2022 Golden Ear: Denon DL-103, DL-103R, and DLA220GS Phono Cartridges

Denon DL-103, DL-103R, and DLA220GS Phono Cartridges

$349, $499, $599

These are three different versions of the same pickup. The DL-103 enjoys a longer life without modification than any other phono cartridge in the history of audio, while also being one of the most beloved audio products ever made. The base model DL-103 is exactly the same pickup, manufactured exactly the same way (by hand) since its introduction in 1962. Five paramount virtues account for its staying power: a natural, supremely musical tonal profile; the ability to make recordings come dynamically, vibrantly, intoxicatingly alive; body, dimensionality, and solidity resulting in outstanding resolution of the sometimes-conflicting demands of soundstaging and imaging; an impression of connectedness resulting in a gripping sense of flow and drive; and a sample-to sample-consistency and reliability that should be the envy of the industry. These pickups are now among my top references. Only snobs will fret over the bargain pricing, while the rest of us are rewarded with the peerless satisfaction provided discriminating music lovers by this magnificent design for over six decades now.