Yes; the Audio store nearby sold the whole Denon line so I have heard them all. The 110 is good but the 160 is much better. They should be available for a good price. However, if you need to do the 110 it is a good sounding musical cart. Cartridges are one thing you know at some point you will have to replace so my theory is any decent cart that matches the arm is fine because you will eventually replace it anyway. And at that time you may have better resources. Meanwhile a good cart like the 110 will give you plenty of good music. Since you ask about the Empire check out this site G-T-I.De. Its a German site in English concerning Empire Tables. He sells the EMT which is designed for the 298. It's expensive but good to know about for future reference.