Maybe I need to rethink this. My goal is not a Denon sound bout an amazing MC cart that makes rock sound amazing! Maybe a used OC9 III may be a good way to go.
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.
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.
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- 58 posts total
I was scared to death about sending my Clearaudio to Andy. After his amazing service, I would send him another without hesitation. Andy likes to discuss what he is doing and won't just take your money unless he is sure he will help. I did upgrade the canteliver and tip to better quality than originally on there and it was worth it. The fast turnaround is just an added bonus. |
So if I understand this correctly you have had this 103 and played it long enough to wear it out. If this is the case what did you like and what did you dislike. What kind of rock are talking about Steely Dan or Metallica or maybe some punk. A lot of rock albums are lean. A stock 103 can help bring them alive. When you retip with the so called up graded cantilever and or stylus you give up some full body sound of the midrange for some detail. So depending on gear, and tastes only you can make that decision. For the record I have 4 dl 103 and 2 103r. 2 retiped and 1 wood body. Enjoy the ride Tom |
So if I understand this correctly you have had this 103 and played it long enough to wear it out. If this is the case what did you like and what did you dislike. What kind of rock are talking about Steely Dan or Metallica or maybe some punk. A lot of rock albums are lean. A stock 103 can help bring them alive. When you retip with the so called up graded cantilever and or stylus you give up some full body sound of the midrange for some detail. So depending on gear, and tastes only you can make that decision. For the record I have 4 dl 103 and 2 103r. 2 retiped and 1 wood body.Not quite I was able to grab a 103 with a broken stylus for a steal (just the tip of the needed broken off) So I have a broken on I was going to get boron/mr work on with an ebony body which should only cost be about $560 when its all done $80 for the cart, $80 for the body, and $400 for the boron/mr work. Not looking for the Denon sound (although now I am wondering) just looking for a great MC cart that will make me happy with rock and jazz until I can afford something a bit more expensive. |
@chakster what would you recommend for rock? Want to keep it an MC cartridge. Better value is MM or MI with user replaceable stylus, mid or high compliance, advanced stylus profile and the sound like a master tape with any genre of music including rock. Some nice MM cost no more than $700, but what is your budget? I like Grace cartridges (for example). With any cheap MC you have only 600 hrs - this is more or less a life span of the elliptical tip (and you can’t replace the stylus yourself, so add re-tippers service fee, you already know it's time consuming process, in the end even "cheap" MC is not cheap, so many limitations). I like MC cartridges, but mine are expensive. There are no direct preferences when I compare some of the best MC and some of the best MM/MI. It's better to have both types! |
- 58 posts total