jhoyt
Incomprehensible space llama
So for a couple months I've been dabbling about the edges with my modest vinyl collection, as mostly I listened to music through MOG. I had played around with a Luxman PX-100 that I refurbished, as well as a Technics SL-1300 that I got sounding quite good. But then a couple weeks ago I saw a CL ad for a Denon DP-52F!
A couple c-notes changed hands, and the Denon was mine. But when I went to set it up, I started noticing flaky behavior in the servo mechanism. After a little research I decided to recap the circuit boards. A couple days ago I got it done, and set up with my Panasonic EPC-451 cartridge. Now I didn't realize just how light that Panasonic cartridge was until I mounted it in place of the original cart (Yamaha MC-7). It makes sense I guess, as a strain gauge cartridge won't have a wire coil or magnets. And it doesn't need the "extensive" shielding of inductive carts.
So after some initial listening tests, I decided there simply wasn't enough mass in the headshell/tonearm assembly. So I added a bit of rope caulk to the underside of the headshell--worked like a charm. I do believe this is the best analog sound I've ever heard out of my system. My memory of the big Pioneer PL-L1000 deck is a little hazy now, but I'm pretty sure this beats it. I could live with this setup for a long time and be very happy with it! In fact, I think I'll do that. :yes: :thmbsp:
This Denon is just a super cool deck! Even though I do like simplicity, I also like the way that technology is utilized in it. There are no complex linkages or mechanical assemblies, the "mechanics" are driven by voice coils. In fact, even the tonearm downforce is applied by a vertical voice coil. This way it's able to keep perfect pressure on the record, even through warps on the surface.
It's just all-around cool. I'm a sucker for cool.
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A couple c-notes changed hands, and the Denon was mine. But when I went to set it up, I started noticing flaky behavior in the servo mechanism. After a little research I decided to recap the circuit boards. A couple days ago I got it done, and set up with my Panasonic EPC-451 cartridge. Now I didn't realize just how light that Panasonic cartridge was until I mounted it in place of the original cart (Yamaha MC-7). It makes sense I guess, as a strain gauge cartridge won't have a wire coil or magnets. And it doesn't need the "extensive" shielding of inductive carts.
So after some initial listening tests, I decided there simply wasn't enough mass in the headshell/tonearm assembly. So I added a bit of rope caulk to the underside of the headshell--worked like a charm. I do believe this is the best analog sound I've ever heard out of my system. My memory of the big Pioneer PL-L1000 deck is a little hazy now, but I'm pretty sure this beats it. I could live with this setup for a long time and be very happy with it! In fact, I think I'll do that. :yes: :thmbsp:
This Denon is just a super cool deck! Even though I do like simplicity, I also like the way that technology is utilized in it. There are no complex linkages or mechanical assemblies, the "mechanics" are driven by voice coils. In fact, even the tonearm downforce is applied by a vertical voice coil. This way it's able to keep perfect pressure on the record, even through warps on the surface.
It's just all-around cool. I'm a sucker for cool.
