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DL103 vs. DL103R

Yes, yes , yes... I KNOW this topic has been sort of DONE TO DEATH. However - there's one thing I kind of need to know. I was going to jump on one as a preliminary pickup for my new analog rig (SOTA Star, no tonearm yet) - I'd kind of decided already against it becuase the 103R supposedly had a really hot top end. My Linn Saras are just about at the threshold of comfort on the top end for me anyway - and I didn't want to put them over the edge. From what I UNDERSTAND, the 103R is much hotter (peaky) in the treble regions than the regular 103. But then I'd read a vague mention of the OPPOSITE as well. Can anybody relate the character of these to eachother in this regard? Or in absolute terms? Thanks so much even though there's so much out there on the subject already.

Jonathan
letranger

Showing 3 responses by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
Ok, the bottom line here is that the DL103R is definitely the better cartridge. The comments that I made which were quoted above were meant to reflect the comparison against not only the 103, but other excellent cartridges as well.

While there may be a slight rise on the top end, it is quite small and can be loaded down to your taste. If you load it a little too high, it might get a little bit hot if you have a hot tweeter.

The advantages of the smoother and more detailed treble, and also the better tracking, make the DL103R a "no brainer" choice over the regular DL103, in my opinion.
twl
3,251 posts
 
When I do my listening reviews, I always try to point out some potential shortcomings, even if the item is exhibiting extraordinary performance for its price range. It is of no use to just rave about a product's performance, and give no "down sides". Everything has a down side, no matter what it costs.

In the case of the DL103R, which I got to replace my DL103, the improvement was very significant, to the point that I would only consider purchasing another DL103R for my system, but not a regular DL103. The DL103R in my system was replaced by a Shelter 501, and they seem to have very similar character, and the performance gap between them doesn't seem wide. Considering that the Shelter 501 is a superb bargain at its price point(competing with +$2k cartridges), and the DL103R is not far behind, it is easy to see what a bargain the DL103R is at only ~$270.

From my "hands on" experience with both the DL103 and DL103R, I would heartily recommend the DL103R over the DL103, and it is worth every extra penny spent for it.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Letranger, I really don't think so. The loading of the DL103R can affect the top end, and you can adjust the loading at your phono stage to get the top end you want. Just load it at 80 ohms instead of 100 ohms, and you are going to drop that rise on the top end.

Also, the small rise at the top end(which I don't think is as much of an issue as you seem to) is not the only difference between the DL103R and the DL103. The DL103 does not track as well, is not nearly as smooth on the high end, and generally is not as good as the DL103R.

If you are worried about this cartridge being hot on the top end, God help you if you ever try a European cartridge!
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