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Phono Cartridge

Denon DL-110 vs Ortofon 2M Blue

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Denon DL-110

40 reviews

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Ortofon 2M Blue

Ortofon 2M Blue

73 reviews

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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

Great sound quality

Higher output

Easy to install

Can improve overall listening experience

Well-suited for budget preamps

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

Not suited for those who prefer a warmer sound

May take some time to break in

Some users feel it lacks mid-range

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.

Verdict

Overall, the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge receives mostly positive reviews, with many users praising its sound quality and higher output. Some users note that it may take some time to break in and that it can be a bit bright or harsh for their taste. However, there are also some users who feel that it lacks mid-range and is too sterile or digital-sounding. Overall, it seems to be a solid choice for those looking for a mid-range cartridge upgrade.

Reviews by Topic

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

Sound Quality

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

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Let's talk TURNTABLE CARTRIDGES & NEEDLES | Ortofon 2M Blue vs. Red

Now I've been using a 2M red card and stylist on my project debut carbon turntable for a couple of years. I thought the red was okay, it did an adequa...

Neutral

Soundstage

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

I didn't know records could sound this good

I dropped the needle and immeadiately the difference was madly noticeable. I don't know how much of an improvement over the 2M red this thing gives, but compared to the AT-95e it is just a singing, beautifully balanced, beautiful monster tracking machine. Indeed the output was considerably louder but what truly astonished me is the space between the instruments and voices and all the detail which I hadn't even picked out on CD versions of the album. My next test record was my Music On Vinyl pressing of Jar Of Flies by Alice In Chains

Cartridge Type

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

Excellent, warm sounding cartridge

That all said, as for the Ortofon Blue, it Is a warm, very musical sounding cartridge. And I believe it is an excellent value for the money. It's engaging and lively sounding

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