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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,970 posts
 
Hxtl,

Wow. Thanks for your detailed account. I do not find it hard to believe that such a good sounding device out of the can can be made to sound even better for reasonable cost!

There may be a Soundsmith cartridge somewhere in my future when my current 103R starts to get rough around the edge.
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
22,970 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
22,970 posts
 
Acee,

I think you should probably contact SOundsmith or other shop that services the 103s and go over it with them.
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