2. misc-audio
  3. 195652-94506

What would you do?

I just bought a Denon dp-57l turntable in really ​​​​​​, really nice condition for what I feel was quite a bargain ($250). It functions perfectly, gorgeous rose wood veneer, scuff marks on the dust cover which can be buffed out with lens restorer. Even though it functions perfectly, it is 43 years old and has never been recapped. A recapping can cost up to $700. It also came with an Ortofon Red cartridge not worthy of this quality of table and I'd say needs at least a Bronze.  So my question is:

Given the initial $250, plus $700 for a recap, plus let's say $500 for a good mm cartridge, we're looking at $1450 give or take a couple hundred if recapping isn't that much. Is this beautiful table worth it quality and sound wise to put that into it, or would a comparably priced new table beat it in sound quality? Looking for those with a similar Denon who've recapped theirs and have a quality cartridge to voice their experienced opinions. I'm putting it in a system that has Belles integrated, but I'll be using my BAT phono pre. 

thecarpathian
roadcykler
247 posts
 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. As long as it works properly and sounds good, there's no need to recap it. 

tunehead's avatar
tunehead
189 posts
 

I'd just listen and enjoy. It will tell you if it needs attention.

I had the same situation come up a couple of years ago with a vintage Sony PS-X50 turntable. I always wanted one and found one at a reasonable price. So, do I dump some money into refreshing it or just re-cartridge it and listen for awhile and then decide? I put on the tried and true 2M Blue. Two years later I'm still loving it as is. I don't feel any need to do anything else to it (other than polish the lid,, what is this lens restorer you speak of, must look into).

 

fredapplegate
110 posts
 

+1 for just leave it alone and use it.

Recap it when something goes wrong. The caps don't amplify the sound, they just run just the arm motors and the platter. I had a Sony PS X75 and loved it, lasted forever, replaced it with a Thorens TD 126MkIII. (Now that's a lot of caps!)

A 2M Blue would be a great fit. IMHO

Enjoy, have fun with it. It's a beauty and will always be worth something to a collector.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian OP
5,189 posts
 

Thanks, guys.

@tunehead ,

I'm talking about an auto headlight restoration kit.  Get a good one with a drill attachment pad. If you have deeper scratches, use a really high grit sandpaper first, then an even higher one after that, then the lens restorer. Like a 1000 grit then a 3000 grit. And of course, YouTube it!

 

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian OP
5,189 posts
 

A couple guys mentioned the Ortofon Blue. Do you think the Bronze is overkill?

There's also a (allegedly) barely used Black on USAM for a really good price.

Total overkill?

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