Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Denon DL-A110 Celebrates DL-103 & 110th Anniversary

Denon is celebrating its 110th Anniversary with a new version of the DL-103 cartridge. The Denon DL-A110 MC phono cartridge is $599.

Denon Anniversary Edition DL-A110 Moving-coil phono cartridge

Denon is 110 years old. There are few audio manufacturers who can make that claim. The Japanese manufacturer has had a lot of successful products over the past century, but the DL-103 moving coil phono cartridge wins the popularity and longevity award with room to spare. To celebrate the success of the DL-103 and its 110th Anniversary, they have introduced the Denon DL-A110 Anniversary model for $599.

Before you search online and start sending nasty emails that the stock DL-103 only retails for $300, there’s something rather unique about this run of the Denon DL-A110.

Denon DL-A110 Anniversary Edition Phono Cartridge Bottom

Denon introduced the DL-103 in 1962 for professional broadcast use, and it has proven to be of the most popular and reliable phono cartridges of its kind. The low output moving coil design (0.3mV) requires a higher mass tonearm; opening the door to used Fidelity Research, SME, or EMT arms or more expensive modern arms from Kuzma, or Jelco (which recently decided to cease production). Jazz listeners have long prized the DL-103’s tonal balance and open presentation that make both brass instruments and vocals come alive. 

The DL-103 requires at least 60dB of gain to come alive; sticking a step-up transformer between the affordable DL-103 and the moving magnet input of your phono stage can be a transformative experience when everything is set-up correctly. Third party manufacturers have been offering modified DL-103 variants for the past few years at considerable expense, but our advice would be to stick with the stock model from Denon.

So what’s so special about the new Denon DL-A110?

Denon DL-A110 Anniversary Edition Phono Cartridge Top

The cartridge appears to be a stock DL-103 using copper wire that is hand-spun in the Denon Audio Works Factory in Shirakawa, Japan. Same headshell without proper markings on the pins. Exact same installation issues with a fixed headshell and the slotted sides and mounting screws. At least they’re being consistent.

What is really unique and a throwback to the original design is a new Anniversary Edition silver-graphite headshell. If you own a vintage Thorens, Yamaha, or any turntable with a removable headshell with the the bayonet fitting that originated on the Ortofon SPU in 1958 — the Denon DL-A110 might be a dream come true.

Assuming that your tonearm is a medium-high mass design.

The headshell doesn’t change anything in regard to the tracking force (2.5g) or getting the VTA exactly right; make sure that the top of the cartridge is parallel to the record surface.

Denon DL-A110 Anniversary Edition Phono Cartridge in Case
Denon DL-A110 Anniversary Edition MC phono cartridge with exclusive silver-graphite headshell and included carrying case.

The DL-A110 comes in a fancy velvet-lined box with stylus cleaning brush.

Is that worth an extra $300 over the stock DL-103?

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Maybe for someone with a Yamaha YP-701 or Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction from Vinyl Nirvana with a Jelco or SME tonearm.

If you own a fixed headshell, it really doesn’t make that much sense.

I’m about two weeks in with the DL-A110 and so far I’m hearing two differences over the stock DL-103; an uptick in detail that makes horns sound even more live, and an even better sense of pace. The cartridge is still a stock DL-103 but the graphite headshell seems to be imparting some character of its own on the sound. I have a SUT coming in about a week and will be able to try the DL-A110 with some other phono stages that I have on hand.

For more information: Denon Anniversary DL-A110 MC Phono Cartridge (denon.com)

Where to buy: $599 at Amazon | Crutchfield | Denon.com

Continue reading: Best Affordable Phono Cartridges

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Andy Mclachlan

    October 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    I HAVE THE DL-A110 VERY SATISFIED FOR THE MONEY.
    ALTHOUGH I PREFER MY HANA UMAMI 7 TIMES THE PRICE.

    • Ian White

      October 23, 2021 at 3:37 pm

      I’ve been using the Denon for a few months and I love it. It’s pretty expensive (this version) compared to a stock DL-103 but it was also much easier to setup and swap between tables.

      I do have 2 SUTs right now that are making a huge difference.

      The Hana EL is one of my favorite cartridges. I have it on another Thorens and it’s wonderful with my Croft phono preamp and a SUT.

      Ian

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Goldring GR3 Turntable Lifestyle with Q Acoustics M20

New Products

At $999, the Goldring GR3 turntable comes with an E3 cartridge and built-in phono preamp for compatibility.

DALI EPIKORE 3, 7, 9 Loudspeakers DALI EPIKORE 3, 7, 9 Loudspeakers

Floorstanding Speakers

DALI adds to its EPIKORE loudspeaker range with the company's flagship stand-mount speaker and two new floorstanders.

Bose SoundLink Home portable Bluetooth Speaker in Cool Gray Bose SoundLink Home portable Bluetooth Speaker in Cool Gray

New Products

Bose just expanded its Bluetooth speaker lineup with one for home and another to take wherever your path leads you.

Focal Diva Utopia Loudspeaker Front Pair Focal Diva Utopia Loudspeaker Front Pair

New Products

At $39,999/pair, the FOCAL DIVA floorstanding wireless speakers feature 400-watts of power per speaker with music streaming built-in.

Sony LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker Sony LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Find out the difference between Sony LinkBuds Fit vs. LinkBuds Open wireless earbuds at $199 each, and what LinkBuds Speaker does.

Epson EpiqVision EF21 and EF22 Mini Laser Projectors Epson EpiqVision EF21 and EF22 Mini Laser Projectors

New Products

Epson refreshes its mini portable laser projector lineup with two new 1080p models for under $1,000 each.

Gift Ideas?

Early Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Gift Guides

New products from Apple, Beats, JBL, Sony and Hisense are sure to be atop everyone's wishlist this Holiday season. Order now to beat the...

You May Also Like

A/V Receivers & Preamp/Processors

At $4,699, the Denon AVR-A10H home theater receiver offers significant savings over last year's flagship model.

Gift Guides

Bring function, style and entertainment to any educational experience with tech that kids will absolutely love.

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

At $799, the Denon Home Amp is a 100-watt per channel stereo streaming amplifier that works with HEOS. Just add speakers.

Ask an Expert

Do your new pair of loudspeakers not sound like you envisioned after reading that super positive review? You may have a room acoustics issue.

New Products

At $5,499, the AT-ART1000X Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Phono Cartridge improves upon the AT-ART1000 with improvements in design and materials.

New Products

In collaboration with Devon Turnbull, the Denon DL-103o moving coil phono cartridge contains a DL-103R in a stylish clear case.

New Products

Rega's Nd3 MM phono cartridge is the first to use ultra-high powered Neodymium N55 magnets with a brand new generator geometry.

Gift Guides

Whether enjoying music at home or on-the-go, you don't have to spend a lot to experience high fidelity sound.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers