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What cartridges under $800 outperform DL-103R?

I have a brass plate on my nude DL-103 and I'm ready for a change. I'm looking for more air and ambiance, but don't want to sacrifice extension on either end.

I'm debating whether to try Uwe's Panzerholz body on a 103R, or try something altogether different like a Dynavector 20XH, Sumiko Blackbird, Lyra Dorian, Zyx R50 Bloom. I had a Benz Glider L2 (0.4 mV) for a while, but didn't find it any better than the 103R. My tonearm is Micro Seiki MA-707.

Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
mingles
siniy123
166 posts
 
"T carts having a compliance of 40 x 10-6cm/dyne

Actually, they are 10 x 10^-6 cm/dyne dynamic compliance at 100 hz, higher for 10 Hz. 40 is unheard from MC cartridge.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
You are right, they do have a dynamic compliance of 10 x 10-6cm/dyne (100Hz)...that makes a *bit* of a difference. Thanks!!!
jloveys
226 posts
 
Nagaoka MP 50 MM cartridge is <500$ a giant killer cartridge. I can compare it to my Allaerts Finish and MC1 MK2 MC carts.
mingles OP
796 posts
 
01-04-09: Nrenter
Mingles,
Have you received you Soundsmith retipped 103R potted in an ebony body? I want to hear about it.
I have the cartridge and mounted it, but haven't had any time to listen to it due to the holidays. I promise to report back when I have something to say.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,305 posts
 
Mingles,

I'm anxiously awaiting your assessment as well.

Thanks!
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