DenonDL-110 High Output Moving Coil Cartridge [Electronics]

I own quite a few cartridges. From mid range to high end moving magnet as well as moving coil cartridges. This cartridge is my only high output moving coil cartridge and it's a zinger. Honestly, I don't think you can find a better cartridge in this price range and it beats out many higher end carts. Was a bit boomy at first but within just a couple hours of break in, it smoothed out and the bass response became much tighter. It's on the lower end of a high output moving coil cartridge (1.6mV), so a decent phono pre-amp is a must. I am currently using an iFi Zen Phono 3 with the 48 dB gain setting and it's a beautiful match. Great detail, clean highs with no sibilance and a deep and tight low end with excellent mid range. The Zen is another Zinger that won't break the bank. You could get this cartridge and the Zen and spend the same as a different cartridge alone and get better performance. Cartridges like this sometimes make me wonder why I've spent $1k on other carts (sometimes...)

Once you buy one of these you will never go back! I have owned a Denon DL-110 since 2008. The stylus finally wore down to the point where I am getting more surface noise. I am so happy to see that they still make this, in 2025, it is one of Denon's Best Products. I love it so much I bought another. The frequency response is well above 50Khz using a computer spectrum analyzer. The stereo separation is excellent at all frequencies. But the best thing about it is its TRACKING CAPABILITY. Unlike many others, this cartridge can accurately track bongos, kick drums, and most importantly, percussion and "s" sounds. It doesn't have that hollowed out "expanded stereo" sound that some the audiophile cartridges do. Its ability to track at between 1.2 and 1.7 grams makes it ideal for transcribing records and first play of sealed records. It handles harsh vocals smoothly and doesn't produce that stylus sound that you typically get on ordinary cartridges. The stylus is also small enough that it plays the bottom of the groove rather than the upper edges. This reduces surface noise, but it improves one major thing. I have found that using a Denon DL-110 to play records that were beat up buy a jukebox or a record-eater ceramic cartridge console stereo, allows you to hear the portion of the groove that didn't wear out due to the heavy fat stylus. I have gotten excellent quality from records that have grooves that turned white from being worn by a 5 gram ceramic record eater. Yes, I had to vacuum the fine dust out of the record. but small rod-shaped diamond shaft allows you to play the bottom of the groove that wasn't destroyed.Denon tracks better than a Shure, blows away most Audio Technica, maintains excellent stereo separation and excellent frequency response and is an overall excellent value. I use a Yamaha A-500 or C-4 preamp, which has a moving coil function and an excellent signal to noise ratio, however, this has enough output to work on a standard phono preamp and you don't need an MC preamp, you may need to turn up the volume a little.My first DL-110 was mounted on a Yamaha P-500 direct drive straight arm table, later moved to an Pioneer PL-L800 linear tracker. This current purchase is for a Yamaha PX-3 linear tracker. These also sound great on a Denon DP-35 table which uses magnetic anti-skate and magnetic tracking force. However I have not been able to get that table to function.If you have kids, pets or are clumsy, the DL-110 is NOT for you as the stylus is not removable. They can be re tipped, but it will cost you almost as much as a new one. To prevent stylus damage, keep your record player at eye level. This helps prevent accidental damage. I have had mine since 2008 and have avoided damage. Proper use of lift arm and or automatic features also reduces the chance of damage. Most people that purchase these are experienced users of records. If this is your first time using a record player, start out with an inexpensive basic magnetic cartridge, and get used to the format before going to a moving coil cartridge.

I own moving coil cartridges 3 and 4 times more expensive, but I seem to come back to this old favorite. One thing I've learned through trial and error is, it's very finicky when it comes to tonearm height adjustment. If your arm is up too high, it becomes very bright. Adjusted low or even level it can be too bassy. The sweet spot is just a touch above level. Meaning, if I level out the tonearm, and add about a millimeter of height, it dials in perfectly. I go with the recommended 1.8g of tracking force, 47db, and adjusted anti-skate. This cart is very energetic and lively. It pairs well with classic, prog, and heavy metal rock. It also works well with acoustic, Americana and folk music. Pop and electronic music also sound great. It definitely has a unique sound signature, that produces solid punchy bass, clean mids, and sparkling clear highs. Unless you are strictly listening to jazz, there's not much this cart can't do. It's probably the best value in HOMC carts still on the market today.

Wow, I'm totally blown away by the sound of this cartridge and it's not even broken-in yet!The trebble is excellent, not over-exagerated like the Ortifon's and Audio Technica's that I was using.The midrange is just right voices sound so life-like and natural.If you like bass, you're in luck with this cartridge. The bass is forcefull, deep and punchy without being boomy.All three segments of the music spectrum, (Trebble, Midrange and Bass), are joined together beautifully! The blend is perfect!I installed the DL-110 HOMC on my (newly purchased from Amazon), Denon DP-3000ne Direct Drive turntable. It works perfectly on the tonearm, and was so easy to align and set up. Now I want to buy a second DL-110 HOMC from Amazon for my VPI Prime 21 turntable.If all this wasn't good enough, Amazon sells this cartridge as a direct Japan import at almost half the price you would have to pay if you bought the USA version from Denon USA. You just can't beat the deal.I'm very picky, and I am so happy with this purchase. Like I said, I'm thinking about buying a second DL-110 HOMC for my VPI Prime 21 turntable.Excellent cartridge. I highly it!

Absolutely loving the Denon DL-110 on my SL-1300G with the stock headshell. It tracks perfectly with no IGD, great channel separation, and a clean frequency response. Mids and highs are nicely forward without any fatigue, and the bass has a solid punch. What really stands out is how quiet it is. Low surface noise and no background hum, unlike the 540ML which picked up a lot of interference in my apartment. To me, it sounds better than the 540ML and is well worth it.

Wasn’t so great!!!! I played verses the ortofon blue no comparison the blue was much better the highs were washed out