I’ve been using a DL103r for about 6 months now, and I find it to be a fantastic cart. I mounted it to a higher mass Jelco HS-25 headshell (12 grams) and added a 17 gram weight behind the counterweight. I’ve owned pretty much every stylus profile imaginable, and the sound of the 103r can compete with them. It’s warm and balanced but detailed and tracks like a champ. Thanks for the vid!
Glad I’m not the only one who can hear how good the 103r sounds. This cart changed my view on stylus geometry vs cartridge design. Amazing cartridge for the money
Good video. I’ve got to say though that the music over the top of your speech made it really hard for me to concentrate and actually quite uncomfortable. A note for future editing.
I thought the 103R handled the warp/ surface noise better; the main difference (listening reasonably loud on Dynaco 25 speakers) on my system was crisper highs, for better or worse, on the ZU. I am perplexed by other comments here that the ZU has "less detail" and is "warmer"--usually a euphemism for "rolled off top end"--I heard the opposite. The 103R seems less crisp, but still good, solidly believable across the spectrum, and somewhat preferable to me. I like the focus on drum sounds here; it seems like a strong point of the 103R, as they are well defined, and fresh--but not too sibilant.
Good comments. I assume there might be slight difference based on equipment. Two different sounding cartridges for sure. Both are great values in opinion.
I used to have a DL-103 (non-R version) that I replaced with a DL301MKII. I found the DL301 to be better balanced and all around better sounding, even though I love the sound of the 103, too.
There are some problems with your video. The surface noise in the signal you included for the audio test is just patently unacceptable. It makes it very difficult to hear subtle nuances beyond the most basic frequency response differences. Then, at 8:20, the audio examples you mix in over your VO completely drown out what you're saying, so I can no longer hear your opinions. I haven't seen other videos on your channel, yet, but I hope you corrected these issues going forward.
I don't remember for sure, but I THINK I had the Denon 103 about 30 years ago, the only MC cartridge I've ever had. I also had what at the time was a fairly expensive highly regarded Sumiko phono amp IIRC. I can't remember but I believe I also had my current Revolver TT, which is actually a little laid-back. Perhaps it just wasn't a good synergy, and it HAS been a very long time ago, but I remember basically feeling that the high end was just tilted up too much for my taste. When I went to the Classic Vintage Flagship Vector Aligned Linear Contact Audio Technica DR500LC cartridge (to use its full, fancy name 😊) I really liked the sound much better (and still do) and found that although it was incredibly detailed, it was not nearly as bright as the Denon was. But, like I say, that was a *VERY* long time ago... Probably what initially put me off MC cartridges (that and the necessity at the time for a separate phono amp) Now that I have the lovely IFI Phono2 with capability for both, I would like to try a decent MC cartridge at some point (but, in all honesty... I think it's gonna be pretty tough to beat the balanced detail of the 500LC 😁)
Hey I’ve said it before, if you like audio technica then stick with it. I can say this cheap MC cartridge is more well rounded than any MM AT cart I’ve heard but that is purely a personal taste thing. I don’t like this cartridge thinking about potential wear on my vinyl though. If wear is a concern for anyone.
@@ThriftShopReviews Thanks! No, I'm open to the idea. That is just what I remember from the one Denon MC cartridge I had with that particular Sumiko phono amp about 30 years ago. Like I said, with the IFI Phono 2 now, that at least is an option at some point. It is interesting though noting the differing opinions, like everything else in audio 😊 Please keep up the great reviews mate! It is because of *YOU* that I now have probably one of the last of the awesome IFI Phono 2! 👍
To my ears and on my playback medium the Zu seems warmer with less detail. The cymbal work on the first demo track highlighted this well. It looks like you are using a Denon VL 12 Prime turntable, I have a couple of these, great deck. Do you happen to know the tonearm specifications so cartridge compliance can be calculated?
I don’t have the tonearm specs for the denon vl12. It is a very inert turntable but the arm….. wait for my review. I adjust headshell weight to dial in the sound. It’s the first thing I do and the Zu works great on the vl12 turntable. I must mention that I use audacity to dial in my cartridges. Yes the zu is very laid back but can explode with dynamics. A very different sounding cart for sure.
I would love some advise here. I am looking to get my first MC cart. My #1 choice is the At-OC9 XML. However the Zu 103 mk ii and 103R are joint second on my list, hence why Im listening here. Too my ears the Zu 103 had more “weight” behind its sound….like when you step up to a more powerful amp and now your music has more “umph” to it. This is the best way I can describe what Im hearing. The 103r had a bit more treble to it but like a lesser powered amp it at times feels slightly hollow or tinny?? Is this a fair description? I would be curious to know what the ZU 103r sounds like?? Any thoughts on ZU v AT OC9 XML??
I love my dl-103r and Zu 103. Tough to beat for sure but conical stylus can wear records faster if you listen a lot. I will be selling my Zu 103 so i can get something else for my channel and not due to it being bad. If looking at audio technica I would rather go with the AT33 series. I would rather have a better coil system than a stylus. Dl-103r is a great example of this fact. If I were you I would go with the Hana EL
@@ThriftShopReviews Thank you for the response. My current system is a Rega Brio amp, Rega P3, Ifi phono zen, and Wharfdale Lintons. Cart is the At 540 ml which is an amazing MM imo. It replaced my Nag mp-150 (also great but I preferred the AT for sound and price). I want a cart with lots of detail, plus “weight or presence” like im driving a v8 and not a 4 cylinder lol, and just a bit of up and go (not too much or exaggerated highs). And all under $600 lol Not too fussy at all in my wants hey. Like I said the ZU 103 impressed me but was wondering if you knew whether the ZU 103 R carried on the experience with a little more punch and excitement? Sorry for the longwinded question. The at 33ptg ii is also under consideration. I hear its very good.
@@johnellard wow you have a lot of items to discuss. It can be really difficult to understand cartridge performance when limits are in within a system. This is evident when you switch to a highly damped turntable or a more powerful amplifier or even a highly resolving preamp. Moving magnet carts have good dynamics and slam but limited in other ways. Moving coils provide better clarity and spatial awareness. Most cartridges and phono preamps hit the RIAA curve so getting more slam can tough other than going to a damped turntable. In my experience a dj turntable is a night and day experience compared to rega turntables, in the bass region. Many things can help or hurt you and not just the cartridge. Good luck
Just wanted to update: I just purchased a VAS Ebony MC Cartridge which as you probably know is a heavily modded denon 103. Anyway WOW im not at the recommended 20-30 break in yet but loving the sound so far. I also managed to score a fully serviced Marantz 2230 and swapped it in to my system over the Rega Brio to drive Wharfedale Lintons. Holy smokes talk about smoooth power! Anyway my phono is the Zen Phono but I saw you recommend the Ifi Phone 2 higher. The Vista Audio phono 2 review you did also caught my attention. Im thinking about building my second system around the marantz 2230 and and a pair of efficient klipsch rp600m which I think the marantz can reign in the brightness? Vintage Thrones Td-160 for turtable and Denon 103 standard. So question…preamp Vista Audio phono 2 or ifi phono 2 for that set up…I do prefer that laid back 70’s sound to my music.
Do you think I could get both of them 103 & 103r for about $500? .... and do you think both can be mounted on a Audio Technic LP140? any experience out there? - m.
the ZU has less clarity, less presence, and a bit of a muddy sound. Some may call this "warmer", but I don;t think that is the proper term. The DL-103R sounds "better" than the Zu Audio "upgrade".
I think that an depend on many factors. Mostly tonearm and preamp. In my experience it does take some of the energy away that some people like. Not all though. Personal thing
The Denon has more distortion in the treble region. The Denon DL-110 high output moving coil cartridge is the best value for money, with a uniform presentation in the correct tonearm.
Liking your review style! Thanks for getting me into dl-103s.
Thanks
@@ThriftShopReviews my tonearm is too light for the dl-103 😭
@@ColocasiaCorm what tonearm do you have?
I’ve been using a DL103r for about 6 months now, and I find it to be a fantastic cart. I mounted it to a higher mass Jelco HS-25 headshell (12 grams) and added a 17 gram weight behind the counterweight. I’ve owned pretty much every stylus profile imaginable, and the sound of the 103r can compete with them. It’s warm and balanced but detailed and tracks like a champ. Thanks for the vid!
Glad I’m not the only one who can hear how good the 103r sounds. This cart changed my view on stylus geometry vs cartridge design. Amazing cartridge for the money
Good video. I’ve got to say though that the music over the top of your speech made it really hard for me to concentrate and actually quite uncomfortable. A note for future editing.
I thought the 103R handled the warp/ surface noise better; the main difference (listening reasonably loud on Dynaco 25 speakers) on my system was crisper highs, for better or worse, on the ZU. I am perplexed by other comments here that the ZU has "less detail" and is "warmer"--usually a euphemism for "rolled off top end"--I heard the opposite. The 103R seems less crisp, but still good, solidly believable across the spectrum, and somewhat preferable to me. I like the focus on drum sounds here; it seems like a strong point of the 103R, as they are well defined, and fresh--but not too sibilant.
Good comments. I assume there might be slight difference based on equipment. Two different sounding cartridges for sure. Both are great values in opinion.
I used to have a DL-103 (non-R version) that I replaced with a DL301MKII. I found the DL301 to be better balanced and all around better sounding, even though I love the sound of the 103, too.
To my ears the Zu Audio sounded better. It had a bigger sound stage and better clarity.
Yes, I agree. At least with the way it came across from RUclips 😊 A bit more 'Body' I would say...
I have a technics 1200 mk2. Would I need additional weight to mount 103?
There are some problems with your video. The surface noise in the signal you included for the audio test is just patently unacceptable. It makes it very difficult to hear subtle nuances beyond the most basic frequency response differences. Then, at 8:20, the audio examples you mix in over your VO completely drown out what you're saying, so I can no longer hear your opinions. I haven't seen other videos on your channel, yet, but I hope you corrected these issues going forward.
Yes I’ve been dealing with audio problems and now have it solved.
I don't remember for sure, but I THINK I had the Denon 103 about 30 years ago, the only MC cartridge I've ever had. I also had what at the time was a fairly expensive highly regarded Sumiko phono amp IIRC. I can't remember but I believe I also had my current Revolver TT, which is actually a little laid-back. Perhaps it just wasn't a good synergy, and it HAS been a very long time ago, but I remember basically feeling that the high end was just tilted up too much for my taste. When I went to the Classic Vintage Flagship Vector Aligned Linear Contact Audio Technica DR500LC cartridge (to use its full, fancy name 😊) I really liked the sound much better (and still do) and found that although it was incredibly detailed, it was not nearly as bright as the Denon was. But, like I say, that was a *VERY* long time ago... Probably what initially put me off MC cartridges (that and the necessity at the time for a separate phono amp) Now that I have the lovely IFI Phono2 with capability for both, I would like to try a decent MC cartridge at some point (but, in all honesty... I think it's gonna be pretty tough to beat the balanced detail of the 500LC 😁)
Hey I’ve said it before, if you like audio technica then stick with it. I can say this cheap MC cartridge is more well rounded than any MM AT cart I’ve heard but that is purely a personal taste thing. I don’t like this cartridge thinking about potential wear on my vinyl though. If wear is a concern for anyone.
@@ThriftShopReviews Thanks! No, I'm open to the idea. That is just what I remember from the one Denon MC cartridge I had with that particular Sumiko phono amp about 30 years ago. Like I said, with the IFI Phono 2 now, that at least is an option at some point. It is interesting though noting the differing opinions, like everything else in audio 😊
Please keep up the great reviews mate! It is because of *YOU* that I now have probably one of the last of the awesome IFI Phono 2! 👍
To my ears and on my playback medium the Zu seems warmer with less detail. The cymbal work on the first demo track highlighted this well. It looks like you are using a Denon VL 12 Prime turntable, I have a couple of these, great deck. Do you happen to know the tonearm specifications so cartridge compliance can be calculated?
I don’t have the tonearm specs for the denon vl12. It is a very inert turntable but the arm….. wait for my review. I adjust headshell weight to dial in the sound. It’s the first thing I do and the Zu works great on the vl12 turntable. I must mention that I use audacity to dial in my cartridges. Yes the zu is very laid back but can explode with dynamics. A very different sounding cart for sure.
what about ortolan SPU since about 1958
Nice cartridge for sure.
I would love some advise here. I am looking to get my first MC cart. My #1 choice is the At-OC9 XML.
However the Zu 103 mk ii and 103R are joint second on my list, hence why Im listening here.
Too my ears the Zu 103 had more “weight” behind its sound….like when you step up to a more powerful amp and now your music has more “umph” to it. This is the best way I can describe what Im hearing. The 103r had a bit more treble to it but like a lesser powered amp it at times feels slightly hollow or tinny??
Is this a fair description? I would be curious to know what the ZU 103r sounds like??
Any thoughts on ZU v AT OC9 XML??
I love my dl-103r and Zu 103. Tough to beat for sure but conical stylus can wear records faster if you listen a lot. I will be selling my Zu 103 so i can get something else for my channel and not due to it being bad. If looking at audio technica I would rather go with the AT33 series. I would rather have a better coil system than a stylus. Dl-103r is a great example of this fact. If I were you I would go with the Hana EL
@@ThriftShopReviews Thank you for the response. My current system is a Rega Brio amp, Rega P3, Ifi phono zen, and Wharfdale Lintons. Cart is the At 540 ml which is an amazing MM imo. It replaced my Nag mp-150 (also great but I preferred the AT for sound and price).
I want a cart with lots of detail, plus “weight or presence” like im driving a v8 and not a 4 cylinder lol, and just a bit of up and go (not too much or exaggerated highs). And all under $600 lol Not too fussy at all in my wants hey.
Like I said the ZU 103 impressed me but was wondering if you knew whether the ZU 103 R carried on the experience with a little more punch and excitement?
Sorry for the longwinded question.
The at 33ptg ii is also under consideration. I hear its very good.
@@johnellard wow you have a lot of items to discuss. It can be really difficult to understand cartridge performance when limits are in within a system. This is evident when you switch to a highly damped turntable or a more powerful amplifier or even a highly resolving preamp. Moving magnet carts have good dynamics and slam but limited in other ways. Moving coils provide better clarity and spatial awareness. Most cartridges and phono preamps hit the RIAA curve so getting more slam can tough other than going to a damped turntable. In my experience a dj turntable is a night and day experience compared to rega turntables, in the bass region. Many things can help or hurt you and not just the cartridge. Good luck
@@ThriftShopReviews yup totally agree.
Just wanted to update: I just purchased a VAS Ebony MC Cartridge which as you probably know is a heavily modded denon 103. Anyway WOW im not at the recommended 20-30 break in yet but loving the sound so far.
I also managed to score a fully serviced Marantz 2230 and swapped it in to my system over the Rega Brio to drive Wharfedale Lintons. Holy smokes talk about smoooth power! Anyway my phono is the Zen Phono but I saw you recommend the Ifi Phone 2 higher. The Vista Audio phono 2 review you did also caught my attention. Im thinking about building my second system around the marantz 2230 and and a pair of efficient klipsch rp600m which I think the marantz can reign in the brightness? Vintage Thrones Td-160 for turtable and Denon 103 standard. So question…preamp Vista Audio phono 2 or ifi phono 2 for that set up…I do prefer that laid back 70’s sound to my music.
LOL. Since this video was made the DL103R has shot up $200
Do you think I could get both of them 103 & 103r for about $500?
.... and do you think both can be mounted on a Audio Technic LP140?
any experience out there? - m.
I would go straight to 103r. I bet you can find both for under $500. Not sure about technics lp-140. Did you mean audio technica?
@@ThriftShopReviews Yes, thank you & I did mean the Audio-Technica!
I couldn't hear you at the 8.20 mark when the drums drown out your voice.
the ZU has less clarity, less presence, and a bit of a muddy sound. Some may call this "warmer", but I don;t think that is the proper term. The DL-103R sounds "better" than the Zu Audio "upgrade".
I think that an depend on many factors. Mostly tonearm and preamp. In my experience it does take some of the energy away that some people like. Not all though. Personal thing
The Denon has more distortion in the treble region. The Denon DL-110 high output moving coil cartridge is the best value for money, with a uniform presentation in the correct tonearm.
Both sound the same, over bright