Denon DLs

[Big Vern]

Hi All,

Firstly, before I go any further, an apology (possibly for more than one reason, but I'll stick with one for now :)) - I have a seanking suspicion that this subject may have been covered elsewhere, but I am yest to master the art of Art of Sound thread interrogation!

Subject: Denon Dl 103/103R/103SA

I am seriously looking to take the plunge with one of these cartridges, but am wondering which would be my best bet. Having read a few reviews over time, I am reasonably convinced that the 103R offers a worthwhile upgrade over the stock 'R', although I remain open minded. My real 'horns of a dilemma' relates to the difference between the 'R' and the 'SA' :scratch: ......Is the different approach worth the extra investment, or is the 'R' offering pretty much all of the 'SA's' performance for well over £100 notes less?

I am aware that these cartridges can polarise opinion and I have read the review of the 103/103R and numerous letters relating to same in my usual phono-related porn publication :stalks:...HFW...and my reading of the situation is that they seem to be saying that the 103/103R (especially the latter) are okay, but just not the giant killers they are made out to be.

I'm pretty set on the idea of getting one of these babies...it's just making that call between the 103R and the SA, 'cause the latter is starting to get expensive :confused:: and is touching on the price bracket of some other worthy contenders!

I'm looking to mount the cartridge on a Kenwood L-07D (groan...another one...common as muck these L-07s ;) ), which has an arm of suitable mass!

Thanks very much all...look forward to reading your considered thoughts :)

Cheers,

[Marco]

Hi Paul,

Rather than going back over old ground on this subject, I'll PM you my number and you can give me a call. I'll then tell you all you need to know :)

Marco.

[Big Vern]

Hi Marco,

Got it - many thanks - I had a sneaking suspicion that I may be asking a much asked question...look forward to our chat!

Thanks buddy,

[vencel]

Hi Paul,

Rather than going back over old ground on this subject, I'll PM you my number and you can give me a call. I'll then tell you all you need to know :)

Marco.

May I also have your number or e-mail address so I could ask for your advice?

[Marco]

Hi László,

I've got your PM - sorry for the delay in replying, but I've been rather busy today. Don't worry, though, I'll be replying to your message later :)

Marco.

[selfaddict]

I have not personally listened R or SA versions of Denon DL-103 on my system, but stock 103 with ESCo modifications will lift "humble" cartridge to another level of performance. I had Koetsu Black Goldline and I can say hand in my hearth that I would take ESCo modified stock 103 over Koetsu any day / night :trust:.

Sound is so solid and clear, but not too analytical like Lyra Dorian I recently tried. I am just at the moment listening Commodores and my system just boogies :guitar:

I was really surprised how well Denon works with my unmodified Michell Iso, which I currently have. I was planning to change the loading impedance to 1000 ohm from stock 100 ohm, but cannot be bothered because I am for a real treat in the future: I am in a process of having a DIY phono stage built to my exact specifications, but that is some time further in the future.

You cannot go wrong with stock 103, and if you want more of that sweet honey like sound revealed, what is hidden behind that nasty aluminum cantilever and old fashioned stylus, just send it to ESCo and you never need to look back. This all naturally if rest of your system is in synergy with the Denon DL-103 to start with.