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My Alpha was redone by Peter Ledermann 3 years ago, and it was great. The suspension gave out and Peter said it could not be repaired. My only other cartridge is a Shelter 901, which is a reasonably decent cartridge.
If I get to the point of seeing any promise which the Denon I will send it to Peter for his micro-line stylus and ruby cantalever

The basic motor of the Denon is excellent, basis for cartridges like the Swiss Blue Diamond.

Slagle does a lot of Denon retip experiements and I got to hear some of that stuff sounding real nice.

I had a very nice Shibata retip 103 but recently found it trashed on my tonearm and no idea how that happened. At least I think it was the shibata one. If I forget to mark 103 carts with a silver sharpie, it is easy to lose track. I have to look at the unmarked ones with a loupe and mark the ones I can identify. Maybe it was a $99 Hong Kong elliptical retip that got smoked, I hope.

In any case, you can modify the character of the 103 all over the map, but it will not be like that old Alpha Genesis with was a famously detailed and forward cartridge in the grand 80s MC style. Denons will always end up more laid back but the definition can be enhanced with sapphire and line contact or what have you.

Ask Slagle what he is finding. That guy is a tireless experimenter and has been focusing on 103s....even built field coil versions.

It could well be that a lighter tracking tip will work better with your arm, especially if the retipper can slide in slightly more complaint rubber.

I was just reading about a retipper who will do suspension work on Audio Karma. Maybe there's still hope on that front!

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Walt

I had Andy Kim replace the cantilever and stylus of a Denon 103R that was epoxied in an aluminum body. As long as you do not have to touch the coil or suspension (which in a new cartridge should not be a problem), then there should not be a problem. Usually what is done is the aluminum cantilever is removed (cut) and, in my case, a sapphire cantilever with the new stylus is fitted and glued in place at the stub.

I am sure that Peter does the same thing if it is not a complete rebuild.

David

J-Rob
I added 4gr of weight to the head shell and it sounded like a completely different cartridge.
..........Yes Walt, I adjusted the counterweight to compensate. Tracking at 2.75gr..........
Everything is lush and rounded, and bass, wow more bass than I have ever had from and LP
Detail is still there but a bit recessed. I will try reducing the added weight.

Add more...

Adjust to taste

Roscoe

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I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.

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Walt

The Mapleshade (Pierre) tonearm antireasoanent system includes a 28gr headshell weight and a huge counterweight.

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Walt