Denon 103r - is it worth the aggro?

[bob4333]

I read it's slightly warm sounding? Is that in line with your experience?

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FWIW I have an OC9 ML II. Warmness isn't a trait I'd accuse it of, I found it quite analytical and searching. Needs the right phono stage though: a Trichord Diablo didn't cut it: sounded a bit thin, but much better with a valve stage. I preferred the 33 PTG.

Just what I found.

[Bigman80]

FWIW I have an OC9 ML II. Warmness isn't a trait I'd accuse it of, I found it quite analytical and searching. Needs the right phono stage though: a Trichord Diablo didn't cut it: sounded a bit thin, but much better with a valve stage. I preferred the 33 PTG.

Just what I found.

Thanks Bob.

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[Bigman80]

For years I was a big fan of Dynavectors.
Started with a DV23rs, and wound my way up thru 17D2, 17D3, XX1L ..... then topped the lot musically with a 10X5.
How weird is that?
But the 10X5 remains the most enjoyable Dyna I owned.
You do get a bit more detail out of the propa Dyna MCs, but there's a rambunctious, lolloping sense of fun and sheer enjoyment with the 10X5 that won me over.

I'm also a big fan of the Denon 103, especially when rebodied in a nice massy lump of aluminium. I ended up with a Zu 103 after owning a standard 103 and loved it. It's a great way to extract more detail and refinement out of the bundle of musical fun that is the standard 103.
I never got round to a 103R.

It does sound kind of crazy - but cross a 17D3 with a 103 and you kinda end up with a 10X5.

Anyways, when all is said and done, given your stated preferences, I would defo look at a Zu 103.

Thank Jerry

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[Bigman80]

Have a day out with your misses in Brighton oil and hear my decca lol

If I could I would mate. To be honest If I could stretch to a new super gold with Decca pod. I would.

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[Marco]

Oliver, it's probably best if I refrain from commenting on the 103R [even though I know these cartridges, and indeed all Denons inside out], or some of the recommendations made in respect of what to get instead, as most of the opinions expressed are diametrically opposed from mine, and I don't want to upset anyone...

Marco.

[paulf-2007]

Oliver, it's probably best if I refrain from commenting on the 103R [even though I know these cartridges, and indeed all Denons inside out], or some of the recommendations made in respect of what to get instead, as most of the opinions expressed are diametrically opposed from mine, and I don't want to upset anyone...

Marco.

fess up Marco, everyone's opinion is valid. The 103r for me is a fine cart at its price point. There are carts 20 x the price that underwhelm me, so go figure.

[Bigman80]

Oliver, it's probably best if I refrain from commenting on the 103R [even though I know these cartridges, and indeed all Denons inside out], or some of the recommendations made in respect of what to get instead, as most of the opinions expressed are diametrically opposed from mine, and I don't want to upset anyone...

Marco.

Hi Marco,

As our Resident DL103 expert, it would be a shame NOT to get your feedback/input on this subject. All opinions are valid we just don't all have to agree!!

Maybe your opinion on how my suggestion of a retipped DL103r would work? No offence could be taken from that, surely!!



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[Scooby]

Oliver, it's probably best if I refrain from commenting on the 103R [even though I know these cartridges, and indeed all Denons inside out], or some of the recommendations made in respect of what to get instead, as most of the opinions expressed are diametrically opposed from mine, and I don't want to upset anyone...

Marco.

Seconded. I've had stellar results from the 103R and know the cart well, having used it many times in different circumstances.

But then carts are so personal, and thenthere's all the set-up, arm matching, phono stage choice, deck etc etc etc.

Oliver: I'd say the only way you will know is to try. Other people's opinions are just as likely to match yours as they are to be diametrically opposed.

[Marco]

Lol... My comment was somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Tom's views were closest in alignment with mine, apart from his liking for Lyras! I'll post something after breakfast.

One thing I will say, in the interim, is that *ONLY* get into the 103 thing if you're willing to go the whole hog, in terms of what's necessary to get these carts to sing (and btw, I won't be recommending an 'R', but something else), otherwise don't bother.

However, if you do what's needed, the effort will be well worth it. You've got the right T/T and arm, so it's a good start. More later!

Marco.

[jandl100]

The idea of Marco not being willing to express an opinion was kind of weird.