View Full Version : Denon DL103r coming to end of its life. Retip or buy a Pro or 103SA?
mike1210
17-08-2015, 20:14
Hello, as per title really. Have a Denon DL103r (matched output levels) which I will need to change/replace sooner rather than later. Pro models seem to go for around 300-350ish. SA version around 500.
Should I get a retip done or just buy another cartridge? Guessing a re-tip would start from around £300 but could be quite a bit more
Mike :-)
walpurgis
17-08-2015, 20:55
Have a chat with Dominic or Natalie at Northwest Analogue: http://www.northwestanalogue.com/cartridge-repairs.html
He's a nice chap and can give you advice and an idea of prices. They do nice work. I've no doubt a DL-103 retip can be done, but good upgrade options are available too.
Have a chat with Dominic or Natalie at Northwest Analogue: http://www.northwestanalogue.com/cartridge-repairs.html
He's a nice chap and can give you advice and an idea of prices. They do nice work. I've no doubt a DL-103 retip can be done, but good upgrade options are available too.
I should get my DL 103 back from NWA this week so will be able to give you a report. It has had a coil rewind, new cantilever and FG stylus - all mounted in a Uwe (CalaMighty) malachite body
Really waiting for your exp. Stephen.. :)
walpurgis
18-08-2015, 12:01
I should get my DL 103 back from NWA this week so will be able to give you a report. It has had a coil rewind, new cantilever and FG stylus - all mounted in a Uwe (CalaMighty) malachite body
You didn't say how much though.
You didn't say how much though.
Lots !!!
Gizza ballpark, dude :)
Marco.
Really waiting for your exp. Stephen.. :)
x2:eek::popcorn:
Gizza ballpark, dude :)
Marco.
So a shade over £1K for the work Dom has done and £350 for the malachite body. I'm reliably informed by Cala that this is the last one Uwe has made before ceasing production.
Steve
Whoa... :eek:
You could get a 'proper' (as they say) high-end MC for that, so I hope it turns out to be worth it!
Marco.
Whoa... :eek:
You could get a 'proper' (as they say) high-end MC for that, so I hope it turns out to be worth it!
Marco.
I know I know :whistle:
The malachite body is likely "unnecessary" in terms of SQ and is a bit of eye candy :cocktail:- one of the "stock" aluminium ones would probably be as good but having seen a photo I just couldn't resist (it was my birthday after all).
Regarding the "Dom work" I'm pretty confident that the final result will be a giant killer and will be more than a match for "proper high end carts".
Proof will be in the listening if I've bought a pooch then more fool me but from what I've read of other's experiences I reckon I'll be smiling.
You guys will just have to trust I tell the truth in the forthcoming review :D
Steve
I admire your approach, Stephen, as I'm a big fan of the DL-103 and its significant 'dormant potential' in stock form. Knowing Dom's skills too, I'm sure that it will work out.
Looking forward to the review (and pics), oh and possibly an invite to come for a listen! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
Robert Onion
24-08-2015, 18:01
Hello, as per title really. Have a Denon DL103r (matched output levels) which I will need to change/replace sooner rather than later. Pro models seem to go for around 300-350ish. SA version around 500.
Should I get a retip done or just buy another cartridge? Guessing a re-tip would start from around £300 but could be quite a bit more
Mike :-)
A friend of mine has a ZU Audio modified 103R on a Well Tempered deck and it sounds awesome
http://www.zuaudio.com/phono-cartridges/zudl-103r-mkii-grade-1
He got his from the Audio Counsel last year.
I admire your approach, Stephen, as I'm a big fan of the DL-103 and its significant 'dormant potential' in stock form. Knowing Dom's skills too, I'm sure that it will work out.
Looking forward to the review (and pics), oh and possibly an invite to come for a listen! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
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