What is Looria?Sign up

Phono Cartridge

Audio-Technica AT85EP vs Denon DL-110

Audio-Technica AT85EP

Audio-Technica AT85EP

40 reviews

View Product Details

Upgrade Pick

in Phono Cartridge

Denon DL-110

40 reviews

View Product Details

Great value for the price

Solid choice for upgrading from a stock cartridge

Good sound quality

Compatible with a wide variety of upgrade styli

Easy to install

Great value for its price range

Adaptable to different genres and turntables

Brings out more detail in records

Highly recommended for its compatibility and sound quality

Not as high quality as more expensive options

Some reviewers had difficulty with installation

Some reviewers suggest pairing with a higher-end stylus for even better performance

Not tracking well on some HiFi News test tracks

Some users have experienced a harsh edge in the sound

May require adjustments to preamp settings for optimal performance

Verdict

Overall, the Audio-Technica AT85EP is highly recommended by reviewers as a budget-friendly option for turntable cartridges. Many reviewers note that it provides good sound quality for its price and is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade from a stock cartridge. Some reviewers suggest pairing it with a higher-end stylus for even better performance. While some reviewers mention other turntable options, they generally agree that the AT85EP is a good starting point for those on a budget. Installation can be a bit tricky, but overall, reviewers are satisfied with their purchase.

Verdict

The Denon DL-110 is a highly recommended cartridge for its compatibility and sound quality. It is a great upgrade from stock cartridges and brings out more detail in records. It is adaptable to different genres and turntables, but may require adjustments to preamp settings. Some users have experienced issues with tracking and a harsh edge in the sound. Overall, it is a great value for its price range and a popular choice among audiophiles.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

It’s perfect, except for one thing...

First, I want to say this cartridge sounds really good, considering the low cost. I’m very happy, it was a perfect, easy swap for my late model Pioneer tt. I’ve been looking for a viable replacement, as it’s getting harder and harder to buy replacement styluses with any kind of quality control for my old cartridge. So, in terms of value, sound quality, and ease of installation, this model is a great solution

I've been wanting to upgrade to an MC cartridge for awhile and the opportunity recently presented itself via a NIB Denon DL-110 from Japan at an affordable price. My fears that my Musical Fidelity V90-LPS would have insufficient gain to drive it were immediately proven to be unfounded as I'm able to obtain a comfortable listening level at about 11 o'clock on the dial on my Cambridge Audio 640A amplifier. First impressions are very good, considering that the cart hasn't even begun to break in yet. It's already an improvement over my 2M Blue and Nagaoka MP-110 which were my top MM carts in my collection

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

Cartridge Type

Help restoring Technics SL-D20

For the cartridge, the best starting point these days is going to be the Audio-Technica AT85EP. That will sound quite good on its own (it's on equal footing with things like the A-T VM95E, Ortofon 2M Red, and Sumiko Rainier), and if and when you want to upgrade later on, the cartridge body is compatible with a wide variety of upgrade styli including line contact profiles like MicroLine and Shibata.

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

Good but a bit harsh

I used this cartridge in the latest Rega RP3, NAD 350, HD650, very clear but with a harsh edge. I am now using a Grado Reference Platinum 2, which is as clear as the Denon but smoother. The Denon is very good but a bit aggressive. My preference is the Grado

Soundstage

Solid unit that delivers

It delivered great separation on this Technics linear tracking turntable I saved from a terrible fate. It will go easy on good vinyl. Decent buy. AND when the stylus wears out, put another in without having to replace the whole cartridge

Just wonderful sounding

My Blue Point slurred the S's and the Audio Technica cartridge on my Technics SL-1700 also was very sibilant. The Denon reproduces the S's very sharply with no overt sibilance. Dropping the needle on Micheal Jackson's Billy Jean from "Thriller", another track that give cartridges issues, played very well. The sound stage width is very nice, too

QUICK QUESTION!

Got an opinion on a product you've used?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write an authentic longevity review about the product and share your experience with our community. You'll have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

You might also like

More Alternatives

Nagaoka MP-150

Grado Black3

Grado Prestige Gold3

Grado Prestige Gold3

Audio-Technica AT95E

Audio-Technica AT95E

Denon DL-110

Nagaoka MP-110

More Alternatives