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Thread: The Wyvern DL-103R

  1. #1
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: West Yorkshire

    Posts: 1,796
    I'm Stephen.

    Cool The Wyvern DL-103R

    I had been wanting to try a Zu Audio modified Dl-103R for ages but supply is very limited and when they are available the prices are a tad keen - especially for the grade 2 prime version with channel balance of 0.1%.

    I found a brand new standard Dl-103R with a perfect channel balance of 0.31 mV L & R for a shade over £210 delivered!
    An aluminium body courtesy of Sound Improvements was £20.
    I decided to use an AT LH-13 headshell and found on in as new condition for about £40.

    There is an excellent video on You Tube that shows how to remove the existing plastic case from the 103 generator assembly (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ENq8PoXhaU) - it looks a bit scary but actually only took about 15 mins.

    The nuded assembly needs just a little filing as detailed in the video - not too much and it is a nice snug fit in the aluminium body. Needs to be gently pushed so it is fully seated. I then used a little slightly runny epoxy just to seal the front section but kept well away from the generator and wires.

    Total weight of the Wyvern Dl-103R is 13.8g which is pretty darn close to the Zu Audio at 14g.

    Now, while I liked the look of the AT LH-13, like an idiot I forgot it also had captive threads so I drilled the front 2 mount holes out so as to take the mounting bolts and allow them to fix into the captive threads in the aluminium body. Total weight of headshell and cartridge is 28.8g.

    Setup was straight forward with the wide body and parallel sides - BUT another "issue with this headshell is the telescopic adjustment for overhang. With this cartridge geometry it will not allow the cartridge to be set far enough forward for the Baerwald setting used by my MINT! tractor as it runs out of adjustment so I set it to the OEM Jelco null points which require the cartridge to be set back by about 5 mm. It aligned perfectly to these.

    VTF was set to recommended 2.5 g. Tracking the HfN test disc was a breeze with perfect tracking of first 3 out of 4 bands.

    Output at 0.31mV is less than my Zyx so needed to turn the volume pots up more than usual to normal listening levels.

    Straight from cold and not run it I am very happy with the sounds coming from it. In comparison to the Zyx the midrange has a more "liquid" character (More Mullard than Telefunken) - sounds very musical but neutral. 3D/soundstage seems a bit further back and flatter than the Zyx. Not listened enough to pass any more comments than those as yet but will report back as more hours go on it.
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    Always a little further

  2. #2
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

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    Looks really good Stephen; a brave man.
    Regards,
    Grant .... ؠ ......Don't be such a big girl's blouse

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  3. #3
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: West Yorkshire

    Posts: 1,796
    I'm Stephen.

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    Been listening to a variety of toons over the last few hours and I have to say I am so pleased with this cartridge. Soundstage has started to fill out and is more 3D - for a basic item it just does everything right and so far I've not identified any vices. Tone and SQ is remarkably similar to the Zyx R100 but I think "flatter" - I am thinking the Zyx has a sonic character but the 103R in this body has none I can perceive - it's really quite lovely actually.
    Last edited by worrasf; 13-01-2015 at 18:04.
    Always a little further

  4. #4
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: West Yorkshire

    Posts: 1,796
    I'm Stephen.

    Default The Wyvern DL-103R

    So 2 weeks on with the Wyvern Dl-103R and I reckon this is a total giant killer of a cartridge. It just does everything so well - neutral - no over emphasis at any frequency - authoritative but detailed and delicate - it just plays music without intruding - I can see why Zu Audio bought up virtually all Denons' old stock. For a very modest outlay and a little bit of DiY you can get your hands on a top flight cartridge that will put a silly grin on your face with all music types (well all I've listened to anyway)ImageUploadedByTapatalk1422707553.090441.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1422707573.421844.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1422707583.036705.jpg
    Last edited by worrasf; 31-01-2015 at 12:33.
    Always a little further

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    Nice one, Stephen. Glad it’s worked out

    I thought that AT headshell would work well with your 103R, and so it has proved, although only as a result of your tweaking skills!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  6. #6
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: West Yorkshire

    Posts: 1,796
    I'm Stephen.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
    Nice one, Stephen. Glad it’s worked out

    I thought that AT headshell would work well with your 103R, and so it has proved, although only as a result of your tweaking skills!

    Marco.
    Thanks Marco - as you know I am using on of Glenn's uber rare MC valve headamps - despite my earlier impressions that the DL-103R worked as well with the Dynavector SUT I am convinced that this is not the case and that the SQ using the headamp is better in every way. I have commissioned a "one off special" from Glenn who is going to make me an external PSU for the headamp as well as upgrading the existing components - currently awaiting a build slot but should be interesting when done.
    Always a little further

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    That’s brilliant, Stephen. I’ve also found that a well-designed and executed head amp can outperform most SUTs, but there are many variables involved, not least of which is marrying the respective sonic signatures of the cartridge used and chosen form of amplification, and that’s aside from any electrical considerations.

    Hats off to Glenn, though, for being so amenable to modifying his old designs, as few manufacturers would entertain such a thing. If only there were more Glenn Crofts in the industry today!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  8. #8
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: West Yorkshire

    Posts: 1,796
    I'm Stephen.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
    Hats off to Glenn, though, for being so amenable to modifying his old designs, as few manufacturers would entertain such a thing. If only there were more Glenn Crofts in the industry today!

    Marco.
    +1
    Glenn is a total star. Always responds to my emails - usually within a few hours - is free with his advice and help and always willing to service/upgrade kit. I know he has provided similar service for friends and colleagues and those who I have recommended to him.

    Steve
    Always a little further

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Indeed, for an example of that, look here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...ft-Epoch-Elite

    Glenn’s equipment design methodology, perfectionism, ’sonics first’ mantra (via SPPV), and superlative customer service, embody everything that’s right about high-end audio. It acts as the standard bearer that all others should follow!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  10. #10
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Dagenham Essex

    Posts: 11,215
    I'm Allen.

    Default

    A ZU 103R is advertised for £430 on PFM

    Going the DIY way has a good saving , well done

    Looks straight forward on the youtube video
    [

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