Chicago_Pete Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 I (think) I am going to buy a Denon 103 cart. Any thoughts on how good of a match it would be with my SOTA Sapphire turntable? The tonearm is branded SOTA but I believe it's basically a Rega 300? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 Do you have the specs on this tonearm? Is it on the Tonearm database? http://www.cartridgedb.com/default_arms.asp If you're looking to buy one I would get it here... good individual to deal with and a good price ($148 shipped) http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-Denon-DL-103-MC-cartridge-BRAND-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ150074297875QQihZ005QQcategoryZ64620QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago_Pete Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 Thanks Mike, The tonearm looks identical to the RB300. Lets assume it is since I kind of remember SOTA mentioning that when I ordered the Sapphire. Here's the specs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhtman Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 I have used a DL103 in a modified RB250 and it's a great match. The 103 is a little taller than some other carts, so you might find that the arm is higher at the cart end than the pivot. Slightly above is usually the ideal height, but if it the sound is bass heavy with rolled off hf then you'll need to shim the arm post up a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago_Pete Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 Thanks guys, The reason for this post is because I just bought Joe's BBX and it has the cream option so I want to try it / take advantage of it? I am currently using a Dynavector 10x5 and obviously looking for an improvement, not that its bad. Mike, does that guy in Germany list the 103's often? That auction has ended. The best, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 Yes... every couple of weeks he puts a batch of 20 or so out there. Its the best deal going and he's very much on the up-and-up. Mine arrived in about a week or so. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago_Pete Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 Thanks Mike, I sent him an e-mail and am waiting for a response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshnich Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 I have used a DL103 in a modified RB250 and it's a great match. The 103 is a little taller than some other carts, so you might find that the arm is higher at the cart end than the pivot. Slightly above is usually the ideal height, but if it the sound is bass heavy with rolled off hf then you'll need to shim the arm post up a little. I actually found that the 103 is considerably shorter than the other carts I have used. I have had to lower the arm as low as I can and use a mat on the TT in order to get the VTA level. I could also use shims under the cartridge. Here is a link to an intersting solution to the shortness of the 103. You have to scroll to the lower part of the page. http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/analogue_bits_e.html Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhtman Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 Having said you have a 10X5, I suggest you think again about the 103. It does have the punchy dynamics of the Dyna but, with its conical stylus it isn't as detailed. Why not trade your 10x5 for a 20XL? Then you would have dynamics and resolution. Whilst I like the 103, I would rather listen to music through a Dynavector cart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhtman Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 Josh, thanks for correcting me. I clearl remember having to adjust VTA for the 103 and forgot which way (probably confused with a tall Dyna cart). I haven't used my 103 for the last year or so - I had my old Koetsu Black retipped and I alternate between that and a XX-2, so the old 103 doesn't get much of a look in. (It was bought as a back-up whilst the Koetsu was away being refurbed). d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago_Pete Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 dhtman, Please explain trade? $650 new, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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