Attractive, Good Isolation, Broad Soundstage, Excellent Stereo Separation, Excels in the area of Inner-Detail, Stoutly-built, Fully Automatic functionality

Direct-Drive, Mid-Fi Platter, Low-Grade Captive Cables and Connections.

As a adolescent, I made the jump from analog to digital. As it happens in so many other areas, our youthful decisions often catch up with us. Though I would not describe myself as a vinyl-phile, I must admit that there are certain types of music where LPs are far more involving (e.g. Jazz). This turntable represents my entry back into the vinyl world.

I auditioned numerous tables in the $500 to $700 price range (without the cost of cartridge). I decided upon the Denon for a couple of reason. First, and most importantly, it sounded best in my setup. (Grado Golden MM Cartridge, Silverstreak Phono Pre-Amp, Adcom GP-750 Preamp, ARC D130 Amp, Dynaudio Speakers). Tonal balance was superlative. I did not experience the "brightness" that is often associated with the CD format. I was amazed at the spacious soundstage; as well as this table's keen ability to articulate inner detail.

The second reason I purchased the Denon is that I wanted a table that really wasn't that fussy in both setup and maintenance. I unpacked the carton and was spinning wax within a half of an hour. Like other poor souls on this page, I have spent years in search of audio nirvana. This time my emphasis was on "just listening to music". It is likely that my obsessive personality will likely return, but for now the Denon is doing a highly competent job.

Lastly, I appreciate the old world looks of the Denon. Many high-end tables look like they space-age pottery wheels. However, the nostaglic appearance of this table brings reassuring parity and consistency to the sound of vinyl. On a critical note, the fit and finish of some of the corners is not as clean as they could be.

Purists may be a bit put-off by some of the electronic gimmicktry (e.g., automatic speed selection). Others may be offended by Denon's decision to make this a Direct-Drive unit (though the motor noise is indetectable at normal listening levels). My biggest complaint is the mid-fi platter that is utilized. Each of these sins can be overlooked if the sound is there.....fortunately it is.

Is this the best table one could purchase? -- clearly not. After borrowing a friend's Linn LP12, it became apparent that there is certainly room for improvement. However, for less than a quarter of the cost of the Linn, the Denon was still proudly able to hold its own.

I would highly recommed this table to someone who is re-entering the vinyl world. I would marry this unit with a good cartridge and phono pre-amp. I am planning to replace the cheap RCA connectors with higher performers. Highly competent table at a mid-fi price. Four stars on the cost-performance ratio.

Similar Products Used:

Numerous other TTs.