Denon DL-103 R

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Denon
• Model: DL-103 R
• Years of manufacture: 1994 -
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Black
• Weight: 8,5 g
• Original price approx.: 499 DM

359, - Euro (RRP)

399,- Euro (RRP, as of: 2015)

Technical data

• Principle: Moving Coil (MC)
• Frequency response: 20 - 45,000 Hz
• Channel separation:
• Channel balance:
• Crosstalk attenuation: > 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Output voltage: 0.3 mV
• Terminating resistor: > 100 Ohm
• Output impedance: 14 Ohm
• Needle type: spherical (R: 16.5 µm), aluminum needle carrier
• Recommended contact force: 25 ±3 mN
• Needle compliance: 5 µm/mN (at 100 Hz)

Special Features

• Coil material made of 99.9999% pure copper (6N copper).
• identical to Denon DL-103 SL

Remarks

• Other models in the same series:
• DL-103
• DL-103 C1
• DL-103 D
• DL-103 FL
• DL-103 GL
• DL-103 Gold
• DL-103 LC
• DL-103 LC-2
• DL-103 M
• DL-103 PRO
• DL-103 R
• DL-103 S
• DL-103 SA
• DL-103 SL
• DL-103 U
• DL-A 100

Pictures

• Extract from brochure: Denon DL-103 R

Reports

• LP issue 3/2006

"The DL103 R feels completely in its element with dynamic-rich pop and rock music and really lets it rip, high-quality 45 surrounds such as the Richard Thompson live recording reviewed in this issue virtually leap out of the speakers. Even seasoned and serious large orchestral works like the Triple Concerto or Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony radiate a tremendous joie de vivre and energy that I haven't heard before. Nevertheless, it doesn't give the impression that the system is inventing something new, the Denon is just showing the listener facets that haven't been heard before. The DL 103 R doesn't even have to do everything perfectly. I've heard deeper basses and finer trebles, maybe a more precise spatial imaging, but never such a gripping reproduction as that of the DL103's ancestor, paired with such a clearly increased balance and radiance in the trebles. A very hot tip for a new system purchase from the upper entry level up to significantly higher demands!"

• Audio Heft 4/2006

Sound: very good (85 points)

• • Workmanship: exemplary
  • Audio test verdict: very good (85 points), top class, 4 ears

"At the risk of repeating myself: Every analogue household should have at least one DL-103. As a first or second pickup, or simply as a reality check for more expensive MCs. Now, in fulfilling this "duty", you even have the choice between the rustic-sounding... cheap 103 original type or the more expensive, but also dramatically better DL-103R. With top-of-the-line tonearms and preamps, this is a system partner for life: perfectly crafted, each copy exactly like the last, durable and robust - and reasonably priced even for its £350 price tag."

• Stereoplay issue 4/2007

Sound: top class (48 points)

• • Price/Performance: outstanding
  • Overall rating: good - very good (71 points)

"The revision of the DL 103 was a great success. The DL 103 R shines with the musical strengths of its little brother but can additionally still clearly improve in terms of fine resolution and spatial imaging as well as dynamics and sovereignly wins a Stereo Play Highlight."