Denon DL-103 + 'cheapie' Soundsmith Retip.

[davstev]

Hi all,

I purchased a used Denon DL-103 of the ZU variety, which is a DL-103 that it's been potted in an aluminum body.

The seller had broken the cantilever and he'd had it re-tipped at Soundsmith and has never used it. He got the cheapest retip option, which is the 'Aluminum Alloy Cantilever; Nude Hyper- Elliptical Diamond' at $200.

Is this retip an upgrade, downgrade, or lateral move from the original DL-103 cantilever/stylus?

See the attached pics, they're pics I took of the actual item. All looks well with it. I am just concerned that the cartridge isn't living up to its potential with this retip. On the other hand, if it matches the original Dl-103 specs that is totally fine.

Thanks for any input.

David

 

[bjlefebvre]

It's definitely not a downgrade. Most people would consider it an upgrade, though there are some who prefer the sound of the original psuedo-conical stylus. I've been told the biggest deal is to keep it aluminum, which keeps it "true" to the original's sound.

 

[davstev]

It's definitely not a downgrade. Most people would consider it an upgrade, though there are some who prefer the sound of the original psuedo-conical stylus. I've been told the biggest deal is to keep it aluminum, which keeps it "true" to the original's sound.

That's what I like to hear

I have a case of upgrade-itis, which I have to say, is not always a good thing. In this case, even though this retip option is described as "entry level", a term which I generally avoid in terms of my audio ambitions, it occurred to me that in this case the 'entry level' might be more authentic to the original and therefore might have real merit. More expensive isn't always better.

I note however, that the 'cheapie' retip looks a bit clunky compared to the finer and more expensive options. There too, looks are not everything.

 

[Boltman92124]

Wow this is an old thread! I am getting back my 103 with the HE tip today. I'll try to give some feedback here. Very fast service from Soundsmith too (less than a month total). Still $199.

 

[cafe latte]

Wow this is an old thread! I am getting back my 103 with the HE tip today. I'll try to give some feedback here. Very fast service from Soundsmith too (less than a month total). Still $199.

I hope your looks better than the pic above though.
Chris

 

[Boltman92124]

I hope your looks better than the pic above though.
Chris

Looks nice but no microscope. I can see the nude diamond. I guess a "Hyper elliptical" is a bit skinner than a standard E? At any rate, just got it mounted up last night and ready for some LPs this weekend. The tech at Soundsmith said I should still be around 2.5g vtf though? Is that because of the suspension?

 

[cafe latte]

Looks nice but no microscope. I can see the nude diamond. I guess a "Hyper elliptical" is a bit skinner than a standard E? At any rate, just got it mounted up last night and ready for some LPs this weekend. The tech at Soundsmith said I should still be around 2.5g vtf though? Is that because of the suspension?

The suspension and cantilever length.
2.5g is quite heavy for an elliptical. Do you know the major and minor radius?
What arm is it going on?
Chris

 

[tabarddn51]

''SL1200 M7L''
Hi, Yep the Eff mass of Technics arms are around 12 grams, so even with a Alli body, you will need to find a heavy Head Shell around 13grams. To make the arm compatible with the cart. Without, the base slam & depth will suffer.

Cheers