DENON DL-A100 Stereo Cartridge Owner’s Manual

: October 27, 2023
: Denon

Table of Contents

DENON DL-A100 Stereo Cartridge
Accessories
Cautions on handling
Mounting to the headshell
Specifications
References
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DENON DL-A100 Stereo Cartridge

DENON-DL-A100-Stereo-Cartridge-product

Thank you for purchasing the DENON 100th anniversary DL-A100 cartridge. This cartridge is developed by precisely reproducing the original engineering reference model of the high-performance Japanese standard cartridge DL-103 and using the latest tuning technologies. DENON (then Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.) developed DL-103 jointly with NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories to produce “highly reliable high-performance cartridges for stereo record broadcasting” in 1964. Since its launch, DL-103 has consistently been used as the standard cartridge not only in NHK FM broadcasting but also by many audio and music fans. The DENON 100th anniversary DL-A100 cartridge is carefully manufactured oneby one just as DL-103 has been since its launch. We hope you enjoy using a cartridge that inherits the time-proven reliability of DL-103.

Accessories

Mount screws (Length:Approx 17 mm) ··· 2
Mount screws (Length:Approx 11 mm) ··· 2
Mount nuts ·········································· 2
Washer ··············································· 2
Stylus cover ········································ 1
Stylus cleaning brush ························· 1
Stylus position adjustment gauge ······ 1
Owner’s Manual ································· 1
Data sheet ·········································· 1
Service Station list ······························ 1

Cautions on handling

The Stylus is very delicate. Applying excessive force to the stylus, such as pressing with a finger can break it. Handle the cartridge with the utmost care.
A powerful magnet is used in the cartridge. Note that carelessly bringing a steel screwdriver or other such item near the cartridge will result in it being attracted by the magnet and may result in damage to the stylus, so care must be taken.
Be sure to use the stylus cover when mounting the cartridge in the headshell, or when otherwise handling the cartridge.

Mounting to the headshell

To protect the stylus, be sure to mount the stylus cover when performing this procedure.
Adjust to the stylus position specified for the turntable system you are using and mount properly without tilting or turning it.
When adjusting the stylus position, use the provided stylus position adjustment gauge.
Two types of screws are provided with the cartridge. Use the screws of the length suitable for your shell.
The layout of the output terminals is as shown on the diagram below. Be sure to connect properly.

NOTE
When connecting the cartridge, be sure to use the tipped leads and press them onto the terminals. Applying heat to the output terminals of the cartridge, such as in direct soldering, will cause internal damage to the cartridge, such as wire breakage.

Tracking force adjustment
Tracking force in the range of 25 mN ±3 mN (2.5 g ±0.3 g) should be used.
Output voltage
The output voltage is 0.3 mV. If your amplifier does not support the MC cartridge input, use a step-up transformer or head amplifier designed for MC type cartridges.
Stylus cleaning
Use the included brush to carefully remove any dirt from the tip of the stylus before and after playing records.

Specifications

Principle: Moving coil (MC) type
Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (1 kHz, 50 mm/s horizontal direction)
Channel Balance: 1 dB max. (1 kHz)
Channel Separation: 25 dB min. (1 kHz)
Electrical Impedance: 40 Ω ±20 %
Compliance: 5 x 10-3 m/N (Using a 100 Hz record)
Stylus: 0.2 mm square solid diamond
Tracking Force: 25 mN ±3 mN (2.5 g ±0.3 g)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 45 kHz
Weight: 8.8 g
Load Impedance: 100 Ω min. (40 Ω when using a transformer)

External Dimensions Diagram (unit: mm)

Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice for purpose of improvement.

A Parallel Evolution.
The production of Denon phono cartridges began in 1941 when Denon began to develop cartridges for use at broadcast radio stations. Since then, Denon has produced phono cartridges of superior quality coinciding with the evolution of the LP record, and in 1961 Denon jointly produced the legendary DL-103 cartridge with NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, for use at FM stations. The DL-103 was able to play stereo LP records with the utmost fidelity and reliability (providing easy handling and stability). Though the DL-103 was initially only sold as a product for professional use, audiophiles felt strongly that such superior performance should not be limited to the realm of professionals, and in1970 Denon made the DL-103 available to the general market. The basic design of this model continues to achieve first-rate performance and play an active part in today’s audiophile world. The DL-A100 is a special anniversary model that has been recreated to celebrate 100 years of engineering from a special version that was a unique and closely held secret at the time the DL-103 was initially developed. The DL-A100 represents the latest evolution of the standard model that has been in production for a little less than a half-century—now reborn with the latest tuning for superb sound quality.
The Signatures of Quality.
The DL-A100 features the 100th-anniversary special case along with an overhang gauge and comes with a 5-year warranty and a signed certificate of authenticity from the chief production engineer who hand-crafted the product. Also included is a beautiful Denon “brand book” that explores the history of one of the oldest and most prestigious names in the audiophile world.

Highest-quality sound with your favorite records

Independent Dual Moving Coils
The DP-A100 employs an independent 2-channel moving coil to facilitate playback over a wide frequency range and from low- to high-level signals. Superior playback performance is also ensured with flat frequency response and stable left-right channel separation.
The fulcrum point of a vibrating system that achieves stable tracking
The fulcrum point of the DP-A100’s vibrating system is made of extremely fine piano wire, and the tip of the stylus tracks smoothly and securely in the groove of the record.
Dual-structure cantilever
The DP-A100 uses a lightweight yet rigid dual-structure cantilever. Superior frequency response over the entire audible frequency range is achieved by minimizing the mechanical impedance of the vibrating system.
Long-lasting solid diamond stylus
Since the tip of the DP-A100’s stylus uses a solid diamond, stable characteristics with negligible friction are maintained for a long time. In fact, each diamond is individually fitted into the stylus so that only the hardest section – where the diamond has crystallized – touches the wall of the groove.
Cross-shaped iron core and coils, to minimize sensitivity differences between channels
Wrapping separate coils on the cross-shaped iron core successfully minimize sensitivity differences between the left and right channels for optimum separation while also reducing mass.
Characteristics chart packed with each product as a guarantee of superior performance
Each DP-A100 has been carefully manufactured and packed with its own characteristics chart to guarantee superior performance.