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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
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
You could also look for some great used MC's here at the 'gon. I've seen a few Dynavector's around recently, as well as others.

Enjoy,
Bob
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,107 posts
 
Ptmconsulting,

Cartridges are one thing that I hesitate to buy used because the wear and tear is inherent and it is hard to determine remaining life. Tubes and tube devices are another item I feel this way about. Buying used doesn't phase me with most other items where the wear and tear is more obvious.
acee
11 posts
 
please advise,
I have a good 103 with a broken tip ,what would be the best mod for it?what would you do?

also i have a 103r with the auditorium 23 step up and it sounds good but maybe a little hot and then heard someplace that the "auditorium 23" step up is really for the 103 could that be?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,107 posts
 
Acee,

I think you should probably contact SOundsmith or other shop that services the 103s and go over it with them.
hxt1
141 posts
 
Acee, yes I encountered the same problem with my 103r (cinemag sut) but I found that if I changed the settings on the cinemag to 'high' it really fleshed things out.
Mapman, regarding your 103r, please remember my 'review' is for the 103.... I haven't even listened to the 103r yet! I am so Happy with the ss 103, I may just keep the 103r for backup, or sell it on.
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