Denon DL-103

Name: Denon DL-103
Brand: Denon
SKU: 639656d49f72479b37739df9
Rating: 3.5 (31 reviews)

Based on 31 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#161 most mentioned

Reddit · r/turntables

Great value for the price

Compatibility with various turntables and upgrade options

Liquid midrange and punchy bass

Adds extra detail and trackability

Fuller sound with more defined midrange and bass

Not ideal for all systems and tastes

Some users have experienced hum and surface noise

Requires high mass tonearms and phono preamps with extra high gain

Verdict

Overall, the Denon DL-103 receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its warm and clear sound, while others find it lacking in certain areas. It is recommended for those with high mass tonearms and phono preamps with extra high gain. Some users suggest looking into pre-owned cartridges for better value. The cartridge is also noted for its compatibility with various turntables and upgrade options. However, some users have experienced issues with hum and surface noise. Overall, the Denon DL-103 is a solid entry-level moving-coil phono cartridge, but may not be the best option for everyone.

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Reviews

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Top reviews

Upgrade train stopped... for now

8 this morning, and loving how the DL-103 sounds in this system - warm, but clear in the high freqs. My whole setup is as follows: Thorens TD145 mkII w/ Denon DL-103 (Herbie’s Way Excellent II, Schopper armwand upgrades)—> Black Ice Audio F159 —> NAD T758 v3 analog (L and R of 7.1) inputs for vinyl, HDMI otherwise —> Odyssey Audio Khartago Stereo Plus w/ Kismet board and upgraded caps —> NOLA KOs.

Positive

buffalo_billboard

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/audiophile

Good, but not quite what I hoped for...

Like many, I agree that the Denon DL-103 is a very good "entry-level" moving-coil (mc) phono cartridge, when compared with less expensive moving magnet (mm) cartridges. Its stated, frequency specs suggested that I would find the mid-range and higher frequency performance that I have long sought. How...

New Cart - VAS DL-103 A re-engineered classic Moving Coil

It's a standard DL-103 rebuilt with a new cantilever and an elliptical stylus. It has all of the things that made the original so endearing; liquid midrange, punchy bass, beautiful recreation of space, imaging. The elliptical added more detail, imaging depth and smoothed out the slight hardness in the treble. Highly recommended as this is only $179, especially if your phono preamp can provide the extra gain needed by MC (e.g.

Positive

patrickthunnus

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Installed on Audio Technica LP-120-USB... MUCH BETTER than what player came with

UPDATE: Getting a distinctive hum now when record player is turned on that I can't seem to eliminate. It is properly grounded and was not doing it before. Installation was pretty easy. Instructions are very clear with illustrations (thank you!). I had to crimp the wires down on the headshell a bit j...

Cartridge Upgrade - Grado Blue3 on Audio-Technica LP120

I can recommend a Nagaoka MP-110 to this turntable. I’ve also heard that the more expensive Denon DL-103 is supposed to match up nicely. That is, if you ever considering replacing your cartridge.

Positive

brillmus

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

Good depending on your system

This cartridge has some special requirements to sound its best like a high mass tonearm due to its Vary low complance, and a a needs a phono preamp with extra high gain for its vary low output recommend if Your able to provide the right system

It’s time for an upgrade

I recommend pre-owned cartridges as a better value proposition. I'm very happy with my Shure V15 Mk. III. I've also heard good things about the Denon DL-103.

Positive

SoaDMTGguy

4 years ago

reddit.com/r/audiophile

OK, but there are better in the same price range

Good cart but there are more dynamic MM carts in the same price range. Make sure you have a MC phono stage with multiple loading options for best performance.

I do not have any personal experience with the table but it seems to be the best option at the price point for a new turntable. Since I dont have personal experience with the table I can't speak to its durability but it does have positive reviews. It is able to be upgraded with a different cartridge since it has a standard cartridge mount and adjustable tracking force and people have had success installing different cartridges on it (one reditor even put a Denon DL-103 on his which is a classic, very nice high fidelity cartridge.)

Positive

zfsbeck

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Impressive Sound also Significantly Reduced Surface Noise & Cracks !

Replace a 3yr old Rega Carbon, immediately noticed surface noise & cracks reduced tremendously even on some beaten old vinyls. Silence/pause In between music notes & tracks are now dead silent but still maintains hollow dark background with dramatic effect....(the opening thunder of Dire Straits’ Br...

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