Denon DP-47F counterweight

[AweDeOh]

Hi Everyone, I would appreciate if if owners of the Denon, DP-47F TT, would comment on this. I just bought one and setting it up I was surprised at how loose the counterweight is on the tonearm. The manual says to turn the counterweight in order to balance the arm but in my case the counterweight just slides back and forth. On other turntables I've owned, the counterweight is turned to achieve balance but not this one.

Is there something missing from this turntable? Is there some step I'm missing? The manual doesn't elaborate on the installation of the counterweight.

Your comments are appreciated.

Mark B...

 

[opossumcrush]

Are you sure it's the right weight? Mine is not loose at all. Got a pic?

 

[AweDeOh]

I attached the only picture I have at the moment. Sorry it's not the best. It' sure looks like the right counter weight.

Mark B...

 

[Balifly]

Remove and reverse the counter balance weight.

See if that works better. :scratch2:

 

[rexrider]

I have a 47F

These arms do not calibrate the same way as conventional arms.

To start, there should be a set screw in the counterweight. Once balance has been set, tighten it to lock the counterweight in place. If the set screw is missing, you can't use the TT until it is replaced so the weight is secured.

NOTE: My arm has the counterweight with the tapered end facing the back. Your picture shows it reversed.

1. With the TT powered off, move the counterweight so the arm is balanced and level (floating level)
2. Tighten set screw. The arm needs to remain level and floating.
3. Adjust dial to preferred vertical tracking force (VTF) for the cart you are using.
4. With the arm over the arm rest (still floating), turn on the power. The arm will raise and then drop into the arm rest. It is now electronically weighed down to the VTF you set.
5. Not a bad idea to confirm the VTF using a scale. If it does not match the scale, just turn the dial to where it needs to be (mine is off by .5 grams)
6. Place a record on the platter. Press "Start"
7. Adjust volume as needed and rock on.

Hope that helps

 

[opossumcrush]

Remove and reverse the counter balance weight.

See if that works better. :scratch2:

I agree, Reverse it. That is the way mine is on.

 

[AweDeOh]

Thanks to all for your comments, they are much appreciated. I'll reverse the counterweight and balance the tonearm this evening.

Mark B...

 

[asterion]

Okay so a well rested thread is awakened. I was following the instructions on balancing the tonearm on my DP47F and could not get the counterbalance weight to move at all, then I noticed the little set screw, loosen, adjust then re-tighten.

No mention of this little screw in my Denon manual.

 

[Balifly]

Okay so a well rested thread is awakened. I was following the instructions on balancing the tonearm on my DP47F and could not get the counterbalance weight to move at all, then I noticed the little set screw, loosen, adjust then re-tighten.

No mention of this little screw in my Denon manual.

Got a picture of the counter weight with the "set screw"? :scratch2:

 

[ASeattle]

Hi all,

This thread happened awhile ago, but the information is so useful, I thought I would chime in. I just got a DP-47F, supposedly from the original owner, and the counterweight is set with the beveled side forward. The weight does not move as it is supposed to when I turn it. I noticed the lock screw, and will try loosening that today, reversing the weight so the beveled side is toward the back and then see what happens. The owner and service manuals say nothing about this. Interesting that on my unit, the metal around the screw is roughed up, as though someone went at the screw with a driver that was a little too large. Go figure. (See attached photo.)

Questions:
My tonearm just barely swings to the first groove of the record. It would be nice if it went an eighth to a quarter of an inch father before lowering the needle onto the vinyl. There are three screws under the platter. The service manual says these adjust the voltage that regulates horizontal and vertical distances and tracking force. (See attached screenshot.) Does anyone have experience with making these adjustments? I am very reluctant to monkey with this stuff unless I know what I am doing!

Also, does anyone know what the retail price of these was when they were new, and how to tell when mine was made?

Any thoughts on this would be very much appreciated!

Al