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Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Denon DL103D VdH'd DL103D Phono Cartridge by Timbo in Oz

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REVIEW: Denon DL103D VdH'd DL103D Phono Cartridge

203.54.191.95


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Model: DL103D
Category: Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price: $? who cares?
Description: classic low TF MC improved by VdH
Manufacturer URL: Denon DL103D VdH'd
Manufacturer URL: Denon DL103D VdH'd

Review by Timbo in Oz ( A ) on September 03, 2002 at 00:27:40
IP Address: 203.54.191.95
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for the DL103D


This is my second DL103D. And I am a committed (at the asylum har har har) 103D user.

My first 103D went to the late lamented Garrott brothers several times. The first time they sent me a report to tell me that the wear patterns indicated that I had got antiskating pretty much spot on.

I cannot recall how many times now but there were at least two parabolics and two microscanners on it, a new cantilver once, and two 'suspension' refits when retipping.

The differences with the VdH version is a little brighter or flatter, after run in - I think.

It tracks slightly better on sopranos 'letting rip' eg Kristina Laki on the La Petite Bande's box of the Creation on the Accent label. [I recently found out that this recording was one of HP / TAS rec'ns.]

The VDH version tracks all the Shure Era 111 test record bands at 1.5 grams. from the beginning even when not run in, when it was 'very bright'. the Microscanner Garrott item was slightly less secure on the last HF track

It sounds even more like 'a Decca without problems' than before, but as with all 103's (even the 103S) a lot easier to get, and keep 'right'. The sound is yet smoother and still very dynamic.

View-master width, and 'good to excellent' stage depth, ambience and ambient clues are slightly more naturally portrayed than before, I think.

I think it is probably flatter in FR too but this is just a guess.

Cost about $A600 two years back but probably a lot more now.

Timbo in Oz




Product Weakness: Price; and availability; if you don't already own a DL103D.
Product Strengths: Very good sound, imaging and dynamics, classic MC clarity and analysis of musical expression. Powerful deep bass. Easy to align.

Combined with great tracking ability - in any company. I am an ex Shure V15111 and Ortofon SL15E user. Both low TF super trackers.

Widely compatible with all but the lightest and heaviest arms. Fluid damping will extend this range.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: two Leak St20's pentode 20wpc/triode 5 watts
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): A VSE FVP modified in quad 22 box separate ground plane '0 volt ref.' PSU
Sources (CDP/Turntable): TD150 and SME with damping pot, Stax 2pin headshell
Speakers: Audiosphere Model 3's, 91db/w, 35-12.5k
Cables/Interconnects: Supra2.5 and VDH
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, classical, and test discs
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 -3 years.
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Denon DL103D VdH'd DL103D Phono Cartridge - Timbo in Oz 00:27:40 09/3/02 ( 6)