Denon DL-110 MC cartridge

The Denon DL-110 MC cartridge has been on the market for over 35 years. It is the only high-output MC cartridge offered by the Japanese manufacturer.

DENON DL-110: TECHNOLOGY

The DL-110 aims to be a high-output version of the DL-103 MC cartridge. It maintains a simple design and incorporates some of its technology.

The output voltage is higher than a low-output MC cartridge, but still low at 1.6 mV. This low value requires an MM preamplifier with a minimum gain of 50 dB! A standard MM input on an integrated amplifier, which typically offers a gain of 38 to 40 dB, will not suffice for this cartridge.

The armature of the Denon DL-110 MC cartridge is placed in parallel magnetic fields. The coils are tightly wound around the armature, providing the high voltage when the moving assembly moves. The construction is perfectly symmetrical between the left and right channels.

The moving assembly is held by a short, thin piece of piano wire.

One of the main features of this system is that the stylus moves up and down and side to side without moving forward in the groove. This allows for the use of an optimal damper without considering the fulcrum point.

DENON DL-110: DIAMOND

The diamond used is very hard and durable. It is cut and mounted with the crystal orientation in mind, allowing the hardest part to contact the groove of the record.

This diamond features an elliptical profile mounted on a lightweight aluminum cantilever.

The optimal tracking force for the stylus is 1.8g with a tolerance of +/-0.3g.

It should be noted that the compliance of this cartridge is quite low for a high-output MC, so it requires a tonearm with an effective mass greater than 12g.

DENON DL-110: GENERATOR

A cross-shaped armature has been adopted to reduce the overall mass. The moving coils for the right and left channels are wound independently and symmetrically around the armature. This design provides good dynamic balance, minimal channel difference, and low sensitivity variation.

Each Denon DL-110 MC cartridge is still individually adjusted and finished by hand in Japan at the Shirakawa Audio Works factory.

DENON DL-110: TEST AND LISTENING

The upper spectrum is very clear and precise. It offers a lot of detail and enough refinement to avoid harsh or overly analytical playback.

The midrange is fairly restrained and relatively neutral. It is not exuberant and does not emphasize this part of the frequency range.

The bass is deep and very dynamic. The lows are delivered with a lot of conviction and presence, contributing to a fuller and more substantial sound.

The Denon DL-110 MC cartridge is an excellent high-output MC cartridge. It will be appreciated by music lovers looking for a refined and somewhat flattering playback with a touch of warmth in the recordings. However, it must be paired with a tonearm of medium effective mass and especially with an MM phono preamplifier with high gain.