Replacing a Denon 103. Suggestions on a tight budget?

[nobody]

I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm OK for now. Actually finding an affordable original stylus for some of the finer Shure carts seems a tall order. I am curious about the Shures with the jico stylus that I've read people talk about, saying they retain the strength of the Shures with added detail. That does sound awfully tempting. I've always liked Shures I've heard mostly for the way they handle bass. Maybe someday.

[JohnMichael]

Have you checked out Soundsmith? They have a $150 retip using a nude elliptical stylus. I am not sure if your 103 is the model with the spherical stylus but a nude elliptical may kick up the performance. Between the lower tip mass and better groove tracing of the elliptical a hot rodded Denon might be the answer.