Denon DL-103D MC Phono Cartridge - Classic

General:
This Denon DL-103D is an all time classic moving coil (MC) cartridge. That is why Denon still make the same model today.

Denon MC cartridges are highly respected by audiophiles for their musical accuracy and value. They are very hard to beat for the price point.

This particular example is in excellent condition in its original box and will include all the paperwork from new. The cartridge needle also has been examined under our microscope and it is in great condition. Ready for many more years of music.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Box shows sings of its age, cartridge looks very good.

Brand Background:
Original Hi-Fi from Japan

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Japan has been synonymous with cutting-edge electronics. Indeed, the Japanese seem to have an inherent ability to not only visualize the future, but also create it.

Denon, Japan's original audio brand has been turning ideas into reality for over 110 years. Shaped by an intimate relationship with Japan’s national public broadcaster, NHK, the brand spent its early years developing groundbreaking technologies that would reimagine audio paradigms.

Denon quickly established itself as the world's most innovative audio brand, regularly first to deliver new technology. Since then, it has drawn on its rich history to inform countless new developments. After all, it was the brand's Hi-Fi expertise that lead Denon to create the first AV Receivers.

Now, from its Audio Works facility in Shirakawa, the brand continues to build on its legacy of technological firsts, exploring new formats, processes and products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Complete Kit as it Left the Factory

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Testing Process:
We start by doing a detailed physical inspection under light magnification to asses the cantilever condition, its position in the cartridge body, and the condition of the suspension.

We also inspect any coil wires and the output connections to make sure it hasn't been strained. We then perform a light cleaning with specialized agents and very carefully blow dry with compressed air.

Following that, we conduct a thorough examination using our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has seen, and if there are any mechanical issues. We can also identify if it needs further cleaning or care.

We then move the cartridge to a digital microscope where we take photos of the cantilever and stylus for future reference.

Next we move to the test bench where we can check for continuity of each channel and resistance.

On certain cartridges (or if the technician feels necessary) we install the cartridge on a turntable and run several test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion, and compliance.