Vintage Denon Direct Drive Turntable

What then is a DK2300? Is it Denon terminology for a DP80 installed in a DK300 plinth with a Denon tonearm supplied? If so, what tonearm do you have? After all, the sound of the unit is going to depend more on the tonearm/cartridge synergy than it will on the deck per se, assuming the deck is not defective. If I'm correct, and if you have a Denon DA307 tonearm, then I own the very same unit. I am re-mounting the DP80 in a slate or high mass wood plinth, and I will use either a Triplanar or RS-A1 tonearm with it. However, the DK300 plinth is actually pretty nice. I think the combo of DK300 and DP80 could be improved by better coupling of the plinth to the DP80 chassis. They used flimsy wood screws at only three points on the inner rim of the tt chassis. You might try using really long wood screws that go much farther into the wood OR drill it out and use long, strong bolts. A further act of courage would be to drill additional holes in the tt chassis so to use more fasteners between tt and plinth. I haven't got the guts. I also dampened the decorative ring around the outside of the tt assembly by inverting it and filling it with beeswax (or whatever melt-able potting material was used in old KLH9 ESL power supplies). That thing is dead quiet now.

A rare thing indeed when a direct drive table will sound even with a belt drive. I and a friend both owned "Big Dog" Denon tables in the 80s. We were encouraged to take home a flimsy $300 NAD belt table just for grins. Within 10 seconds of listening, we both looked at each other and simultaneously let out a profanity. Sold our tables and purchased new ARs with Sumiko arms and Talisman carts. End of story there.

To be more clear, I am considering buying this TT to recondition and experiment with it, and have no previous experience with Denon nor direct drive. The simplicity of a DD TT is appealing compared to a belt or even an idler wheel and if the speed and torque are well controlled and the motor is quiet, it might be quite a good solution.

Lewm, I have not seen the TT yet but what you describe sounds like they are the same. The arm is a DA 401 with unknown cartridge. If I liked the TT, I would consider remounting the DP80 as well, and would enjoy seeing how you are proceding.

Celtic, your experience is appreciated. Isn't it great when a comparison is absolutely obvious and there is no regret? Are you still using a belt drive?

Still, this forum is filled with those who are rethinking their drive technology.

Granted it will probably be a much more expensive experement, but the Teres Verus motor would let you experience the best of both worlds.

I have a Denon DP37F direct drive 'table with Sumiko Blue Point on it. It has reached 25 years (with 2 new drive motors), and works very well. I can't say enough good things about it. My big issue was with TT isolation, which I solved. It is also a very simple 'table to setup, and to use.