Denon DL-110 on order

newbie308

Slowly, over the past few years, I have been improving my system. Recently I took the plunge into tube amplification (EL-34 integrated), and in doing so, I managed to replace everything but my speakers (SDA1A's) and my turntable (Technics sl1200 mkII). In fact, even the turn table is not the same due to a KAB power supply, Cardas tone arm wires, a record clamp, Isolation feet, and an acrylic mat. The integrated amp required an external phono stage, and I filled that need with a Hagerman Bugle and power supply. My hearts desire would be a Jolida JD9, but that too will have to wait. Besides, I have no complaints about the Hagerman Bugle. It sounds fantastic, and it is very quiet unlike the Dynaco PAS3 it replaced. So, I have always wanted to hear for my self what a MC cartridge can do, especially after reading all of the reviews here and elsewhere. I would love to take the plunge and get a Low output MC cartridge and SUT, but that is simply not something I can do right now. The Denon DL-110 is very affordable, and from what I have read, an excellent performing cartridge for the price. With the DL-110 I hope that I can get some of the MC cartridge benefits without the added expense of a SUT. The other cartridged that I have been using are the Grado prestige blue, the Azden YM-P20E, and a Shure M97XE. Of those three, my current favorite is the Grado, but I noticed that it and the Azden produce a humming noise as they approach the motor on the SL1200. From what I understand, this will not be the case with a MC cartridge?

Erik Tracy

newbie308 wrote: »

Slowly, over the past few years, I have been improving my system. Recently I took the plunge into tube amplification (EL-34 integrated), and in doing so, I managed to replace everything but my speakers (SDA1A's) and my turntable (Technics sl1200 mkII). In fact, even the turn table is not the same due to a KAB power supply, Cardas tone arm wires, a record clamp, Isolation feet, and an acrylic mat. The integrated amp required an external phono stage, and I filled that need with a Hagerman Bugle and power supply. My hearts desire would be a Jolida JD9, but that too will have to wait. Besides, I have no complaints about the Hagerman Bugle. It sounds fantastic, and it is very quiet unlike the Dynaco PAS3 it replaced. So, I have always wanted to hear for my self what a MC cartridge can do, especially after reading all of the reviews here and elsewhere. I would love to take the plunge and get a Low output MC cartridge and SUT, but that is simply not something I can do right now. The Denon DL-110 is very affordable, and from what I have read, an excellent performing cartridge for the price. With the DL-110 I hope that I can get some of the MC cartridge benefits without the added expense of a SUT. The other cartridged that I have been using are the Grado prestige blue, the Azden YM-P20E, and a Shure M97XE. Of those three, my current favorite is the Grado, but I noticed that it and the Azden produce a humming noise as they approach the motor on the SL1200. From what I understand, this will not be the case with a MC cartridge?

I can't speak for all MC cartridges, but my set up is an SL1200mkII, stock, but with a clamp and some isolation feet, and I run the DL-160.

Dead quiet....

newbie308

That is what I want! I can't wait. Thanks!

SCompRacer

Congrats on the Denon DL-110!

You may get more tonal richness out of a LOMC due to the lower mass but you can also invite more noise due to the high amplification required to amplify a .3mV signal. ~44dB gain for an MM stage compared to 50-60dB or greater with a LOMC stage.

pumpkinman

Prices for Denon carts are very reasonable at Comet supply

http://www.cometsupply.com/?mn=DENON

newbie308

pumpkinman wrote: »

Prices for Denon carts are very reasonable at Comet supply

http://www.cometsupply.com/?mn=DENON

I am fortunate in that I have a friend who is "in the business". He was able to get me a killer deal on this cartridge, but thanks for the Comet supply link.

newbie308

Keiko,
I would love to hear something from Dynavector, but for now the Denon is what the budget will allow. I installed the DL-110 last night, and WOW! I can only imagine what the Dynavector must sound like! I plugged in some 10k ohm resistors in parallel with the 47k to lower the impedance of the preamp to about 8k and I'm in heaven! I can listen to this for hours! The sound stage definition is unbelievable. The difference was evident when listening to "Led Zeppelin In through the out door - All my love". I could visualize Robert plant standing front and center and John Bono just behind him. John Paul Jones was to the left and back a bit on the organ, and somewhere off to the right I could hear the soft tingle of chimes. It was the chimes that caught my attention because I don't recall ever hearing them before last night. I read that the SQ improves after about ten hours, so I am very happy and totally looking forward to re experiencing my vinyl collection!

Erik Tracy

newbie308 wrote: »

Keiko,
I would love to hear something from Dynavector, but for now the Denon is what the budget will allow. I installed the DL-110 last night, and WOW! I can only imagine what the Dynavector must sound like! I plugged in some 10k ohm resistors in parallel with the 47k to lower the impedance of the preamp to about 8k and I'm in heaven! I can listen to this for hours! The sound stage definition is unbelievable. The difference was evident when listening to "Led Zeppelin In through the out door - All my love". I could visualize Robert plant standing front and center and John Bono just behind him. John Paul Jones was to the left and back a bit on the organ, and somewhere off to the right I could hear the soft tingle of chimes. It was the chimes that caught my attention because I don't recall ever hearing them before last night. I read that the SQ improves after about ten hours, so I am very happy and totally looking forward to re experiencing my vinyl collection!

Source: Technics SL1200MKII Grado Blue cartridge

You now need to update your signature! :cheesygrin:


Congrats!

newbie308

Erik Tracy wrote: »

You now need to update your signature! :cheesygrin:


Congrats!

Done and done! Thanks for reminding me!:redface:

mhardy6647

Suffice it to say: I likes me some Denon [LO] MC sound :-)