Denon DL-103 sonic signature

[magiccarpetride]

Another DL-103 thread (sigh)...

I can't help it, this cartridge is a phenomenon unto itself. It just stands out from any other cartridge I've ever heard.

Today I'd like to discuss the much talked about sonic signature of this cart. Many a user have reported the same impressions -- DL-103 typically delivers a unique and very characteristic higher bass/lower midrange bloom. It really projects certain elastic, liquid, warm, sweet and at the same time impressively hefty sound, something rarely heard from other, more refined cartridges. And yes, many of us find such sonic character irresistibly seductive.

I recently stumbled upon a batch of various used test LPs. You know those test records that guide you through setting up your cartridge, as well as calibrating your stereo system. Out of curiosity, I purchased the entire lot, and sat down for an evaluation session.

Interestingly, DL-103 revealed itself to be a surprisingly neutral, flat performer. At least according to many tests on those test records. I could not notice any spike in any frequency range; everything sounded at the same level of loudness, and the cart (and my system) passed all the challenges with flying colours.

I must say I was taken by surprise by such results. I was expecting a big and noticeable bump in the mid-bass/high-bass/low-mids. But no, everything sounded flat and without any colourations.

That got me thinking -- is DL-103 so seductive because it does not colour the sound (contrary to the received wisdom)? I was always under the impression that DL-103 imprints its own character on the reproduced sound. But then another puzzlement hit me: even if this cart is doctoring some frequency band (let's say mid-bass/high-bass), how is it doing it? How can you design a cartridge to boost some frequencies over others? What's the trick? When I think about it, all that DL-103 is doing is providing a light-as-a-feather cantilever/coils combo which enables the stylus to ride the groove in a very nimble way. The vibrations of the coils then induces a very weak output (up to 0.3 millivolts). That's all. If there is any editorializing of the signal, it must happen downstream from the cart.

[yabadaba]

Hi Alex, I think a reasonable chunk of the sound characteristic is determined by the relationship between the internal impedance of the cartridge and the load (input) impedance of the phono stage, or for MM and MI's substitute impedance for capacitance. I know the relative effect varies between cartridges, but it certainly seems to be a factor with the DL-103...try searching for DL-103 impedance and you'll come across a lot of debate and discussion. Obviously other elements of the phono stage will be a factor too, as will tonearm/cartridge matching.

I have a DL-103 and a Nagaoka MP-110 at present and the latter sounds to me very much like how I've found it described on forums but, like you, I find the DL-103 pretty neutral sounding and certainly brighter than the Nagaoka. I'm using the Denon with my Technics SL-1200 MK5 because the tonearm effective mass (partly due to fitting a heavier headshell) is more in line with what people prescribe for this cartridge than the RB300 on my Planar 3. It's outputting into a phono stage that is presenting a 100 ohm load. The Nagaoka seems to works nicely with the RB300, even though some suggest it's not an ideal match and that's partnered with a Schiit Mani phono stage.

[tlscapital]

...Many a user have reported the same impressions -- DL-103 typically delivers a unique and very characteristic higher bass/lower midrange bloom. It really projects certain elastic, liquid, warm, sweet and at the same time impressively hefty sound, something rarely heard from other, more refined cartridges. And yes, many of us find such sonic character irresistibly seductive.

Not the same animal, but my HO MC MONO Denon DL-102 cartridge would qualify for the same qualifications IMHO. It's my one and single adopted model from 8 years ago and forever. It's not as detailed as some higher-end contenders out there but it's enough for me and it's surely more "musical" since less detailed or "disperse". I play my music loud and have sessions that can last few hours, so musicality for pleasure and ear comfort for mesure is no luxury. Just like I hear for your DL-103, there is no cupidity in my attachement for my Denon DL-102. True love for it's performance ability and sonic signature.


Interestingly, DL-103 revealed itself to be a surprisingly neutral, flat performer. At least according to many tests on those test records... I must say I was taken by surprise by such results. I was expecting a big and noticeable bump in the mid-bass/high-bass/low-mids. But no, everything sounded flat and without any colourations.

Surely the DL-102 would past that test with similar results. Through time I have learn to appreciate that "neutral" characteristics a lot against my "old" belief that the "vintage" colored "warm and round" sound would be what I'd seek for home playback. But actually no. And yes I am also surprise how "neutral" this transcription cartridge is. Mellow and clear at the same time and also capable to present a BIG sound stage image.


...If there is any editorializing of the signal, it must happen downstream from the cart.From head to toe through my neutral yet clear and dynamic preamp, amp and speakers, it still shows no coloration. And I have even eliminate a lot of dampening stages on my set-up to kill any over-dampening giving sometimes a "muffle" sound. So I keep a very "transparent" rendition.


Hi Alex, I think a reasonable chunk of the sound characteristic is determined by the relationship between the internal impedance of the cartridge and the load (input) impedance of the phono stage, or for MM and MI's substitute impedance for capacitance. I know the relative effect varies between cartridges, but it certainly seems to be a factor with the DL-103...try searching for DL-103 impedance and you'll come across a lot of debate and discussion. Obviously other elements of the phono stage will be a factor too, as will tonearm/cartridge matching.

...It's outputting into a phono stage that is presenting a 100 ohm load.

Yessss ! I strongly suspect that the DL-102 compliance (non given by the manufacturers) is even lower than for the DL-103. So through my budget DIY gradual tweak in conversion of heavier effective mass on my SME3009 'Improved' SII, my DL-102 started to open up through each and every effective mass addition. So it's a crucial factor. Then I fiddled with the load, capacitance and gain by ear on my preamp and got to set it at 100 Ohms, 100 pF and 60 dB ! How exotic is that ?

So having experimented the evolution from a too light effective mass tonearm to a very heavy one and after adjusting the settings of my preamp for it, I can believe that some have tried them in non such ideal conditions and have given the DL-103 "bad" reviews where I do not recognize the description performance in criticism given for it. Now if some find them not to their expectation or likings is evidently fair enough. But it is a rather "exotic" cartridge that requires all that to perform as it should.