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Denon DP-300F...

Steelman

Steelman

Super Member
I need some advise. I have been bit hard with the vinyl bug. I was in the process of getting rid of some gear due to a bit of tension between the landlord and the space I was taking up in the basement.

I thought long and hard, and even sold my prized JVC VL-8.

After the sale, a buddy gave me a Technics SL-Q2 and the rest is history...back into wax.

Now I am beginning to wonder, should I buy a new deck?

I began doing some research. I wanted at minimum, a semi auto, as well as a straight tone arm. I also wanted to keep the price at about $250.00

I think I have narrowed it down to the Denon DP-300F.
The lowest price new I could find is $267.81 but I did find a site called Dakmart selling refurbished units for $195.98 with a 1 year warranty.

Has anyone done business with this company?

Think it is worth getting a refurbished unit?

Thanks for your comments.
 
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It's azdecent deck, but $200 used would buy you something used, but superior.

Why must it be a straight arm? Is it for appearance reasons? As straight and S and J arms of good quality are all excellent options, and in general terms, equally good.
 
thedelihaus said:
It's azdecent deck, but $200 used would buy you something used, but superior.

Why must it be a straight arm? Is it for appearance reasons? As straight and S and J arms of good quality are all excellent options, and in general terms, equally good.
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Thanks for the input Deli...
I was thinking straight because the SL-Q2 is a S arm, having a straight would enable a A/B comparison.
As to new verses used...new enables me to be the user/abuser...
As for superior...what were you thinking and why?
 
There's going to be too many other factors between those tables to isolate the difference in sound by the arm tube style only.

I'd say there's plenty of vintage Japanese TTs that are semi-auto, from Sony's PS-5/6/7 to Sansuis to Pioneers to Technics SL1700MK2s, to vintage belt drives from Thorens or Duals.

Do you have bouncy floors? Susceptible to foot-fall vibrations?
 
Steelman said:
Deli...

Any thoughts as to refurbished verses new...
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I dunno what the issues were to have it sent back for a refurb, unless it was perhaps motor issues or tonearm issues?

Typically I find a refurb model just fine, however with such a new turntable, it concerns me there are a good amount available that needed to be sent back.
 
The SL-Q2 is no slouch and the Denon will not be an improvement. Technics quartz series were the top of their consumer line. $200 is better spent on a vintage deck. Hard to be specific, because there were dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models produced, and finding the exact model locally is a long shot. I say "locally" because unless the seller is experienced in successfully shipping turntables you'll likely receive a pile of junk. Best idea is to look on craigslist or even Audiogon (although that's usually higher end and well beyond $200) and post your findings here and we'll give you an opinion.
 
Deli,

Cement floors under plywood and covered with carpet. Nothing bounces here.

Good point about the refurbs....

How would you compare the Denon to the Technics SL-Q2...am I looking at something that is lower in quality than what I already have?

I have had several Duals and to be quite honest, none of them wowed me.
 
hakaplan said:
The SL-Q2 is no slouch and the Denon will not be an improvement. Technics quartz series were the top of their consumer line. $200 is better spent on a vintage deck. Hard to be specific, because there were dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models produced, and finding the exact model locally is a long shot. I say "locally" because unless the seller is experienced in successfully shipping turntables you'll likely receive a pile of junk. Best idea is to look on craigslist or even Audiogon (although that's usually higher end and well beyond $200) and post your findings here and we'll give you an opinion.
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I take way too long to type...question regarding quality of Denon verses SL-Q2 answered before asked :D

Thanks for the input Howard...much appreciated...
 
Maybe I should stick with what I have for now...I did just pick up a Shure M97xE off of amazon.
 
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I'm personally not a Dual fan myself, but that's strictly my tastes.

The Denon will be, in my opinion, a lateral move at best, perhaps a step down, in regards to the Technics.

Solid floors mean a suspended deck is a viable option for you.

Being a semi-auto you desire, options are somewhat limited, but there are still plenty of great options out there.

I would advise to purchase after Christmas- shipping during the holiday season is upping the ante any TT you buy can be damaged- holiday help at UPS, USPS, FedEx- and a rushed schedule, means more damaged packages of all kinds.


Look to Thorens, which some models have semi auto features, and Japanese vintage. The Sony PS-X70 is a favorite of mine, and I enjoy the Technics SL-1710MK2. There are others from Pioneer, Sansui, etc- folk will chime in.
 
It's overall a better build quality and better incarnation of the arm, and suspended chassis.

Non-sequitor- I miss Brooklyn- spent time in Park Slope, Williamsburg, and have a friend who runs a gallery in Red Hook.

Check out the Sony PS-X series too.
 
thedelihaus said:
It's overall a better build quality and better incarnation of the arm, and suspended chassis.

Non-sequitor- I miss Brooklyn- spent time in Park Slope, Williamsburg, and have a friend who runs a gallery in Red Hook.

Check out the Sony PS-X series too.
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Will do.

I am currently working on 39th Street and 1st Avenue...not too far from Red Hook...small world.

Thanks again. I would have blown $300.00 without you and Howards input :thmbsp:
 
Well, the Denon is not a bad table by any means. And lots of folk are very pleased with theirs.

I just think for you, it'd be a sideways move at best, and you'd not be upgrading in your case.
 
thedelihaus said:
Well, the Denon is not a bad table by any means. And lots of folk are very pleased with theirs.

I just think for you, it'd be a sideways move at best, and you'd not be upgrading in your case.
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That is just the kind of advise I was looking for :thmbsp:

What advise would you give between a new Rega, Pro-ject or Music Hall :scratch2:
 
Steelman said:
That is just the kind of advise I was looking for :thmbsp:

What advise would you give between a new Rega, Pro-ject or Music Hall :scratch2:
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Rega P3 or higher, Music Hall MMF 5.1 or higher, I'm not too familiar with the Pro-Ject line, but the Magnify is looking good.

These aren't cheap, however.
 
I think if the MMF-5.1 is the minimum for Music Hall, then the Xpression III must be the minimum for Pro-Ject.
 
It really depends on each person's taste. You could spend the price of a Music Hall MMF-5.1 and not get a better turntable if you just don't like that sound as well as a Technics. But it could work the other way around, too.
 
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