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Easy to set up91% agree
Well designed93% agree
Performs well95% agree
61 reviews
A very good Moving Coil audiopile cartridge
As an audiophile enthusiast it's sometimes easy to get confused with what the next step should be to get better music out of your system. I love Vinyl records, and I purchased a Music Hall MMF2.1. Loved it, then upgraded the platter, motor controller and then went to a Ortofon OM40 cartridge. Sounded great and enjoyed it over a year. Then stepped up to the MMF7.1, again a big improvement to the sound. Then I decided to get a VPI Prime table with the printed arm. Before I made the jump of $3000.00 more I wanted to make sure it was going to be worth it, So I asked a dealer if I could have a second OM40 that I owned mounted on a New VPI Prime and bring my old MMF7.1 into the shop and listen to the difference. His answer surprised me, he said no. The reason being the OM40 is a great cartridge, but putting one on the prime would not make a big difference, because the cartridge is the weak link, followed by the phono preamp.
So I ordered the Denon DL103r and a Vincent Pho-8 preamp.I also ordered a jeweler's magnifying glasses. After correct installation the 103r really outshines the OM40. I would recommend this cartridge to any one looking to step into the Moving Coil world of cartridges.
My next step now is to replace the plastic body of the 103 with an aluminum body and lead pellets to increase it's mass and act as a stabilizer. I am also expecting the delivery of a brand new VPI prime this week, I have realized that the MMF7.1 has taken me as far as it can, it's now time to take the next and maybe final step to better music reproduction. Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innovee.tech
Upgrade from DL110
I’ve been using a DL110 in my vinyl setup for the past few years. It’s a good cartridge but I know there is better out there. So, I ordered the DL103R after reading positive reviews about it in combination with my turntable.
A few days ago, the DL103R arrived! At first, the sound was tinny and lacking in depth. But I know that most cartridges need a good 25-50 hours to break in. So far, it has 11 hours on it and the sound is already opening up nicely. It’s very lush sounding due to the midrange. Also, it has more detail than the DL110 but in a very natural sort of way. And it still has more break in time left before it’s at full performance! If you want to hear and definitely upgrade over the DL110, then get this cartridge!Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innovee.tech
Quite a step up from moving magnet cartridges
Quite a step up from moving magnet cartridges if you have the right phono preamp that can handle a moving coil cartridge. balanced across the board , smooth but articulate. It is getting better as it breaks in. i have about 8 to 10 hours on it and it is my favorite over the several MM carts that I have. Price is very good and plays like it costs 3 times more. you should try this Cartridge. It has been around for a long tome as the DL-103 and the R is an improvement from that legendary cartridge.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 2juki-cartridge
Great MC Cartridge at a Great Price!
The Denon DL-103R moving coil cartridge sounds excellent with a nice low end. I replaced my Orthophon Red with the Denon and noticed a difference in the low end immediately and I've loving the clarity. I have a Pro-Ject Carbon Debut TT with a Pro-Ject Tube Box ii phono amp and a Jolida tube integrated amp. Even though the Denon cartridge has a low output level, the Tube box pre-amp was up to the task and it sounds delightful! Highly recommend this Denon if you're thinking about a MC cartridge.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innovee.tech
Really Good Cartridge
Really good cartridge! I have many vintage cartridges for comparison (mostly MM, plus a DL-110 HOC) and this MC plays with awesome clarity and an even representation of bass, mid and treble. Very refreshing sound. Tho I’ll likely tie this cartridge into a preamp at some point, my MAC4300’s pre section allows me to play the 301 just fine, with only somewhat limited volume (but plenty enough). For a “mid-priced” cartridge, the DL-301 gets the job done beautifully.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: gocarnivore
Denon dl-103r has a very good sound.
This cartridge is Affordable price sound character is very good from high frequency through low frequency. that's why many company try to improve it just like zu audio and paradox and they sell it on the higher price ,and for my opinion why don't dennon just improve it by themselves, and sells it in a special edition.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 2juki
DL-103R
Had one for 5 years, the sound is perfect so simply bought a replacement as my current one is nearing the end of its useful life due to normal wear and it is way cheaper to buy a new one than to get the old one re-tipped. I am a returning buyer - the best reference there is!Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: innovee.tech
Captivating, Quality, Value
what a terrific, sensitive, and revealing cartridge for its expense, and made in Japan to boot. This cartridge does surprisingly well at reaching deep in to the groove versus even very high end MM cartridges, and will reveal subtleties in the high frequencies of old familiar music to you, especially if you pair this with a passive step-up transformer and feed the signal in to a MM based phono stage or preamplifier or integrated amplifier. This item's good enough that you'll want to know more because of it.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 2juki-cartridge
Denon DL-103R moving coil cartridge
I think everything that has been written about this Denon cartridge is true. It is a great sounding MC cartridge for the money. I was previously using the DL-110 which is also very good. But the DL-103R is a big step above in sound quality.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 2juki-cartridge
Denon DL 103R .
Little fiddly to mount tightly .
Needs about 50 LP´s to get rid of some upper glare .
Sound is big involving with plenty of bass and very good voices ,
Little unforgiving with LP´s that are not so well produced .
I have mounted the Denon in a 10,5" Well Tempered "style" tonearm with damping fluid .Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: 2juki-cartridge