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stock denon 103 vs. zu for my vintage rig

I'm just getting into vinyl and pondering how far to take my cartridge choice.

I've got a Pioneer SA-9800 integrated (top of the line, circa 1979) running through a pair of Magnepan IIC's (1986, I think). The sound from this set-up, at least through my Kyocera cd player, is sublime, but they vinyl coming through my Pioneer PL-50, leaves much to be desired.

This lovely table has what looks to be a vintage Pickering V15 with a newer replacement D625 stylus.

The resolution is poor to fuzzy. It could be my newbie attempt at cartridge set-up, but I do believe as well that my system would be best served by a cartridge upgrade.

Seeing as my amp is equipped with an MC phono stage, I was thinking about the classic Denon 103.

My tonearm is the original Pioneer, which I understand is on the heavyish side, so the low-compliance Denon should be a good fit.

The question is whether or not to spend the extra scratch on a Zu-modified version.

The $499 zu's are all sold out, leaving only the pricier, lower-tolerance variants. With that in mind Audio Feil's discounted Prime cartridge at $699 seems the best choice of the available zu options.

So the question is, is it worth it for me to spend about 3 times the price for the zu vs. the standard 103?

From reading around, it seems there is a definite upgrade, but a few have complained that some of the 103 "magic" has gone by the wayside.

Or is my gear not up to the challenge of delivering the best the Zu can offer?
narkleptic
soulbrass
246 posts
 
Agree w/ Prcinka - the 103 is a super cart in its own right and, in its stock form, is a good match with the rest of your gear.

A new 103 can be had well <$200 all day long on eBay from reputable sellers.

Good luck!
queg
55 posts
 
Get a 103 and upgrade it with a Uwe wood body! This combo sounds great to me and at about $300 it possibly rivals the Zu, which is really just an aluminum body updgrade.. but who knows.. anyone ever do a direct comparison?
br3098
660 posts
 
The DL-103 is a very, very good cartridge. The DL-103R is a great catrridge, IMHO. I have heard the Zu version, and I would say that you should probably plan to upgrade your deck and arm if you want to notice any significant upgrade from the Zu.

If it were me and I wanted a bit more performance from the 103, I would consider a wood body modification from Uwe or one of the other sources. Again, my guess is that you will receive more benefit from the upgrade with a deck/arm combo capable of resolving a bit more detail than your PL-50; which is a good TT but not the final word on detail.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I do not believe that both cartridges will sound optimal on any given arm. The stock 103 needs a minimum of 15 grams of effective mass in the arm which makes it compatible with high mass arms, though some would demur and report excellent sound in Grace 707, Rega, SME, etc. The added weight of the Zu makes it a better match with medium mass arms, such as the Rega, that it was designed on, the JMW-9, etc.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Narkleptic: My God!!!, the SA-9800.

This was my first " high-end " audio device that unfortunately I sold it and everytime that I saw it with my friend/buyer i almost cry, believe me. I love your Pioneer SA-9800, congratulations!!!!!

First : " 103 "magic" has gone "..., IMHO and through my experiences there is no magic but a plain stock cartridge: no more.

You own the right phonolinepreamp for MM cartridges ( you can choose 100K on impedance that almost no one of today top top phono stages have not!!!!!., incredible. ) in first place and second MC ones.

Please, if you can, take a little of your time reading here about:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667

There are " humble " MM cartridges ( very low prices for it. ) that even and surpass MC cartridges in the 3K-10K price range with the right set-up. No the " venerable " 103 has almost nothing to offer against a good MM.

Your Pickering is not a good sample of the MM quality performance, well at least not that model because if you find a Pickering XSV-4000 or 5000 you will be on " heaven ".

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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