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Denon DL-55 Audiophile MC Cartridge For Turntable Tonearm & SME HeadshellThe Denon DL-55 is a classic low-output moving coil (MC) phono cartridge from the early 1980s, known for its detailed sound and excellent value. It features an aluminium cantilever and an elliptical stylus, delivering an open and transparent sound with good dynamics, low distortion, and strong crosstalk performance (typically around -30 dB). Often considered a hidden gem among vintage cartridges, it compares favourably with many modern designs.This is a low-output moving coil cartridge and requires an MC phono stage or step-up transformer (recommended load of 100Ω or higher). Additional gain may be required when used with a standard MM phono pre-amplifier.Condition: This cartridge and stylus have been used.This setup has been tested, is working well, and sounds great.Please note the cantilever shows some dents. Please refer to photos for condition. Despite this, the unit still plays and tracks well.This cartridge is fitted to a quality SME headshell.Please note, the white stand is not included in the sale and is for demonstration/photography purposes only.Postage: Your order will be processed within 3–5 business days.If you are in a remote area you may incur extra fees.International import tax, duty, VAT, customs fees, or any other charges are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer.Return Policy: Returns will only be accepted for manufacturer defects or faulty items. Please contact us if you experience any issues with your purchase and we will work to resolve them.Please contact us with any enquiries and check our other listings for more pro audio gear and accessories.Import Duties (USA): For USA customers only, duties and taxes are included in the total purchase price for items up to $999 AUD. Orders above this threshold may incur duties or taxes upon arrival in the United States, which are the responsibility of the buyer.
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Denon traces its origins to 1910, when American entrepreneur Frederick Whitney Horn founded Japan's first audio equipment company, Nipponophone, initially focused on gramophones and records. The Denon brand emerged in 1939 from the merger of Japan Denki Onkyo—combining "den" for electricity and "on" for sound—with other entities, marking a shift toward professional audio development. This heritage includes pioneering Japan's first professional disc recorder in 1945, used to capture Emperor Hirohito's voice, and launching the nation's first long-playing records in 1951.
The brand excels across a broad spectrum of hi-fi categories, from amplifiers, turntables, and tuners to loudspeakers, cassette decks, and phono cartridges. Denon's innovations extend to digital frontiers, such as the world's first practical PCM recorder in the early 1970s, the inaugural CD player in 1981, and early home theater systems with Dolby Digital in 1995. Today, its lineup encompasses AV receivers, headphones, wireless streaming solutions like HEOS, and high-channel processors, blending professional-grade components with consumer accessibility.
Denon holds a commanding position as a mid-to-high-end mainstay in the hi-fi market, revered for its blend of technological firsts, robust build quality, and balanced sound signatures that appeal to discerning enthusiasts. No longer a vintage collector's niche, it competes confidently against premium rivals, backed by over a century of audio leadership and strategic partnerships like its merger with Marantz.
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