There's no question the 103R is a very good cartridge provided it is partnered with a sympathetic arm. And it is certainly very good value for the money. However, it's limitations are apparent when it goes head-to-head against a more resolving cartridge. In my case, a Benz L2 and later a Benz LP both put revealed the Denon's colorations and lack of finesse. Both also cost considerably more.
In the budget MC world, I would recommend the Audio Technica AT 33-EV over the Denon. The AT is available for $400 in the US so it's a direct competitor price-wise. The AT is, in my opinion, less colored and has more fine detail than the 103R. (The Benz LP is still better though.)
In the budget MC world, I would recommend the Audio Technica AT 33-EV over the Denon. The AT is available for $400 in the US so it's a direct competitor price-wise. The AT is, in my opinion, less colored and has more fine detail than the 103R. (The Benz LP is still better though.)