The Return of the Zu dl103.

[REM]

Zu Audio have started a new run of their classic re-working of the classic dl103. Thought you might like to know.

http://www.zuaudio.com/turntables/dl-103.html :smoking:

[selfaddict]

One of those Grade 2 Prime - 0.1% ones with ESC modifications would be quite nice :) I am sure. It would be interesting to compare the aluminum body Zu to wooden body Uve one, if I just had the money :rolleyes:

[jandl100]

" just about as perfect as you can get."

.... not exactly modest are they! :lol:

Actually, they look remarkably similar to my own re-bodied Denon 103 ...

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DenonZu103.jpg

vs

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DenonTAF5.jpg

Only mine's a LOT bigger! :eyebrows:

The description of what's been done seems pretty much the same too "nuded, with machined body, dual compound epoxy potted motor assembly and body, increased weight and machined directly into body EIA standard two hole mounting"

The cost for the lowest price Zu is about £100 more than I paid for mine, though. ;)

Sadly, The Analog Factory from whence mine came has been a victim of the recession. :(

[REM]

One of those Grade 2 Prime - 0.1% ones with ESC modifications would be quite nice :) I am sure. It would be interesting to compare the aluminum body Zu to wooden body Uve one, if I just had the money :rolleyes:

Not sure the Uwe bodies are available at the moment but I had similar thoughts myself as my Zu/Grade 1 is currently with ESCo being re-tipped, (ESCo told me today it will be 6 weeks before it returns, aarrgh!).

If anyone knows differently re. the wood bodies do tell, I'd really like to have a go at modding my stock 103 when the Zu gets back.


Cheers.

ps, Jerry, the Zu price reflects the reject rate of the donor carts which they have to buy in at retail from Denon.

[sondale]

If you go to Lenco Heaven (is that OK?) and look for the Midas block - this is an aluminium block for you to fit - http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=811.0 - after you have denuded your DL103.

There is also the Denon Busters club - beware.

I am just a satisfied customer.

Alan

[selfaddict]

There is also the Denon Busters club - beware.

I am part of that ever increasing exclusive club :doh:. I did nude my previous stock DL-103 and everything went just fine before I decided to blow to clean the cartridge :eek::eek:. The tiny cartridge wires came loose and the Denon went to the bin :steam:

[kcc123]

You can solder the wires back as I did it to my 103R, though I had to use a magnifier and an halogen spot light for the job.

[blake]

The ADC body is also an alternative for those who are not faint of heart and willing to go the DIY route:eyebrows:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130397803224&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Quite reasonably priced and sometimes goes on auction on e-bay with the opportunity to pick one up for a bit less.

Mine arrived in the mail a few weeks ago. It is slated for a spare 103R which will be shipped off to Soundsmith for a line contact, ruby cantilever, potting job.

My other 103R has had the Soundsmith treatment (including potting) and is housed in a Uwe ebony body and is a really fabulous cartridge. Address the problems created by the stock plastic body and the spherical cartridge and you have a true giant killer at a reasonably attractive price.

I am curious to hear how the aluminum compares to the Ebony, but I'm in no rush and it could be quite a while.

[Spectral Morn]

The ADC body is also an alternative for those who are not faint of heart and willing to go the DIY route:eyebrows:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130397803224&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Quite reasonably priced and sometimes goes on auction on e-bay with the opportunity to pick one up for a bit less.

Mine arrived in the mail a few weeks ago. It is slated for a spare 103R which will be shipped off to Soundsmith for a line contact, ruby cantilever, potting job.

My other 103R has had the Soundsmith treatment (including potting) and is housed in a Uwe ebony body and is a really fabulous cartridge. Address the problems created by the stock plastic body and the spherical cartridge and you have a true giant killer at a reasonably attractive price.

I am curious to hear how the aluminum compares to the Ebony, but I'm in no rush and it could be quite a while.

Hi Blake

Just noticed that you have yet to pop into the Welcome section of the forum and say hello.

Can you do so and tell us a bit about yourself, system, taste in music etc.


Regards D S D L

[blake]

Hi Blake

Just noticed that you have yet to pop into the Welcome section of the forum and say hello.

Can you do so and tell us a bit about yourself, system, taste in music etc.


Regards D S D L

Thought I'd done that and my system is posted, although I just noticed I've had a few upgrades since doing that and am about to update:)

[REM]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the links and info. Yes I'm aware of the Midas and the ADC but really want to try the wood bodied alternative but UWE seems to have disappeared.

Anyone had any experience of the Stereo Lab bodies, could be an expensive way of joining the Busters Club but they do look cool.:smoking:

http://www.stereo-lab.de/EN/cartridges/stereo-lab-tonabnehmer-gehaeuse/ebenholzgehaeuse/index.html