Ortofon SPU Classic vs Denon DL-103

[donic]

Hi,

I'm considering to build a system based on either DL-103 or SPU cart. I have: Thorens TD521, SME 3012 with heavy headshell (c.a. 18 grams Yamamoto shell) and heavy counterweight for it. I'm planning to buy a step-up for choosen cart. My music is rock and jazz from 60. to 80.

Which cart:
- Ortofon SPU Classic E (or maybe with spherical tip) or
- Denon DL-103/103R
would you recommend and why ?

Thanking in advance.

Regards
donic

[nat]

It sounds like both choices would be nice. Can you listen to them before buying?

[donic]

It sounds like both choices would be nice. Can you listen to them before buying?

No, I can't listen to them before buying and that the reason why I'm asking which option seems to be better for my tonearm and TT.

Regards
donic

[awkwardbydesign]

I had a DL-103 years ago, and now have an SPU to play with; I suspect the Denon would be easier to work with, but the SPU would ultimately be capable of more. Does that make sense?
Selfishly, I hope you choose the SPU, as your experiences might help me!

[donic]

Does that make sense?

Of course. Thanks.

[EdAInWestOC]

How much are you planning to spend? I agree that the SPU and 103 would both be good choices but there are other DL-103 options that also make sense.

The Zu Audio DL-103 with the aluminum body is a nice way to improve the resolution of the old DL-103. If you want to look into more 103 and 103R options I suggest you try http://www.sound-smith.com/denon/index.html.

SoundSmith sells modified DL-103 and DL-103R cartridges with a variety of cantilevers and stylii. They also come in wood bodies and nuded. If you want a little more compliance SoundSmith also manages to increase the dynamic compliance for a bit more money.

These cartridges are decidedly more expensive than stock DL-103s but the improvement in sound quality is definately worth the money.

Good Luck,
Ed

[Terry Robinson]

I have used all the pickups you mention. The best seemed to be the Ortofon SPU C---not the SPU E. The Denon DL-103R is better than the standard '103, and it (the Denon) is kinder to your records with a tracking force of approx. 2.5 grams. The '103 has much superior tracking ability. Certainly, do not use an Ortofon SPU E as the tracking force of 4 grams is just too much for the Ellipsoidal needle. If you do decide to use an SPU, you'll find that with so much VTF the needle doesn't last very long.

Cheers,

Terry.

[donic]

How much are you planning to spend? I agree that the SPU and 103 would both be good choices but there are other DL-103 options that also make sense.

The Zu Audio DL-103 with the aluminum body is a nice way to improve the resolution of the old DL-103. If you want to look into more 103 and 103R options I suggest you try http://www.sound-smith.com/denon/index.html.

SoundSmith sells modified DL-103 and DL-103R cartridges with a variety of cantilevers and stylii. They also come in wood bodies and nuded. If you want a little more compliance SoundSmith also manages to increase the dynamic compliance for a bit more money.

These cartridges are decidedly more expensive than stock DL-103s but the improvement in sound quality is definately worth the money.

Good Luck,
Ed

Hi,

If I would go for DL-103 it will be ZuAudio modyfication. One more question about DL. Even though I have quite a goog phono stage with MC section I'm considering to buy SUT for DL (as well as for SPU, if I decided to go for SPU). What is perfect SUT for DL-103? Should I try one of made by Denon or Auditorium23 version for DL ?

donic

[donic]

(...) The best seemed to be the Ortofon SPU C---not the SPU E. (...)

Cheers,
Terry.

Hi

Do you mean conical stylus SPU (Ortofon SPU C) ?

Do you think it's better than DL-103 / 103R ?

Can I use Ortofon Verto SUT for SPU carts ?

donic

[Terry Robinson]

Yes, I meant the SPU Classic-C (with Conical needle). I replaced a Denon DL-103R with the SU Classic-C and, when set up correctly, said this was the best pickup I had ever heard. It depends upon how much you are willing to pay. The Ortofon is considerably more expensive than the Denon.

Cheers,

Terry.

[donic]

Yes, I meant the SPU Classic-C (with Conical needle). I replaced a Denon DL-103R with the SU Classic-C and, when set up correctly, said this was the best pickup I had ever heard. It depends upon how much you are willing to pay. The Ortofon is considerably more expensive than the Denon.

Cheers,

Terry.

ts good enough

Hi,

I would like to spend as less as possible to abtain a good system based on SOU (preferable) or DL.

What about a good SUT for SPU ? Are Ortofon products good, especially I'm thinking about Ortofon Verto ?

donic

[donic]

Yes, I meant the SPU Classic-C (with Conical needle). I replaced a Denon DL-103R with the SU Classic-C and, when set up correctly, said this was the best pickup I had ever heard. It depends upon how much you are willing to pay. The Ortofon is considerably more expensive than the Denon.

Cheers,

Terry.

Hi,

I would like to spend as less as possible to abtain a good system based on SPU (preferable) or DL.

What about a good SUT for SPU ? Are Ortofon products good, especially I'm thinking about Ortofon Verto ?

donic

P.S.
I don't know why 2 times the same

[awkwardbydesign]

Ask Rothwell!

[donic]

Ask Rothwell!

Hi,

Thanks for your suggestion. To be honest I prefer to know users opinion not producers.

Rergards