Denon DL-103R cartridge update

I have a "plain" 103 and was quite frustrated with setting it up. I have a Audioquest PT6 on a HMW19 MkIII.
After reading many forums on optimized setup; it became obvious to me that the arm was the problem. Not having the bucks to ante up for a SME 3009 I went to Dicks sporting goods and bought a couple of packs of lead tape.I also got a Isokinetic stabilizer.This made it much easier to mount due to the threaded plate. This also added 4 grams to the weight of the cartridge. I then applied 8 of the lead strips to the counter weight (4 grams each x 8=32grams).I also added 2 strips to the arm tube and cut 1 in half and drilled holes in them to use as a sandwich like shim for mounting(1 above the cartridge and the other above the tonearm/headshell).

Suddenly the Denon came into it's sweet spot.Very dynamic,no mistracking, with detail,nuance and a very lovely tone.
I like it better than many of the $1000-$2000 cartridges I have heard.

My friends call it Frankenstein, but I don't really care.

cheap and easy way to make your old denon work in a modern arm.

I agree that a Schick would be a perfect mate for the Denon, but my Frankenstein only cost me about $30.00 with $20.00 of it coming from the stabilizer.

email me if you want more details.

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Marc: no disrespect taken. I am always interested in hearing other people's ideas and experiences.

I intend to try the 103 with a different body like a UWE. But I have to tell you, that adding the weight to the arm was a huge improvement.Not just in dampening resonance, but in getting the cantilever movement under control. Instead of bouncing around and causing problems, it is now much smoother and mistracking is no longer a issue at all. This is how the original design was intended: radio stations using big transcription tables and arms that are heavy and yes slower. The resonance is definitely a factor too, but not all. btw all things resonate;the question is, what frequency? By adding all the lead,I have changed that frequency to a much lower level. Kind of like putting a bigger string in a guitar, or piano.

I would be interested to hear from folks that have tried the aftermarket bodies; which one is the one I want? Wood, aluminum?
Also, how scary was the removal of the plastic?

great string.

e

anyone have a spare 103 stylus guard? I accidentally stepped on mine and I want to try a wood body. Kind of afraid to do it without the guard.

e

Thanks Gadfly

A big thanks to Gadfly for the stylus guard. I received it in the mail today and in less than 10 minutes had a naked 103.

I put the Isokinetic stablizer (just a simple aluminum plate) on it and mounted it on my arm. Set up the VTF, overhang, etc and say back for a listen.

At first I wasn't sure that I could tell much difference, but after listening to more of my standard lps I have come to find that it is much better than with the plastic body.

It seems more detailed while maintaining the tone and body.

I am seriously thinking of not putting any body UWE, Midas or whatever. This thing sings!

Anyone that has tried this please chime in.

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Gadfly you have made me a very happy man. Thanks so much for the guard. This thing nude is so good. Much more resolving. The high frequencies are much cleaner and extended.
I can't thank you enough for making it possible.

btw with the stabilizer it looks a lot like a VDH colibri.

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