Denon DP-62L cartridge, something different...

Madskaman

Madskaman

Member
I've just received a Denon DP-62L from a family friend and after cleaning it up and setting it up I am extremely happy with it. I have set it up on the same system as my Pro-Ject RM5 that has a Grado Sonata1 low output cartridge. I setup the Denon with a DL-110 and while I like the sound, I really don't like the surface noise.

So the question is: is there anything worth looking at that will give me a high output, Denonish sound (less warn than Grado) that has low surface noise, and that will work well with my straight tonearm? I'm looking to keep it at the $200 mark, as this is a secondary table at this point.
 
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I use the DL-110 with the DP-62L turntable and find it to be an amazing cartridge with extremely low surface noise and a very wide sound stage. Have you double checked the 50mm alignment? It's one of the best cartridges I've had the pleasure to experience. I also have the Denon DL-103, Ortofon 2M Red, Ortofon VMS-20E MKII, F3+ w/black prestige stylus, and a Shure M91ED. Once they are properly aligned, they sound amazing. The DP-62L with either the S or Straight arm can handle almost any cartridge because of the micro-processor tonearm. Vintage Denon turntables are incredible, but they are very old and if there are problems, it's very hard to find parts or for that matter someone who knows Denon turntables who will work on them. I've read posts about a couple of people who still service them. I have a 62L and a 72L and when they are gone, I have no idea what turntable I would choose to replace them. But for now, I'm loving the sound.

It might be simply that the Grado provides you with a more satisfactory experience. I would stay with the Grado if that's what you prefer.
 
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I had a similar issue with my DP47F. I ran the 2M Bronze for a very short period and while it sounded great, the 2M are deeper in size and the Denon does not have height adjsutment on the tonearm and the cartridge body would scrape on the LP.

I did a search and checked about for another cartridge and selected the AT150mlx and it's a lovely sounding cart and fits the Denon perfectly. It may be a little more expensive than what you are thinking, but a high quality table like yours would benefit from a higher quality cartridge.
 
Acutex 312 STR for about $78 to your door from the seller in Italy. Though to be honest it is more DL-301 than DL-110.
 
seminole54 said:
Acutex 312 STR for about $78 to your door from the seller in Italy. Though to be honest it is more DL-301 than DL-110.
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Can you elaborate on this? I'm not familiar with either cartridge (301 or 312).

Also the AT150 does seem like a killer cart. Maybe I'll have to just up...

On a side note, tonight I put a different turntable mat on and also a diy record weight, and I have to say, pretty nice improvement. I'm thinking this table may be better than my pro-ject. I might put the grado on it and give it a fair comparison.
 
After reading more about the acutex 312, I decided to hop on the bandwagon. It's on it's way for a try. Thanks for the advice.
 
I just received my Acutex 312 today. I've dialed in the alignment and I'm playing around with VTF and vta. I have it slight tail down at 2.0 grams.

As far as first impressions... This cartridge is warm. Certainly much more so that my Denon DL-110. The surface noise is reduced, and so are the highs. The bass is pretty tight for how much there is. It has a very listenable and unfatiguing tone, however I do hope it brightens up a tad once it's broken in.
 
Drop it down to 1.8 grams and get the tail level. Give it about 20 hours before you judge. Tail down is always more bass.
 
I'm maxed out on vta with my Denon table or I would have. I may end up swapping carts from table to table or maybe swapping the mat. I found the surface noise to be less with the tracking force a little higher. I'll experiment more. Any suggestions on loading?
 
Madskaman said:
I'm maxed out on vta with my Denon table or I would have. I may end up swapping carts from table to table or maybe swapping the mat. I found the surface noise to be less with the tracking force a little higher. I'll experiment more. Any suggestions on loading?
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If more weight decrease noise - lower the tonearm, it will have similar effect. Your Denon (when tuned) is much higher class table than Pro-ject. It may need adjustments according to service manual though.
 
I removed the thick Denon rubber mat and replaced it with a carbon fiber one. All the difference in the world. This table really is a step up from my Pro-ject in speed and quietness. At first I though I could have this one setup for something different, now I'm thinking different is actually better...

After more reading about the Denon, I'm thinking it may be a good idea to recap it. How common are failures?
 
Madskaman said:
I removed the thick Denon rubber mat and replaced it with a carbon fiber one. All the difference in the world. This table really is a step up from my Pro-ject in speed and quietness. At first I though I could have this one setup for something different, now I'm thinking different is actually better...

After more reading about the Denon, I'm thinking it may be a good idea to recap it. How common are failures?
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Usually do not need to recap. Get service manual and follow procedure to adjust tonearm servo circuit. This is probably all you need to do with it. Also can get USB microscope and use it to set exact VTA according to specs on cartridge.
 
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