A couple of Answers:

As far as the tracking ability; Yes it improved. I am running the SS-103 at about 1.6 to 1.7 grams tracking force as opposed to a regular DL-103's 2.5 or so.

I did not measure the distortion levels before and have not with the re-tip either. I can say that the re-tipped cartridge retains the strengths of the classic Denon (It's musicality and smooth, natural midrange) and gains transparency, depth, detail and a truly beautiful top end.

It sounds fantastic. I had another DL-103 that I swapped on after a couple of weeks with the SS-103 just for comparison's sake. There will be no going back to the stock DL-103. I have gotten spoiled by the upgraded one. I also sold my AT OC9ML/II. When and if an upgrade happens it will have to be an Ortofon Jubilee, Shelter or perhaps an older MC needed a rebuild (a Sound-Smith rebuild probably).

The Denon still retains it's inherent strengths but the re-tip/upgrade improved on it's weaknesses without destroying the good parts of a DL-103. I think it took it from a cartridge that was great in it's price range to a cartridge that is great without regard to price.

Peter at the Sound-Smith was great to deal with and seems to be an upstanding individual with a real passion for what he does.

I am completly satisfied with my new cartridge.

I had an Ortofon MC20 re-tipped six months ago and while it is not the cartridge that the Denon is, it sounds pretty good also.

What cartridge do you have to be re-tipped? (if you don't mind me asking).
--
Al G
Born To Tinker!

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - DCPOTD - Ralph NLD 10:33:09 04/17/07 (23)

i finally get to post into this cult - OMalley 18:28:39 04/17/07 (5)

hey omalley-- where'd y' get that sharp brass weight for your rega?! - stuck.wilson@gmail.com 05:55:38 04/18/07 (4)

from Audio Origami - OMalley 06:06:15 04/18/07 (3)

no-- not the jefferson counterweight (sharp, by the way)-- the headshell weight! - stuck.wilson@gmail.com 07:43:02 04/18/07 (2)

yeah, from Audio Origami - OMalley 07:48:18 04/18/07 (1)

thank y' sir! (nt) - stuck.wilson@gmail.com 10:03:18 04/18/07 (0)

OK...here's mine... - EdAInWestOC 18:20:01 04/17/07 (3)

what catches MY eye - hifitommy 19:57:49 04/17/07 (2)

Re: what catches MY eye - EdAInWestOC 05:53:34 04/18/07 (1)

clamp - hifitommy 16:52:39 04/20/07 (0)

that other headshell - NuWave 11:55:18 04/17/07 (2)

Sumino vs stock - Ralph NLD 12:05:13 04/17/07 (1)

Re: Sumino vs stock - NuWave 12:27:01 04/17/07 (0)

Here is my Denon Cartridge Picture of the Day - anumber1 11:02:06 04/17/07 (9)

that ruby cantilever is plain easy to see [nt] - OMalley 18:24:11 04/17/07 (0)

Not to Hijack a thread but, I am very curious about the sound and performance after such a drastic change... - Ray-o-Stat 12:38:23 04/17/07 (5)

Agree with Al - dean man jim 18:41:40 04/17/07 (0)

A couple of Answers: - anumber1 12:58:19 04/17/07 (2)

so no DL-304 for you? - OMalley 18:23:24 04/17/07 (1)

Well actually, The DL-304 would be for... - anumber1 18:47:58 04/17/07 (0)

I'm sorry, but this thread is about photos of cartridges on tonearms, with records spinning beneath them - NuWave 12:54:59 04/17/07 (0)

can a cartridge wear out? - NuWave 12:01:15 04/17/07 (1)

I would imagine that eventually it would. - anumber1 13:02:22 04/17/07 (0)

Follow Ups

A couple of Answers: - anumber1 12:58:19 04/17/07 (2)

so no DL-304 for you? - OMalley 18:23:24 04/17/07 (1)

Well actually, The DL-304 would be for... - anumber1 18:47:58 04/17/07 (0)

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