DL-80 vs Music Hall Melody MM
The Melody MM's output is 3.5 mV against the DL-80's 1.6 mV and its tracking force 2.0 g against 1.8 g. Both share channel separation (20 dB) and stylus type (Conical).
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The Denon DL-80 is a high output moving coil cartridge with an output voltage of approximately 1.6 mV at 50 mm/s and 1 kHz. It features a spherical diamond stylus and offers a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 45 kHz. The cartridge has a channel balance within 2 dB at 1 kHz and left/right channel separation greater than 20 dB at 1 kHz. Its impedance is about 120 ohms with a recommended load impedance greater than 47 k ohms. The tracking force is around 1.8 g ± 0.3 g, and the cartridge weighs approximately 4.5 grams. The DL-80 is appreciated for its clear, neutral, and dynamic sound, and unlike many moving coil cartridges, it has a replaceable stylus, which does not require retipping. It is often compared to the DL-110 but differs mainly in stylus shape and some internal characteristics. The DL-80 is considered a budget-friendly option for high-quality MC cartridges.
Phono cartridge specifications
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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Components that show up alongside the DL-80 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Melody MM's output is 3.5 mV against the DL-80's 1.6 mV and its tracking force 2.0 g against 1.8 g. Both share channel separation (20 dB) and stylus type (Conical).
The DL-160's tracking force is 1.6 g against the DL-80's 1.8 g, its channel separation 25 dB against 20 dB, and its cartridge type HOMC against MC. Both share output (1.6 mV).
The MC-20E2/H's output is 2.0 mV against the DL-80's 1.6 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 1.8 g, and its stylus type Elliptical against Conical. Both share cartridge type (MC).
The VM95C's output is 4.0 mV against the DL-80's 1.6 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 1.8 g, its channel separation 18 dB against 20 dB, and its cartridge type MM against MC.
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