Zu Audio Modded Denon 103's


I bought a Zu Audio DL 103 Mk II cartridge - Grade 2 Prime cartridge for $1099 as a spare as my other cartridge was being repaired/inspected. At the time (September 2020), the cartridge sounded pretty good - this was my first modded DL 103. However, just as the cartridge was breaking in (~ 35 hours), I accidently hit my tonearm and sent it towards the platter and unfortunately snapped the cantilever right off. After a few cuss words, I realized there wasn't much I could do except send it in for a retip. So the next day, I sent it to VAS Audio to get it retipped. When Steve examined the cartridge, he told me that the right terminal of the cartridge was damaged internally and that due to the make of the cartridge (epoxy filled) that repairing it would be an issue. I then reached out to Zu Audio who confirmed that repair was not possible (after I sent the cartridge back to them) and the best they could do was offer me 20% off on a new cartridge. I definitely wasn't going to go down that route again - I tried to get the 20% discount on other Zu products, but was told that the offer was only good for cartridges. So, worst $1100 ever spent. I know accidents like this are isolated incidents, but it does happen. So those of you that are looking into the Zu modded Denon's - keep this in mind.


Since I didn't have another spare cartridge, Steve did send me one of his modded Denon's with a wooden body and elliptical stylus. The VAS cartridge sounded warmer and better than the Zu cartridge and at half the price. To those that are in the market for modded 103's there are tons of options out there - I would recommend giving VAS audio a try before pursuing the more expensive Zu Audio or other cartridges that use epoxy as fillers to add mass. This way if something goes wrong, at least there is the option to repair the cartridge.

128x128rdk777


I accidently hit my tonearm and sent it towards the platter and unfortunately snapped the cantilever right off...

I sent it to VAS Audio... When Steve examined the cartridge, he told me that the right terminal of the cartridge was damaged ...

Why do you want Zu Audio to rebuild a cartridge damaged by you (not only externally, but internally too) ? 

It’s not their business to fix broken cartridges for others.

Beand New DL103 cost only $260

Well if he can do it - why can't Zu? It's their cartridge.
They say there are no dumb questions... but I wonder how much of the thread you actually read.
  • Zu doesn't make cartridges
  • Zu doesn't re-tip cartridges
Also, I didn't say that Andy "could", only that he was able to fix mine.  He might not be able to fix the damaged terminal in yours.

I own a Denon/ZU DL103, level 2 cartridge series 1 cartridge which I paid $550.00 back in 2010.  This was their best at the time.  I have been using it ever since, having it on 3 different turntables.  In 2016, I sent it to Andy @ The Needle Clinic and he installed a new cantilever and stylus (I bent it) for $200.00.  Best $200.00 I ever spent.  Still sounding great. 
I've seen those Zu cartridges and never could figure out why they were so much more than other DL-103 carts.
The only advantage that I ever saw was they supposedly buy batches of the DL-103 and select the best ones after testing to modify.
The fact that they can't repair a stupid expensive DL-103 that they modified is nuts. Why buy from them at all if they can't stand behind what they do.
For half the price you can have Steve at VAS build you a super DL-103 that he can service in the future. For the asking price of the Zu cart, there are a lot of better alternatives.
I just went to the Zu website to see what mods they actually do. They select a carefully matched (channel balanced) cart and stick it in a $100 machined aluminum body, fill it with epoxy so it's irreparable and charge you a small fortune! Stock cantilever and stylus! All this for $1100 bucks!
BillWojo
I've seen those Zu cartridges and never could figure out why they were so much more than other DL-103 carts.
I wouldn't buy one. The only reason I have one is because it came with a turntable I bought. I have to say though after Andy Kim worked his magic on it it's pretty sweet.