I don’t know where Raul got the information that the "specs" for the DP60L are better than those for the DP80. Perhaps he is even correct, but the DP80 was regarded by Denon as the top of their commercial line, bested only by the DP100 and DP308, which were more intended for professional and studio use. The second most desirable of the commercial line, or maybe a model of equal performance, is the DP75, with the DP60 behind those two. (Raul used to tell me that the DP75 is also superior to the DP80. I’ve seen no data to justify that statement.) There were no universal standards for how to measure turntable specs back in those days, and it would depend upon how Denon made the measurements and in what year, since there were some changes in how to measure S/N, etc, after 1979. Turntables marketed after 1979 will seem to have better specs because of changes in the method for measurement. This does not mean that I think little of the DP60. It would be a fine choice, too.
I think Best groove et al are correct; the SP10 Mk2 did not have the MN6042 chip. I stand corrected on that.
Best groove, Do you know what is special about "bi-directional servo"? I think it's 90% marketing. But the TT101, which also has bi-directional servo control, is a great turntable. I'd put the TT81 on par with maybe the Denon DP60. TT71 is not in the ballpark. These model differences did mean something, after all.
I think Best groove et al are correct; the SP10 Mk2 did not have the MN6042 chip. I stand corrected on that.
Best groove, Do you know what is special about "bi-directional servo"? I think it's 90% marketing. But the TT101, which also has bi-directional servo control, is a great turntable. I'd put the TT81 on par with maybe the Denon DP60. TT71 is not in the ballpark. These model differences did mean something, after all.