Hello. I have a Denon DP-51F purchased new in 1980. Only repair needed was to r&r the interconnect cables. I’m familiar with the 62L model. If the speed is still spot on I’d suggest using as is. I would also suggest doing a visual inspection of the caps prior to a recap. If any are showing signs of degradation a recap may be prudent. A properly running 62L is equivalent to $3-5K TTs in today’s market IMO. I recall that unit has 39 caps in the speed control circuit which means almost 80 solder points. If you have the skill/tools or know someone that you trust to do the work then go ahead (if you must).
Enjoy the music.
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.
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The capacitors are not in the signal path, so unless there's a speed issue, or tonearm problem I wouldn't worry. As to cartridges, mine runs a Shure V 15 type IV. The tone arm is less than stellar, in my opinion, because of the joints which may age poorly, and the electronic counterweight. Mine tends to rotate in and out of service as my whims, and acquisitions change, but for the age and the occasional bargain price, I would pass it by, unless there is an interest in vintage... Having said that, mine has been in service for thirty years, or so. The turntable was not designed with a long life in mind, more a happy accident of good engineering and quality components. At this point in its arc, it probably should, or could be considered "disposable", or as a parts donor if there is a breakdown. |
I have a great turntable guru who has guided me through several of the turntables I've owned, the most recent being the holy grail Garrard 401 and then a pimped out Lenco 75. I'm moving next to a direct drive turntable (the Technics Sp-10 MK2 mostly for a simpler setup) but one of the tables that's pretty much in that league is your Denon DP-51. I think your tonearm idea is wise, and my only suggestion would be to consider the Denon DL-103R moving coil cartridge, which is not just a classic but one of the best values around. I used to own the Clearaudio Maestro and one of the Grado Reference cartridges (these are both in the $1,300 - $1,500 range.). In my experience, the MC world is another league and my DL-103R at $500 compares favorably with my $5,600 Dynavector XV-1s. Food for thought. |
I have always bought Duplicates of Japanese Vintage Era DD TT’s The Links gives the option to have a Dual Use, with one having a Straight Wand and the other a ’S’ Wand, with one always being looked upon as the Donor Model for Spare Parts if needed. Additionally, If the Upgrade Bug take hold, there is always a Model left untouched, which creates the ideal scenario to compare the changes being put in place. Within your Budget easily acquires duplicate DP80 Models, a search on the site will get a Plinth for $60 with a Tonearm for $50 - $200 https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/o1197620325/ https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/q1197979823/ https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/g1196538096/ https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/h1197504382/ https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/s1197779011/ The experiences had on JVEDDTT’s has been so positive to see what can be achieved, with a different approach to Mechanical Interfaces and on a certain Model a redesign for a Speed Control, that the same curiosity was taken into Phonostages and Amplifiers where Duplicate Models were used to compare changes being made to one model. I can assure that in relation to Phono Signal, when the design for the Phono Signal path allows for Low Eddy Connections from Phono Cable to Phonostage Out RCA’s. My experiences of this as a practice has been substantial improvement over a typically selected Low Mass Design as the thought off upgrade for connections. Signal Wire Type has a major input to, but a lot is on offer that is very convincing when the Low Eddy RCA Option is adopted. Extending this onto other Amplification, adds to the good impression, but in a lesser measure, it is the earlier upstream Signal that really is discernible for the better. Is my experience ubiquitous and will extend into all systems, I do not know, but my experiences, results in my not wanting to keep quiet and sit on such a info. What is ubiquitous is ’ Nothing Ventured - Nothing Gained ’ |
I have a Denon DP 47F that I bought new about 30 years ago. It has functioned flawlessly - I've never had a problem with it. I'm running a Hana SL cartridge through a Krell phono preamp. I replaced a Shure V15-V with the Hana and I very happy with the sound. (I got a surprisingly high price for the Shure. They are very sought after). Just for fun I have compared a few good LP pressings to their CD counterparts to hear the differences. I'm running a Jay's Audio CD3 Mk III transport through a Berkeley Audio Alpha Reference 2 DAC and the Berkeley USB interface. It's amazing how similar the CD and LP sounds. If there's anything wrong with the turntable it should show up on this comparison. I've also done this with a few SACDs (Marantz SA Ruby) and their audiophile LP counterparts. I can tell you that one doesn't blow away the other. They both sound excellent with some fairly small plusses and minuses for each. I've thought about upgrading this turntable but I just love it and I'm not sure I would get significantly better sound even if I spent 5 figures. For now I'm just going to hang on to it and listen happily. |
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