3mm Spacer / Shock Absorber / Weight for DENON DL 103 Series Cartridge made of Ebony Wood
3mm Spacer / Shock Absorber / Weight for DENON DL 103 Series Cartridge made of Ebony Wood
3mm Spacer / Shock Absorber / Weight for DENON DL 103 Series Cartridge made of Ebony Wood
A spacer made of Ebony wood for the Denon DL-103 introduces subtle but sonically beneficial changes due to ebony’s unique combination of high density, stiffness, and natural damping. While a spacer’s primary role is mechanical (adjusting vertical tracking angle or adding mass), the material's resonance behavior significantly influences the cartridge’s tonal presentation.
🎵 Ebony Wood Spacer: Sonic Character with DL-103
Aspect | Effect with Ebony Spacer |
---|---|
Tone | Slightly darker and more organic, with a subtle warmth |
Bass | Fuller and weightier; more "floor" in low-end tones |
Midrange | Smoother, slightly rounded — great for vocals and strings |
Treble | Softened transients, less edge or glare, non-fatiguing highs |
Soundstage | Slightly more spacious, with a deeper front-to-back layering |
Resonance Damping | Excellent — ebony absorbs micro-vibrations very effectively |
🧠 Subjective Listening Impressions
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The sound feels anchored and rich, especially in the low-mids and bass
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There’s an impression of greater musicality — especially good with analog, acoustic, or jazz recordings
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Compared to a carbon or aluminum spacer, less analytical, more emotional
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Backgrounds are quieter, leading to improved contrast and subtle detail
⚖️ Physical Properties of Ebony as Spacer
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High density: typically ~1.1 g/cm³ — adds a small amount of mass (~2–3g depending on size)
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Hard and stiff, yet with natural internal damping
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Typically 1–3 mm thick — ideal for raising VTA on short-bodied cartridges like the DL-103
🆚 Compared to Other Spacer Materials:
Material | Tone | Damping | Mass | Character |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ebony | Dark, smooth | ★★★★★ | Medium-High | Rich, full-bodied, grounded |
Carbon | Neutral, fast | ★★★★☆ | Low | Tight, analytical, clear |
Cocobolo | Warm, vibrant | ★★★★☆ | Medium | Musical, lively |
Panzerholz | Dry, super-tight | ★★★★★ | High | Controlled, very revealing |
Aluminum | Bright-neutral | ★★☆☆☆ | Low | Fast, but potentially harsh |
✅ Ideal Use Cases
Choose an ebony wood spacer with Denon DL-103 if:
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Your system is a bit lean or overly analytical — ebony adds warmth and depth
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You prefer a natural, relaxed sound, especially for analog-heavy listening
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You want a musical presentation with excellent flow and realism
📝 Summary:
An ebony wood spacer enriches the DL-103's tonal character, offering better bass weight, smoother mids, and refined treble, while preserving clarity. It’s a superb choice for those who value natural warmth, musicality, and resonance control without sacrificing precision.
Product features
Product features
Materials and care
Materials and care
Merchandising tips
Merchandising tips
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