DL-103

The DL-103 is a moving coil (MC) cartridge for turntables. The design dates from 1964 and remains in production. It is a low-output MC type with a 0.3 mV output voltage and a 40 ohm output impedance, so it needs a phono stage that accepts low-output moving coil cartridges.

The cartridge has low compliance and was originally intended for medium-to-high-mass tonearms. The maker confirms it can work with a 16 g effective-mass arm and, with a headshell shim, with the lighter Rega-style arm. Frequency response is stated as 20 Hz to 45 kHz, and the cartridge weighs 8.5 g.

The stylus is not replaceable, as is usual for moving coil designs. For a phono stage with a variable MC impedance setting, the maker suggested 50 ohms in one case, though many users choose the setting by ear. The cartridge is handspun in Japan.