Denon DP 7F or DP 15F???

geph0007

AK Member
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I have chance to get a denon DP 7f very cheap or a DP 15f for a little more. I had a DP 15F for many years. One of these would replace a Onkyo CP 1116A. Is this a real upgrade?? and if so which one?? Thabnks,keith
 
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I don't think there is a large performance difference in those two Denons, and I have spent some time with each a number of years ago, but I would prefer the DP15F simply because it is not a P-mount, as is the 7.


EDIT: Oops, sorry. Don't know that Onkyo, can't comment regarding upgrade question.

Addendum: Having found only a bit of info about the Onkyo, and no experience with it, my best guess is that the Denon would be an upgrade. Either Denon will have better speed accuracy and control - that is certain, at least.
 
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I have two DP 7F. Don't shy away from these just because they use P-mount cartridges. I have an Ortofon with Shibata stylus on one and an AT 8008 with Shibata stylus on the other and they sound awesome!
 
J&R sold the 7f for years until recently for way less than that, and the 15f price I no longer recall, but they are very similar and for those who want the simplicity of P-mount the 7's a good choice. For those who prefer the universality of cartridge choice, the 15f is much the same table. That's how they shake out in my mind.

EDIT: Dadbar, just below, makes a very valid point. I tend to agree, as I prefer a simpler design which I can work on myself, but for those who want one...you pays your money and you makes your choice.
 
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IMHO those Denon tables seem needlessly complex for what they are. Given the massive electronic parts count it's amazing to me that these still work. Unless one happens to find you I would not advise anyone to go and seek one of these out.
 
I've been using a DP-15f constantly since the early 80's. Despite seeing a lot of hours and not always in the best conditions (shared space with roommates, parties, etc.) it has held up very well. In fact, it's been entirely bulletproof.

I don't imagine that mine will be a candidate for repair once it finally fails, but I don't worry about that happening. And I wouldn't think twice about buying one in good condition if it met my needs.
 
I've been using a DP-15f constantly since the early 80's. Despite seeing a lot of hours and not always in the best conditions (shared space with roommates, parties, etc.) it has held up very well. In fact, it's been entirely bulletproof.

I don't imagine that mine will be a candidate for repair once it finally fails, but I don't worry about that happening. And I wouldn't think twice about buying one in good condition if it met my needs.

How does yours perform? I'm having trouble setting up the vta and tracking force on mine. Any suggestions?
 
An old thread, I know, but this subject needs some light shed on it. There's actually a huge difference between these two turntable. First of all, let me say about the assumption that the "massive electronic parts count" make them prone to fail is just plain wrong. The other side of the coin is that they are mechanically simpler than non-electronic automatic tables; mechanics fail more often and is harder to fix. Then, about the difference, the DP-15F has a Dynamic Servo Tracer arm, which means it's ability to track warped and off-center records is in another league. It's also much more solidly built. The DP-7F is the rock bottom of Denon turntables, and the T4P mount means cartridge selection is limited, and you pay more for the same quality in a standard mount cartridge.

Cheers, Richard
 
Glad Richard posted above.

The DP-15F is one of those TTs I keep going back to. Sold only when something else pretty tempts me and always quickly missed. My current DP-15F is in the loft awaiting our move to a bigger place next year when it will be unleashed again as part of my 'mini' system (+ aiwa mini compo and Wharfedale Diamond spks).

The only faulty DP-15Fs I have encountered were one which looked like it had belonged to Edward Scissorhands with a bad case of the shakes and one suffering flood damage. Overall the electronics seem very reliable. The control switches may need a touch of detox and always take care not to damage the inner platter coating. The room to adjust the counterweight is tight but you can carefully remove a little plastic at the rear to accomodate very heavy carts if required.

For a lightweight plastic item they play and track very well. The speed and antiskate seems spot on as well (its automatic) which makes you wonder why more expensive decks can get it so wrong (looking at you REGA).

Just my opinion as always. Regards, Steve.
 
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