Denon 103 review

[Marco]

Hi Gerry,

As usual, all the theories in the world matter not a jot... At the end of the day, all that matters is what your ears tell you, so if you find things sound best that way, then cool!

Besides, there are all sorts of other variables to consider....

On my T/T, with either the 103 or SPU, it sounds best with the c/w (heavy Jelco one) as close as possible to the arm's pivot point.

Marco.

[UV101]

I have had numerous heads-hells for years....Phasetechs, Ortofons, Oyadies etc. but the best ever, with a 103 is the Audiocraft AS-4PL, which was designed for the 103.

Do you know what was specific to that headshell? All I can find on the net is that it weighs 13.4g! Looking at it, is it all in the additional mass?

If the HSL PCC are too pricey, then try the HSL PCC E (shown on the link I posted earlier), as I don't really rate the VDH cartridge leads. They won't be any better than the ones supplied with the Sumiko...

Btw, I meant insulated, rather than shielded - soz!

Marco.

Cheers Marco :-)

[Marco]

Here it is:





It looks fairly unremarkable to me....

Gerry, where did you get the idea that it was designed for the 103?

Marco.

[Gerry]

Here it is:

It looks fairly unremarkable to me....

Gerry, where did you get the idea that it was designed for the 103?

Marco.

Marco

From reading the instructions which came with it!
Like you, I thought the weight would wrong....but I was wrong.
Much better than the 16g plus Phasetech and ATs I have.
Never judge a book by its cover!

[Marco]

Lol! Look, if it works, it works... I suppose it depends on what arm you use it with

My favourite headshells for the 103 are the Ortofon, I mentioned, and my FR S/4:



Don't ask me how much I paid for it, though!

Marco.

[Gerry]

Lol! Look, if it works, it works... I suppose it depends on what arm you use it with Marco.

Marco
It can be used with any of my arms...FR64, Grace G960 & G940, Audiocraft AC3300 & 3000, L-07D, ...these are all heavy (well the ACs are if the right tubes are used).

Of course it may do with being the perfect weight and the counter weight being in the perfect position at the rear of the arm... near perfect mass. I've learnt never to under-estimate Japanese engineering or their eye for detail.

I lent one to Big Vern to try on one of his TT....he seemed very happy.

[Marco]

Physically/mechanically, yes, any detachable headshell arm will be compatible with the Audiocraft headshell... What I meant was sonically, or rather in terms of synergy, with the partnering tonearm and cartridge

It won't fit on a Rega, though, for maximum 'magical' effect!

Anyway, I'll try and find one, pop the 103 on it, and give you my verdict....

Marco.

[Pete The Cat]

I recently plumbed a 103 into an RB300 in order to test a Garrard 401 that I've been messing around with. On a short side-by-side comparison with a 1982 LP12/Ittok/Asak it was extremely competitive, top end was a bit veiled but the mid and bass were definitely fuller and more satisfying. So much so that I was half thinking of holding onto it and fashioning some additional weight onto the headshell as well as a DIY body mod. Yes, a different arm would probably be sensible person's next step...

Pete

[Marco]

Hi Pete,

Actually, Rega arms work very well on Garrards, so you've got some good synergy there, but of course 103s work less well on Regas.....

The veiled sound you obtained, however, could've perhaps been a trait of the 401, when compared to the LP12/Ittok/Asak combo, which is altogether livelier, mainly because of the upper-mid forwardness of the arm.

An optimally performing 103 should not sound in any way veiled; however, it will lack the unnatural treble emphasis of most modern cartridges, so you should make allowances for that.

Since you've got a 401 and the RB300, and if you like the extended bass and rhythmic qualities of the 103, my advice would be to buy a Rubato copper mat for the 401 (as this will help ameliorate the veiled top end you're getting by reducing the effect of eddy currents from that big lump of iron underneath the platter, called the motor! ) and then simply add mass to the Rega's headshell with a spacer. I'd go for around 8g.

Once you've done that, you'll have a pretty good sounding T/T!

Marco.

[MartinT]

The Dynavector headshell is as rare as hen's teeth, but very nicely built and heavy.