View Full Version : Retipping Denon DL-103
magiccarpetride
10-02-2020, 19:10
I remember there was quite a lot of discussion about where to send Denon DL-103 for retipping, but searching the forum I couldn't find any definitive conclusion. Does anyone has a list of recommendations?
Thanks.
Boyse6748
10-02-2020, 19:28
I remember there was quite a lot of discussion about where to send Denon DL-103 for retipping, but searching the forum I couldn't find any definitive conclusion. Does anyone has a list of recommendations?
Thanks.
There are few companies that’s can do a re tip but not too successfully.
Why don’t you look for a DL103 Pro .... it will amaze you [emoji1739]
I have this Cartridge, it’s astonishing.
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Wakefield Turntables
10-02-2020, 19:31
I've got a Denon 103M for sale that needs new cantilever + tip, you can have it dirt cheap.
You could try
https://hearkenaudio.ca
or
Charisma Audio, (905) 470-0825,
otherwise contact Soundsmith in the US, or Expert Stylus Co in the UK.
loheswaran
26-02-2020, 22:52
expert stylus
topoxforddoc
26-02-2020, 23:06
Expert Stylus - white sapphire cantilever and paratrace tip transforms the 103
Denon 103SA in my stable with Expert Stylus Paratrace....
The SA is about as good as it gets in the 103 compendium and it was okay but still not exactly going to get much air time against what I had available....
Final shot was a Paratrace stylus and without going into detail I can happily say it can now get itself plenty of air time...
https://i.postimg.cc/W1G0z357/103.jpg
i loved my 103sa and always wondered what it would sound like with a decent tip on it.
Well I've had quite a few 103's in various incarnations and always sold them on eventually regardless of the hype of being a giant killer....
The stock SA is good but was still no slayer of 'some' high end transducers until the Paratrace got into the groove....
It could be the best of the breed and I am probably not going to find out otherwise anyway as my holy grail 103 search is done and dusted....
Denon 103SA in my stable with Expert Stylus Paratrace....
The SA is about as good as it gets in the 103 compendium and it was okay but still not exactly going to get much air time against what I had available....
Final shot was a Paratrace stylus and without going into detail I can happily say it can now get itself plenty of air time...
https://i.postimg.cc/W1G0z357/103.jpg
Where did you get the Ortofon G-type headshell with the Neumann 'diamond' contact arrangement, to use on your EMT 929 arm? How do you correct for the different stylus-to-bayonet flange distance?
Where did you get the Ortofon G-type headshell with the Neumann 'diamond' contact arrangement, to use on your EMT 929 arm? How do you correct for the different stylus-to-bayonet flange distance?
This particular neglected EMT 929 was found in a very poor state so between myself and Johnny7@Audio Origami we rescued it as a project many moons ago to work with the SME fit G shell.
EMT also made a 'shorty' SME fit 929 arm in black which my friend has.
This particular neglected EMT 929 was found in a very poor state so between myself and Johnny7@Audio Origami we rescued it as a project many moons ago to work with the SME fit G shell.
EMT also made a 'shorty' SME fit 929 arm in black which my friend has.
Ah - understood. :) However if it is a standard Ortofon headshell, the difference in the stylus-to-bayonet flange distance, compared with other EIA-fitting headshells (including SME) is 2mm.
The Italian national broadcaster RAI use EMT 950 decks with modified (shortened) 929 arms.
May I ask how much it cost to have your 929 modified? At the moment I use mine with various EMT TSD15 cartridges, or a Denon 103 in an EMT-G headshell.
The cartridge mounting plate on G shells with the brains blown out are removable and depending on which way you have it there is 1-2mm difference in the offset...
Cost was not much but that was near 15 years ago when J7 kind of just hit the scene (or my attention)... He also had never worked on a 929 and was happy to indulge though I sourced the vintage SME collar plus Cardas wiring...
I like the freedom given to exploit the turntable and EMT purist may scoff but I do not personally get on with the 'EMT' sound with jazz.
krugdoktor
04-03-2020, 08:54
Ah - understood. :) However if it is a standard Ortofon headshell, the difference in the stylus-to-bayonet flange distance, compared with other EIA-fitting headshells (including SME) is 2mm.
The Italian national broadcaster RAI use EMT 950 decks with modified (shortened) 929 arms.
May I ask how much it cost to have your 929 modified? At the moment I use mine with various EMT TSD15 cartridges, or a Denon 103 in an EMT-G headshell.
I bought a (standard) EMT 929 years ago from https://www.fabtech.de/en_own-products_tone-arms.html and it was very good. He offers each variation of the arm including 12inch.
Not sure if this exactly qualifies for the thread, but I have a Holistic Audio HA 103SE-L winging its way to me. It's designed by Killian Bakker, having a tungsten-tension wire mechanism and DL103 magnetic with a 'highly polished' stylus. Should be interesting...
Ammonite Audio
06-03-2020, 17:45
Not sure if this exactly qualifies for the thread, but I have a Holistic Audio HA 103SE-L winging its way to me. It's designed by Killian Bakker, having a tungsten-tension wire mechanism and DL103 magnetic system and 'highly polished' stylus. Should be interesting...
Interesting indeed! Holistic Audio is now my 'go to' place for all cartridge service/re-tip jobs. Kilian re-tipped and adjusted a well-worn Miyajima Shilabe and it is indistinguishable from a new example - not many cartridge re-tippers take care to understand the original maker's design philosophy, but Kilian does and I hope your DL-103 loses none of its 'soul'. Kilian's prices are very reasonable and the turnaround a matter of a couple of weeks.
Interesting indeed! Holistic Audio is now my 'go to' place for all cartridge service/re-tip jobs. Kilian re-tipped and adjusted a well-worn Miyajima Shilabe and it is indistinguishable from a new example - not many cartridge re-tippers take care to understand the original maker's design philosophy, but Kilian does and I hope your DL-103 loses none of its 'soul'. Kilian's prices are very reasonable and the turnaround a matter of a couple of weeks.
I'm looking forward to using it; it's one of his own designs 'based on' the 103 but an altogether more complete animal from what I can gather. Retail is 1899 euro-fingers crossed!
Big man recently bought one of these, and is happy with it so far.
What are the specs , weight , compliance , stylus profile , etc... Did you manage to set yours up yet?
Waiting on a replacement to arrive as the cantilever was damaged in shipping:doh:
Rare cart but there are a couple of excellent reviews online
The specs are as follows:
Cartridge Type: LOMC
Cantilever: Beryllium - Aluminium Alloy
Stylus: Ogura Solid Shank Diamond. 6x Polished
Freq Response: 22-32Khz
Channel Separation: 29db @ 1Khz
Channel sensitivity Difference: <1db @ 1Khz
Mass: 11g
Output Voltage: 0.38mV @ 1Khz, 50mm/sec
Tracking weight: 2.55 - 2.65g
Compliance: 11Cu @ 100Hz
Loading: 70 - 100ohm
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