Upgrade Denon 103 R to Shelter 501 II?


I own a Denon DL 103R on a Spacedeck with Space-arm. I have read much conflicting data on this cartridge. My question to those who have tried this cartridge and also either a Sumiko Blackbird and Shelter 501 II, is: Will either of these be a significant upgrade? (System: EE Mini-max phono-preamp, Jadis DA 88 Signature int amp, Merlin TSM-Mx speakers)
springbok10

Showing 1 response by dan_ed

Springbok10,

Sounds like the scale from ANS. That's a very good investment.

Don't worry in the least about VTA with the 103r. With that conical stylus you can be off by a mile and it won't sound any different. Just set it level and focus on VTF and azimuth.

The best arm I have heard so far with this cartridge was a Basis Vector, but I believe Thom uses it on a Triplanar. Didn't like being mounted on a Graham 2.2 at all. I'd try it on mine but the 103r I have developed a sporadic pop, like a discharge, in the left channel so I don't risk using it anymore.