[plastico]

After a good 6 months of debating a upgrade from my Denon DL301mk2 on my Audiomods Classic arm, fully modded P3, I finally bit the bullet. I have coming in, a Denon DL-S1, and a Denon AU-S1 matching transformer. I heard nothing but good things about this combo. This is going in my Audio Research SP9, Bryston 4B ST, Golden Ear Triton Two's. I can hardly wait!

[roscoeiii]

Oh, please do keep us informed. I have wondered about the 301MkII compared to the DL-S1. And it should shine on that Audiomods arm. Big fan of the Audiomods, CANNOT be beat for the money IME.

[plastico]

I just got my Denon DL-S1 and AU-S1 yesterday, and after a few records, I can definitely say- I HAVE ARRIVED! Take what the Denon DL-301 mk2 gives you and multiply by 2-hell, 3! This cart and step up just draws you in and you hear things from records that you never heard! Hey- even my wife was grinnin' and saying, is that the BEATLES!?? I will report more later.

[plastico]

OK, first off, I am running the cart without any shims at the headshell, and I also removed one of the two lead weights in the counterweight. This puts my counterweight about 3/5ths toward the end of the stub. I am tracking at 1.25g, loading is at 100 ohms. I have plenty of gain without any step up in my ARC SP9. 1 o'clock and it is plenty. First thing I noticed with the DL-S1 is how it digs out the detail. This cart is plenty quiet too, then comes the bass! OH BOY! Where in hell did that bass line come from, was the recurring question during my first listening session. Yea, and that sound stage kept me grinnin'. Great cart. Now, lets put that AU-S1 in the mix. First thing that hits me is the bass. It is so taut, smooth-natural,deep! Now I am getting a sound that was just effortless! You now when it is just right, that you have reached where you want to be. I think the Denon AU-S1 is worth every penny! It just elevates the already great performance of the DL-S1 to the next level. I LOVE how realistic the drums sound! You can really hear the leading transient attack and the decay. All kinds of things in the background just pops. I just finished playing a 1969 record of Mckenna Mendelson Mainline. I swear he was right in front of me, singing; Bad Women Are Killing Me, and I Don't Know What To Do.....
To sum it up then, The Denon AU-S1 step up is the icing on the cake! 

[lakeallen]

I'm running a DL-S1 as well and love it. Had the Soundsmith retip done and I plan on using it for years to come. FYI, my arm is an Audio Origami RB7 (OUTSTANDING ARM) and I use a Bob's Devices 1131 SUT, another great piece. I'd be interested to hear other good carts. in the very low (.12-.15) output camp.

[roscoeiii]

I'm running a DL-S1 as well and love it. Had the Soundsmith retip done and I plan on using it for years to come. FYI, my arm is an Audio Origami RB7 (OUTSTANDING ARM) and I use a Bob's Devices 1131 SUT, another great piece. I'd be interested to hear other good carts. in the very low (.12-.15) output camp.

How did the Soundsmith retip affect the sound? Did you just retip or get a new cantilever too? If a new cantilever, did you go with aluminum or ruby?

[plastico]

I too wondered the same thing. Cause when it's time I would like to know what to do! Great looking setup by the way, lakeallen!

[doctorcilantro]

After a good 6 months of debating a upgrade from my Denon DL301mk2 on my Audiomods Classic arm, fully modded P3, I finally bit the bullet. I have coming in, a Denon DL-S1, and a Denon AU-S1 matching transformer. I heard nothing but good things about this combo. This is going in my Audio Research SP9, Bryston 4B ST, Golden Ear Triton Two's. I can hardly wait!

I am very interested to try this cart on my Audiomods Series 5. Did you end up using any shims?

thanks!
Jon

[plastico]

I ended up using a two playing card thick brass shim with this cart Jon.

Cheers, Doug

[plastico]

Since I posted this, I had the top Soundsmith retip. Now with the SS retip, multiply the detail, the really small detail by two! Hell, everything by two! What it does is make the mids every bit as important as the rest of the spectrum. So now, the music sounds more realistic, more engaging, just more right, if I can say that! The only drawback - you MUST get that all to beat all 92 degree SRA, and perfect azimuth to achieve this! I bought a scope and it was worth every penny! Here is a pic of the retip.

Cheers, Doug

[a.wayne]

How was the sonics on the  stock cartridge and does this beat the soundsmith retip on a 103...?



Edit: scratch stock cartridge question read original posts .....

[plastico]

The only Denon cart that I have never hear is a 103!
Chrrrs, Doug