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

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