View Full Version : A wee Christmas present to myself...
As a self-confessed Denon DL-103 nut (particularly the limited edition vintage variety), and of broadcast cartridges in general, I realised that in my current collection I no longer have a stock 103, which despite its somewhat 'lowly' status amongst the various 'hot-rodded' versions of this iconic cartridge, always possesses a unique and rather satisfying sound of its own.
Therefore, whilst browsing through the (superb) Top Class Audio site in Japan, I came across this rather rare item (certainly I've never seen one), a DL-103AU:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/ChAvC0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/paChAvC0j)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/905/kIZWON.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p5kIZWONj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/908/SKBYa5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8SKBYa5j)
It's simply a stock DL-103, but housed inside a rather interesting 'Professional' headshell, designed to be used with Denon's DA-302 broadcast tonearm, shown here:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/908/E4GfF7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8E4GfF7j)
Anyway, it was suitably quirky and unusual enough for me to buy it and see what it's like, since I 'needed' a stock 103.
I love the look of the headshell, if nothing else (as I've always liked shells where all the ugly lead wires are contained and hidden within the housing used), and so it should look rather interesting strapped onto the end of my Ortofon tonearm! The cartridge itself is also an early version, from the Nippon Columbia Ltd era, before Denon merged with Marantz and became D&M Holdings Ltd, and IMO the quality of the 103 suffered.
I intend to use it in conjunction with a Denon AU-300LC step-up transformer (shown below), as having been using active head amps for some time now, I'd like to familiarise myself again with the different presentation of SUTs, and the AU-300LC should match the cartridge well.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/633/lRrdBq.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/hllRrdBqj)
Full report to come, once both have arrived! :cool:
Marco.
What version would you suggest for a 103 newbie?
I am thinking of adding an Elevator Exp to my Reflex M so that I can play with low output MC cartridges.
Hi Kevin,
You'd need to add a fair bit of mass to the headshell of your Funk tonearm, for a DL-103 to perform optimally, as it's very low compliance. Don't worry though, you can find plenty of suitable 'shims' on ebay, or make one up yourself. At a rough guess, I think you'd need something that weighs around 15g, as the 'shell' on your Funk is virtually non-existent and weighs almost nowt!
Adding a suitable 'shim' taken as a given, which 103 would be 'best' would be down to how much you want to spend and what kind of sound you're looking for, as they're all subtly different, depending on the body-shell used, stylus profile, vintage, etc.
What I can say, however, is that the earlier models (in good or NOS condition) sound markedly better than any 103s produced now, which sound crap in comparison. Essentially, you want something produced during the Nippon Columbia era, which is pre-2002.
If you wanted something *really* nice, and I was tempted by this myself (but enough was enough), I would recommend this gorgeous NOS/NIB DL-103FL: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262030884699?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Looks rather sexy in white, I think! Apart from that, it's one of the rather sought after 'legend' designs, and simply sounds stunning. I had one back in the 90s, when it was introduced. I've also used that Japanese seller before, and can vouch for his honesty and professionalism.
If the NOS/NIB one is a little too rich, then there's also an immaculate unboxed one for sale here, for considerably less: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141842166348?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Honestly, that baby used in conjunction with an Elevator EXP (which I've also had, and rate) would blow you away! :)
Marco.
Nice one Marco, that should be an interesting combination of retro analogue magic! Look forward to your impressions.
I am off too hear something rather special Thursday at a fellow AOS set up. Even though I am an analogue man this device is pure digital- DAVE ( Chord electronics latest DAC). Not sure if it will convert me to the dark side especially at £8000 a pop.:eek:
:eyebrows:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/907/QfAhz8.jpg
:eyebrows:
:D
Nice one Marco, that should be an interesting combination of retro analogue magic! Look forward to your impressions.
I am off too hear something rather special Thursday at a fellow AOS set up. Even though I am an analogue man this device is pure digital- DAVE ( Chord electronics latest DAC). Not sure if it will convert me to the dark side especially at £8000 a pop.:eek:
Nice one, Jim. Nothing wrong with digital done well - I enjoy that almost every day myself! :)
Wonder if what you'll hear will be better than an RPi? Lol.... ;)
Marco.
Granty, it's often said that a picture is worth a 1000 words, but in this case not, so what are we giggling at, daftee? :scratch: :eyebrows:
Marco.
Granty, it's often said that a picture is worth a 1000 words, but in this case not, so what are we giggling at, daftee? :scratch: :eyebrows:
Marco.
It was for Kevin's benefit mate. think he wanted to see my big shibata; and if he didn't he does now
Yep, still tempted to try the ATN95SA needle as a low cost alternative for when little fingers are around.
It was for Kevin's benefit mate. think he wanted to see my big shibata; and if he didn't he does now
Ah, I see... These cryptic messages, eh? :D
Kevin, what did you think of what I wrote in my earlier post about the 103? I didn't do all that for the good of my health, you know! ;)
Marco.
COR... Howz this for a man-sized finger lift? :eek:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/903/GKZqh3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p3GKZqh3j)
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
COR... Howz this for a man-sized finger lift? :eek:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/903/GKZqh3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p3GKZqh3j)
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
It's a bit uppety. Prefer a nice thick straight pole
Aye, as Boabby said tae Betty: "Get yer hander oan ma stander!" :D
It'll be like that, daftee, to facilitate very accurate hand-cuing, for broadcast purposes.
Marco.
Yo, Kevin, still waiting on a reply to this, and whether the info was any use or not:
Hi Kevin,
You'd need to add a fair bit of mass to the headshell of your Funk tonearm, for a DL-103 to perform optimally, as it's very low compliance. Don't worry though, you can find plenty of suitable 'shims' on ebay, or make one up yourself. At a rough guess, I think you'd need something that weighs around 15g, as the 'shell' on your Funk is virtually non-existent and weighs almost nowt!
Adding a suitable 'shim' taken as a given, which 103 would be 'best' would be down to how much you want to spend and what kind of sound you're looking for, as they're all subtly different, depending on the body-shell used, stylus profile, vintage, etc.
What I can say, however, is that the earlier models (in good or NOS condition) sound markedly better than any 103s produced now, which sound crap in comparison. Essentially, you want something produced during the Nippon Columbia era, which is pre-2002.
If you wanted something *really* nice, and I was tempted by this myself (but enough was enough), I would recommend this gorgeous NOS/NIB DL-103FL: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262030884699?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Looks rather sexy in white, I think! Apart from that, it's one of the rather sought after 'legend' designs, and simply sounds stunning. I had one back in the 90s, when it was introduced. I've also used that Japanese seller before, and can vouch for his honesty and professionalism.
If the NOS/NIB one is a little too rich, then there's also an immaculate unboxed one for sale here, for considerably less: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141842166348?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Honestly, that baby used in conjunction with an Elevator EXP (which I've also had, and rate) would blow you away! :)
:whistle: :popcorn:
Marco.
Yep, useful stuff.
I just need to source an Elevator EXP first.
Cool. Are you 100% settled on one, or would you be open to alternative suggestions?
The reason I ask is that, as good as the EXP is, you'd get far greater SPPV from something that one of our resident electronics designers would bespoke build for you, such as Jez (Arkless), Paul Hynes, Nick (lurcher), Anthony TD, Firebottle, etc, as they would use the best components possible for your budget, unlike any commercial manufacturer, and you'd end up with something truly superb and pretty much unbeatable.... ;)
Marco.
It does not need to be an Elevator EXP, but I have an upgraded PSU ready for one, plus a members club discount of 10% means that the SPPV is going to be tough to beat.
I am open to suggestions, as always.
Not if the 'S" (in the SPPV) is likely to outperform the 'S' available with an EXP.... ;)
Ok, so in order to ascertain your spend, how much (minus discount, etc) is an EXP likely to cost you? :)
Marco.
Never seen a Denon DL 103AU, it should be aan extremely rare cartridge, congratulations :-)
The best match I've found with my DL 103 (standard with elliptical stylus and -SA version) has been with the passive stepup Denon AU 103.
Not if the 'S" (in the SPPV) is likely to outperform the 'S' available with an EXP.... ;)
Ok, so in order to ascertain your spend, how much (minus discount, etc) is an EXP likely to cost you? :)
Marco.
A little over £400 + p&p
Ok, so as a ballpark, let's call it £500.
I'm pretty sure that for that amount any of the guys I mentioned could build you a head amp that would outperform an EXP, simply because the latter is a commercial product, with the costs of that built into the price, meaning that there's less money available for the maker to spend on audiophile-grade components...
If it were me, I'd give Jez a shout, as I've heard one of his head amps in my system recently, and it was superb, and not far off of my Paul Hynes/SR5 combo, costing three times more! :)
Marco.
DarrenHW
30-12-2015, 10:37
You'd need to add a fair bit of mass to the headshell of your Funk tonearm, for a DL-103 to perform optimally, as it's very low compliance. Don't worry though, you can find plenty of suitable 'shims' on ebay, or make one up yourself. At a rough guess, I think you'd need something that weighs around 15g, as the 'shell' on your Funk is virtually non-existent and weighs almost nowt!
I was going to ask whether you'd be able to balance the extra weight on the FX-1200 but didn't AK allegedly use a 103 in the development of the FX?
Yep, still tempted to try the ATN95SA needle as a low cost alternative for when little fingers are around.
Me too, the ATN95e is an amazing cartridge for £25 but for me is a long way behind the 103, does the shibata stylus really elevate it that far?
I was going to ask whether you'd be able to balance the extra weight on the FX-1200 but didn't AK allegedly use a 103 in the development of the FX?
Perhaps. I think I recall Pinky mentioning something about it. However, I'm not sure that Arthur buys into the extra-mass thing, and considers that a 103 sounds fine on any of his arms, 'as is'. Much of that though might also be to do with him not wanting to complicate matters, in the eyes of potential buyers...
I'd beg to differ, however, on his viewpoint on mass. Yes it will sound ok, but the cartridge certainly won't be sonically optimised (in terms of mass), and the improvement gained from doing so is significant. Therefore, if I were fitting a 103 onto any form of Funk arm, I'd be using one of the stabilisers, sold by Sound Hifi [scroll down a bit and you'll see them]:
http://www.soundhifi.com/denon%20phono%20cartridges.html
On a lightweight Funk arm (particularly with such a minimalist, low-mass headshell), I'd go for the 14g version. Like you say though, you also need to make sure that you can balance it out at the other end. I have one of these items, and it looks rather nice in copper :)
Marco.
Well, according to the tracking info, the cartridge has now landed at the UK delivery office, so should be here any day now! I'm looking forward to hearing this with my new K&K (Lundahl LL9226-based) SUT...
Found this view of the headshell fitted to the cartridge I've bought, which looks rather interesting (shown next to a Denon DL-107 MM broadcast cartridge, which I will also add to my collection at some point):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/7ke2yS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p87ke2ySj)
Looks cool in a kind of retro way, I think :)
Marco.
Well, she's arrived, installed and sounding great! I also just love how retro it looks on the end of my Ortofon arm, and neat too, as all the wires and fixings are hidden, so you just see a nice chunky big 'block' on top of records as they're playing - cool :)
One thing I had to do, which I hadn't envisaged would've been necessary, was adding appropriate mass [some 8.3g] to the headshell, with it being of a lightweight 'plastic-type' construction, a) in order to be able to balance things out (as my RS-212D arm is fitted with a very heavy counterweight, intended to deal with SPUs), and b) for the cartridge to be sonically optimised.
Obviously the Denon broadcast arms that the cartridge was designed to be used with, being 12", instead of 9", are both of higher overall effective mass than the Ortofon, and have lighter counterweight balances! However, with some judicious tweakage, all is well, and I can hear the nicely 'ballsy', solid and musically communicative sound I associate with 103s from the 'golden' Nippon Columbia era. Very nice indeed!
Needs run-in now and some small adjustments carried out, in order to fully optimise its sonic performance - then some pics! :cool:
Marco.
I've just ordered this 8g Isokinetik brass cartridge stabiliser, in order to carry out a better and neater job than the current arrangement I've knocked up temporarily:
http://www.cabezon.eu/prestashop/home/112-isokinetik-cartridge-stabiliser-for-denon-103-dl-103r-brass-.html
:cool:
Marco.
£20 for a lump of brass? :eek:
I've just ordered this 8g Isokinetik brass cartridge stabiliser, in order to carry out a better and neater job than the current arrangement I've knocked up temporarily:
http://www.cabezon.eu/prestashop/home/112-isokinetik-cartridge-stabiliser-for-denon-103-dl-103r-brass-.html
:cool:
Marco.
Nice one Marco - great to find this sort of stuff. I may well have to resort to one of those when I eventually get round to sorting a DL-103. I have been trying to look back at what Head amp/SUT to use with the 103 / Croft pre from old posts.
What's your latest recommendations on this? Is there a chap on this site (Arkless) who could build one?
£20 for a lump of brass? :eek:
I know, but cut perfectly to size and of just the right weight, so 'fit and forget' - and life's too short to be fannying about...... ;)
Besides, you're going to have to get used to doing this type of thing, if you're going to fit a DL-103 onto your FX-1200!
Marco.
Nice one Marco - great to find this sort of stuff. I may well have to resort to one of those when I eventually get round to sorting a DL-103. I have been trying to look back at what Head amp/SUT to use with the 103 / Croft pre from old posts.
What's your latest recommendations on this? Is there a chap on this site (Arkless) who could build one?
Hi Jim,
Yup, Jez would make you one (amongst the best you could buy), which would probably cost around £700 (ask him to confirm, though), and would outperform most commercial designs. Paul Hynes also does a fab head amp and separate PSU, which I use, although comes in at £1500.
I'm also about to take delivery of one of the basic K&K SUTs, shown here, which are said to punch well above their weight, sonically: http://www.kandkaudio.com/moving-coil-phono-step-up-kits/
I'll be using it with the 103AU, so full report to follow! :cool:
Marco.
Love the retro look of that Denon , Marco. Be interesting to see how it sounds with a few more hours on it.
Cheers, Gary. It's getting better the more I listen. Sounds mighty fine indeed. When I take delivery of the headshell stabiliser (hopefully tomorrow), I'll photograph the whole shebang in situ :)
Marco.
Ok, the brass headshell stabiliser arrived today, and it's a rather nicely made little thing :)
However, due to the construction of the underneath of the headshell, which has two raised threaded lugs, to take the fixing screws for the cartridge, protruding out from the top, I was unable to get the stabiliser to sit flush in the headshell, with the cartridge in situ. It just wouldn't sit right.
Therefore, I simply fixed the 8g brass stabiliser to the top of the headshell instead, thereby adding the necessary mass, with the advantage of not upsetting VTA, which would've been the case had I managed (as intended) to fit the stabiliser underneath, between the cartridge and headshell.
The cartridge actually looks rather 'business like' that way, but the overall assembly is not as neat looking, as it would've been, had I managed to fit the stabiliser how I had intended. In any case case, it has further subtly improved the sound, by increasing weight and authority, and a sense of the musical presentation being more secure and 'grounded'.
I'll take a few pics tomorrow :cool:
Marco.
Note the brass cartridge stabiliser blu-tac'd onto the headshell, simply because it wouldn't fit any other way. It's effective, though....
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/907/QxUEyr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p7QxUEyrj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/905/kQCvlI.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p5kQCvlIj)
A cornucopia of classic cartridges in vintage NOS headshells. From the left: Denon DL-S1, SPU G/T, Shure M55E, Denon DL-103C1...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/oHCfVB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/paoHCfVBj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/910/re8hRa.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pare8hRaj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/908/gy5XZd.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8gy5XZdj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/911/gV5znT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pbgV5znTj)
Marco.
Oh, and if anyone would like a sneaky peek at the 'Marco-boy mains set-up', which lurks below, here it is:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/908/9ZfIiP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p89ZfIiPj)
:D :eyebrows:
Marco.
brian2957
08-01-2016, 23:53
Hah ! That's insane , but I like it :eyebrows:
Those are the French mains leads in situ, mate, hard-wired directly into individual 100A junction boxes, which in turn are hard-wired to a dedicated mains spur, powered with 16mm square armoured cable (the type that connects your house supply to the local sub-station)! ;)
No shitey/puny little 'kettle leads' here, or multiple electrical bottlenecks..... :flasher:
Marco.
brian2957
09-01-2016, 00:03
Right :eek: I'll have to get my finger out then :D
Is that the MG mains filter ?
Marco,
Where did you purchase the brass stabilizer?
Is that the MG mains filter ?
Yup, but a custom-made one, fitted with Furutech 13A sockets and MCRU 'Ultimate' Furukawa-based mains cable (internally), and also externally hard-wired to the input of the filter.
It's only used, however, as a digital 'switching noise' filter, so only my CDP and DAC are plugged into it, and are filtered accordingly. The rest of the system is unfiltered, as I don't like the effect of mains filters on amps or analogue source equipment.
Not sure I need a BMU or a regenerator, do you? ;)
Marco.
Marco,
Where did you purchase the brass stabilizer?
Here you go, Dave: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ISOkinetik-CARTRIDGE-STABILISER-FOR-DENON-103-DL-103R-BRASS-/171258625981
Works really well and is a perfect fit. However, it would work even better on a normal headshell, where one can insert it between the top of the cartridge and the underneath of the headshell.
Marco.
Yup, but a custom-made one, fitted with Furutech 13A sockets and MCRU 'Ultimate' Furukawa-based mains cable (internally), and also externally hard-wired to the input of the filter.
It's only used, however, as a digital 'switching noise' filter, so only my CDP and DAC are plugged into it, and are filtered accordingly. The rest of the system is unfiltered, as I don't like the effect of mains filters on amps or analogue source equipment.
Not sure I need a BMU or a regenerator, do you? ;)
Marco.
of course you do ! :D
Here you go, Dave: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ISOkinetik-CARTRIDGE-STABILISER-FOR-DENON-103-DL-103R-BRASS-/171258625981
Works really well and is a perfect fit. It would work even better, however, on a normal headshell, where one can insert it between the top of the cartridge and the underneath of the headshell.
Perfect!
The Wand came with a 2g and a 5g aluminium one, but I think that I want to go even heavier.
Thanks Marco.
Lol... I prefer the 'over-engineered' hard-wired route, from source. All those plugs and sockets on mains regen units go against my purist principles (and which are bound to raise contact resistance and mains impedance accordingly), thereby diluting the regen unit's designed benefits! ;)
Marco.
Perfect!
The Wand came with a 2g and a 5g aluminium one, but I think that I want to go even heavier.
Thanks Marco.
No worries. Yup, you'll need more headshell mass than that with a 103, in order to maximise its sonic performance. Minimum 14g, excluding mounting hardware.
Marco.
Just ordered one of these Mpingo wooden spacers for the 103, which I've always fancied trying: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190506528284?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/t115Ko.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pbt115Koj)
I'll report back if it makes any difference, and if so, whether I can detect a notable sonic improvement! :)
Marco.
WOStantonCS100
16-01-2016, 06:25
Well, according to the tracking info, the cartridge has now landed at the UK delivery office, so should be here any day now! I'm looking forward to hearing this with my new K&K (Lundahl LL9226-based) SUT...
Found this view of the headshell fitted to the cartridge I've bought, which looks rather interesting (shown next to a Denon DL-107 MM broadcast cartridge, which I will also add to my collection at some point):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/7ke2yS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p87ke2ySj)
Looks cool in a kind of retro way, I think :)
Marco.
Is that an optical illusion? The Denon broadcast headshell looks shorter (not quite as short; but, somewhat akin to an SPU-A). Cool headshell/cart combo for sure; just wondering about overhang and alignment/null points.
Hi Biff,
Yes it is a little shorter than usual, but all that means is that there's less room for the lead wires (which are near-'hard-wired' to the headshell pins). The cartridge itself ends up fixed in the same place, due to where the screw holes are located on the underneath of the headshell.
Sounds great, with the brass spacer on top - and I love how the design hides all the ugly looking wires and fixings normally seen! :)
Marco.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.