Denon DL110. Anyone using one?

[Floyddroid]

Been reading a bit about the Denon DL110. Is anyone here using one? I was wondering how well it stacks up against it's low output brethren? I have also read views that despite being high output it prefers the loading of a conventional MC phono stage. I would be interested to get some informed feedback here gents.

[walpurgis]

I've had a couple.

For the money you can't complain. It needs a heavyish arm to work best. I'd describe the sound as clear and musical with a reasonable helping of MC midrange, but it's not the last word in analysis or refinement. A sight better than the Sumiko BluePoint or Ortofon MC1 Turbo though.

The fairly similar and now discontinued high output DL-160 is rather better and my favourite high output MC. Good second hand examples are well worth looking out for.

You will get better results from decent low output MCs though. But you'd spend a fair bit more.

[struth]

Quite good cart but I prefer the old 160 personally. if you can get a nice one for under £100 then its worth trying, as you'll not lose much. Ive only tried it at 47k load so couldnt say re that

[Andrei]

Been reading a bit about the Denon DL110. Is anyone here using one? I was wondering how well it stacks up against it's low output brethren? I have also read views that despite being high output it prefers the loading of a conventional MC phono stage. I would be interested to get some informed feedback here gents.
I have one and rather like it. Excellent value for money. I don't use it though as I am now running a Low Output moving coil that produces more detail. At party time it's good to get the vinyl going so I use it then.

[DSJR]

'Choice compared the 110 and 160 directly and found naff-all difference, recommending the 110 as it was cheaper. I sold both but at different times so never compared them together. The 110's a totally safe bet for so many tonearms out there and although price has doubled in recent years (why, since it was around £70 for donkeys years?).

[walpurgis]

'Choice were mistaken then Dave. I've compared the DL-110 with the DL-160, which is slightly smoother sounding, a bit more open through the mid and much quieter on surface noise. I owned both MCs at the same time and made the comparison on several occasions.

Yes. it's hard to think of a Japanese cartridge that hasn't nearly doubled in cost over the last five or so years.

[struth]

Tracks better too, and is a nicer colour:eek:

[RichB]

Been reading a bit about the Denon DL110. Is anyone here using one? I was wondering how well it stacks up against it's low output brethren? I have also read views that despite being high output it prefers the loading of a conventional MC phono stage. I would be interested to get some informed feedback here gents.

Steve, I've got one. I use with an MM stage with no issues. I'm not using it at the moment so it's spare if you want a try/lend.

This one belonged to Grant before me. Works better on a Sumiko shell rather than my AT MG10

[struth]

Steve, I've got one. I use with an MM stage with no issues. I'm not using it at the moment so it's spare if you want a try/lend.

This one belonged to Grant before me. Works better on a Sumiko shell rather than my AT MG10

That was a nice one that...great nick and low hrs... I only have 2 carts now of note... some may say 1. lol

[Floyddroid]

Well bugger me young Brit. That would be handy. does it have bolts? I was wanting to give one a go as i have a feeling it may sound well with my Firebottle. As it happens i just happen to have a Sumiko headshell without a cartridge in it.
Steve, I've got one. I use with an MM stage with no issues. I'm not using it at the moment so it's spare if you want a try/lend.

This one belonged to Grant before me. Works better on a Sumiko shell rather than my AT MG10

[RichB]

Well bugger me young Brit. That would be handy. does it have bolts? I was wanting to give one a go as i have a feeling it may sound well with my Firebottle. As it happens i just happen to have a Sumiko headshell without a cartridge in it.

Think I've got suitable bolts for it like. Give me a call at the weekend and you can pop round. You're never actually heard my kit in situ have you.

[Zoidburg]

I have just bought a DL-110 as a stopgap really, will be using it with my firebottle plus (mm only) once it arrives. Ive never had a HOMC before so will be interesting to see what it does.

[Canetoad]

I use a DL160 on my Techie. I can't say how it compares with a LOMC because I've never used one. Sound wise I would like it to have a bit more bass drive. I have a DL103R ready to try over the Christmas break. Looking forward to a 10 day break and plenty of music. :)

[walpurgis]

I use a DL160 on my Techie. I can't say how it compares with a LOMC because I've never used one. Sound wise I would like it to have a bit more bass drive. I have a DL103R ready to try over the Christmas break. Looking forward to a 10 day break and plenty of music. :)

Experiment with a little added mass at the headshell. That'll likely beef the bass up a bit. A decent 'blob' of BluTak and a rebalance should be a start.

[cjm123]

I have a DL-110 on my Rega RP3. In the past I have used a Dynavector 10X5 and 2M Blue and Rega Exact 2. IMHO the DL-110 outperforms them all. It tracks really well and IGD is a non issue for me now. It has a well focussed soundstage and for me the most important thing is that it boogies so is great fun to listen to!:)

I reckon even at the current day prices it is a bit of a bargain.

[Floyddroid]

Think I've got suitable bolts for it like. Give me a call at the weekend and you can pop round. You're never actually heard my kit in situ have you.

I was going to come up today dude but I have been busy sorting storm damage. You working from home on Monday?

[DSJR]

Well worth looking on fleabay for sets of Allen bolts, nuts, washers etc.. After someone's taken the trouble to sort sets out and probably bought hundreds of each size, the total cost of less than a tenner for a set isn't obscene imo.

[337alant]

Steve
I am have both and prefer the DL160, I'm using it myself at present with my paradise phono stage and it sounds excellent.
You heard it before at my place in your Lenco

Alan

[Floyddroid]

Steve
I am have both and prefer the DL160, I'm using it myself at present with my paradise phono stage and it sounds excellent.
You heard it before at my place in your Lenco

Alan

I can remember hearing the dl110 Alan. But I can't recall hearing the DL160

[337alant]

Steve, Sorry yes, just had a look ath the picture of your Lenco and you are correct it was my DL110
I still prefer the DL160 though, better transperancy and refinement IMO

Alan

[Zoidburg]

I've had my 110 on for a few hours now and I'm not sure it's too my liking really. My initial impressions are that it's not as rich sounding as my 2500, it seems drier sounding especially in the bass though il admit it's got a pleasant midrange. Maybe it will take some getting used to.........or probably il have to think about a replacement stylus for the 2500 or something else entirely.

[karma67]

give it a bit of time to break in mate,i really liked it when i had one. :)

[walpurgis]

Did you try added mass? It won't do any harm.

[Zoidburg]

Did you try added mass? It won't do any harm.

I haven't, set it up as standard. How would I go about adding mass Geoff ?

[walpurgis]

There are weights made for this purpose, but a decent lump of BluTak stuck onto the top of the headshell and an arm rebalance should tell you if there's any reward in having more mass. I suspect the lowish compliance of the DL-110 could be restricting the amplitude of the stylus cantilever movement at low frequencies. A little mass could allow the stylus excursion to increase and bring the bass up in balance.

[Zoidburg]

Thanks Geoff, I will certainly experiment with that at some point. I'm due to have the arm off in a few weeks as I have a new arm lift to fit so that will be the time to try it. In the mean time il see if things improve as it breaks in maybe.

[Phil Bishop]

I like them, have used on both Rega and Technics turntables. Works fine into MM stages but you will need to up the gain if you can. Much preferred the Denon to Ortofon and Rega MM cartridges. Much better QC too with the Denon - experience with Ortofon and Rega cartridges has been very poor on the whole.

I know a couple of folk who have the Denon-110 fitted to the Rega RP3 and reckon it's a very sweet combination (as do I) :)

[Haselsh1]

Really didn't like my DL160 so it's unlikely I could recommend a DL110.

[Tony G]

I have liked the DL-110 a lot, but did find I preferred it with a 1K ohm load.

[jandl100]

I tried a DL110 because of its good reputation. I was seriously disappointed. Bland and meh, it did nothing for me at all. It was totally outclassed by the Dyna 10x5 I had at the time. Rather different price points, I know, but the 10x5 was worth every extra penny!

[Jimification]

I went from a 110 to a 10x5 (with an Arkless phono and a low-mid spec LP12) and, whilst I did notice an improvement, I felt it wasn't that great for 2 or 3 times the price. I really liked the 110. In fact I'd like to go back "down" to one at some point to see if I can really hear a downgrade.

[walpurgis]

Try this instead. It's definitely better than the DL-110.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-DL-160-High-Output-MC-Moving-Coil-Turntable-Record-Deck-Cartridge-Stylus-/262195109322?hash=item3d0c0bddca:g:AF4AAOSwk1JWcaw F