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Video: how a Denon cartridge is made in Japan

MattHooper

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Jan 27, 2019
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I would think that some people here might enjoy this. It’s yet another beautifully photographed and constructed video from Jana - the best in the business I think, in terms of high-end audio video content.

I get a very Zen feeling of calm watching the video. And wow do these people seem to have steady hands, working with the extremely delicate parts:

 
Watched it last night, good to see jana getting back into her videos. I hope the misogynistic dickheads stay in their caves and leave her alone
 
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I'm surprised it's not more automated.
 
They go through all this trouble and still a $300 DAC would probably sound better

I was wondering if ASR was going to be able to resist that comment.

Not even in the turntable forum I guess…
 
I was wondering if ASR was going to be able to resist that comment.

Not even in the turntable forum I guess…

I wonder... What could be the need to make such comments?

Some kind of superiority feeling? They think we use turntables because we're idiots?
I don't understand it.
 
Wondering ... with all the rare earth stuff, the new magnetic compounds; tiny 3D printing, all brought by the high-tech industry lately, is there a company trying a new analog definition of the inner working of turntable cartridges ?
 
What a coincidence: YT randomly served that up to me last night. Was amazed at how labor-intensive the process is, and by how few are actually produced.
 
I was wondering if ASR was going to be able to resist that comment.

Not even in the turntable forum I guess…
Why should it? ASR is a website dedicated to presenting the truth and facts in any situation.
When Denon was manufacturing AVR's with poorly performing DAC's and Amps in comparisons to others we didn't shy away from reporting the truth..
Enjoy playing your LP's all you like but in realm of High Fidelity in 2025 it is a distinct waste of money when compared against the digital alternatives.
 
Why should it? ASR is a website dedicated to presenting the truth and facts in any situation.
When Denon was manufacturing AVR's with poorly performing DAC's and Amps in comparisons to others we didn't shy away from reporting the truth..
Enjoy playing your LP's all you like but in realm of High Fidelity in 2025 it is a distinct waste of money when compared against the digital alternatives.

A theoretical truth, my friend.
There's so much in the real world than higher SNR and less noise ... name it recordings, acoustics, ear capabilities, blah blah
And we're also talking about science.

That's why a decent amplifier is indistinguishable from the best amplifier you have in the ASR list in a blind test. And what's the point? You can buy the cheaper one ... or the expensive one ... only because you like it.

That's all, simple, plain and scientific.
The audible difference with a good analog system is tiny, and in some records, analog wins hands down.

You want the truth? See both sides of the coin.
 
The audible difference with a good analog system is tiny, and in some records, analog wins hands down.
Simply a subjective opinion that's capable from maybe one in a million of after choosing the absolute worst digital recording to compare against, or that one in a million LP $100 - 500 pressing that can approach a CD within 20db for a quiet surface.
Show me even one LP that doesn't suffer from inner groove distortion, they don't exist.
And to get that level of performance you'll have to spend a small fortune in comparison to maybe what a $50 can get you from a used CD player. LOL Wake up, this is 2025 not 1965. ;)
 
I would think that some people here might enjoy this. It’s yet another beautifully photographed and constructed video from Jana - the best in the business I think, in terms of high-end audio video content.

I get a very Zen feeling of calm watching the video. And wow do these people seem to have steady hands, working with the extremely delicate parts:

She’s a pretty skilled videographer and storyteller. Hopefully she’ll produce a number of these and make a go of it.
 
I really like this level of workmanship and dedication to quality. That is one of the reasons I enjoy listening to vinyl records so much more than streaming digital music (despite knowing all the technical limitations)
 
Simply a subjective opinion that's capable from maybe one in a million of after choosing the absolute worst digital recording to compare against, or that one in a million LP $100 - 500 pressing that can approach a CD within 20db for a quiet surface.
Show me even one LP that doesn't suffer from inner groove distortion, they don't exist.
And to get that level of performance you'll have to spend a small fortune in comparison to maybe what a $50 can get you from a used CD player. LOL Wake up, this is 2025 not 1965. ;)

I don't suffer with IGD or noise, I only listen to music in my listening position, and with the same quality as digital sources. Many people ask me if I'm playing CDs sometimes.

Cost? We aren't talking about cost, the sky is the limit there ... and I like analog reproduction, even records are more expensive than CDs.

And is a personal decision, based on information and real experience.

Check that horrendous IGD and noise:

 
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I have no problem with noise on vinyl. A properly set up MicroRidge styli’s does not have noticeable distortion INner groove or not , Our ears can tolerate a lot of distortion , and a noise flood of -60db can be good enough to be perceived as dead silent …
Alternating between vinyl and Roon.Starting with 2minutes on Vinyl…

I do not claim vinyl is better than digital , but I enjoy both.
 
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Trying to be on topic ... I never had a denon 103 :)
My MC cartridge is the AT PTG33, boron cantilever and micro linear stylus.

what I don't like about the 103 is justly the spherical stylus ... I know Zu Audio sells more advanced 103 versions.
 
Check that horrendous IGD and noise:

That’s disrespectful to Dire Staits, you may not enjoy their musical compositions but you can’t argue that they are beloved by many

;)
 
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