Denon dl-301 mk 2 - Very nice
I recently installed and set up a Denon dl-301 mk2 on my turntable (Pro-Ject 1Xpression Carbon with acylic plater - Pro-Ject Phono Box RS preamp - Decware ZStage - Decware Torii Jnr. - 10" full range driver speakers). Previously I had been using MM (moving magnet) Ortofon cartridges and have used a 2M Red, Bronze, and Black. The black was the better of them, quite clearly heard in A/B comparisons. I used the Align It tool, cross-checked with a protractor, to align all of my cartridges,
I must say I much prefer the Denon MC (moving coil) over all of the 2M. Perhaps it's the MC sound I hear so much about. It's more refined and the cartridge tracks FAR better than the 2M Black - so left channel/right channel separation is noticeably improved. The sound also presents a wider sound stage in my set up. The bass seems punchier and the highs are sweet; rather than 'airy' (particularly noticable after about 20 hours of use). The Denon was also a breeze to align and set up - the cantilever is far easier to see, and the front of the cartridge is vertical and marked with a vertical line making azimuth adjustments very easy. It's a high-compliance cartridge so pairs very well with the light carbon arm on my turntable. All in all it's a good meld (synergy) with the rest of the components in my system.
If you have a heavier tonearm, it's not recommended to use this cartridge. Denon suggests the 103 with heavier arms.
The 2M Black is an excellent cartridge and I have been really happy with it in the past. The sound is very detailed and exciting. However, to my ears I prefer this Denon. I get lost in the music more with it. This is great too, because it is a more affordable cartridge too!
I have read a lot of positive reviews for the Denon. Here's another one.
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