John Darko
Denon has announced a new version of its exceedingly popular moving coil DL-103 phono cartridge which has been in production for sixty years and is often the first stopping point for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts looking to pull more detail from their records than the MM model that shipped with their turntable. The DL-103 has also become a go-to for cartridge modders like Zu Audio.
The incoming DL-103o has been created in collaboration with Devon Turnbull of Ojas. Turnbull’s promotion of high-efficiency speaker systems driven by low-power tube amplifiers – both as DIY kits and public demonstrations at art exhibitions – has done more to enhance the mainstream’s positive perception of high-end audio in the past two years than the industry that underpins it.
Denon no doubt saw the potency of Turnbull’s ambassadorial role when thinking up the DL-103o: a limited edition clear-shelled version of the moving coil DL-103r. The fundamental design remains unchanged to retain the cartridge’s moving coil mechanism, low mass shell, conical stylus and low-compliance cantilever. Turnbull reportedly intends the DL-103o to serve as an education tool; one that (excuse the pun) clearly exposes the Denon cartridge’s inner workings.
Pricing on the DL-103o says hello at US$549 but don’t shilly shally; if it follows the popularity of Turnbull’s speaker and amplifier kits, it will be sold out in no time.
One final thought: YouTube aside, the future of hi-fi community growth, especially among younger folk, doesn’t lie with hi-fi shows, their discussion panels or product awards but higher-profile hi-fi ambassadors like Devon Turnbull, Steven Wilson, Henry Rollins and Rick Rubin.
Further information: OJAS | Denon
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