Denon DP-300F Cartridge Upgrade?

[yuletide]

Hey folks, just got my first turntable, a Denon DP-300F. I was super excited to finally play all the records I've been collecting but was very disappointed with the sound out of the box, everything felt constrained and compressed (using the built-in preamp into an Onkyo receiver and Polk tower speakers).

After doing lots of googling it seems there's a consensus that the Denon DL-110 sounds great and fits the table nicely. However most folks who called it a good value paid ~150, the best I could find was ~$240+ on ebay. Is it still worth it at this price? Same goes for the AT440 which is now

Some recommend just going for the DL301mk2 but then I'd need a fancy pre-amp also and trying to keep my total upgrade budget under $300.

If it matters I will be playing mostly metal

 

[Lazarus Long]

I have that TT and a Grado blue cart. I've tried it with the built-in preamp into a newer HT reciever and with a few different vintage receivers and amps. It definitely sounds better through something with a decent phono stage. By quite a bit actually..

Edit: The local shop I bought the TT from has it set up with a Yamaha as501 and some paradigm speakers. Its basically their budget setup, but it sounds pretty good.

 

[yuletide]

I have that TT and a Grado blue cart. I've tried it with the built-in preamp into a newer HT reciever and with a few different vintage receivers and amps. It definitely sounds better through something with a decent phono stage. By quite a bit actually.

So better to spend some $$ on a pre-amp instead? Or both? Sounds like spending $250 on a cartridge is a waste without also upgrading the pre? Any thoughts on carts, I’ve heard grado is more mid forward which isn’t so ideal for Metal I figured.

 

[Lazarus Long]

So better to spend some $$ on a pre-amp instead? Or both? Sounds like spending $250 on a cartridge is a waste without also upgrading the pre? Any thoughts on carts, I’ve heard grado is more mid forward which isn’t so ideal for Metal I figured.

I would consider a decent phono preamp first. Is there a decent audio shop around? You might consider talking to them. They might let you take something home to demo..

 

[yuletide]

I would consider a decent phono preamp first. Is there a decent audio shop around? You might consider talking to them. They might let you take something home to demo..

Hm ok interesting. Just trying to reconcile this with everything else I've read, which says that cartridge is the best ROI for improving sound on this TT. I haven't had time to make it to an actual audio store yet, but did some research on <$100 phono pre-amps and found a few contenders. Maybe I can take my DL-110 budget and split it between a cheaper cartridge (but which one?) and a pre-amp?

Edit: Also the DL-110 is now down to $230 on Amazon, as is the DL-103. Seems worth it given all the amazing reviews.

 

[hi*ball]

I would recommend the Art DJ II phono pre that can be had for about $50 on Amazon. Start there, then see what you think of the sound...

 

[yuletide]

I would recommend the Art DJ II phono pre that can be had for about $50 on Amazon. Start there, then see what you think of the sound...

Ok, seems reasonable! I will order it now but one question: Worth spending a few bucks more for something that can handle LOMC like the DL-103?

 

[majick47]

As other AKers have suggested an external preamp would be the best place to start and then see how the stock cartridge sounds before spending $200+ for a cartridge that may also not sound much better due to the cheap/poorly designed internal preamp. Might be an idea to see if you can remove the internal preamp or at least bypass it, believe a number of other Hanpin tables like the ATs have been modified this way to improve their sq.

 

[Lazarus Long]

As other AKers have suggested an external preamp would be the best place to start and then see how the stock cartridge sounds before spending $200+ for a cartridge that may also not sound much better due to the cheap/poorly designed internal preamp. Might be an idea to see if you can remove the internal preamp or at least bypass it, believe a number of other Hanpin tables like the ATs have been modified this way to improve their sq.

There is a switch to bypass the internal preamp.

 

[yuletide]

I would recommend the Art DJ II phono pre that can be had for about $50 on Amazon. Start there, then see what you think of the sound...

Ordered! Will let you all know how it sounds with some Insomnium on Monday

 

[yuletide]

So it came early! First first impressions: Definitely improved sound. Tighter more present bass, more detail across the spectrum, treble is finally there. But I want more of everything! Soundstage especially still feels narrow but definitely improved. I (naively?) see vinyl as the place to go when I want to be blown away by new details, new feelings, new notes and instruments that were hiding away, new nuance. We are getting there but feels like we can do better especially during the real heavy dense parts.

Also realizing I should get some new speakers since my Polk towers are 10 years old and one is missing a tweeter, so I should probably do that also (repair or replace?)

I know that death metal is probably a rather challenging salvo for a lower-end turntable given the density of the sound, but I'm not giving up yet! Will try a few more records now and see. Started with New World Shadows. Listened to side A with the pre-amp. Then Side B with and without. Will give it some time and try a few more records like Jumaiten Aika and Satan Worshipping Doom