Denon DL-160 on a Mission 774 arm

[worrasf]

Anyone have experience of this combo?
I've just punted for a low hours DL-160 as I've fancied trying one for a while. I have a DL-103R in ParadoxPulse body which is possibly my favourite all rounder with a Tom Evans microgroove.

My only other HO MC is a Mission 773 which is really good with solo guitar, piano, jazz and blues but not so hot with faster/complex pieces where it tends to "let go" - having another HO MC means I don't have to swap out my Rothwell MC1-H/Simplex phono stage.

Steve

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[worrasf]

Well in answer to my own question it sounds bloody good


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[worrasf]

As no-one has bitten I'll fill the space

This is without doubt the most musical arm/cartridge combo I have had in my system (s). At only 4.8g the DL-160 is a great match with the 774 right in the middle of its 2 - 10g ideal range with standard counterweight. Tracking is exceptional on the HFN test disc.

It's sonically similar to my ParadoxPulse DL-103R but with a warmer midrange, more tuneful bass and less "glassy" top end. Soundstage is wider but placement not as precise. It sounds more "analogue" whereas the 103R can sound a bit "CD" although I guess you could equally substitute less and more revealing. Clearly, much of this may also be down to the different phono stages. Tom Evans microgroove built specifically for the 103R and Rothwell MC1-H/Headspace with the 160.

I think the 160 will be less fatiguing with extended listening. It's sublime with the likes of Einaudi. As an added Brucey Bonus cartridge height of the 106, 103R and Mission 773 are such that I don't need to adjust the pillar height on the 774 to get the correct VTF.

I'm so pleased with this 106 I'm going to look out for another as a spare. I was lucky to get this one with guaranteed less than 50 hours for under £180.



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[kininigin]

Lonely rounds these parts isn't it

No experience with the Denon's but glad you've found a winning combo. I think I will definitely try a Denon of some description at some point.

[walpurgis]

I have owned both the 774 and DL-160, but don't recall using the two together. The DL-160 is my favourite HO MC (so far), it's a sweet sounding thing.

Quite tempted to try the high output Goldring Eroica actually, as I get the impression it offers more of the same.

[struth]

I have owned both the 774 and DL-160, but don't recall using the two together. The DL-160 is my favourite HO MC (so far), it's a sweet sounding thing.

Quite tempted to try the high output Goldring Eroica actually, as I get the impression it offers more of the same.

i liked my 160 too.. a good tracker too

[worrasf]

i liked my 160 too.. a good tracker too

The only thing I've found that tracks better is my Decca Supergold - I'm loving the 160

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[Ian7633]

I know this is slightly off topic but I think it's worth mentioning. I've been using the Ortofon Quintet Black in my 774 for some time now and find it really works well. I was looking out for something else but I was offered a low hours QB so decided to give it a go. I haven't tried it up against a Denon yet as I'm very happy with the quick yet detailed delivery. A touch light in the bass department maybe but I really don't notice it now and I was changing from a 2M Black MM so it could have been the subtle change from MM to MC. I also ought to mention it was a doddle to set up especially after the 2M.