Slovenia-based MK Analogue is best known for its MC transformers. The company has now also included a turntable element in its portfolio. The new DPU-103 is a reminder of the legendary elements of Ortofon and at the same time a tribute to the long-running Denon DL-103. The DPU-103 from MK Analogue aims to cultivate the virtues of the latter and enhance them sonically but also visually.
MK Analogue DPU-103
The walnut housing with the integrated spirit level immediately catches the eye. But it is the mix of real wood and metal that, according to manufacturer MK Analogue, is responsible for the excellent damping properties. A selected Denon DL-103 is mounted in a CNC-machined and anodized aluminum frame. This is screwed onto the integrated headshell, which in turn is surrounded by two CNC-manufactured walnut elements.
The special housing construction of the DPU-103 is intended to provide sonic benefits. According to the designers, the result is a more precise, contoured bass, more timbre and realism in the fundamental and midrange and improved fine dynamics and resolution. The core qualities of a Denon DL-103, i.e. its relaxed basic tuning, its great musicality and dynamics, should also be reflected in the DPU-103.
With a weight of 32 grams, the cartridge is made for heavy tonearms with an SME mounting. MK Analogue emphasizes that a Denon DL-103 only develops its full potential with a heavy arm. It goes without saying that the Slovenians recommend their own transformer SUT-1M to run the DPU-103, which, thanks to two transmission ratios (1:10 and 1:5) and matching resistors, is also a suitable playing partner for other elements.
The DPU-103 from MK Analogue has a suggested retail price of 980 euros. Existing Denon 103 systems can also be upgraded to a DPU-103, for a price of 730 euros.
