A Simple Upgrade
Despite being designed in the 1960s the Denon DL-103 models are still one of the masterpieces in audio technology and can easily compete with contemporary phono cartridges. This broadcast standard cartridge exhibits the life and dynamics of analog audio.
By simply upgrading the cartridge body and attachment, you can be confident you are getting the highest performance from your cartridge.
The Aluminum Body Cap (The Cap) provides a broadband improvement to the already remarkable sound of the DL-103/r
“My conclusion is that [The Cap] produced a significant sonic improvement.“
“This is the best $85 I’ve ever spent on my audio system… Highly recommended.“
Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide 2021:
“There are many ways to modify a 103 into a super-cartridge… this is the most cost-effective way to do it —
…you won’t find a better upgrade to your analog rig than The Cap”
TONE Publications
JFB Award (Just F***ing Buy it)
“I can’t think of anything that will help your system to reveal more music for anywhere close to this price.”
Denon DL103: A Rigid Mounting Solution
"The most common complaint about the DL-103 is also the truest: Its good motor is compromised by a too-flimsy mounting arrangement, with open-edge bolt channels that prevent the cartridge from being rigidly fastened to a headshell."
(Art Dudley returned to the DL-103 in December 2007 (Vol.30 No.12))
Details
The Aluminum Body Cap provides all of the well documented advantages of other aftermarket bodies available: increased bass presence, improved soundstage and imaging, combined with remarkable tone.
However, all other aftermarket bodies require the stock plastic body to be carefully removed from the cartridge, and most rely on the 'nude' cartridge being friction fit in the body with no mechanical connection to the headshell. Some aftermarket bodies need adhesive potting and adding excessive mass.
The Cap is not a modification: it is an accessory. The Cap is completely removable, transferable, and greatly reduces the risk of damage to the cartridge. The Aluminum Body Cap securely bolts through the stock cartridge body and headshell, providing a firm, mechanical connection.
INDEPENDENT Test
An accelerometer was attached to the top front of the headshell, and the vertically modulated 0 to 20 kHz sweep recording was played. The output from the accelerometer was conditioned, amplified and converted to g.
Results: The increase in rigidity significantly changes the measured vibration profile of a DL-103, and has more than halved the high frequency energy transmitted into the headshell.
Installation
This unique Aluminum Body Cap requires no alterations to your cartridge. To install, simply insert the DL-103 into the precision machined Aluminium Body Cap. When bolted, the Cap provides a firm fit to the plastic body along the sides, front and top of the stock Denon DL-103. The cartridge mounting bolts lock both the plastic body and the Aluminum Body Cap to the headshell.
REVIEW
“It has been my experience in this hobby that every time the frequency extremes are improved, something gives and usually, it is the midrange that suffers…
What I like most about the Denon Aluminum Body Cap is, it doesn't dampen the virtues of the DL103/103R/103C1. It highlights and improves upon what's already there…
In the big scheme of things, it's hard to find this level of sonic upgrade for under $100. My DL103 is "capped" for good, highly recommended!” - JE Lab Review
“…the improvements weren't subtle. I was especially impressed by the change in the stereo scene. It became slightly wider and gained substantial depth. Subjectively, linearity improved. Sibilance, which is a known problem with a DL-103/Jelco combo, became a lot more manageable. “
“To sum everything up, [the] Aluminium Body Cap significantly changes the measured vibration profile of a DL-103. In my opinion, its use noticeably improves the subjective performance of the cartridge.” - Korf Audio
TECHNICAL
Fits Denon DL-103 and DL-103r
Machined from 6061 aluminum
Hard Black Anodized
VTA adjustment: +1.3mm
Mass of Body Cap: 3.5g
Partnership
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