3mm Spacer / Shock Absorber / Weight for DENON DL 103 Series Cartridge made of Cocobolo Wood

3mm Spacer / Shock Absorber / Weight  for DENON DL 103 Series Cartridge made of Cocobolo Wood

A spacer made of Cocobolo wood used with a Denon DL-103 subtly shapes the cartridge’s tonal character and mechanical resonance behavior. While spacers are primarily used to adjust vertical tracking angle (VTA) or increase mass, the material can also influence micro-resonance and timbre. Cocobolo, being a dense, oily, and tonally rich tropical hardwood, adds a touch of warmth and musicality to the DL-103’s sound.

🪵 Cocobolo Wood — Material Characteristics

• Density: High (~1.1 g/cm³), but slightly less than ebony or panzerholz

• Resonance: Well damped, but not completely dead — allows some harmonic richness

• Tone: Warm, vibrant, and smooth with organic overtones

• Used in high-end acoustic guitars, clarinets, and premium audio bodies

🔊 Sonic Effect of a Cocobolo Spacer on Denon DL-103

🎧 Subjective Sound Impression

Using a Cocobolo spacer with a DL-103 results in a presentation that feels:

• More emotionally engaging and less clinical

• Slightly romantic in midrange — particularly nice for vocals and acoustic instruments

• Smoother and more forgiving of less-than-perfect recordings

• Slightly less “snappy” than carbon or metal spacers, but more soulful

⚖️ Spacer Mass and Thickness

• Most Cocobolo spacers weigh around 2–4 grams, depending on thickness (~2–3 mm)

• Added mass can be beneficial for resonance tuning on lighter headshells

• Works well to adjust VTA especially with taller wood bodies or thick records

✅ Best Use Cases

Use a Cocobolo spacer with Denon DL-103 if you:

• Want a touch of warmth and body added to the DL-103's neutral-to-dynamic character

• Use a tonearm or system that feels a bit too dry, cold, or sharp

• Listen to jazz, vocals, chamber music, or classic rock

• Appreciate a musical, textured presentation over pure analytical detail

🆚 Compared to Other Spacer Materials

🔧 Tip:

If your DL-103 is already body-modified (wood shell), combining it with a Cocobolo spacer may add even more warmth and richness, so consider system synergy to avoid over-warming.