Denon DL103 v DL103R

[Floyddroid]

I thought i would ask the informed cognoscenti just how much better is the Denon DL103R mc cartridge than the standard DL103? I am intrigued as to whether it is worth the extra outlay

[walpurgis]

The two 103 models are a bargain, but the 103R is well worth the extra money in my view, it competes well with some pretty serious MCs. There isn't really much around under £500 that can match it that I can think of. The 103R has a far better defined top end than the base model. Some find it a bit bright, but that was not a problem in my system.

I was using one alongside a Technics EPC-305MC (which just had the edge) for some time, until I bought a ZYX.

[thankyoumisterman]

I'm one of those Denon fans who doesn't find the 103R superior, just a bit different. It has a bit more treble presence, but whether or not you prefer that is up to the listener; I just don't believe it's worth the extra money when the 103 is such a great buy. Most people who like the 103 sound tend to prefer the 103R, FWIW.

[Floyddroid]

Thanks for that honest view. I am using the basic 103 in my 1210 and loved it so much i thought i would buy one for my Orbe. The Orbe being a little more elaborate i was wondering if i should splash out and get the R version. One down side to this would be having to send my phono stage back to NVA for recalibration as at the moment it is set for my 103 and the 103R is only 40 ohms. Your comments are very helpful Trey as if i was honest there is very little i dislike about the standard 103 and extra treble information would not bode well with my Tannoy Dual concentrics.

I'm one of those Denon fans who doesn't find the 103R superior, just a bit different. It has a bit more treble presence, but whether or not you prefer that is up to the listener; I just don't believe it's worth the extra money when the 103 is such a great buy. Most people who like the 103 sound tend to prefer the 103R, FWIW.

[walpurgis]

To be honest Steve. I'd say pay the extra and get the cheapest ZYX available in the UK. The R50 Bloom H. I went from the DL-103R to the R50 and the difference is staggering. It's in a different league for imaging and soundstaging. The sheer transparency and lack of colouration comes as quite a shock (well it did to me). The top end on the R50 is smooth, benign and unintrusive, so it suits Tannoys well. A good SUT is a must though with these.

I was that impressed, I've built up a small collection of ZYXs and now have four.

[RobbieGong]

To be honest Steve. I'd say pay the extra and get the cheapest ZYX available in the UK. The R50 Bloom H. I went from the DL-103R to the R50 and the difference is staggering. It's in a different league for imaging and soundstaging. The sheer transparency and lack of colouration comes as quite a shock (well it did to me). The top end on the R50 is smooth, benign and unintrusive, so it suits Tannoys well. A good SUT is a must though with these.

I was that impressed, I've built up a small collection of ZYXs and now have four.

Hi Geoff, I've read good things about the ZYXS , which ones your personal favourite ?

[walpurgis]

Hi Geoff, I've read good things about the ZYXS , which ones your personal favourite ?

Hi Robbie. I have the R50 Bloom H, R100, R100 H2, R100 Yatra H. They each sound rather different. The R100 H2 has a speed, impact and revelation of detail rather in the manner of Decca cartridges. It's stunning really. The R50 Bloom H is somewhat more full bodied and reserved, just really nice. The Yatra sounds like an even more open and refined R50 Bloom H. The R100 falls somewhere between the Yatra and R100 H2.

I really don't have a favourite. They are all superb. A newcomer to the make would definitely not be disappointed with the R50. One point though. A good SUT is more or less essential.

[Firebottle]

A good SUT is more or less essential.

How about strait into a FET/valve cascode stage, missing out the SUT requirement altogether. Have you ever tried it Geoff?

[worrasf]

One point though. A good SUT is more or less essential.

I have a Zyx R100 H2 and use a Croft headamp upgraded by Glenn with an external PSU as per the PSU on 25R - sounds stunning. I tried a couple of SUT's including a uber expensive Dynavector SUP200 but it just did not sing like it does with the Croft.

My Denon 103 is being breathed on by Dom at NWA and will come back to me with new coil rewind, cantilever and FG stylus mounted in a Uwe malachite body.

[walpurgis]

How about strait into a FET/valve cascode stage, missing out the SUT requirement altogether. Have you ever tried it Geoff?

Nope! It can vary, but I'm currently using a Graham Slee Reflex M and Fidelity Research FRT-3 SUT setup. Sounds lovely!

(I have five SUT choices and change them about. May get another phono stage, but can't see anything at sensible money that will compete with the Reflex M)