Denon has announced an exciting collaboration with Devon Turnbull of OJAS to present a new iteration of Denon's iconic DL-103R Moving Coil Phono Cartridge. This partnership has given rise to the DL-103o, a limited-edition cartridge featuring a transparent casing that offers a rare glimpse into its intricate components.
The DL-103o builds on the enduring legacy of the DL-103R, a cartridge originally designed for professional broadcast use in 1962. Over the decades, the DL-103R has become a cornerstone in audio technology, revered for its robust performance and reliability.
This new model maintains the core characteristics that have made the DL-103R a staple in the audiophile community while introducing a modern aesthetic sensibility courtesy of Devon Turnbull's design expertise.
The collaboration brings Devon Turnbull's distinctive touch to Denon's engineering prowess. The clear casing of the DL-103o, designed by Turnbull, is not just visually appealing but also educational, allowing users to appreciate the sophisticated engineering inside the cartridge. This transparent design underscores a blend of functionality and style, making it a standout piece in any Hi-Fi setup.
“For me, the exciting opportunity of working with the DL103R is just being able to educate people about the way things work and why they work as well as they do,” said Devon Turnbull.
Known for its extraordinary performance, the DL-103o is designed to elevate the listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts. The cartridge features a low-mass stylus assembly, which provides significant advantages over traditional moving-magnet type assemblies. This design ensures wider dynamics, clearer highs, and tighter transients, resulting in a superior audio experience.
The DL-103o's conical tip ensures optimal contact with the record grooves, improving tracking, reducing distortion, and enhancing depth and clarity of sound. Additionally, the cartridge is equipped with exceptionally fine-gauge 99.9999% pure 6N copper wire coils, hand-wound with precision to the cantilever shaft. This meticulous construction improves imaging and low-frequency retrieval, making the cartridge a top choice for audiophiles seeking impeccable sound quality.
One of the most notable features of the DL-103o is its ease of integration into various turntable setups. Its low-compliance design ensures stability and optimal sound quality across a range of systems, from budget turntables to high-performance setups. This versatility makes the cartridge accessible to a wide audience of vinyl enthusiasts.
Key Features:
The Denon x OJAS DL-103o is available starting today on Denon.com, priced at $549. As a limited-edition release, it offers a unique opportunity for collectors and audiophiles to own a piece of audio history reimagined with contemporary design and advanced engineering.
