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Phono Cartridge

Audio-Technica VMN40ML vs Denon DL-110

Audio-Technica VMN40ML

Audio-Technica VMN40ML

29 reviews

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Denon DL-110

40 reviews

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Great improvement in sound quality and detail

Exceptional instrument separation and vocal enhancement

Can transform older secondhand records

Compatible with Audio-Technica cartridges that require this specific stylus

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 compatible with all turntables/cartridges

Expensive compared to other options on the market

Some users have had issues with the product arriving damaged or not working properly

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 VMN40ML microline stylus receives mixed reviews. Many users praise the improved sound quality and detail, while others have had issues with the product arriving damaged or not working properly. Some users also note that the stylus is expensive compared to other options on the market. However, for those with Audio-Technica cartridges that require this specific stylus, it is a necessary 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.

Cartridge Type

Biggest step up I’ve made!

I recently switched to this cartridge as I’d read lots of glowing reviews - and I’m glad I did! It’s astonishing how much more detail I can hear on my records now. It’s completely transformed some of my older secondhand records - they sound new again; even IGD has gone from my rock albums. The sound quality is worth every penny – and it’s rated to more hours than my old elliptical. Fantastic

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

Sound Quality

verified even better replacement for stylus in discontinued AT-440mla cartridge

The effect it produced was it seemed the "bright" character of the original AT-440mla was tamed a bit, which is a good thing. Having tried many combos, for a very reasonable price, nothing beats the superb Technics SL-1500C DD turntable and AT-440mla cartridge body with VMN40ML stylus duo. All other overpriced belt-drives and elliptical styli with their grating hateful IGD pale in performance comparison, IMHO.

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

Soundstage

Big improvement over bonded elliptical, 0 sibilance

The improvements are: 0 sibilance, less surface noise, very little inner grove distortion (0 distortion elsewhere), punchier extended bass, less harsh treble with more micro-detail. Sound profile is analytical neutral with a touch of brightness, and excellent soundstage/separation. Line contact styli are said to be difficult to set up, but I got good results by just doing a Baerwald alignment without VTA/azimuth tuning. The AT100E + VMN40ML (essentially a VM540ML) is on a Technics S-arm direct drive, with 2

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

Frequency Response

Great performance for the price.

The frequency response and output is phenomenal! My original stylus was damaged from a nasty piece of hair on an old record. Even though I cleaned the hair off the sound reproduction was never the same. I am pretty sure that I added to the damage of the original stylus with my finger. My Bad

Very disappointing.

The popping went away in Phono, so I figured no big deal, swapped to Phono and: Issue 2: So. Much. Treble. If I were to graph it: 2/10 on bass, 0/10 on mid, 11/10 on treble

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