Ortofon VNL DANCE Premounted on SH-2 (DJ System)

The Ortofon VNL DANCE Premounted is a DJ cartridge with an elliptical stylus that comes factory-fitted on the Ortofon SH-2 headshell, so it's ready to play without any mounting.

No alignment protractor, no fiddling with tiny lead wires: headshell into the tonearm, set the tracking force, record on. You'd rather spend the rest of the time on music anyway.

Why the VNL DANCE Premounted?

Because this is where the best-sounding stylus of the new VNL generation meets a newly developed headshell. The elliptical stylus traces the groove more precisely than a spherical tip and brings audibly more detail and body. It still stays DJ-proof: 100 µm trackability, 10 mV output, rigid aluminium cantilever with Ortofon's rubber suspension. The SH-2 headshell is designed for stability, and its mounting screws have Torx T8 heads.

What you get

A detailed, high-level signal for long mixes, smooth transitions and clear treble. The neon-yellow stylus glows under UV light, which makes cueing easier in a dark booth. And after the gig, the cartridge can carry on working on your turntable at home – Ortofon explicitly recommends it for everyday listening, too.

Who is the VNL DANCE Premounted for?

For club and mobile DJs who mix rather than scratch, and for vinyl fans with a DJ deck who want more sound. Straight talk: If you scratch a lot, the VNL TRIX is the better choice – spherical styli handle constant abuse on the platter more readily. And if you already own a good headshell, you'll save a little money with the VNL DANCE without headshell.

Our verdict

The most convenient way to get the VNL DANCE: ready mounted, the more refined-sounding choice in the VNL series and still club-proof. If you mix, you can hardly go wrong here.

Technical specifications

• Type: DJ cartridge, premounted on headshell (bayonet/SME connection)
• Headshell: Ortofon SH-2, black (mounting screws with Torx T8 head)
• Stylus tip: elliptical diamond
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Coil system: quad coils
• Output voltage: 10 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 4.0 g
• Trackability: 100 µm (315 Hz)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (±3 dB)
• Channel separation: 22 dB (1 kHz)
• Compliance (dynamic, lateral): 12 µm/mN
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Weight: 7 g (cartridge without headshell)
• Colour: black body, neon-yellow stylus (UV-fluorescent), black headshell
• Replacement stylus: Stylus VNL DANCE
• In the box: VNL DANCE cartridge, factory-mounted on SH-2 headshell

Frequently asked questions

Is the VNL DANCE Premounted ready to play straight away?

Yes. The cartridge is factory-mounted and wired on the SH-2 headshell. You plug the headshell into your S-shaped tonearm with bayonet (SME) connection, set the recommended tracking force of 4 g and the anti-skating, and you're ready to go. You don't need any tools for plugging it in.

Which phono stage do I need for the VNL DANCE?

Any ordinary MM phono stage will do, including the phono input of your DJ mixer. The recommended load resistance is 47 kOhm, the standard value of practically all MM inputs. Thanks to 10 mV output you get plenty of level and are more likely to turn the gain down than up. Even inexpensive phono preamps handle it without any problems.

Can I replace the stylus of the VNL DANCE separately?

Yes. When the diamond is worn, you only replace the stylus insert (Stylus VNL DANCE) – the cartridge body and headshell stay mounted. The old insert is pulled off and the new one pushed on. That saves money and time, especially if you play regularly and the stylus is working hard accordingly.

Why buy the VNL DANCE Premounted from HD Zürisee?

Because an honest assessment is often worth more than the last franc of discount: we'll tell you whether the DANCE, the TRIX or a Concorde suits your setup best. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil has been advising vinyl customers since 1997, and our technician Mauri helps with setup and any questions about your turntable.

Goes well with

A turntable with a properly adjustable tonearm, a phono preamp and more cartridges for your second deck.