28 replies to this topic

[JohnA]

has anyone here tried this cart?

a 103 modded by Zu audio

seems to be a few versions of it

Standard for $549
Prime for $874
Grade 1 $624
Grade 2 $749

loved this quote on one review

The Zu doesn’t just slay giants: It rips their beating heart from their chests, shows it to them, finishes them off, then chases their souls and drags them down to hell


so who here has tried one and your thoughts please

[Mick35]

Never heard one John, but they look cool, and who could possibly argue with a sales pitch of that calibre? What's the difference in the grades, I wonder? Prices climb steeply.

[JohnA]

thats not a sales pitch, its a quote from a review in stereophile

as for differences, it would seem its on the tolerances between channels

Standard≤4.0%|Grade1≤1.0%|Grade2≤0.5%|Grade2Prime≤0.1%

Denon’s factory tolerance between L & R output voltage and internal coil impedance on the DL-103R is ≤ 8.0% as tested by Zu. Cartridges that do not measure 4% or better are either reworked or resold as stock Denon products. This ensures that the Zu branded DL-103R pickups are the cream of the crop. Those that are after the tightest of tolerances will be happy to know that in remanufacturing Zu performs tests and measure it at various stages; and in final testing Zu measures and grades all units. Tolerance is measured between L & R internal resistance and output voltage. Tolerance spec is not an average of measures but accounts for the lowest of any measurement, thus giving a true tolerance perspective. All tolerance measures are referenced to the serial numbers and are graded and indicated on the label.

Edited by JohnA, 28 May 2012 - 08:11 PM.

[CP_]

Looks sensational - who's going to try one out?!

[JohnA]

i am seriously considering it

maybe grab one of these, and a normal 103 and a wood body to compare the 2

[alistairm]

thats not a sales pitch, its a quote from a review in stereophile

There's a difference?

[JohnA]

There's a difference?

of course there is

i hate it when a manufacturer carries on like that...but expect it from some reviews

[tuyen]

im interested in thoughts between one of these vs a modded wooden body unit too. have a few mc suts waiting to be fed!

[houdinifangs]

i am seriously considering it

maybe grab one of these, and a normal 103 and a wood body to compare the 2

I've got a 103r in a silver Midas body if you want a shoot out - be great to get a sound smith retip in the mix...

[JohnA]

I've got a 103r in a silver Midas body if you want a shoot out - be great to get a sound smith retip in the mix...

would be great to compare them all..

i'll wait for the reply on stock levels and take it from there.
In the mean time may have to talk to duc about a wood body, and hunt down the cheapest place for a 103

[Bodhi]

I think Ace Frehley would buy that cartridge

[handysteel]

John I purchased my 103R from here at a very good price..

http://www.ebay.com....#ht_2127wt_1398

Edited by handysteel, 28 May 2012 - 10:01 PM.

[houdinifangs]

John I purchased my 103R from here at a very good price..

http://www.ebay.com....#ht_2127wt_1398

Quick sticks - only 25 min left that - very good seller

A little cheaper here
http://item.mobilewe...nid=91703331153

[cheekyboy]

Hi John,

I have a spare ESC modified DL103 if you wanted to hear their sapphire cantilever and paratrace diamond modification.

Cheers,

Keith

[broom]

Looks sensational - who's going to try one out?!

I've got a Zu103R Grade 1, but haven't used it yet! Bought it a while ago for the tt i'm making but it's been a bit longer in the making than i thought!

[JohnA]

cheers guys, appreciate you all trying to help spend my money

Keith, have sent you a PM

Broom, would love to hear your thought on this cart, but maybe i'll be telling you about it first

[Batty]

I've got a 103r in a silver Midas body if you want a shoot out - be great to get a sound smith retip in the mix...

I have a DL-103 at soundsmith as we speak (type) It has an aluminium body I fitted.

[JohnA]

well, i just heard back and no ZuDL's in stock.

wont be any for a few months either....

so looks like i wont be finding out about them in any hurry

[lovetube]

would be great to compare them all..

i'll wait for the reply on stock levels and take it from there.
In the mean time may have to talk to duc about a wood body, and hunt down the cheapest place for a 103

Hi John.
you means something's like these ?
Cheers
Duc

Attached Files

•  back&white ebony2.jpeg   62.24K   36 downloads

Edited by lovetube, 29 May 2012 - 03:35 PM.

[JohnA]

Hi John.
you means something's like these ?
Cheers
Duc

yes mate

am ordering a 103r and will get one of these bodies from you and do the mod

[Viognier]

well, i just heard back and no ZuDL's in stock.

wont be any for a few months either....

so looks like i wont be finding out about them in any hurry

Hi John

I also tried to buy a Zu mod 103 online about 6 months ago and received the same message. When i first saw this thread was excited that maybe they were available So looks like they are hard to purchase. Wonder if they would do a group buy when they do start producing them.

I went down the Lovetube wooden body path and very happy. Reminds me I need to post some pics of Lovetube's awesome work.

Mark

[JohnA]

Mark

i would be in for a group buy if it can be arranged, and yes, please post some pics.

I am trying to decide which timber to get it in....
do i stick with cocobolo, same as my arm, or kingwod, which i like the look of also.
I do love the black and white african ebony, but it wont suit the arm...

[houdinifangs]

well, i just heard back and no ZuDL's in stock.

wont be any for a few months either....

so looks like i wont be finding out about them in any hurry

Magenta in SA are the local Zu guys, maybe they have some old or display stock?

[JohnA]

Magenta in SA are the local Zu guys, maybe they have some old or display stock?

he he

have contacted them and nope, nothing at all.

[houdinifangs]

Mai pen rai krap. Duc's wood bodies are well sexier anyway...

[JohnA]

Mai pen rai krap. Duc's wood bodies are well sexier anyway...

cant argue with that...would jaut have been nice to also listen to the modded zu version.

[christianb]

Hi John,

I have tried the Zu 103 and I think I still have it. It is one of the lower grade selection, cannot remember wich. I will let you know when I am home in a few days.
It is certainly a very good cartridge for the price and easy to get the right transformers for.

Cheers

Christian

[JohnA]

Hi John,

I have tried the Zu 103 and I think I still have it. It is one of the lower grade selection, cannot remember wich. I will let you know when I am home in a few days.
It is certainly a very good cartridge for the price and easy to get the right transformers for.

Cheers

Christian

Sorry, missed this post Christian.
Appreciate the feedback on it. I hope we do get some more as would love to try one.

For now time to send Duc a PM

[Viognier]

Mark

i would be in for a group buy if it can be arranged, and yes, please post some pics.

I am trying to decide which timber to get it in....
do i stick with cocobolo, same as my arm, or kingwod, which i like the look of also.
I do love the black and white african ebony, but it wont suit the arm...

I just posted my Duc snake wood body on the show us your cartridges thread. I know what you mean by the timber decision John- too many amazing options. Good luck with it.