So, it’s been around 50 hours with my new Denon DL-301II. So I feel like it’s about time for a quick review. What I can say about this cart from my exciting DL-110 is that it’s completely different. Like my DL-110 I love it, I love it a lot.

DL-110 produced sound with coloration that I can truly live with. I do not have any personal experience with exotic carts so I cannot say too much, but I believe every audio gear have their own sound/characteristics/color. To me the 301 has more neutral sound than any carts I’ve played with. Since this is my very first go with a low output MC cart, I cannot comment against others. But I dont feel a need for that, since I’m enjoying my music. As I mentioned, this is my first LO MC cart, I never had a need to use my MC output on my VTL TP-2.5. I did fool around with it with my old carts, but never properly. I noticed quite a bit of noise from my phono pre, but after playing around with different cables and placements everything is just the way I like it. I would like to upgrade it to Sutherland Ph3D, EAR 834P, or others. But at this point, I would like to spend my money on vinyl that I’m ecstatic about.

Every since I acquire my new CD/SACD player, I discovered that CDs actually sound REALLY good. I’m not buying everything vinyl, just because I got my great sounding cart. Too me, older recordings will ALWAYS sound better on vinyl but not newer recordings. For newer albums, I will pick them up on a CD or LP all depending on what kinda mood I’m in(assuming SACD is not available). But since I love Jazz from 50s and 60s, I couldn’t be happier with my new DL-301mk2.

I don’t think I can truly recommend this cart for everyone, but if you think you can relate to some of the stuff that I say, then you should at least consider this on the list of carts you will be purchasing in a near future.

specification
·Stylus Type: 0.07mm x 0.1mm special elliptical solid diamond configuration.>
·Frequency Response: 20 Hz. - 60 kHz.
·Output Voltage: 0.40 mV per channel at 1 kHz.; 5 cm./sec. peak recorded velocity. Output from each channel within 2 dB.
·Channel Sensitivity Difference: 1dB or less.
·Channel Separation: 28db or more
·Recommended tracking force: 1.2 to 1.6 grams
·Compliance: 13 x 10-6cm/dyne (100Hz).
·Output Impedance: 33 ohms.
·Net Weight: 6.0 grams.
·Mounting: Standard 1/2" (12.7mm) Mounting Centers.

oh and one more thing....


J-Murda