Help Which re-tip best for denon 103R? Shibata?


or Soundsmith diamond etc? read lots of conflicting stuff on shibata.... out of this world but takes eternity to get it done in germany and maybe not as good as sound

Anyone had theirs done by soundsmith at the 3rd level? results? heard the Shibata? thanks for whatever info can gv.
ml89009
You might want to check over on the Vinyl Asylum. There has been some talk about the $250 retip by soundsmith and those who have had it done are very pleased. I think it includes a ruby cantaliver, but not sure.
Thomas, I agree that the price/performance ratio of the Denon is out of this world, but surely if you replace the stylus and the body, you've taken a huge chunk out of what makes the 103 the 103.

I realize the coils, suspension and cantilever are important too, but really, I wonder if this upsets the synergy of the "system"...?

Patrick
Dear Patrick, yes, I agree. I was very impressed from what you can get out of it. The cartridge I have is based on it - it is not a real, true 103 - but I read so much about, I just wanted to know.
Well, the original 103 is suitable only for a few arms, no matter that it is used nearly everywhere where money counts, but to get the best out of it, you need the right arm. Then it is possible - in my opinion - to follow the Hype about this cartridge. With a more "modern" version it is possible to mount it in every arm today available and with a good Phonostage the Result is very impressive.
Let's say, it is a tuned version.
Hi all,

this is interesting to me. I have a 103R that developed an intermittent popping from the left channel. I can't bring myself to just toss it out so maybe this offers a way to get it working again.

Based on Thomasheisig's comments about working with more arms that the original 103r I have to wonder if the weight and/or compliance is different than the original. Or perhaps the suspension material is different.

Anyone have a link to more information?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Dan_ed
Hi Thomas,

Interesting, I can see your point. This may explain the current popularity for retipping and rehousing the 103. Thanks for the comments.

Patrick