You're getting the wrong idea about this . Anyway , it's not ruby , more sapphire, but I agree they're similar . I would say the lack of 'hi-fi' ness of the Denon is most likely due to its Alnico magnets . I'm hoping the lighter ( stiffer ) cantilever and better ( although this is debatable ) diamond will give the 103R some extra finesse in the treble, without losing the midrange magic and presence . The Dyna XX-1L after all , has modern-style cantilever (boron) and stylus but has much of the same charm of the Denon but with more of everything, without sounding 'hi-fi' . If you want a good example of 'HiFi' , try the 17D2...
As far as I'm aware , Ed , the 103 normal and the 103R have the same stylus, these days . There's oodles of info on the different types if you search on Vinyl asylum . Someone has a gallery of about 20 variants .
That's enough for now ..
MJRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site