Denon DL-103 Cartridges
Denon DL-103 Cartridges
USER REVIEWS
[Nov 26, 2007]
Steve
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Decent sound for the money. Not harsh or sibilant. Good midrange.
Weakness:
Undefined bass, boring highs, lack of 3 dimensionality. I could tell it had a conical diamond as soon as I put it on my table. After listening to this cartridge for about a month on my Linn LP-12, I don't even want to listen to my turntable anymore. This cartridge sounds like it was created in the 60's because it was. It lacks three dimensionality, and the bass is undefined. The mids are good, yet the highs are plain Jane. This cartridge doesn't seem to do anything terribly wrong, but it does not make me want to listen to music on my turntable, and that is not good. I do not think this is a good match for my Linn equipment, maybe it will match yours better. I will take an Audioquest AT95e on my LP-12 any day over this Denon DL-103. In fact I would prefer many, many Audio-Technica or Ortofon cartridges over this one in the same price range. To be fair I have only listened to this cartridge on my LP-12 and the bass will probably sound less tubby on a solid plinth. Similar Products Used: Ortofons: MC20s, MC25FL, OM30s, OM20s
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[Dec 14, 2006]
squeegy200
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Very good soundstage, very low noise level, good dynamics. This far outshines every comparably priced cartridge in its class and outperforms many costing multitudes more. Using an ADC test record, the DL103 clearly recreated 1K and 5K tones and when seperated left & right had no discernable crosstalk.
Weakness:
I've heard that it does not track as accurately as some other cartridges but I've never been able to get it to mistrack even on some of my most demanding LPs. Its eliptical shaped stylus may prove a disadvantage in regards to record longevity. Based on reviews I had read over the years, I decided to purchase the Denon DL103 as my first foray into low output moving coil.Based on its price point, I did not expect much from it and my primary intention was to evaluate a new phono stage. In comparison, I had several Moving Magnet cartridges in my inventory that were 2-3X more expensive than the DL103.
Customer Service Never had necessity to engage customer service Similar Products Used: Grado, Audio Technica, Stanton, Shure, |
[Dec 14, 2006]
squeegy200
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Very good soundstage, very low noise level, good dynamics. This far outshines every comparably priced cartridge in its class and outperforms many costing multitudes more. Using an ADC test record, the DL103 clearly recreated 1K and 5K tones and when seperated left & right had no discernable crosstalk.
Weakness:
I've heard that it does not track as accurately as some other cartridges but I've never been able to get it to mistrack even on some of my most demanding LPs. Its eliptical shaped stylus may prove a disadvantage in regards to record longevity. Based on reviews I had read over the years, I decided to purchase the Denon DL103 as my first foray into low output moving coil.Based on its price point, I did not expect much from it and my primary intention was to evaluate a new phono stage. In comparison, I had several Moving Magnet cartridges in my inventory that were 2-3X more expensive than the DL103.
Customer Service Never had necessity to engage customer service Similar Products Used: Grado, Audio Technica, Stanton, Shure, |
[Nov 18, 2006]
chris burgess
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Vivid and dynamic are the key words, all the rest of the standard sonic aspects very good. Hard to get better midfi sound for the money. Sounds like they are in the room.
Weakness:
Some may complain about 2.5 gram VTF, but I use Last Record Preservative and Last Stylast every side of play, brush my records before and after each play with a carbon brush, always wash used ones w/99% isopropol and steam distilled water 1 to 4 mix, and I'm careful about arm setup. . Record wear? Yeah, right.
Best cart for the money for my system. I was using a Grado Sonata, tried a Denon 103, and never looked back, I prefer it. My system consists of;
Similar Products Used: Grado Sonata |