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Denon Dl 103 I'm a believer

71.63.69.67

Just installed a new DL 103 in my tone arm and am wild about its sound. Listening to Holst's A Somerset Rhapsody with the London Philharmonic and Sir Adrian Boult on Lyrita right now. The sound is so relaxed and pleasant to listen to. Not planning on any real details on its sound since that's been described a gazillion times, but it has occurred to me that one reason I've been shying away from listening to vinyl for several years has been an in your face sound of the cartridges I've had, a Dynavector 20 H xxx and a Benz Micro Glider. Terrific things but they seem j have made me tense up when listening to them. The setup has been gone over several times, the styli checked for wear, etc. and it's all looked good so that's not an issue. It's hard to explain this reaction but hey, this is a forum for the subjective evaluation of components, isn't it.
I don't hear any diminution of highs as some suggest, the high notes on the Beethoven Raz 3, The Italian Quartet, from the first violin is clear and realistic, no harshness or strain. Well, that's enough detail about the sound, but I think a bit of stridency in the highs has been part of the reluctance to listen to vinyl more than I have for some time now. Yes, digital is a lot less trouble, but this little item is bringing me back to my roots, ha ha. And for the price....
LowIQ

Follow Ups:

RE: Denon Dl 103 I'm a believer - Yeti42 00:28:21 10/19/24 (0)
I bought one to try last year and was very pleasantly surprised but SPUs got to me first.
RE: Denon Dl 103 I'm a believer - mraudio 07:50:56 10/18/24 (1)
+1...I sure love mine! I have several different versions of this cart and enjoy all of them.
- RE: Denon Dl 103 I'm a believer - Mick Wolfe 09:26:11 10/18/24 (0)
  +2. Different versions of the 103 here as well used with an A23 SUT.
Make The Denon 103 Even Better ... - afro18 05:39:11 10/18/24 (1)
It has great qualities that cannot be denied. It's MERCIFUL on old mono records and can get very quiet on the modern pressings at the same time.

However, get the heaviest headshell/weight combo your tonearm can work well with and enjoy. With a conical stylus, VTA and alignment angles worries almost disappear!

The only worry is to get SUPER QUIET gain. I recommend considering either one of the Denon Phono HeadAmps (used) or a step-up transformer (Lundahl-based transformers have been stated to do well with the Denon 103 to increase the output to a level 'standard' Moving Magnet Phono inputs are used to quite well).

Martin N.
- RE: Make The Denon 103 Even Better ... - dgaapc7 11:49:32 10/18/24 (0)
  Like you, I love the more accommodating setup
  
  LowIQ

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