spherical) stylus as the stock DL-103.

However, the modifications undertaken cause some critical changes to the electrical characteristics of the cartridge, which you'll see below. if you compare the spec of the 'Pro' version against that of the stock model. I've emboldened the key differences, which result in the improved sound heard.

103 Pro:

・Output voltage: 0.25mV
・Compliance 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne
・Stylus: 16.5 micron round tip
・Frequency response: 20Hz - 55kHz
・Impedance: 38 ohm
・Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.4g
・Weight: 8.5g

Stock DL-103:

Output: 0.3 mV

Output Impedance: 40 ohms

Stylus: 16.5 Micron round tip

Frequency range: 20 Hz to 45 kHz

Tracking force: 2.3~2.7g

Compliance 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne

Weight: 8.5g.

The slightly lower output (less coil turns) and notably the extended high-frequency response, coupled with lower impedance, will combine to increase clarity and 'airiness' at the top end, whilst improving midrange lucidity.

I've used both cartridges extensively, and the 'Pro' version is notably superior, so I'm not surprised Peter is raving about it!

It won't be quite as good as a 103SA, simply because the 'Pro' is still housed in the stock plastic body shell, but it's not far off and has a charm and desirable sonic attributes of its own. No other DL-103 sounds quite like it.

Essentially, it performs like a cartridge costing around three times more than it does, and like most other 'race-tuned' 103s, is a serious bargain. Hope this helps

Marco.

[montesquieu]

Hi Alex,



The DL-103 Pro is essentially a stock DL-103 that has been specially modified by a small group of Ex-Denon employees, making cartridges, SUTs, etc, under the company name of Highphonic. And the 'Pro' is used in Japan at some radio stations for broadcasting purposes.

These guys really know what they're doing, having had lots of experience with Denon cartridges, so know how to get the best out of them. I believe that judicious changes are applied to the suspension system and compliance, but contrary to what is often said, Highphonic do not fit the cartridge with an elliptical stylus. The 103 Pro has the same conical (spherical) stylus as the stock DL-103.

However, the modifications undertaken cause some critical changes to the electrical characteristics of the cartridge, which you'll see below. if you compare the spec of the 'Pro' version against that of the stock model. I've emboldened the key differences, which result in the improved sound heard.

103 Pro:

・Output voltage: 0.25mV
・Compliance 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne
・Stylus: 16.5 micron round tip
・Frequency response: 20Hz - 55kHz
・Impedance: 38 ohm
・Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.4g
・Weight: 8.5g

Stock DL-103:

Output: 0.3 mV

Output Impedance: 40 ohms

Stylus: 16.5 Micron round tip

Frequency range: 20 Hz to 45 kHz

Tracking force: 2.3~2.7g

Compliance 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne

Weight: 8.5g.

The slightly lower output (less coil turns) and notably the extended high-frequency response, coupled with lower impedance, will combine to increase clarity and 'airiness' at the top end, whilst improving midrange lucidity.

I've used both cartridges extensively, and the 'Pro' version is notably superior, so I'm not surprised Peter is raving about it!

It won't be quite as good as a 103SA, simply because the 'Pro' is still housed in the stock plastic body shell, but it's not far off and has a charm and desirable sonic attributes of its own. No other DL-103 sounds quite like it.

Essentially, it performs like a cartridge costing around three times more than it does, and like most other 'race-tuned' 103s, is a serious bargain. Hope this helps

Marco.

Also worth noting that these compliance figures are at 100hz, not the more usual 10hz, so are more like 12-14hz in the normal measurement. Still low compliance but not ultra-low compliance requiring very heavy tonearms of 30g+.

[magiccarpetride]

Hi Alex,



The DL-103 Pro is essentially a stock DL-103 that has been specially modified by a small group of Ex-Denon employees, making cartridges, SUTs, etc, under the company name of Highphonic. And the 'Pro' is used in Japan at some radio stations for broadcasting purposes.

These guys really know what they're doing, having had lots of experience with Denon cartridges, so know how to get the best out of them. I believe that judicious changes are applied to the suspension system and compliance, but contrary to what is often said, Highphonic do not fit the cartridge with an elliptical stylus. The 103 Pro has the same conical (spherical) stylus as the stock DL-103.

However, the modifications undertaken cause some critical changes to the electrical characteristics of the cartridge, which you'll see below. if you compare the spec of the 'Pro' version against that of the stock model. I've emboldened the key differences, which result in the improved sound heard.

103 Pro:

・Output voltage: 0.25mV
・Compliance 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne
・Stylus: 16.5 micron round tip
・Frequency response: 20Hz - 55kHz
・Impedance: 38 ohm
・Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.4g
・Weight: 8.5g

Stock DL-103:

Output: 0.3 mV

Output Impedance: 40 ohms

Stylus: 16.5 Micron round tip

Frequency range: 20 Hz to 45 kHz

Tracking force: 2.3~2.7g

Compliance 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne

Weight: 8.5g.

The slightly lower output (less coil turns) and notably the extended high-frequency response, coupled with lower impedance, will combine to increase clarity and 'airiness' at the top end, whilst improving midrange lucidity.

I've used both cartridges extensively, and the 'Pro' version is notably superior, so I'm not surprised Peter is raving about it!

It won't be quite as good as a 103SA, simply because the 'Pro' is still housed in the stock plastic body shell, but it's not far off and has a charm and desirable sonic attributes of its own. No other DL-103 sounds quite like it.

Essentially, it performs like a cartridge costing around three times more than it does, and like most other 'race-tuned' 103s, is a serious bargain. Hope this helps

Marco.

Thanks Marco, this is really helpful. Do you happen to know the price difference? I tried to google it to no avail.

[Marco]

There's a significant difference in cost, as one would expect. Stock DL-103:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DENON-DL-...8AAOSwSlBYvoCw

DL-103Pro:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGHPHONIC-...75.c100623.m-1

The latter can vary considerably, though. I've seen them sell for less, but also considerably more, depending on the vendor. For a genuine one, always look for the distinctive red ink marks [and sticker on the outside of the box], which denote that the cartridge has been modified by Highphonic.

Marco.

[paulf-2007]

Hi Alex,



The DL-103 Pro is essentially a stock DL-103 that has been specially modified by a small group of Ex-Denon employees, making cartridges, SUTs, etc, under the company name of Highphonic. And the 'Pro' is used in Japan at some radio stations for broadcasting purposes.

These guys really know what they're doing, having had lots of experience with Denon cartridges, so know how to get the best out of them. I believe that judicious changes are applied to the suspension system and compliance, but contrary to what is often said, Highphonic do not fit the cartridge with an elliptical stylus. The 103 Pro has the same conical (spherical) stylus as the stock DL-103.

However, the modifications undertaken cause some critical changes to the electrical characteristics of the cartridge, which you'll see below. if you compare the spec of the 'Pro' version against that of the stock model. I've emboldened the key differences, which result in the improved sound heard.

103 Pro:

・Output voltage: 0.25mV
・Compliance 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne
・Stylus: 16.5 micron round tip
・Frequency response: 20Hz - 55kHz
・Impedance: 38 ohm
・Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.4g
・Weight: 8.5g

Stock DL-103:

Output: 0.3 mV

Output Impedance: 40 ohms

Stylus: 16.5 Micron round tip

Frequency range: 20 Hz to 45 kHz

Tracking force: 2.3~2.7g

Compliance 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne

Weight: 8.5g.

The slightly lower output (less coil turns) and notably the extended high-frequency response, coupled with lower impedance, will combine to increase clarity and 'airiness' at the top end, whilst improving midrange lucidity.

I've used both cartridges extensively, and the 'Pro' version is notably superior, so I'm not surprised Peter is raving about it!

It won't be quite as good as a 103SA, simply because the 'Pro' is still housed in the stock plastic body shell, but it's not far off and has a charm and desirable sonic attributes of its own. No other DL-103 sounds quite like it.

Essentially, it performs like a cartridge costing around three times more than it does, and like most other 'race-tuned' 103s, is a serious bargain. Hope this helps

Marco.

ah, saw two on eBay with the name highphonic, wondered what that was all about.

[argyle]

I love the Denon range - there is just something about them.

[Boyse6748]

I love the Denon range - there is just something about them.

I’ll have a last rant as Marco said. It’s been snowing heavily today, so boredom and real interest has set in.

I bit of a collector of cartridges... so thought I would try them all.

First up The Benz Wood. My long time love affair.... nice, detailed and all them bits you expect!!! From a cartridge of this class.

Next up The AT 33 Sa ..... not really a fair test, as it’s only had 10 hours or so play time but equally as detailed and the Shabtai profile pulls out what ever is in the groove. (Nice)

Last cartridge.... the ZYX Airy S (3k) had this for some while and sort of loved it. (As I thought it was the best cartridge man had ever made).

Well, I can assure you.... the Denon Pro puts them all to bed..... not in pure detail.. or intimacy but in ......pure musically,. for £400 it makes you listen to record after record.

Sometimes I just hate what Hi-Fi is suppose to be about.

Surprised to say the least!!!

My advice..... if you can find one ..... get it!!! (Something you wont regret).

Peter




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[magiccarpetride]

I’ll have a last rant as Marco said. It’s been snowing heavily today, so boredom and real interest has set in.

I bit of a collector of cartridges... so thought I would try them all.

First up The Benz Wood. My long time love affair.... nice, detailed and all them bits you expect!!! From a cartridge of this class.

Next up The AT 33 Sa ..... not really a fair test, as it’s only had 10 hours or so play time but equally as detailed and the Shabtai profile pulls out what ever is in the groove. (Nice)

Last cartridge.... the ZYX Airy S (3k) had this for some while and sort of loved it. (As I thought it was the best cartridge man had ever made).

Well, I can assure you.... the Denon Pro puts them all to bed..... not in pure detail.. or intimacy but in ......pure musically,. for £400 it makes you listen to record after record.

Sometimes I just hate what Hi-Fi is suppose to be about.

Surprised to say the least!!!

My advice..... if you can find one ..... get it!!! (Something you wont regret).

Peter




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You got me salivating. But since I have Rega RB300 tonearm, would Denon Pro be an acceptable fit for that arm, or is it again the same struggle as with DL-103?

[magiccarpetride]

There's a significant difference in cost, as one would expect. Stock DL-103:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DENON-DL-...8AAOSwSlBYvoCw

DL-103Pro:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGHPHONIC-...75.c100623.m-1

The latter can vary considerably, though. I've seen them sell for less, but also considerably more, depending on the vendor. For a genuine one, always look for the distinctive red ink marks [and sticker on the outside of the box], which denote that the cartridge has been modified by Highphonic.

Marco.

Thanks Marco. Would this item be a genuine Denon Pro?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25345549225...m=253455492259