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A Soundsmith Denon dl103 retip question

I have been reading a lot about this mod and the improvements that are attained

E.g. - the general consensus of the Soundsmith ruby retip is a more detailed playback as the main benefit.

However, replacing the cantilever also replaces the tip with one of a different profile.

So my question is - are there a downside to this mod?

E.g.
- can microscopic particles of dirt in the groove become more audible making older albums sound worse?
- will a stiffer stylus make skipping due to scratches more of an issue

Anyone out there notice any negative side to this mod

Thanks
williewonka
Post removed 
williewonka OP
3,072 posts
 
Viridian - thanks for that insight

I also found this very informative post over on View yl Engine
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=22894

I've also read of a guy ( in Italy I think) that completely rebuilds the entire cartridge (nude) that is supposed to be amazing.

I think to start with I'll go for the OC/CL from soundsmith

Now that's been cleared up can anyone comment on the benefits of
1. Nuding the 103
2. Installing the wood body

Many thanks
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
I own a wood bodied 103. The additional mass and the lack of plastic body resonance (not to mention the threaded screw mounts) make the 103 a joy, but be aware that a heavy arm is a must for good tracking.

I also own a SoundSmith 103 Gold. This too has a wood body but also has the optimized line contact ruby cantilever. It also has the suspension reworked to be a lot more compliant and thus much easier to optimize with a modern arm.
This is a real giant killer: great tone and detailed.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
- can microscopic particles of dirt in the groove become more audible making older albums sound worse?
As a rule, finer profile styli are quieter in the groove than larger, coarser styli.

- will a stiffer stylus make skipping due to scratches more of an issue
The stylus won't be stiffer. For LP playback purposes, all diamonds are equally stiff. The cantilever and/or a rebuilt suspension may be stiffer. If so, that may increase the likelihood of skipping. It will also affect the rise time and amplitude of signals generated by groove modulations. Whether for better or worse depends on the system and listener.

All that said, the best/first answer is, clean your records and replace the badly scratched ones. There's no reason to play dirty records. The only reason to play a badly scratched one would be if it were some irreplaceable rarity (in which case you should at least clean it properly).
williewonka OP
3,072 posts
 
Doug - None of the "dirt issues" I experience are annoyingly overbearing, but they are there and I have read that a finer stylus can make them even more apparent - hence my question (BTW nicely answered)

I try to ensure my vinyl is as clean as I can get it with each play and have tried several cleaning devices. None of which I have found to be perfect at removing ALL of the dirt - one of the joys of vinyl :-)

What would you recommend to clean vinyl?

Thanks
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