Fs: Denon DL-103C1

[nuff]

I bought this from an AoS member a few months back.
He estimated 60-70 hours on it. I put at least 20 hours on it so now around the 100 mark.
The below is taken from the original members advert.
(This is a rare and high spec 103 variant from 1991 that sports a ceramic bodyshell and (C1) premium copper internal wiring.
It has similar spec to the 103R with 13ohm impedence and 0.25 output.
The ceramic body takes the weight up to 9.7g)

I think I recal paying approx £230 delivered so I'll ask £200 + delivery at cost.

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo14/nuff3rs/image_zps3vkzwgaj.jpeg (http://s357.photobucket.com/user/nuff3rs/media/image_zps3vkzwgaj.jpeg.html)
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo14/nuff3rs/image_zps5n0rrn7w.jpeg (http://s357.photobucket.com/user/nuff3rs/media/image_zps5n0rrn7w.jpeg.html)
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo14/nuff3rs/image_zps4yy6jrac.jpeg (http://s357.photobucket.com/user/nuff3rs/media/image_zps4yy6jrac.jpeg.html)

Any questions please ask.
Cheers!!

[nuff]

Open to very sensible offers as always!!

[nuff]

I'm after a DAC so a swap of the same value would be considered.

[nuff]

Or swap for something different? I'm alway open to trying anything audio.

[blackstar]

I have the LCII without the ceramic body but the same innards and it is a very good cartridge.

[nuff]

It really is but it's not a good match with my SME 3009 S2. I was going to sell the SME to buy a better match for the Denon but it's such a good arm, especially after J7 serviced and re-wired it for me.

[Marco]

This is a SUPERB cartridge (I own one myself), and way better than any modern stock or 'limited edition' DL-103, with the exception of an 'SA'. Vintage 103s always sound special and rather different from their modern counterparts, and in that respect the 'C1' is no different.

Sonically, in the right arm, it's easily as good as many cartridges made today, at up to £1K, so someone should really be snapping Nathan's hands off for this cracker!! ;)

Marco.

[nuff]

This is a SUPERB cartridge (I own one myself), and way better than any modern stock or 'limited edition' DL-103, with the exception of an 'SA'. Vintage 103s always sound special and rather different from their modern counterparts, and in that respect the 'C1' is no different.

Sonically, in the right arm, it's easily as good as many cartridges made today, at up to £1K, so someone should really be snapping Nathan's hands off for this cracker!! ;)

Marco.

Cheers Marco.

It really did sound great in my 3009 S2 with a yamamoto hs 1 headshell but there just seemed to be something missing with its performance.
In your opinion what arm would be a good match because I could be tempted to sell mine and try again.
Nathan.

[Marco]

Hi Nathan,

103s, of any description work best on classic Japanese 'S-shaped' arms with detachable headshells, so Denon's own, from 'back in the day,' are ideal (many available now on ebay), but only entertain ones where the seller has tested the bearings, and has mentioned such. Another great arm for a DL-103 is a Linn LVV. Real synergy happens there (especially when used with an Audio Technica MG-10 headshell), and it's cheap...!

Here's a minter being sold with a Michell Focus One:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/924/jBN2OJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pojBN2OJj)

Also, arms from Micro-Seiki, Pioneer, etc, are ideal, especially if you can fit a 10" arm on your turntable. Most of these Jap arms were available in 10" versions, as indeed is the popular Jelco. 10-inchers, IMO, are the ideal compromise between 9 and 12-inch arms, and with a heavy headshell fitted, provide the ideal amount of mass that allows a 103 to really sing! :)

As an alternative, if you'd prefer new, a modern arm that works really well with a DL-103 (if you fit a high-mass headshell to it) is an SME M2-9R: http://www.sme-audio.com/tonearms/sme-series-m2-9r-tonearm

Essentially a 3009 revisited, but it's a bloody good arm, and musically far superior to a Series 300 (the one that SME and their dealers would prefer you to buy). Hope this helps :cool:

Marco.

[nuff]

Hi Marco,

Thanks for the info. I think i will keep this for the moment and start looking for one of the arms you recommend.
I do like the look of the Jelco SA-750E 10" Inch Tonearm, I may look into these.

Thanks again and I'll keep you updated of my decisions.
Nathan.

Temporarily removed from sale.

[Marco]

Smart move, Nathan. There aren't many C1s around, and the 10-inch Jelco would be a great match! Keep us posted on developments :)

As aside, if you ever see a 'GL' for sale (Gold Limited), it's just about the best 103 ever made - truly stunning sound!

Marco.

[Oddball]

Hi Nathan,

103s, of any description work best on classic Japanese 'S-shaped' arms with detachable headshells, so Denon's own, from 'back in the day,' are ideal (many available now on ebay), but only entertain ones where the seller has tested the bearings, and has mentioned such. Another great arm for a DL-103 is a Linn LVV. Real synergy happens there (especially when used with an Audio Technica MG-10 headshell), and it's cheap...!

Here's a minter being sold with a Michell Focus One:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/924/jBN2OJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pojBN2OJj)

Also, arms from Micro-Seiki, Pioneer, etc, are ideal, especially if you can fit a 10" arm on your turntable. Most of these Jap arms were available in 10" versions, as indeed is the popular Jelco. 10-inchers, IMO, are the ideal compromise between 9 and 12-inch arms, and with a heavy headshell fitted, provide the ideal amount of mass that allows a 103 to really sing! :)

As an alternative, if you'd prefer new, a modern arm that works really well with a DL-103 (if you fit a high-mass headshell to it) is an SME M2-9R: http://www.sme-audio.com/tonearms/sme-series-m2-9r-tonearm

Essentially a 3009 revisited, but it's a bloody good arm, and musically far superior to a Series 300 (the one that SME and their dealers would prefer you to buy). Hope this helps :cool:

Marco.
Apologies , dont want to hijack the thread but that arm Marco is a bit like mine:eyebrows:
(Sorry , couldn't resist! )

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj205/anthyyyyy/IMG_1497_zps1jmcnm0g.jpg (http://s273.photobucket.com/user/anthyyyyy/media/IMG_1497_zps1jmcnm0g.jpg.html)

[Marco]

Yup, it'll have been made by Jelco (or some other OEM Jap manufacturer) for Linn, hence the similar 'DNA'! ;)

Marco.

[nuff]

Ok a change of heart and this is back up for sale.
At the moment I haven't the funds to make this cartridge sing and it may take some time due to a new roof going on the house.

Thank you to Marco for the advice given. :cool:

£200 + delivery cost via special delivery.

[nuff]

Weekend bump!

[nuff]

Now sold subject to the usual stuff.

[AlfaGTV]

Yup, it'll have been made by Jelco (or some other OEM Jap manufacturer) for Linn, hence the similar 'DNA'! ;)

Marco.

I'd wager both of the arms displayed were made by the japanese company ADC. I have one of their designs on the "bench",
one of these:
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Mzc0WDgwMA==/z/FBEAAOSwI3RW8oNn/$_86.JPG

And, if the deal on the DL should fall through for some reason, i'd be very interested! :)

[nuff]

Ok Mike I'll let you know.

Cheers!


I'd wager both of the arms displayed were made by the japanese company ADC. I have one of their designs on the "bench",
one of these:
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Mzc0WDgwMA==/z/FBEAAOSwI3RW8oNn/$_86.JPG

And, if the deal on the DL should fall through for some reason, i'd be very interested! :)

[Marco]

I'd wager both of the arms displayed were made by the japanese company ADC. I have one of their designs on the "bench",
one of these:
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Mzc0WDgwMA==/z/FBEAAOSwI3RW8oNn/$_86.JPG

And, if the deal on the DL should fall through for some reason, i'd be very interested! :)

Hi Mike,

I think you could well be right. Btw, you have a PM :)

Marco.

[Oddball]

The arm of mine in the pic on the previous page , is on a humble Ferguson TT ,late 70,s vintage .
Its exactly the same arm on the HMV direct drive TT I own , which has an ADC headshell too fitted as standard , although the headshell is now on the Ferguson in the pic . BSR / ADC tie up so I believe.
Very sexy arms :eyebrows:

Shame about the plastic base :rolleyes:
I have thought about putting a solid wood plinth under it !!

Sorry for highjacking your thread Nathan , but seeing as you have sold it !!;)

[nuff]

No worries Anto, you carry on mate.


The arm of mine in the pic on the previous page , is on a humble Ferguson TT ,late 70,s vintage .
Its exactly the same arm on the HMV direct drive TT I own , which has an ADC headshell too fitted as standard , although the headshell is now on the Ferguson in the pic . BSR / ADC tie up so I believe.
Very sexy arms :eyebrows:

Shame about the plastic base :rolleyes:
I have thought about putting a solid wood plinth under it !!

Sorry for highjacking your thread Nathan , but seeing as you have sold it !!;)

[Oddball]

Cheers Nathan . Good luck with the roof mate !!

[nuff]

Cheers Nathan . Good luck with the roof mate !!

Thanks Anto. Work should hopefully start next month (fingers crossed!)