View Full Version : Just trashed my DL-103R - recommend me a replacement
So I've just FUBAR'd the "prime" DL 103R that I had lovingly mounted in an aluminium body :doh:
I really liked what it did - so easy to listen to and natural.
I also really really like my Zyx 100R H - very musical with immense bass but perhaps just a little too "full" in the midrange where the 103R was more open.
So now I'm in the market to replace the 103R what I really want is the best of both worlds. An easy going neutral sounding cartridge that tracks well like the 103R with the bass slam and musicality of the Zyx. Needs to be a MC having just laid out a lot of sovs for upgrading the Croft headamp and work in the Jelco 750D. Not thought of a budget yet.
Suggestions please ??
Steve
If you have knocked off the cantilever, then maybe all is not lost, you can send the cartridge to Don at Northwest Analogue, and see what he can do. You might even get the 'best of both worlds' from the results! - Got to be worth a try, and cheaper than a new cartridge. http://www.northwestanalogue.com/cartridge-repairs.html
Just dropped them a line - it really is trashed though !!
Wakefield Turntables
29-06-2015, 18:17
Another Denon 103R ?
Do you have a favourite cartridge brand?
Another Denon 103R ?
Do you have a favourite cartridge brand?
That may well be an option and then get it fettled at NWA. I'm trying to get a unit that combines the best of the 103r and the Zyx R100 though - maybe it's not possible.
No - no real "brand loyalty" so to speak
PaulStewart
29-06-2015, 18:57
A couple of weeks ago I heard a 103 that had been rebuilt with an aluminium body, a ruby cantilever and a line contact stylus. It sounded bloody good and NWA do offer a ruby cantilever rebuild.
So I've bought a Dl-103 with no cantilever with only 1 hour on the clock (seller admitted to imbibing of the grape while setting it up) :drinking:
It's going off to Dom at NWA for a DHC cantilever and Fritz Geiger stylus.
Going to be housed in a Uwe malachite body I've ordered from Francois at Cala mighty.
Promises to be pretty fine.
Piccies and reports to follow (about 3-4 weeks)
:cool:
Steve
Report needed!!!!:):popcorn:
Ooooh... That's gorgeous!! Please more photos!
So I've bought a Dl-103 with no cantilever with only 1 hour on the clock (seller admitted to imbibing of the grape while setting it up) :drinking:
It's going off to Dom at NWA for a DHC cantilever and Fritz Geiger stylus.
Going to be housed in a Uwe malachite body I've ordered from Francois at Cala mighty.
Promises to be pretty fine.
Piccies and reports to follow (about 3-4 weeks)
:cool:
Steve
Look forward to reading that. :)
So just to keep you all hanging on I can report that the Malachite body is now at NWA and Dom is going to do a total rebuild on my 103 including coil rewind, DMC cantilever and FG stylus. This will turn it into what he terms a NWA DL103.
I have to say the service from NWA is outstanding. Natalie is fantastic at logistics and communication. If the after sales service is as good as the pre sales service (and I am sure it will be) NWA is that rare breed that combines technical excellence with professional, responsive customer service.
Good to hear the progress. Dom and Natalie really are good people to deal with. I'd have no hesitation in sending them my cartridge if it ever needs work.
So I've just FUBAR'd the "prime" DL 103R that I had lovingly mounted in an aluminium body :doh:
I really liked what it did - so easy to listen to and natural.
I also really really like my Zyx 100R H - very musical with immense bass but perhaps just a little too "full" in the midrange where the 103R was more open.
So now I'm in the market to replace the 103R what I really want is the best of both worlds. An easy going neutral sounding cartridge that tracks well like the 103R with the bass slam and musicality of the Zyx. Needs to be a MC having just laid out a lot of sovs for upgrading the Croft headamp and work in the Jelco 750D. Not thought of a budget yet.
Suggestions please ??
Steve
If I was you, I would buy the same again, you can't beat selecting a known quantity.
puddlesplasher
18-07-2015, 21:33
I have a Denon 304 iI would be up for selling f your interested. I think it's better than the 103
I have a Denon 304 iI would be up for selling f your interested. I think it's better than the 103
Thanks but read my post 11 above
If your Denon 304 is better than this I'll eat my turntable mat :lol:
walpurgis
19-07-2015, 10:02
Having owned the 304, 103, 103R and other Denon MCs, I can say the 304 does not have the impact and weight of the 103 series. It's refined and clean, but to me at least, does not have a big presence. My Transfiguration Aria sounded virtually identical. Mind you, a ZYX R50 Bloom H would blow them all away!
Having owned the 304, 103, 103R and other Denon MCs, I can say the 304 does not have the impact and weight of the 103 series. It's refined and clean, but to me at least, does not have a big presence. My Transfiguration Aria sounded virtually identical. Mind you, a ZYX R50 Bloom H would blow them all away!
I'm more than happy with my Zyx R100 H2 - can't wait to see how the new beast matches up - I'm hoping it will combine the strengths of the Zyx and the 103R
The DL304 also has very low output and the high compliance won't endear it to massy arms either. It does sound nice in an RB series arm though I remember..
I have to say the service from NWA is outstanding. Natalie is fantastic at logistics and communication. If the after sales service is as good as the pre sales service (and I am sure it will be) NWA is that rare breed that combines technical excellence with professional, responsive customer service.
I do hope so. Looks like you'll be spending a lot of money there...
I do hope so. Looks like you'll be spending a lot of money there...
True - not cheap and a nod to "HiFi candy" with the malachite body but I've a big birthday coming up ..... :champagne:
Also planning to get my Zu DL-103 retipped or upgraded somewhere and NWA is one solid option. So please keep the information coming how things proceed :)
I'd also consider ESCo and Goldring, who both have decades worth of cartridge rebuilds in their portfolio. I've used ESCo before for various jobs and they are extremely skilled and test their work thoroughly.
Big Vern
21-07-2015, 13:32
True - not cheap and a nod to "HiFi candy" with the malachite body but I've a big birthday coming up ..... :champagne:
Hi Stephen,
I'm suitably jealous! :) I have visited Dom and Nat a few times, and the only issue I have is not overstaying my welcome! I have heard a range of NWA cartridges, against a number of very high end offerings from major players, and have been consistently bowled over by the sound offered by Dom's cartridges. It's very hard to critique in some respects, as I have only ever heard them in his system, but I have seen and heard his offerings evolve. In the first instance, the DH1 would occasionally 'spit' in the upper frequencies, but Dom worked hard to address this and has ended up with a cartridge that is truly sublime...
I have heard both a modified Denon and a modified Supex at Dom's - very much akin to the work he is doing for you - and the results were amazing. What impressed me most of all is the dynamics, allied with an open, even-handedness from the very, very top to the sub-bass bottom. Frankly, remarkable. I have a 103 here that I'd love to get the treatment, but the equivalent of 5 DH1s on home improvements/building work has kicked that one into the long grass for the time being. :doh:
No, I have no doubt that you will be blown away with the results - believe me - if I possibly could, I would! :)
I will be very interested to read how you get on...if you'll forgive me a scintilla of jealousy at the same time ;)
Best Wishes,
Paul.
No, I have no doubt that you will be blown away with the results - believe me - if I possibly could, I would! :)
I will be very interested to read how you get on...if you'll forgive me a scintilla of jealousy at the same time ;)
Thanks for this Paul - this is exactly what I was hoping the "Dom" upgrade would do - it's going to be about 3 weeks before it's ready but I think will be well worth the wait.
Steve
I'd also consider ESCo and Goldring, who both have decades worth of cartridge rebuilds in their portfolio. I've used ESCo before for various jobs and they are extremely skilled and test their work thoroughly.
A friend of mine got his 103R rebuilt at ESC not long ago and the new diamond/ruby cantilever is mounted approximately 20 degrees off axis (HTA)
That was after a three month wait...
I'll have a chat with Dom at NWA regarding rebuild of my 103SA...
Have a look on cryo-parts.com ...he's got some nicely done carts available,
walpurgis
23-07-2015, 20:00
I remain to be convinced of any benefits from the general 'cryogenic treatment' of any old bit of Hi-Fi. There may be an argument for its use with conductors, but I suspect there would be limited applications.
Goldring rebuilt my 103D extremely well. They don't retip but replace the stylus, cantilever and re wind the armature. very professional service that takes just a few weeks instead of many months....
I remain to be convinced of any benefits from the general 'cryogenic treatment' of any old bit of Hi-Fi. There may be an argument for its use with conductors, but I suspect there would be limited applications.
Huh...me too.
The point is though that the gent has some nice carts for sale. Factor in new wood bodies, Soundsmith retipping, potting...his prices can't be bettered to my knowledge.
I bought one of his 103's and love it, cryo treated or no.
I'd also consider ESCo and Goldring, who both have decades worth of cartridge rebuilds in their portfolio. I've used ESCo before for various jobs and they are extremely skilled and test their work thoroughly.
I've had a couple of units rebuilt by ESCo and while I have no issues with the quality of the work I found the customer service somewhat "brusque" - a bit like they were doing me a favour so not going back - especially as I have now discovered NWA whose customer service is superb
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