Guys, I have been hearing a lot about the Zu 103... basically it is a Donon 103 cart in an aluminum body...
while Soundsmiths offer the same in aebony wood body.... it seems the simple change in body takes the performance of the 103 to another level...
I am all for it, but why should I spend hundreds of dollars o this simple upgrade?????
In the future, when my 103 Pro is wearing down, I intend to do the mod myself (after all if i break the stylus, atleast I won't regret the DIY!)...
here is a simple video, for those of you who wanna try it out already!
Denon DL-103 Wood Body Modification Tutorial - YouTube
Hiya Manav
Long time, No see, HUH?
Howzya doin' mate?
Just saw this thread now. Well, as you know, I don't know much about phono carts and stuff but from whatever I could see in the video, that wooden cart casing or fabrication thereof, does not appear to be a very formidable task. I will need a sample of it for replication attempts.
I may be wrong, my machinist would know better but only after his holding the item to be replicated in his own very hands. However, i must add here that my man doesn't do wood. He can do brass and aluminium and fiberglass SHEET(its available in thickness upto 2").
BTW, methinx brass would, due to its density/mass, over a period of time, inevitably, bear down too heavily on the LPs' vinyl grooves as well as the stylii/stylus, No? Aluminium seems OK but you would know better as to how it would sound in relative comparison withh brass/wood.
Therefore, I advocate that we give it a go with fiberglass (
its available in thickness upto 2", so, IMO, we need much less than that) SHEET first.
At the very face of it, this appears to be, not exactly a CNC-machining job, but more of a milling-cum-carving undertaking. Yet again, i may be wrong as I do not, yet, have an in-person idea of what is to be replicated.
Also, my very humble gift to you, your two logs of
Malaysian "LAL SAAL" aka 'red timber' (of approx 6" dia
X 6.25' length) meant for your speaker/amp stands, are lying with me at my place of work in the Punjab. I had got them transported from Darjeeling to Punjab with with household goods but to have them delivered to you in NCR, I shall have to get the pieces sawn to sizes of your desire.
Therefore, do tell me that size or, at least, do start thinking about it,
NOW.
I shall be getting back in Nov 4th week . . . . Will have those sawn pieces sent in a week after then.
However, what we need to do now/PRONTO is meet up soonest
(do get my braided AGB ['Alexander Graham Bell'] speaker cables along, if you're through with those ie) and finalise this/these aspects, Whatsay thou???
Looking forward eagerly to hearing from you at your earliest convenience . . .
Cheerio
Deep Regards
Aluminium is a popular mod btw and sonically seems to work- 
