Denon DL-S1 & DL-340: 2 or 4 mounting screws?

[Jimbo]

I have heard Marco's and it is not a cartridge I could forget easily

What do you think of it Steve?

[worrasf]

I have heard Marco's and it is not a cartridge I could forget easily

What do you think of it Steve?

It's quite simply the "best" sounding cartridge I have ever owned/heard (and I've had a fair few) James always admitting that what's one man's meat etc etc...
It has the "house sound" of the DL-103 series with all the drive and musicality but adds finesse and poise and low bass control the DL-103 hints at. It tracks like a demon at the recommended 1.5g - I use only a whisker of anti-skate (I subscribe to the Sounsmith method here).
Imaging is rock solid and the soundstage is huge. It's the most realistic sound I have personally heard from a vinyl replay. Totally unfatigueing for extended listening.
It repays psychotic levels of attention to detail when setting up. It's a cinch to get it almost right when it sounds great - but a few minor adjustments to get bang on and it's "jaw dropping" in it's realism.
It also needs a very good SUT (or headamp). I am using a Denon AU-S1 and it's perfect (they are designed to partner each other) - it was bloody good with my previous Denon AU-302 but the S1 is better (it darn well should be at the price).

I recently bought a Paradox Pulse DL-103R (http://www.paradoxpulse.com) as a back up to the S1 and while the PP is arguably the best 103R variant I have heard (including my beautiful hand built malachite body NWA one) it lacks the refinement and low-level detail of the S1. Having said that, I reckon if I'd never heard an S1 I'd be more than happy to live with the Paradox Pulse -it's that good.

I was using the DL-S1 in a Isokinetik Silver Melody 'shell but have just sourced and bought a beautiful Denon PCL-300 which should be a much better match so I've boxed it up and put the Paradox pulse back until it arrives. How's that for self control?

In short, if you are "into" the Denon house sound the DL-S1 is the pinnacle. I was super-lucky to find mine almost mint (boxed with all papers) from a seller in Norway for £400 - they are currently going for over £1000. If you do go for one my advice is to ensure it is "stock" (no fancy cantilevers/styli etc).

Steve

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. As i mentioned I have heard Marco's DL S1 and can confirm everything you have said about it. The paradox pulse 103 would probably be an easier cartridge to obtain but the DL S1 is the my aim. Getting hold of a stock good one is like finding hens teeth!

[worrasf]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. As i mentioned I have heard Marco's DL S1 and can confirm everything you have said about it. The paradox pulse 103 would probably be an easier cartridge to obtain but the DL S1 is the my aim. Getting hold of a stock good one is like finding hens teeth!

Hi James
I see from your signature your kit is not so dissimilar to mine (Croft 25RS/ 7 mono blocks) - Epos M22i's so I would reckon the S1 would sound pretty similar.

I can recommend Samurai Audio (www.samuraiaudio.com) as a possible source for a stock DL-S1. I've bought a few things from him and been very pleased.
Steve

[Jimbo]

Hi James
I see from your signature your kit is not so dissimilar to mine (Croft 25RS/ 7 mono blocks) - Epos M22i's so I would reckon the S1 would sound pretty similar.
Steve

That's what I was thinking Steve

[Ali Tait]

Great cart the DL S1, I have one tucked away. :-)

It is very picky regarding set up though, as said, the rewards are well worth it.

[oldius]

I am the guilty party who first played a DL-S1 to Marco! I had it mounted in an Origin Live Conqueror tonearm on a slate plinthed Goldring G99 with an upgraded bearing; it was some deck!

I upgraded from a Denon 304, a cartridge I also rate. The DL-S1 is effectively a more refined version of that cartridge. That means it is exceptionally well balanced across the frequency range. The big strength of the DL-S1 is its beautifully nuanced treble detailing. It digs a huge amount of information from the groove but is never harsh. I sold it because I had a slight preference for the Audio Technica Art-1. I would have either as my forever cartridge and they remain the two best cartridges I have heard, and that includes high end Koetsu, Kiseki, Goldbug, VDH, Ortofon and AN models.

[paulf-2007]

I've been tempted myself and there's a new unused one on eBay for £1200 ish in the uk. As I've said before unless my Shure ultra 500 dies I've no real need for anything else. I suspect the cost of the cart and quality sut wouldn't justify any minute improvement over the Shure. I can say that with confidence as I've heard some top notch ( top price ) carts in top quality arms on high end turntables, i.e. IO gold, koetsu and they've always left me underwhelmed tbh.