2. analog
  3. 164802-98013

Biggest bang for the buck in retipping a new Denton DL103R

I have an analog rig composed of new DL103R, Sumiko tone arm, SOTA TT and a home-made phono stage optimized for DL.  It sounds good, but I am wondering whether I can improve the sound significantly by retipping the cartridge. I was quoted by an eBay retipper for $900: Nude Fritz Gyger FG S diamond, ruby cantilever, aluminum body and potting. A new Lyra Denlos is $2000. Is it worth retipping? What is the biggest bang for the buck?
128x128chungjh
billwojo
397 posts
 
That sounds like a lot. I would talk to Steve at VAS Audio in NJ to see what he can do for you. I'm all about upgrading the Denon DL-103 series but when your getting to that kind of money I would be looking at a different cart.

BillWojo
tkr
100 posts
 
SoundSmith will fit your DL 103 R with a ruby cantilever and fineline stylus for less than that. 
An other Denon retipper is a guy with the nick Needlestein. Google it. I am actually listening to one of his DL 103 retips right now. It will take your DL 103 to a wholly new level. 
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
By the time you spend questionanle dollars on retipping or rebuilding a DL103R (arguably the best would be Soundsmith for a complete makeover with a Boron cant and line contact stylus), you would be better off with an AT OC9XML. The 103R is older than my children and isn’t up to the level of what the OC9 can deliver.

If the price of the OC9XML is above your budget, the OC9XEL will still beat a 103R but with a slightly sweeter treble than the OC9XML or 103R and much more details and musicality than the 103R.

The Soundsmith ruby cantilever with a line contact stylus is a significant improvement over a stock 103R.  That said, you’re stuck with a 103R at the same price as a superior AT OC9XEL that has zero hours on the suspension.
More to discover