Denon Dp-23F Technincs SL-DL1?
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Multiplex
Appease my earhole.
Both are good! The more sophisticated Denon *should* be a little better if everything is working correctly, but from what I understand, those servo damped tonearms can have complicated electronics, so they are more likely to go haywire. The Technics is a basic no-frills turntable, but is built like a tank. Those things run forever, and rarely have issues. A little oil in the bearing and Deoxit on the speed control, and you're golden.
ETI_5000
Super Member
Denon DP-23F vs Technics SL-DL1
Wow and flutter:
Denon DP-23F 0.03% WRMS (JIS), Technics SL-DL1 0.025% WRMS (JIS); Denon 1 point, Technics 3 points
Rumble/signal to noise ratio:
Can’t be compared, as Denon used SNR and Technics rumble specs to indicate turntable noise, but they are probably very similar.
Tonearms:
Each have their advantages, but are complicated (one due to electronic damping, the other due to linear tracking), and the Technics may require more routine maintenance to keep it operating perfectly as time takes its toll:
Tracking error:
Denon ±3°, Technics ±0.1°; Denon 1, Technics 3
Damping:
Denon 3, Technics 1
Ease of cartridge set up:
Denon 1, Technics 3
IMD:
Denon 3, Technics 1
Choice of cartridges available:
Denon 3 points, Technics 1 point
Turntable weight:
Denon 5kg, Technics 7.1kg; Denon 1, Technics 3
Stroboscope:
Denon no, Technics yes; Denon 1, Technics 3
Speed adjustment:
Denon no (and no, it’s not quartz locked), Technics ±5%; Denon 1, Technics 3
Automatic functions:
Denon fully auto, Technics fully auto with auto record size and speed selection (and override, for non-standard records); Denon 1 point, Technics 3 points
Total score:
Denon 15 points, Technics 24 points
Although it looks like the Technics is a runaway winner, it’s probably closer than it appears. It’s true that the Denon active tonearm was used on much more expensive turntables, and was one of the best ever made – only other Denon, JVC or Sony actively damped tonearms could compete.
The Denon has the advantage of the damped tonearm and a much greater choice of available cartridges (as it uses half inch mount cartridges), while the Technics weighs slightly more (neither are heavyweights), has much lower tracking error (due to the linear tracking), much easier cartridge setup (due to the p-mount cartridge), more auto functions, and a strobe and speed adjustment, but may require more maintenance due to the linear tracking tonearm. I’ll give the Technics my verdict.
Wow and flutter:
Denon DP-23F 0.03% WRMS (JIS), Technics SL-DL1 0.025% WRMS (JIS); Denon 1 point, Technics 3 points
Rumble/signal to noise ratio:
Can’t be compared, as Denon used SNR and Technics rumble specs to indicate turntable noise, but they are probably very similar.
Tonearms:
Each have their advantages, but are complicated (one due to electronic damping, the other due to linear tracking), and the Technics may require more routine maintenance to keep it operating perfectly as time takes its toll:
Tracking error:
Denon ±3°, Technics ±0.1°; Denon 1, Technics 3
Damping:
Denon 3, Technics 1
Ease of cartridge set up:
Denon 1, Technics 3
IMD:
Denon 3, Technics 1
Choice of cartridges available:
Denon 3 points, Technics 1 point
Turntable weight:
Denon 5kg, Technics 7.1kg; Denon 1, Technics 3
Stroboscope:
Denon no, Technics yes; Denon 1, Technics 3
Speed adjustment:
Denon no (and no, it’s not quartz locked), Technics ±5%; Denon 1, Technics 3
Automatic functions:
Denon fully auto, Technics fully auto with auto record size and speed selection (and override, for non-standard records); Denon 1 point, Technics 3 points
Total score:
Denon 15 points, Technics 24 points
Although it looks like the Technics is a runaway winner, it’s probably closer than it appears. It’s true that the Denon active tonearm was used on much more expensive turntables, and was one of the best ever made – only other Denon, JVC or Sony actively damped tonearms could compete.
The Denon has the advantage of the damped tonearm and a much greater choice of available cartridges (as it uses half inch mount cartridges), while the Technics weighs slightly more (neither are heavyweights), has much lower tracking error (due to the linear tracking), much easier cartridge setup (due to the p-mount cartridge), more auto functions, and a strobe and speed adjustment, but may require more maintenance due to the linear tracking tonearm. I’ll give the Technics my verdict.
