• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Ortofon Red with LP Zupreme Headshell VS. Denon DL110

Ian Dozol

Ian Dozol

New Member
I have the opportunity to buy for 160 USD an Ortofon Red MM with a Zupreme headshell (it is the same as Sumiko / Jelco, but not branded). The headshell has the posibility to adjust azimuth (horizontal adjustment). Alternatively for $ 190 USD I have the opportunity to buy a Denon DL110 MC on eBay, even though I would not be able to buy the Zupreme Headshell and thus, I will stay without an Azimuth adjustment. Instead, I will have to continue using my original Technics headshell.

What will make my vinyl sound better?

System: Technics 1200 MK2, Receiver Sansui 5000X, speakers Margules SA 1.3

Ortofon Red vs Denon DL110.JPG
 
Register to hide this ad
While I've not had either one, I do have 2 Denon DL 160s one NIB and the other with low, low miles and love it. I would think the DL 110 would sound very similar.
I've not heard the Red but I've read enough about it that has made me steer clear of it.
Head shell not withstanding, I'll never let go of my DL160s and I've heard more good things about the DL110 than I have about the Ortofon Red.
Not sure if this helps you out tho.
 
dosmalo said:
Not sure if this helps you out tho.
Click to expand...
It does help! Thanks!
dosmalo said:
Head shell not withstanding,
Click to expand...
Yeah, I think the Headshell can wait and should not affect an important desition as which cartidge to buy.

In other forums they have offered the alternative of buying the Nagaoka MP110, replacing the Ortofon Red option. It is a sound option as I read in AK that is tracks extremely well.

Now, I should add that my music preferences tilt towards Jazz, Folk, Classical. I would love a very warm, rich, intimate sound. Almost as if I had the singer, guitarrist or jazz trio right infront of me in my living room. I love to hear the wood sound of the drums sticks hitting the cymbals, the crispy sound of the nail plucking the nylon strings, and the intimate breaths of the singer between words.
 
Nice headshell

the Red is a hit or miss... IMO , the 1200 is a decent match with the Red

However :) the 110 may be better in the long run
 
Never much liked my 2M Blue on my 1200MK2 so I couldn't recommend the 2M Red even though I've never heard the Denon DL-110. But I own three Zupreme/Jelco HS-25 head shells and they are very nice.
 
So, I have read extensively about this Nagaoka MP110. It does looks like a very smart purchase. Any advice towards this option?
 
Ian Dozol said:
So, I have read extensively about this Nagaoka MP110. It does looks like a very smart purchase. Any advice towards this option?
Click to expand...

These are the two different stylus tips, you decide. :)

Denon DL-110

0.1 x 0.2 elliptical

Nagaoka MP110
  • Stylus tip: 0.4 x 0.7 mil bonded elliptical diamond
 
Last edited:
I have several DL110's and I like them. It was the cartridge that got me back into vinyl.

After some system upgrades and more critical listening I discovered Nagaoka which has a great sound. I would pick the MP 110 if you want more balance and a less forward sound. Sometimes the DL 110 can sound clinical where as the Nag leans more toward a full midrange. Both are a good match for your arm. Knowing your speakers and amp might help too.

The BIG benefit to the Nag is that you can upgrade to an MP 200 stylus (boron cantilever and much better stylus). That will be a big step up in my opinion and it is more in-line retail price-wise to a DL 110.
 
Last edited:
bobins08 said:
Knowing your speakers and amp might help too.
Click to expand...

System: Technics 1200 MK2, Receiver Sansui 5000X, speakers Margules SA 1.3

The Sansui 5000x is a 1971 receiver that is almost tube like, very warm! The Margules SA 1.3 speakers are from a Mexican HiEnd manufacturer, very respectable (sells well in California and Italy). As they are booksheld, they lack some bass. Not as punchy for Rock music. But for Jazz and classical they are great.
 
needlestein said:
The DL-110 is a no brainer. I haven't heard the MP-110, though. I have a stylus on the way. Ortofon 2M Red on my SL-1200 is just not that musical. Over the 2M Red, you'd be better off with an Ortofon Omega for 1/3 the price.
Click to expand...

Seconded on the Omega being better than the 2M Red. A little bit better sound and comparable anything else for 1/3 the money. I do like the DL 110 for the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom