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Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge

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Posted on February 5, 2016 at 19:56:11
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 I have finally got my Thorens 124/SME 3012/2 running great with a Lyra Delos. I would love to throw a more organic-to-the-set-up Denon 103 type cartridge in there to see what I'll hear. What's a good way to go with a 103? Do I need a 103R? Should I go nude or a ZU or ZU like body? Stock?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.....

 

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Yikes! and no offense intended , posted on February 5, 2016 at 20:15:44
spindoctor
Audiophile

Posts: 1663
Location: Virginia
Joined: December 31, 2002
 So, if you really like what you have in sound, why change??? I think we can get into thinking and then strategizing when we're optimal to our ears.

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 5, 2016 at 20:17:07
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I own both the DL-103R and the DL-103SA, but I prefer the Audio Technica AT33EV. It costs a little more, but it sounds better in my system.

 

RE: Yikes! and no offense intended , posted on February 5, 2016 at 20:59:03
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 None taken!

I like the sound of the Delos a lot but there's definitely room to improve, that's all. I never would have done this in the past but setup is so with the 3012 that I'm will to try other things. Also, the 3012 and the DL103 are always said to be made for each other. When I got the 124/3012 all I had on hand was the Delos and then I blew my budget on an SPU which I didn't like.... because this version of the 3012 isn't really designed for the SPU. Now I have a few bucks lying around so why not spend it!

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 5, 2016 at 21:00:21
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 Wow. That's beautiful. What arm are you using the carts on?

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 5, 2016 at 22:11:41
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I've used my AT33EV only in my Technics SL-1200. I had the Denon DL-103 cartridges in the SME V on my Sota Millennia Vacuum turntable. I also used the DL-103SA in my Technics SL-1200. I like the AT33EV better than my Denon DL-103 cartridges.

Good luck,
John Elison

 

I own a pair of DL-103s, one bone stock and one that has been, posted on February 6, 2016 at 04:31:44
Opus 33 1/3
Audiophile

Posts: 4184
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: February 19, 2014
 transplanted into a Uwe ebony body then shipped off to SoundSmith for their aluminum cantilever/nude elliptical stylus retip (best $150 I've ever spent).

Were I you . . . I'd get a bone stock DL-103 (should cost you around $250) or a 103R (Not that much more) and just enjoy it for a while. Then, after a few hundred hours, ship her off to Peter for the AL/Elliptical retip.

The Zu/Uwe body work can come later.

IMHO, the modded 103 I own is among the very best "bang for buck" deals on the planet and easily rivals my Dyna 20XL which goes for nearly $900 now.

The AT-33EV John mentioned is on my short list of future cartridge purchases.











Opus 33 1/3

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 6, 2016 at 08:21:11
BillyBenBilly
Audiophile

Posts: 1425
Location: New Mexico
Joined: July 31, 2003
 I've owned or currently own and have used a Zu 103, and Denon DL-103 and DL-103R and prefer the Zu by a large margin. I like the plain old DL-103 better than the R. I've used these on a Thorens TD 125 and Technics SL-1200 Mk 2. It's hard to beat any of these on a price per grin basis. Overall, the Zu is just so musical, dramatic and colorful. It really draws me into the music. Good luck on your search!

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 7, 2016 at 08:26:44
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 A big +1 on the Zu 103. A superb value.

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 7, 2016 at 13:31:40
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 Ok! I'll get one. I guess I'll need a new headshell. Don't think it'll fit within the edges of the SME headshell.

 

RE: Recommend Me a DL103-type cartridge, posted on February 7, 2016 at 16:43:33
audio_d
Audiophile

Posts: 215
Joined: March 2, 2008
 when i had my old original well tempered turntable + arm i tried the base 103, 103r, dl-a100 (100th anniversary 103).

pick of the bunch was the dl-a100.

it was limited production but is still available

a cheaper option may be the highphonics modified 103pro

 

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