[TheChairGuy]

Jerry Raskin Comments on Denon DL-110

The owners manual claims in both English and Japanese 1.6mV of output, but when I tested the cartridge it produced 2.2mV. That's the difference between an easy-to use and tweak cartridge. I've always suspected the output was higher then claimed. . . Best diamond stylus in its price range. Under a microscope, it looks like a 100% nude, square-shank diamond with a very fine cut similar to cartridges costing twice the price. I love it.

[launche]

The issue may well be my headamp.  The gain was on the high side and I had it lowered to better match my digital system (before vinyl.)  My headphones are of high sensitivity, the phono specs are more unknown to me.  The Sumiko Oyster at 4 mV (I think) on the Thorens works fine, no issues.  I will see if I can borrow a different headphone amp and/or phonostage to trouble shoot.  But my guess is the lowered gain I had done on the headphone amp not being enough for the Denon cart.