Make me feel better

David, that's a bad break. I know you were really enjoying that cartridge. I'm real sorry to hear about it. Many of us have had similar occurrences, and it always hurts. Not much can be of any consolation. You just have to get a new one.

David, a basic 103 is nice, but not as nice as what you had. It would work on the Alphason, but the highs would not be as nice as the R,S,or D models. It has a different(lower) compliance(same as the R model), and the S model and D model are medium compliance family. Your S cartridge shared more characteristics with the D model, than with the basic 103 or 103R. Unfortunately, the D model costs even more than the S model. I think if you really liked the S, then you should get it again, or else step up to a Shelter 501.

David, I believe that the DL103S is available from Denon America, as a stocked item. Check it out.

I certainly agree with the stylus guard comment. I always have my stylus guard on my cartridge at all times when not playing. I remove it before play, and replace it when done playing. I always have it in place when installing the cartridge. It may be a little bit inconvenient, but you soon get used to it, and it becomes habit. It can save that cartridge in the event of a mishap. I think it is a good idea to get into that habit.