What pay attention to when buying a Denon dp-59L?

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Hello,
I'm going to buy this TT, but I have the possibility to examine
it before. according to the seller, everything works propoerly, and there is no issue.

I have never dealt with this TT so should I pay attention to?
What is the proper way of examining it?

By the way, the price is 620USD. A bit high probably?

Thank you

serge

MX117.MC7150 · Apr 29, 2014

Make sure the dustcover is perfect, as should all cosmetics be for that price (at least $200 above the going rate). Make sure all the functions (speed, record size, auto actions, etc.) work perfectly. That said. a DP-72L in NYC sold for well over $1K on eBay last week.

ETI_5000 · Apr 29, 2014

It might pay to download the user manual from vinylengine http://www.vinylengine.com/library/denon/dp-59l.shtml first to acquaint yourself with the functions before you go to look at it. Then you should be able to check out all the functions, such as making sure that the automatic start and stop are working correctly.

Apart from that, I’m not sure there’s anything major to look at – just make sure that it looks good, as you can get a good impression of how it’s been treated by looking at the finish. If it’s mint, then I’d be more enthusiastic about buying it, and it will look better in your home.

We aren’t allowed to discuss price here – that’s for the Dollars and Sense forum. Good luck.

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Thank you,

well, the cover is NOT in perfect state, the seller said. Not broken though, but a bit scratchy , or as he put in delicate French "not fresh". What is "a bit", I have to discover.

I read only very positive feedbacks about this TT, and of its famous electronic features.

Still, I wonder how reliable it is, for I always been rather anti automatic etc.

ETI_5000 · Apr 29, 2014

sar8 said:
well, the cover is NOT in perfect state, the seller said. Not broken though, but a bit scratchy , or as he put in delicate French "not fresh". What is "a bit", I have to discover.

Don't worry too much about the cover, as long as it's not cracked. It can always be polished up to look like new. A good guide to restoring them was from Joel the late Turntable Guy, here http://web.archive.org/web/20041208033647/http://www.theturntablefactory.com/cover.html .

ETI_5000 · Apr 29, 2014

There's also a good description with pictures of another member's dustcover polishing using Joel's instructions here http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=42972 .

datafone · Apr 29, 2014

Nice looking table, and very nice specs!

If speeds and functions are good, and cosmetic condition is also good I can't see any issues, and you should enjoy this table with a nice cart fitted.

Did he say what cart is on it now?

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Yes, he said, it comes w/o cartridge.
Here is the link, by the way
http://www.leboncoin.fr/image_son/653655780.htm?ca=12_s

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Well, you see, it comes as it is.
I wonder why.. there must be a reason for taking out the cartridge.

Andyman · Apr 29, 2014

sar8 said:
Yes, he said, it comes w/o cartridge.
Here is the link, by the way
http://www.leboncoin.fr/image_son/653655780.htm?ca=12_s

Hard to see, but it looks like you may be missing ALL 3 counterweights and the S shaped tonearm. That's probably why there is no cartridge; it's unable to to be balanced w/o the weights.

BTW, they are VERY expensive, if you can find them

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Yes, indeed, there must be at least one counterweight ring.
and at the picture, it is unclear whether there is any or not.

The very first picture is the denon I am after.
the second pic is there by mistake.

Thank you very much for pointing this out to me!

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

more pictures with counterweight ring

muovimies · Apr 29, 2014

Why do you want to pay 450 € for that table? I'm just asking because to me what you say seems like you are feeling sketchy about this and not trusting the seller. I might be mistaken as English is not your first language and it's not mine either. Anyway if that is the case, for me personally, if I start to feel iffy or 'suspicious' about something I take it as a huge red flag and watch my step very closely.

That being said I noticed there was one for sale in Finland for something like a 1000 € but it came with a used Ortofon MC30 Super cartridge which is worth a couple hundred euros (according to the seller, which was a Vintage HiFi store by the way). It seems it's been sold now, but I don't think the buyer bought the asking price - at least I'd never pay the asking price at that store, it's kind of known for it's very steep pricing...

So if it's in good condition and is fully ready to use by just installing a cartridge, it might not be that bad a deal, but I'd try to talk the seller down. If it's missing weights etc. I'd stay away from it unless the asking price was VERY affordable

Just my two cents! Good luck

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

very sensible. Thank you. I agree with you.
Yes, English is not my mother tongue. I am Russian.

It is not that I distrust the seller, I am just conscious about the risk, and there is always a risk. well, very often.

The seller himself proposed me to examine the TT before paying. and that is what I am going to do. and I ll buy only if everything is fine, as the seller affirmed.

jnoyes · Apr 29, 2014

The last three that sold on Ebay here in the US went for $600+; however, they all had cartridges included. If you can't hear it play, then stay away!

Jon

Andyman · Apr 29, 2014

The trick with the weights is that you need different ones for different mass carts.

I bought a DP-57L years ago with only one weight and have borrowed one ever since as the one I got was too light. Which is odd as it wouldn't balance the cart installed, but mine was a CL pickup from someone selling Aunties TT, so he probably never used it.

Very nice tables with beautiful plinths!!

sar8 · Apr 29, 2014

Though It is hard to say for sure,
it looks like there is a small weight ring but no big one
(see the picture)?

What should I do if this is so? Can I use the TT with only one small weight?
Is it difficult to find the big ring?

Thank you

AudioCzar · Apr 30, 2014

Listen to it carefully

Hello Serge,

Though I never bought a vintage table and never heard of anyone doing this, I would bring my mechanic`s stethoscope with me and listen very carefully to the chassis. I`d place it near and around the platter and see if I could hear anything resembling a bearing or motor problem.

I own a 30 year old DENON and so far all sounds very good. But, I have heard of other owner`s having problems in there that could lead to a big expense.

My name is Serge (Russian heritage) as well, ................ Good luck in your decision. Very nice turntable.

счастливый случай, удача

MX117.MC7150 · Apr 30, 2014

Do you have a cartridge you can take with you to use to try out the TT? You should do so. Even if it is a cheap cartridge and the mounting & alignment aren't perfect it will let you know if there is continuity on all the wiring to the outputs (I'm assuming he has some sort of play-back gear to try it with). And don't forget to take along an LP or two, as well.

sar8 · Apr 30, 2014

Yes, I am going to take a cartridge,
an LP, and; if there is no amplifier, an adapter to plug the TT in the computer audio in (microphone) to see if there is a signal, at least.

But how to ground it?

What pay attention to when buying a Denon dp-59L?

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