Question on Denon DL-103 retipping options and preferences


I have been looking at getting a Denon DL-103 retipped and I have narrowed it down to getting it done by Steve at VAS or by Andy at Needle Clinic. 

Both companies approach to the DL-103 is very different and I am curious if anyone has heard cartridges from each or what you think that may be better for amazing sounding rock.

Steve recommends a wood housing and then will do a Boron/MR retipping, where Andy will modify the plastic housing on the DL-103 to convert it's enclosed outer body to a half nude body, lightening it up which he says will make it track better.  His conversion will be a micro ridge nude stylus (sapphire/boron cantilever) 

So as stated very different approaches, same cost for the most part, I have ruled Soundsmith out just based on time, I know Andy turns around in a day, but have read a lot about both so I figured I would ask the question to see where people lean more often.  I do already have an ebony housing, just want to get a cartridge that punches way above its weight.

If there is something I should look at outside the DL-103 I would be open to hear about it.

Just for the record this cartridge will be going on a SOTA Sapphire VI with an Audiomods series 6 tonearm and I have a McIntosh MP100 going to a tube rolled Schiit Freya+ driving by two Odyssey Kismet monoblocks and Martin Logan speakers.  
128x128justinrphillips

Showing 2 responses by johno520

I had Andy do a cantilever / stylus replacement on a DL-103D in the past 6 months.

He used the Namiki Boron Micro Ridge & he modified the cartridge body to reduce resonance.

I've had this cartridge for 15 years from original.

It that time I've had it rebuilt twice once by Sound Smiths & now by Andy Kim.

The original rebuild by SS used there Ruby LC option which was a marked improvement upon the original cantilever. But the Andy Kim option has turned this cartridge into a true keeper, it really is a step up in SQ compared to the SS option.

Regarding the body modification Andy does IMO it works but is a bit unsightly, so I denuded the cartridge myself and used a Stanley Engineering biscuit which when swapped out only adds an additional 0.5grams compared to original. 

Regarding Andy's service I found him honest & remarkably quick to respond to and the turnaround time was within 2 days of receiving the cartridge.  

Great service Andy.

NEW - Wooden Body NAKED STYLE for DENON DL103 DL103R Cartridge MAHOGANI WOOD | eBay

Cheers Johno

"Have to say I have been curious what a 103r moded would be like compared to a 103 but I have heard crazy good things about the boron/mr mixed with paradox pulse guard."

The Paradox pulse body with lead ballast with create a cartridge weight of around 16 grams. You will need a heavy counterweight to compensate.