Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Denon

Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge

110th Anniversary MC Phono Cartridge

$599.00; $599.00
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Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge

Celebrating a Century of Audio Mastery with Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge

Denon marks its 110-year legacy in the realm of audio excellence with the release of the Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge. This limited edition masterpiece is not just a nod to the past but a testament to the enduring quality and innovation that audiophiles have come to expect from Denon. With only 1100 pieces available worldwide, the DL-A110 is a collector's gem that promises to elevate your home audio experience to concert hall levels of clarity and emotion.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Handcrafted in Shirakawa, Japan, the DL-A110 is the result of meticulous engineering and Denon’s unwavering commitment to quality. Each cartridge is assembled with the precision that only the hands of skilled artisans can achieve, ensuring that your listening experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Key Features and Specifications:

Anniversary Edition: 110th-anniversary limited edition, celebrating Denon's storied audio heritage.
Type: Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge, designed for low-to-mid output.
Output Voltage: 0.3 mV at 1 kHz, ensuring subtlety and power in every note.
Frequency Response: A wide range of 20 Hz to 45 kHz captures the full spectrum of sound.
Channel Separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz, allowing for a precise and immersive stereo image.
Tracking Force: Engineered for a range of 1.5-2.1g, with an optimal value of 1.8g for flawless playback.
Compliance: Dynamic compliance of around 14 cu at 10Hz, for smooth and accurate tracking.
Weight: A balanced 8.5g, designed to work harmoniously with a variety of tonearms.
Stylus: Microline diamond stylus for unparalleled precision.
Cantilever: Solid boron for robust yet delicate sound reproduction.
Mounting: Compatible with SME-type headshell mount for easy installation.
Body Material: Die-cast aluminum for durability and resonance control.
Headshell Material: Lightweight silver-graphite universal headshell for an optimal tonal balance.

Authentic Sound Reproduction

The Denon DL-A110 is the epitome of sonic fidelity. With its Moving Coil design, it captures the nuances and textures of your favorite vinyl records with an authenticity that bridges the gap between the listener and the original recording session. The cartridge's ability to deliver a sound that is both refined and full of character will make each listening session an intimate experience.

Soundstage and Tracking

Wide Soundstage: The DL-A110 extends the soundstage of your system, offering a concert-like atmosphere in the comfort of your own home.
Mono and Stereo Playback: Whether you’re spinning a vintage mono record or a modern stereo pressing, the DL-A110 handles both with grace and precision.
Smooth Tracking: The cartridge’s stylus and cantilever are designed to track the grooves of your records smoothly, reducing wear and preserving your collection.

Superior Materials for Supreme Sound

The DL-A110 doesn’t just sound exceptional—it’s built from the highest quality materials to ensure that it stands the test of time. The solid diamond stylus, boron cantilever, and die-cast aluminum body are all chosen for their acoustic properties and durability. This is a cartridge that is both a work of art and a precision instrument.

Robust Construction:

African Blackwood Body: Known for its density and fine texture, it contributes to a resonance-free sound.
Aluminium Cantilever: Offers a robust platform for the stylus, ensuring accurate signal generation.
Die-cast Magnesium Headshell: The lightweight and sturdy headshell enhances the cartridge’s tracking ability and overall sonic performance.

Easy Alignment and Compatibility

The DL-A110 is designed to be user-friendly, with a bold white line down the front for easy azimuth alignment, ensuring that you get the most accurate sound from your setup. It’s compatible with tonearms equipped with the bayonet fitting, medium-mass and heavier arms, and MM phono-stage, making it a versatile choice for many high-end audio systems.

Effortless Installation:

Mounting: Standard 1/2 inch mount for compatibility with a wide range of turntables and tonearms.
Headshell: Comes with a lightweight silver-graphite universal headshell that complements its design and performance.

Exquisite Presentation

Every aspect of the DL-A110 exudes luxury, right down to the packaging. Housed in a velvet-lined leather box, this phono cartridge is presented with the care and attention to detail that it deserves. Whether for yourself or as a gift for the audiophile in your life, the DL-A110 is an object of desire for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Packaging and Presentation:

Velvet-lined Leather Box: A testament to the premium nature of this anniversary edition cartridge.
Individual Testing Printouts: Ensures that each cartridge meets Denon’s rigorous standards for performance.

A Sound Investment

Investing in the Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge is not just about acquiring a piece of audio equipment; it's about owning a slice of history. As a celebration of Denon’s 110 years of innovation, this cartridge is a statement piece that will continue to deliver outstanding performance for years to come.

Experience the Denon Difference

At Dreamedia, we understand the significance of a superior audio experience. Our team is available to design a home theater system tailored to your preferences, integrating the Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge for an unmatched auditory journey. Trust us to bring the concert hall to your living room with Denon's century-long expertise and our personalized service.

Elevate Your Listening Experience

The Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge is more than just a component; it's the heart of your turntable setup, the key to unlocking the full potential of your vinyl collection. With its exceptional build quality, detailed sound reproduction, and luxurious presentation, the DL-A110 is an investment that rewards you with every note, every time.

Sound Investment Benefits:

High-quality Construction: Ensures longevity and consistent performance.
Wide Soundstage: Brings a live-concert feeling to your listening space.
Detailed Sound: Reveals the intricacies of your music collection.
Authentic Reproduction: Offers an experience as close to the original recording as possible.
Limited Edition: Exclusive and collectible, enhancing its value over time.

Ready to Immerse Yourself in Audio Perfection?

The Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge is available now, but with only 1100 pieces in existence, the opportunity to own this limited edition marvel won't last forever. Contact Dreamedia today to secure your piece of audio history and take the first step towards an elevated sound experience that only Denon can provide.

Our Review

Introduction

Celebrating a century and a decade of audio excellence, Denon introduces the DL-A110 Phono Cartridge, a testament to their longstanding innovation in the world of sound. This 110th-anniversary edition cartridge is not merely a collector's item but a showcase of Denon's commitment to providing audiophiles with an unparalleled listening experience.

Product Overview

The Denon DL-A110 stands out with its sleek design and the use of luxurious African blackwood for its body, which isn't just for aesthetics but also contributes to the acoustic performance. This cartridge is a nod to Denon's historic journey in the audio industry, encapsulating decades of research and development in a single piece of equipment.

Technical Specifications

At the heart of the DL-A110 lies a low-to-mid output Moving Coil (MC) design, optimized for precision and clarity. The aluminium cantilever and Microline diamond stylus are engineered for meticulous tracking and detail retrieval. A dynamic compliance of around 14 cu at 10Hz and a generous frequency response of 20-50,000 Hz indicate the cartridge's ability to handle nuanced audio reproduction with finesse.

Design and Build Quality

The African blackwood body is not only visually striking but also acoustically inert, minimizing unwanted resonances. The aluminium cantilever ensures that the Microline diamond stylus translates the grooves of vinyl records into detailed sound without coloration. The craftsmanship of the DL-A110, limited to 1100 pieces worldwide, speaks to its exclusivity and the durability expected from a centennial celebration piece.

Compatibility and Installation

The DL-A110 is versatile, designed to fit medium-mass and heavier tonearms with a bayonet fitting. It is also compatible with MM phono stages, broadening its appeal. However, the installation can be finicky due to its precise tracking force requirements and the challenge of aligning the cartridge due to its unlabeled pins and inconvenient mounting screw slots.

Sound Quality

Denon's DL-A110 is a sonic marvel, capable of reproducing a wide soundstage with air and silkiness that is rare in phono cartridges. Its ability to render music with grace and assurance across genres is impressive. The sound quality during the run-in period is remarkably good, and it only improves with use, offering an increased sound stage and a significant upgrade to the overall sound of a stereo system.

Performance

In performance tests, the DL-A110 consistently delivers smooth tracking and manages sibilance effectively. The high frequencies are clear and crisp without being overly bright, and the treble detail is commendable. The bass is strong and measured, while the open midrange brings forward a reasonable detail that contributes to a well-integrated and slightly lush sound.

Strengths of the DL-A110

The DL-A110's strengths lie in its high-quality construction, the authenticity it brings to music reproduction, and its robust performance even from the outset. The soundstage is expansive, and the cartridge's ability to deliver a charming and refined sound with a touch of warmth is a significant advantage for vinyl enthusiasts.

Limitations of the DL-A110

The cartridge's limitations are notable but not deal-breakers. The non-replaceable stylus means eventual whole cartridge replacement, and the low output voltage may require a volume boost. Precise adjustment of tracking force and the Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) can be cumbersome, and the mounting process can be a challenge for those with fixed headshell arms.

Value Proposition

Considering its features and performance, the DL-A110 sits at a price point that is justified by its limited edition status and the premium sound quality it offers. It rivals other high-end cartridges but stands out with its unique construction and historical significance.

User Experience

During my time with the DL-A110, the installation quirks were quickly overshadowed by the cartridge's performance. Feedback from the audiophile community echoes this sentiment, with many users celebrating the sound improvements brought to their vinyl listening sessions.

Final Thoughts

The Denon DL-A110 Phono Cartridge is a fitting tribute to Denon's 110 years of audio innovation. It's an excellent choice for audiophiles who appreciate a warm, detailed, and refined sound. While the cartridge demands careful setup, the aural rewards are substantial. This cartridge is a worthy investment for serious vinyl enthusiasts and a notable piece of Denon's storied audio legacy.

Specifications