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RE: Why Does The Denon DL-103/103R Sound So Magical?

Currently I'm using an ebony bodied DL-103R with oem cantilever and conical stylus. It does deliver on the essence. And it seems to get the midrange 'right'. There is enough substance in its presence to offer satisfaction. Bass is substantial. Not tight. Not loose. With the conical tip the upper frequencies are not in crisp focus as it is with other stylus shapes.

edit/add: I'm loading this cartridge with a 30:1 turns ratio on the Beyer Dynamic step up trannies in use. This works out to a (52 ohm)* load. Internal resistance on the 103R is 14 ohms. It seems more 'dynamic' while being tone neutral in my system with this loading. I have also listened to it with a 10:1 turns ratio sut and also at 15:1. I prefer the 30:1.

Is this my be-all/end-all cartridge? Is this lomc the ultimate destination for me? -- No. -- Not by a long shot. It is what I can comfortably fall back on, however.

On the back burner; I'm plotting its replacement.

In the mean time I have another DL-103R in a Panzerholz body, SoundSmith/Ruby/FL tip. I managed to snap (in two) that incredibly ridgid and fragile ruby cantilever last year. I'm in no hurry to replace it.

I've managed to wear out a Shelter 501-II....twice. I do prefer its sound to that of the Denon.

At the moment I am focussed on scrounging around through the history of high end audio to find interesting cartridges from the past to listen to. This is just to satisfy my curiosity. At the moment I have a Technics EPC 205c mk2 being shipped my way. Let us hear how well this compares to the Denon.

I'll likely sample a Grace F9 sometime in the future. Just to satisfy my curiosity.

I've already been sampling another pair of interesting from the past cartridges; an ADC XLM-II and a Sonus blue. Those are good but not quite there for me.

Once I'm over this 'searching thru the past' phase, I'll find a modern cartridge that works for me on my TD124 with Graham 2.2 tonearm. It won't be another DL-103R. That is what I keep at hand as a spare.

-Steve

* correction noted re: John's and Lew's replies.


Edits: 06/21/17 06/21/17 06/21/17 06/21/17
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