Denon DL-103R MC cartridge

Very low output MC cartridge 

Conical stylus

Made in Japan

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Manufacturer : DENON

430,00 €

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MPLBWDE012

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Description

The Denon DL-103 MC cartridge (standard) was created in 1964. This cartridge was made in collaboration with the Japan Broadcasting Corporation Research Laboratories. The initial project was to conceive a high performance and high reliable phono cartridge for broadcasting purposes and particularly Japanese AM and FM broadcasting stations.

Multiple versions of this cartridge were produced over the years. But apart from the standard version, a single improved version (DL-103R) still exist.

DENON DL-103R: TECHNOLOGY

The DL-103R MC cartridge is an improved and more modern version of the DL-103 MC cartridge. Of course, the cartridge keeps its simple design and superb reliability. It’s, therefore, a very low output moving coil cartridge and contrary to the DL-103, the R version has low impedance.

Output voltage is even lower and was reduced from 0.3 mV to 0.25 mV. This very low value requires an MC phono preamplifier having a 65-dB gain minimum! Because the cartridge has an internal impedance of 14 ohms, a transformer can thus be used. For example, an Ortofon ST-7 transformer is compatible.

The armature of the Denon DL-103R MC cartridge is placed in parallel magnetic fields. The coils are wound around the armature, they’re in charge of generating voltage when the moving system is going. The cartridge design is perfectly symmetrical between the left and right channels to obtain stable dynamic characteristics.

The moving system is maintained by a short and thin piano wire.

One of the major features of this system is the fact that the stylus tip moves up and down and from side to side but does not move in the forward direction of the sound groove. For this reason, an optimum damper can be used regardless of the fulcrum.

The coils of the DL-103R MC cartridge are slightly less wound and use high-purity 6N copper wire. This allows to gain in weight and thus enhance dynamics and transparency.

DENON DL-103R: STYLUS

The stylus used is very hard and resistant. It’s cut and mounted taking the crystal's orientation into account. It allows the hardest part to be in contact with the groove of the record.

This stylus is historically conical. It’s mounted on a two-part light alloy cantilever. The cantilever’s double construction helps minimise vibrations while being light and very stout.

The optimum tracking force of the stylus tip is 2.5 g ± 0.3 g.

In the case of an unwarped record in good condition, the stylus pressure may be reduced to 2.2 g.

You should know that the compliance of this cartridge is pretty low so a tonearm with average/high effective mass (> 14 g) is required.

DENON DL-103R: GENERATOR

A cross-shaped armature was been adopted to reduce the equivalent mass. Moving coils for right and left channels are independently and symmetrically wound around the armature. They provide good dynamic balance and involve little difference in sensitivity between the right and left channels.

Each Denon DL-103R MC cartridge is still individually adjusted and finished by hand.

DENON DL-103R: TESTING AND LISTENING

It’s important to choose a well-conceived tonearm providing good dynamic response. We recommend you to choose a tonearm with an effective mass above 15 g (minimum). In reality, the ideal mass would be 20 g. You would also need a phono preamplifier with an 80 to 200-ohm impedance adjustment! 

Of course, it doesn’t have the definition and dynamics of modern competitors equipped with an elliptical stylus or more complex styli.

In 1962, the DL-103 MC cartridge from Denon was designed for broadcasting purposes. In response to requests submitted by music lovers wishing more refinement, Denon announced the arrival of the DL-103R MC cartridge using higher-purity 6N copper coil wiring and a 14-ohm generator.

But Denon remains unclear on the real differences and other “secret” modifications may exist!

Compared to the standard DL-103 MC cartridge, the DL-103R version is softer in the high end of the spectrum.

It’s also more dynamic and subtle. Cleanliness and definition are also clearly enhanced.

The cartridge focuses more on musicality than precision, however. Timbre quality and overall balance are excellent, but the major asset is its consistency and ease of listening, just like its little sister. On these criteria, it’s better than the competition. The realism of vocals and the organic side of the instruments is definitely a plus. It’s surely the reason why this MC cartridge was produced for so long and what contributed to its legend. This cartridge is provided with an unbeatable quality-price-musicality ratio, so long as you invested in an expensive phono amplifier and a turntable having a 10 or 12-inch heavy tonearm.

Franck

Type: Low output MC

Output voltage: 0.25 mV

Channel sensitivity difference: 1 dB or less (1 kHz)

Channel separation: over 25 dB (1 kHz)

Internal impedance: 14 Ω/ohms ±20% (1 kHz)

Recommended load: 80 ohms minimum

Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne

Compliance at 10 Hz: 9

Stylus pressure: 2.5 ± 0.3 g

Frequency response: 20 Hz - 45,000 Hz

Weight: 8.5 g

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Denon DL-103R MC cartridge

Denon DL-103R MC cartridge

Very low output MC cartridge 

Conical stylus

Made in Japan

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