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A Tale Of Two Budget Cartridges

184.98.56.41

Posted on April 18, 2017 at 19:53:12
AudioSoul
Audiophile

Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
Joined: July 9, 2005

Several months ago I decided I needed to simplify my system. I was tired of modifying, improving and tweeking vintage equipment. My new/ not so new vinyl playback system is a Pro-Ject "The Classic" turntable, Counterpoint SA-1000 hybrid preamp, Forte 1a class A amp and Monitor Audio Bronze Six tower speakers. The two cartridges in question are a Denon DL-110 high output MC and a Shure M97xE cart. with LPgear Vivid Line stylus.
This evaluation is based on two LP's that I am very familiar with, Shelby Lynn "Just A Little Lovin" for female voice and Ray Brown, L. Almeida, "Moonlight Serenade" direct to disc. If you are into 3D holographics the Dl-110 is for you. Not as good as the better MC carts. but better than the Shure. The DL-110 is a little thinner sounding than the Shure. On female voice the Shure seems to ad just a tad chestiness to Shelby's voice. However, the Shure has more body and weight to the music which sounds more natural to me. The Bass on the Denon is a little more defined than the Shure but the Shure goes deeper and to me sounds more realistic. Not a scientific test but should give you the jist of what these two cartridges are capable of. I could live with either one. I just prefer the Shure with Vivid Line stylus...

 

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RE: Great comparison, posted on April 19, 2017 at 08:56:21
ydavid
Audiophile

Posts: 194
Joined: December 14, 2005
Thanks for posting.

 

I compared a stock new M97xE with a DL-110 and much preferred the Denon., posted on April 20, 2017 at 15:34:27
Opus 33 1/3
Audiophile

Posts: 4184
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: February 19, 2014
The upgrade stylus on the Shure must make the difference.





Opus 33 1/3

 

RE: A Tale Of Two Budget Cartridges, posted on April 20, 2017 at 17:34:15
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
The DL110 wants to run a little lower VTA for a good balance and at its recommemded max VTF at the very least , get it right and its an excellent performer ...

 

Vivid line stylus.., posted on April 21, 2017 at 09:34:20
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: April 14, 2009
IS surprisingly good. Happy with mine.

 

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