Denon 110th anniversary model

MC type cartridge with dedicated head shell

The MC type stereo cartridge "DL-103" was developed in 1963 (Showa 38) when NHK began experimental FM stereo broadcasting, and was developed to provide excellent acoustic performance, stability, and reliability for faithful reproduction. This cartridge was developed by Denon in cooperation with NHK as a cartridge that meets the strict specifications required for broadcasting equipment. Since then, the DL-103 has been used by most broadcast stations in Japan and has become the standard cartridge for broadcast stations. In 1970, the DL-103 was released in the consumer market in response to the voices of audiophiles who wanted to use it in their home playback systems.

Since then, the DL-103 has been produced and sold as a standard cartridge for broadcasting without changing its specifications for more than half a century, up to the present in 2020, the 110th anniversary of its founding. Even today, each piece is made by hand under strict quality control at our own factory "Shirakawa Audio Works" in Fukushima Prefecture. The 110th anniversary model "DL-A110" to be released is a special specification that combines the same cartridge as the DL-103 with a specially designed head shell developed to bring out 100% of the performance of the DL-103. is. In addition, a storage case with a special 110th anniversary logo plate and a needle tip cleaning brush in the same color as the head shell are included, befitting the 110th anniversary model.

Main features

110th anniversary version of the standard cartridge "DL-103" that has supported the broadcasting industry for more than half a century.

Dedicated head shell that brings out the performance of DL-103

Storage case with 110th anniversary logo plate and needle tip cleaning brush included

Graphite Silver, exclusive color for the 110th anniversary model

5 years free warranty service (*The warranty does not cover wear of the needle or damage to the needle due to carelessness during handling.)

Dedicated head shell that brings out the performance of DL-103

A special headshell is included that faithfully reproduces the original headshell developed for FM stereo broadcasting in the 1960s. It can be attached to any universal type tonearm and has the perfect dimensions and shape for the DL-103, ensuring the cartridge is securely fixed in the ideal position. The resin headshell is lightweight, weighing only 6g, and suppresses unnecessary vibrations, producing both deep bass and delicate, highly transparent sound.

Specification explanation

Power generation method Moving coil (MC) type

Output voltage 0.3mV (1kHz, 50mm/sec, horizontal direction)

Left and right sensitivity difference: within 1dB (1kHz)

Left/right separation 25dB or more (1kHz)

Electrical impedance 40Ω ±20% (1kHz)

Load resistance 100Ω or more (40Ω when using a transformer)

Compliance 5x10-6cm/dyne (using 100Hz record)

Needle tip 0.2mm square solid diamond

Needle tip radius 16.5 microns (0.65 mil)

Needle pressure 2.5g ± 0.3g

Playback frequency range 20Hz to 45kHz

Weight 18.5g (including head shell adapter)

Accessories: needle cover, needle tip cleaning brush, instruction manual, data sheet