Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Denon DL-304 Phono Cartridge by foomh@simedarby.com

Model:	DL-304
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$300
Description:	Low output moving coil
Manufacturer URL:	Denon

Review by foomh@simedarby.com on May 30, 2009 at 17:54:38
IP Address: 60.50.148.253 Add Your Review
for the DL-304

The last time this was covered was in 2001 I think so I thought it would be useful to do my review to keep all updated on this cart. Firstly the price is now USD429, on williamthakker site. I bought my unit from him and now its been about 15 hours of playing time. My previous carts for comparison were denon dl 103r, ortofon kontrapunkt a, mc1 turbo and mc15 super 2 and various mm's. The turntable system used in this review is my Technics SL1000, the sp10 mk2 in the obsidian base with epa100 arm.

First impressions was the huge improvement in detail and soundstage compared to the 103r, the immediate previous cart. But then came the excruciating break in time. During this break in period the highs were very sharp and etchy to the point of distortion. I checked and rechecked my settings but nothing wrong there. I think only reviewers walk away during this period but mere mortals like me can't wait to listen so we go through this period of wondering whether we did anything wrong or bought the wrong thing. Anyway we persist! and finally the sound started to change!. The details are now much smoother and no longer etchy and now float beautifully in the right place in the soundstage.
With about 15 hours, the bass is now noticeably deeper and tauter than the 103r and more importantly, notes which were not retrieved previously are now clearly heard! The sound is much clearer overall and vocal diction is more distinct. Words and phrasing are now delineated and it now takes no effort to hear the words being sung by my favourite vocalists such as carol kidd, diane schurr, ella, etc.
All aspects of sound reproduction seems better with this cart. I have mentioned a few aspects but improvements are also in dynamics, speed and and stereo depth. The dl 103r is a very highly regarded cart and there is nothing in this comparison to take anything away but at about USD100 more only, the 304 is way ahead and amply justifies its higher price. In terms of sound quality per dollar, the 103r is probably the starting benchmark but denon continues its value for money march with the 304 and in many aspects if your system justify a better cart, is a much better purchase!

A couple of caveats here. The 304 has an output on 0.18mv only vs the 0.25mv of the 103r. This may be a problem for some but in reality it translates to about 2 db difference only. I am using it through my EAR 834p and then to Promitheus TVC Signature and don't have any issue. I suspect the Promitheus TVC Signature is truly helping to let the clarity and details of the 304 shine through! Secondly the compliance is a 14, in my system is not a problem because of the epa 100mk2 variable loading feature. Some arms may have a problem but I have seen this cart mounted on the SL1200 stock arm with no problem! So propective buyeres should not worry too much! I mention it because many may fret over this needlessly but my writng this review is to highlight this wonderful cart which is priced for the real working people like most of us. (For the life of me, I cannot ever imagine buying a koetsu, or an airtight etc at USD3000 above and some at USD8000!)

For pride of ownership, this cart is a real gem literarily. Its in gold finish with very attractive side etchings. Looks real classy! Right now I am listening to Ella singing Cole Porter songbook on Verve and I am hearing every word with almost no effort. Her voice has never sounded so beautiful and the music never so right in timing and pace! Now I wonder what Denon top cart DL S1 can do! But the price is not so working class anymore!

Product Weakness:	None except perhaps hard to find
Product Strengths:	Musical, great price to quality ratio and appearance

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Mcintosh Mc402
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Promitheus Signature TVC
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics SL1000
Speakers: Magneplanar 3.6
Cables/Interconnects: acoustic zen silver reference 2, Satori
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, vocals, piano, guitar
Room Size (LxWxH): 35ft x 20ft x 15ft
Time Period/Length of Audition: 15
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Powerware regenerator
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Mcintosh Mc402
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Promitheus Signature TVC
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Technics SL1000
Speakers:	Magneplanar 3.6
Cables/Interconnects:	acoustic zen silver reference 2, Satori
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, vocals, piano, guitar
Room Size (LxWxH):	35ft x 20ft x 15ft
Time Period/Length of Audition:	15
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Powerware regenerator
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner