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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
bjw54
25 posts
 
hdm , As he said he has the cartridge already-so he doesn’t have to shell out
the cash for a new one. I have had  a lot of audio equipment modified over over the years. Most of it was purchased used long before the mods were done.
The way I look at It I got plenty of use out of the original equipment before the
mods-so they didn’t owe me anything. In every case the modifications elevated
the sound quality to what a new unit costing way beyond the total of the unit
and the modification cost. I believe this will be the case with the 103.
Keep in mind that I had 103r’s done and not the 103. Justin’s results my vary.


justinrphillips's avatar
justinrphillips OP
48 posts
 
hdm , As he said he has the cartridge already-so he doesn’t have to shell out
the cash for a new one. I have had  a lot of audio equipment modified over over the years. Most of it was purchased used long before the mods were done.
The way I look at It I got plenty of use out of the original equipment before the
mods-so they didn’t owe me anything. In every case the modifications elevated
the sound quality to what a new unit costing way beyond the total of the unit
and the modification cost. I believe this will be the case with the 103.
Keep in mind that I had 103r’s done and not the 103. Justin’s results my vary.
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.  It is minimal investment at this point and I can save for something else to try.  I am sure in time I will have many cartridges and this post and peaked my interest in a few.  
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
"You forgot to add another $300 for a cartridge itself prior to the cost of refurbishing service. Some people charge much more for 103 mod, the total with cart itself can be near $1k. Look at the prices for Zu DL103 or Anna Mighty Sound service etc."

Re-read the thread from the beginning my friend.


He paid the cost earlier, it does not change the total value, cartridges are not free. It is better to buy a good cartridge from the start than to try to make a bad cartridge better. Anyway, this is just my point of view.    
johno520
11 posts
 
"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. 
billwojo
397 posts
 
I have more than a few of the DL-103 variants that I purchased with broken cantilevers. Average price is about $80 bucks so the real cost is in having one rebuilt to my specs. There is a DL-103, DL-103R, DL-103D all waiting for Steve at VAS Audio to do his magic when I have some free cash. First I need to wear out the 3 that I have, 2 rebuilt by Steve and one that's stock.
Chakster, I don't see the problem with taking a really good generator design and hot rodding it. The basic design of the cartridge is very good and it's just so musical, a trait that doesn't go away when rebuilt to a new level.
There is a reason that the Denon DL-103 and it's variants have a huge following and that it's been in continuous production since the 60's. People just love them.
BillWojo
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