Denon DP-3000NE Direct-Drive Turntable with DL-103, DL-103R, and DL-A110 Cartridges
DL-103R
The DL-103R is a recent higher-end version of the DL-103. The basis is the same: same body, stylus, cantilever, and suspension, but different copper for its coils and slightly different specs.
DL-103R and DL-103
The main difference between the two cartridges is that the R version’s coils are wound from 6 Nines pure copper wire instead of normal copper wire. To mark the difference visually, the R version has a gold vertical line on its front, gold lettering on its sides and bottom, and a gold-colored polepiece.
Denon DL-103 Phono Cartridge Specifications
– Type: Moving coil
– Output voltage: 0.3mV
– Frequency response: 20Hz-45kHz
– Output impedance: 40 ohms
– Channel balance @ 1kHz: < 1db
– Channel separation @ 1kHz: 25dB
– Stylus tip: 0.2 mm special round solid diamond
– Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne
– Recommended tracking force: 2.5 +/- 0.3g
– Color: Black
– Weight: 8.5 g
– Recommended load resistance: 100 ohms or more
Denon DL-103R Phono Cartridge Specifications
– Type: Moving coil
– Output voltage: 0.25mV
– Frequency response: 20Hz-45kHz
– Output impedance: 14 ohms
– Channel balance @ 1kHz: < 1db
– Channel separation @ 1kHz: 25dB
– Stylus tip: 0.02 mm special round solid diamond
– Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne
– Recommended tracking force: 2.5 +/- 0.3g
– Color: Black
– Weight: 8.5 g
– Recommended load resistance: 100 ohms or more
Denon markets the R version as their Flagship cartridge, which, given its conical stylus shape, seems to be at odds with the normally accepted stylus shape ranking. Denon also offers the DL-301 MkII, which has a technically more advanced Elliptical stylus. Yet, this cartridge is positioned (marketing-wise and price-wise) underneath the DL-103R. On the other hand, there is no denying the superb musicality obtained with the DL-103. So, how does the DL-103R compare?
The DL-103 has an inherently full-bodied and energetic delivery, and while I found it remarkably smooth, it can be a little direct or even a little edgy under certain circumstances, for instance, when used in the Technics or AT headshells and with the headshell connector collar screwed on very tightly.
Surprisingly, given that the stylus and cantilever are the same, the DL-103R sounds considerably more polished and refined. I wouldn’t say it unveils more details or has inherently higher resolution, but its treble is unquestionably airier and more liquid. In addition, its entire presentation is smoother and more sophisticated. Along with its newfound level of naturalness, it also loses a portion of the “raw directness” that I feel makes the standard 103 so appealing. The 103R is just as accurate but carries less weight in the bass and is dynamically more polite. Overall, I’m hard-pressed to pronounce a winner between these two cartridges. Ultimately, it depends on what one desires. In any event, despite their relatively low compliance, they both work really well with the DP-3000NE.
Detail versus musicality
Naturally, we want it all, or at least I certainly do. Ideally, the music should be detailed, dynamic, revealing, and neutral but also natural, rhythmically engaging, emotionally moving, and the list goes on. But oftentimes, especially within a given cost constraint, one cannot have it all, and one has to choose. In this case, it often comes down to resolution versus musicality. And in that case, one has to wonder if the extra resolution is worth the extra expense and effort. Does hearing deeper into the mix also translate to increased musical pleasure?
Interestingly, the DP-3000NE, when combined with the DL-103, has a way of consistently communicating the fun and energy of the recording in a way that seems to defy the audiophile requirements. That is, until you start comparing more exotic cartridges with more advanced stylus shapes. But so long as you do not make A-B comparisons and your vinyl is of good quality, you do not have the feeling of missing anything.
One thing to note is that a conical stylus is at a disadvantage when you play a lot of second-hand worn vinyl, whereas more exotic laser-cut stylus shapes can reach deeper into the still unscathed regions of the grooves.
The turntable always sounds well-balanced and pleasant, but with certain records, especially 45 RPM 12-inch versions (where the information in the grooves is more spread out), its performance scales up to a level that you simply do not expect. Over the last few weeks, I’ve encountered many records that sounded utterly infectious. In these cases, more high-end turntables could outperform it in certain aspects, but never in terms of communication and all-out fun.
DL-304
The DL-304 is an old favorite that is no longer available, with an extra tiny 07 x 0.1mm “Special Elliptical” tip and an incredibly low output of only 0.18 mV. It has superb refinement and low-level resolution, almost on par with a MicroRidge or Fine Line, but it is very critical to set up and does not work quite as synergistically with just any tonearm or turntable.
But again, I was in for a surprise. Given my earlier experiences with the AT cartridges and knowing the DL-304 is quite finicky, I did not expect the DL-304 to perform well with this turntable and arm. But here I was, again, with my prejudices, being treated to a sound that belied my expectations. Not only did the DL-304 provide almost the levels of resolution and refinement as the AT cartridges did, but it did so while upholding what I am now beginning to consider a Denon house sound: a certain “whole-ness” that binds all the musical composition’s individual components together into a cohesive and highly pleasing musical performance. The turntable is very neutral but not clinical; it has an appealing naturalness to it, and the same goes for the three Denon cartridges. The sound is neutral yet also very natural and innately musical.
And once again, the unusual arm construction just seems to work, not necessarily by unveiling the utmost in resolution and precision but by consistently providing the essence of what is in the recordings in an unfailingly upbeat, lyrical, and energetic manner.
Compared to the DL-103 and DL-103R, however, the DL-304 has a very low output and a gentler, more sophisticated, and more nurtured sound. It is considerably more refined and certainly musically pleasing but not as robust, dynamic, or rhythmically engaging as the 103s.
In a nutshell, the DL-304 is contemplative, intimate, and caressing, whereas the DL-103R and especially the DL-103 are ballsy, outgoing and festive.
Conclusion
The Denon DP-3000NE impresses right from the moment you unpack it and set it up. Its solid build and beautiful seamless dark ebony natural wood veneer make many other turntables in this price range look rudimentary. Its arm has an unusual construction, aiming to use loose coupling to damp resonances rather than being as stiff as possible. This takes some getting used to, but as I found, it is very easy to obtain excellent results, certainly when using the DL-A110 or DL-103(R).
The Denon DP-3000NE does not behave like a magnifying glass on your music collection, rather, it is a music machine first and foremost. It allows the user to extract the essence of anything they play, be it hard electro, house, R&B, Jazz, Soul, or more traditional music, with minimal effort and present it in an always pleasant and engaging manner.
The DL-103 and DL-103R are almost as much a surprise to me as the DP-3000NE because they never fail to go right for the core of the music and present it with confidence and gusto, and on top, they manage to sound smooth and fluid, despite possessing “just” a conical stylus.
The Denon DP-3000NE and DL-103, DL-103R, or DL-A110 work beautifully synergistically to provide a big, upbeat, confident, well-saturated, dynamic, and always toe-tappingly rhythmic sound.
Denon Distributor for the NL/Belgium: Masimo
Manufacturer’s website: Denon
Christian another fantastic review lots of comparisons and common sense and a distinct lack of hyperbole well done. And happy holidays!
Cheers,
Jon
Thanks for the nice feedback, Jon! Happy days for you, too!
Excellent, and insightful review. I have a Denon DP- 3000NE and concur with all of your observations…with one exception….there is no Ebony Wood Veneer on this table.
The outer surface of this table is metal (probably aluminum ), with an anodized finish that has the “appearance” of Ebony.
At any rate, the Denon DP-3000NE is a superb table and allows one to enjoy their music at a very high level
Cheers.
Thanks for the info, Thomas! I wondered how they got it to be this utterly seamless! So now I know:-) But I can tell you from touching it and inspecting from real close, to these ageing eyes at least, it looks really nice and truthfully resembles real wood.
Re: the ebony that is not the reviewer’s observation but official specification from Denon. I have felt underneath mine and there is a rough wood feeling where the surround is unfinished unlike the top and sides where it is incredibly smooth. I would say that I wouldn’t bet my life on it though as it is so smooth and cool to the touch. I just don’t understand how they could claim ‘dark ebony natural wood veneer’ if it isn’t.
Your Turntables are awesome!!
Hi Christian, thank you for the review. If you have to chose between Denon dp 3000ne and Thorens td1500, what would you do or maybe you have some thoughts about it?
I’ve not yet heard the TP-160 tonearm that’s on the TD-1500 prefer the Thorens, but based on personal taste, as well as the more precise tonearm, I prefer the TD-1601 to the DP-3000ne.
I do not agree with the views expressed about tge Technics SL-1200G. I have four turntables and acquired the Denon recently. One of my turntables is a Technics SL-1200G. The other four are a VPI Titan Direct, a Linn LP12 modified in Scotland, a Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn with Cobra tone arm, and a Bergmann Galder-Odin Signature. The Technics is fitted with a Hana Umami Red cartridge and it sounds wonderful with classical and jazz music, which comprises about 95% of the music I listen to. I found that the Technics makes a better more refined presentation than the the Denon, while the Denon has a more foward presentation. The Denon is equipped with a Denon 103R cartridge.
The Technics I used was an old SL-1200 MkII, not the latest 1200G, maybe that accounts for the difference?
Hi Jose, you have some amazing turntables there, especially the Caliburn. I was wondering how the Denon with the 103R really does compare with the others in your stable?
A 4000.00 cartridge in the Technics and a 400.00 cartridge in the Denon…..perhaps that may have had something to do with your observations between these two excellent tables.. ..
Cheers…
The SL1200 and the DP-3000NE were compared using the exact same Denon DL103 cartridge, first, with two DL-103’s in their respective headshells, then by swapping a single headshell with mounted DL-103 between the turntables. And I did that both ways, so with Technics headshell in the Denon turntable and vice versa.
Actually my comments were meant for one of your other readers replies. He mentioned using a 4K Hanna Red, on a Technics 1200G in a compare with the Denon DP 3000NE that had the 400.00 Denon 103 R….Anyway I thought his observations might have been due to the different cartridges used….perhaps he swapped head shells to keep the compare even, if he did he didn’t mention it.
I noticed in Steve Gutenberg’s YouTube video review he also used a Technics 1200G in his compare. He apparently liked both tables, but mentioned that the Denon had a more relaxed, warner presentation compared to the more lively dynamic presentation on the Technics 1200G (a substantially more expensive table BTW). He was using a 500.00 Grado on both tables for this evaluation on both tables.
Ah, I see:-)
Hi Christiaan, thank you for another excellent article! I love reading your reviews – you always seem to anticipate the questions that pop into the reader’s mind and then promptly answer them. I was interested in how the Denon would compare with a SL-1200 and even how the 103, 103R and a more modern stylus profile would compare and you answered it all – thanks! I noticed that the ‘loose’ rather than ‘rigid’ approach to coupling by Denon is not unlike something you discovered with Origin Live’s Calypso turntable. Maybe there’s a similarly ‘musical’ sound shared by both decks?
Thanks again,
Adrian
Now that you mention it, there is indeed a similarity in these two approaches!
Very good review with very good insights!
Thanks, Dick!
Great review that helps my perfectly to mad a decision in buying my first direct drive turntable. Thanks a lot Christiaan! 😀👍
I read with interest your recent review of the Denon turntable. I was particularly interested in your comments about the head shells and their differences. Could you tell me if the Anniversary head shell came with the Denon table as standard or is this another head shell you refer to please?
Hi Craig, The DP-3000NE comes as standard with the aluminum headshell that is pictured in the 3rd image from the top (4th, if you include the main image). If you scroll two more pictures down, you will see the full extent of the accessories included with the DP-3000NE turntable. The DL-A110 Anniversary headshell (with DL-103 cartridge included) is available separately.
I’m not sure about the comment that denies ebony veneer. I’m sure you can feel grain underneath where it is unfinished. Surely Denon couldn’t advertise it if it wasn’t?
I’m a few days into ownership and very impressed so far.
Great review that help my decision, I was between the sl-1200GR and the Denon, and thank to your review, Denon is the winner., actually I have in my Rega a dl-103r with a Denon-au320 SUT and an old AT-OC9, that going directly to the Denon 🙂
Thanks again Christiaan, and regards from Spain
Bom vi aqui nos comentarios que o Denon não e de Madeira Ebano,si poder por o link da fonte aqui,eu pesquisei muito sobre isso,vi algumas entrevistas de funcionarios da Denon,vi tambem alguns videos falando sobre,Proprios artesão e engenheiros da Denon fala que e Ebano a madeira,um dos motivos dela ser tão pesada e por conta de suas camadas de madeira,tem um foliado ebano..Denon e um marca muito respeitada,ate hoje ainda não vi um produto falso ou imitação feita pela Denon,vi alguns criticando a Denon porque mandou a fabricar esse Gira disco Denon na china,eu paguei pra ver si prestava,comprei uma Denon DP-3000NE ,construção Premium acabamento de qualidade,não tenho o que reclamar..ate porque grandes marcas audiofilo tem seus produtos fabricado na china,Technics mudou a fabrica pra Malasya,então vejo que o que manda e a supervisão e peças que e colocado no produto,A Denon teve muito cuidado com seus engenheiros pra fazer um produto de qualidade,mesmo sendo feito na china…agora tem por ai uns falando pela internet que não e ebano mais não tem como comprovar o que fala..eu estou acreditando na Denon que ate aqui ainda não vi fazer produto falso…
It’s best if all comments are posten in English so everyone can read… translation below.
Well, I saw here in the comments that Denon is not made of Ebony Wood, if you can put the source link here, I researched a lot about it, I saw some interviews with Denon employees, I also saw some videos talking about, Denon’s own craftsmen and engineers It says that the wood is ebony, one of the reasons it is so heavy and because of its layers of wood, it has an ebony veneer. I saw some people criticizing Denon because they ordered this Denon turntable to be manufactured in China, I paid to see if it was any good, I bought a Denon DP-3000NE, premium construction, quality finish, I have nothing to complain about…even because big audiophile brands have their products made in China, Technics moved the factory to Malaysia, so I see that what is required is the supervision and parts that are put into the product, Denon took great care with its engineers to make a quality product, even though it is made in China. ..now there are some people out there saying on the internet that it’s not ebony but there’s no way to prove what they’re saying…I’m believing in Denon, which I’ve yet to see a fake product made…
Officially, it’s Ebony veneer. Traditionally, veneer is a thin wood layer but I don’t know if there are more advanced forms of veneer. What matters is that the finish looks stunning! Even up close and looking very carefully, I absolutely cannot see any evidence of it being a print. But even if it was, the quality is so high that I would argue it still would not matter.
The surface is Definitely Not A Wood based Veneer of any kind …it is clearly ( to me anyway), metal….just tap it with your finger tip and one can clearly hear the slightly “metalic” timbre that eminates….
The structure below is using some non metallic parts….probably MDF, or HDF…hence the substantial weight ( 40+ pounds).
I should mention that the lack of a real wood based Veneer finish on top in no way detracts from the overall performance of this well designed and executed table. I like it very much and at its selling price it’s an excellent value for money spent.
Please suggest an MC phono preamp that matches well with the denon DP-3000NE
That will depend on your budget and personal preferences. But for my preferences, the best, as well as best value phono preamp at 800 euros would be the Manunta EVO Phono 3. See also my review on this site. Sure, you can go (much) cheaper, but the SQ will also be MUCH lower. If you want the cheapest still ok preamp, the Schiit Mani is an option. Lastly, I’ve not heard it, but you may want to look at the 400-euro Rega Fono. But if you can spare 800 euros, I would absolutely go for the Manunta.
Thank you very much
Hi Christian, very detailed review and thanks for sharing your experience. Can you recommend an MC Phono preamp that pairs well with the DP-3000NE? My current preamplifier, the Marantz SC-7S2, does not have a phono input
Christian,
Very thorough article. I really enjoyed reading it!
I do believe that Denon is full of it, though by stating that the tonearm looseness is designed in. I bought one of these myself on Amazon. It sits right next to my VPI Prime 21.
My particular DP-3000ne does not exhibit the tonearm looseness or bearing play at all. I do believe that Denon designed the tonearm to be decoupled by using the elastic material where the different parts of the arm join together, but the loose bearings are the typical “Hanpin” slop quality.
As I stated, my Denon DP-3000ne exhibits no looseness anywhere in the arm assembly, especially at the bearings. I’m sure, being built by Hanpin for Denon, that the quality varies from unit to unit.
One thing that I have observed with my unit, is that motor stability is also typical Hanpin quality. When I first start platter rotation, the speed hunts for stability, which can take up to 8 platter rotations to stabilize.
The only measuring equipment I have is a very accurate phone app called appropriately, Turntable Speed.
Using the app, I can see when the platter is first started rotating by pressing the start button, speed goes up to 33.4x, then down to 33.2x. It ping pongs back and forth until 33.3x is achieved. The wow is anywhere from 0.01% to 0.09%.
Using the same app on numerous Technics Direct Drive turntables, the app demonstrates excellent speed stability, just about instantly achieving 33.33 with a wow of 0.01 to 0.02% respectively.
The Denon is a great looking turntable, but it still mirrors Hanpin build quality.
Hi Chris, interesting to hear your arm has no play. Maybe it’s exemplaric? In any case, for what it’s worth, my sample had stable speed. I am very sensitive to speed variations but did not detect any. I also use a phone app to measure, called RPM. It confirmed that the speed was indeed stable at 33.3 with no hunting.
Hi Christian,
After using the Denon DP-3000ne for a few weeks now, I really feel that the platter is too heavy for what the motor can handle.
I think Hanpin used the very same motor that one could ger in an Audio Technica AT-LP1240 turntable.
My speed stability has improved somewhat, over time. I now see no worse than a wow reading of 0.05% or less, which is below the Denon rating of 0.06%. By no means do I get repeatable numbers from test to test like I do with numerous Technics Direct Drive turntables. The Technics Direct Drive turntables are very repeatable.
I have seen the tonearm bearing slop on many Hanpin built Direct Drive turntables. It’s pretty much hit or miss with the quality. I am thanking God, that my particular sample has a rattle free arm with no bearing slop.
Time will tell how this Denon survives. I still have the Technics SL-1100A that my parents bought me for Christmas back in 1976, when I was a senior in high school. It still runs like a tank and has not yet had any service other than a few drops of silicone oil on the platter bearing every once in a while.
Again, my compliments to you on the very well written article and review on the Denon DP-3000ne turntable.
Thank you for a great write-up, Christiaan! I have read your review several times this year and was very close to buying the Denon D-3000ne – but it was out of stock at the time. Some weeks later another option tuned up – a 40 year old Denon DP-59L. As a former owner of DP-51F and a long time admirer of the bigger Denons from the 80’s, I needed only a couple of hours to decide. And I must say, I have never looked back. A great turntable that give me a ot of these great experiences that you describe in your review. All my cartridges sound fine on it: Benz Micro Wood L2, an old Dynavector DV20A, and of course DL-102 (mono), DL-160 and the fine DL-304.
And handling the DP-59L is great fun; changing tonarms and headshells and arm weights!
And the DP-59L sits right beside my VPI Classic with Lyra Kleos which has been remarkably idle lately 😉