Denon DL-110

The Denon DL-110 is a high-output moving coil cartridge that connects directly to an MM phono input. It offers the detail of an MC cartridge without needing an MC preamplifier or step-up transformer.

Moving coil without limits

The DL-110 opens the world of moving coil cartridges to listeners who until now assumed that such an upgrade also means changing preamplifier. Denon, which has been making turntable cartridges for more than six decades, designed it to combine the detail of MC technology with the ease of a cartridge that connects to almost any system, with no additional components or cost.

Hand-made in Japan

The DL-110 is still made by hand at Denon's Shirakawa Audio Works factory in Japan. Hand assembly provides the fine precision demanded by the tiny coils and the alignment of the stylus.

Light and compact

Weighing just 4.8 g, the DL-110 is noticeably lighter than the classic cartridges of the 103 series. This broadens its compatibility with the tonearms of most modern turntables, from simple to more advanced models, making it an easy upgrade for many existing set-ups.

Sonic character

The cartridge retrieves a great deal of information from the groove, with a good sense of rhythm and a balanced tonal character. Music sounds lively and well organised without becoming tiring over long sessions.

Tuned by the sound master

Every unit passes the sonic check of Denon's sound master before it reaches the shelf. Performance therefore stays consistent from unit to unit and worthy of the company's long tradition in turntable cartridges.

High-output technology

Most moving coil cartridges deliver a very low signal that calls for a dedicated gain stage. The DL-110 takes a different approach: it keeps the light moving assembly of an MC but produces a strong enough signal to drive an ordinary MM phono input comfortably. Its design relies on carefully chosen materials and geometry.

1.6 mV output

With an output voltage of 1.6 mV at 1 kHz and an output impedance of 160 Ω, the DL-110 works with the majority of phono inputs. This level is high enough for an MM input without a step-up transformer or a dedicated MC preamplifier.

Elliptical nude diamond

The stylus has a special elliptical tip of solid nude diamond, mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The elliptical profile makes closer contact with the groove walls and reads fine modulations more accurately, particularly towards the inner grooves of the record.

Wide response

Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 45 kHz. Channel separation exceeds 25 dB at 1 kHz and channel balance is better than 1 dB, for a stable stereo image with clearly placed instruments.

Copper coils

Copper coils accurately convert the movement of the stylus into an electrical signal. The high output is achieved without sacrificing the delicacy and speed of response that characterise a moving coil design, which makes a real difference in micro-dynamics.

Installation and matching

The DL-110 is one of the most flexible MC cartridges when it comes to fitting into an existing system. Whether you are upgrading the cartridge on a turntable with a built-in preamplifier or pairing it with a standalone phono stage, its requirements are simple and clear. A few basic steps are enough for it to perform at its best from the first listen.

Connecting to an MM input

The recommended load impedance is 47 kΩ, the standard value for MM inputs. The DL-110 can therefore connect directly to an amplifier's phono input or to a built-in turntable preamplifier that accepts MM cartridges.

Tracking force

Tracking force ranges from 1.5 to 2.1 g, with a typical value of 1.8 g. Set it with a precision gauge and check alignment with a protractor for correct tracing and even wear. The lighter force compared with the 103 series cartridges is also kind to your records.

Medium mass tonearms

A dynamic compliance of 8 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz and its low weight make it suitable for tonearms of medium effective mass. It fits with a standard two-screw mount, and the box includes screws, nuts, a screwdriver and a cleaning brush.

A first step into MC

For many listeners it is the simplest way to discover the sound of moving coil, with room for future upgrades. If you later acquire a preamplifier with an MC input, the DL-110 will continue to perform just as well, since it supports both input types.