Denon direct drive turntables

[Shovel_Knight]

I recently repaired a Denon DP-2000 turntable that was in a sorry condition. Had to replace all electrolytic capacitors and a bunch of semiconductors. I mounted my Mission 774 with a cheap vintage cartridge (Ortofon VMS15XE), connected it to a DIY phonostage and was rewarded with a very pleasing sound.

What really surprised me is that its character is completely different from my Technics SP10 mk2. The Technics is all about effortlessness, precision and control. It faithfully reproduces what's on the record. The Denon is lush, spacious and smooth, kinda "romantic" sounding but in a good way. It's definitely not the cartridge because I'm very familiar with Ortofon VMS cartridges and they don't sound this romantic on the Technics.

Frankly, this experience got me interested in their "big" motor units - e.g. DP-6000, DP-7000, DP-75, DP-80. DP-2000 was near the bottom of the range, the model number is a bit of a misnomer, it really is DP-3000 with quartz lock so they should have called it DP-4000 :lol:

If anyone has experience (positive or negative) with Denon direct drives, especially the upmarket models, please share them in this thread.

[Ammonite Audio]

What really surprised me is that its character is completely different from my Technics SP10 mk2. The Technics is all about effortlessness, precision and control. It faithfully reproduces what's on the record. The Denon is lush, spacious and smooth, kinda "romantic" sounding but in a good way. It's definitely not the cartridge because I'm very familiar with Ortofon VMS cartridges and they don't sound this romantic on the Technics.


I've not heard any old Denon direct drive turntables, but your description of its sound character does tally with that of my old Kenwood KD-990 which does play music rather like a top-end Nottingham Analogue deck but with a definite sense of added 'drive'. I don't know how the Denon DD motors were constructed, but I'd not be surprised if they used flat wound coils like my KD-990, which Technics have since adopted in all their current DD turntable motor designs ;)

[DiveDeepDog]

I recently sold DP55F and your description mirrors my experience. I hate the phrase, but it’s more ‘musical’ than I’ve found Technics decks.

I only sold it as I’ve got Sony TTS8000 and while the Dennon’s great, it didn’t bring more to the party, so, along with high end Dennon, I’d add Sony to the list. Ps 6750 was a great integrated TT.

[Shovel_Knight]

I've not heard any old Denon direct drive turntables, but your description of its sound character does tally with that of my old Kenwood KD-990 which does play music rather like a top-end Nottingham Analogue deck but with a definite sense of added 'drive'. I don't know how the Denon DD motors were constructed, but I'd not be surprised if they used flat wound coils like my KD-990, which Technics have since adopted in all their current DD turntable motor designs ;)

It's definitely not a coreless DC motor, in fact it's a very impressive AC servo motor that is large and powerful enough to drive a washing machine.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51482023021_54a8dbdb9a_b.jpg

I noticed that the servo is very gentle, if I try to stop it with my finger, it doesn't try to tear it off, and if I remove the pressure, it just instantly gets back to speed without any overshoot.

[struth]

The 2000 turntable uses an induction AC motor which is powered by a separate winding on the power transformer.

[Shovel_Knight]

The 2000 turntable uses an induction AC motor which is powered by a separate winding on the power transformer.

Yes! It is an ingenious system, very similar to what Sony did in TTS-2500 and TTS-4000. There is a large power transistor in series with the motor windings which throttles the voltage applied to the motor and controls slip between the rotor and the rotating magnetic field of the stator.

[Shovel_Knight]

II only sold it as I’ve got Sony TTS8000 and while the Dennon’s great, it didn’t bring more to the party, so, along with high end Dennon, I’d add Sony to the list. Ps 6750 was a great integrated TT.

I am a huge fan of old high-end Sonys, and in fact from the technical staindpoint the DP-2000 is very similar to Sony TTS-2500, with the added benefit of quartz lock.

[Ammonite Audio]

It's definitely not a coreless DC motor, in fact it's a very impressive AC servo motor that is large and powerful enough to drive a washing machine.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51482023021_54a8dbdb9a_b.jpg

I noticed that the servo is very gentle, if I try to stop it with my finger, it doesn't try to tear it off, and if I remove the pressure, it just instantly gets back to speed without any overshoot.

Blimey - that's quite a beast!

[stonehenge]

I am a huge fan of old high-end Sonys, and in fact from the technical staindpoint the DP-2000 is very similar to Sony TTS-2500, with the added benefit of quartz lock.

Does that include the PS B80 which I have and enjoy very much :)

[Shovel_Knight]

Unfortunately, I have never heard a Sony turntable with a Biotracer tonearm, but I know that they are supposed to be bloody amazing :eek:

[paulf-2007]

I have a Denon DP80 and it’s the best turntable I’ve ever had. I believe it’s a 3 phase motor.

[Mikeandvan]

I wonder if somebody came around your place and swapped the turntables over would you even notice?

[Shovel_Knight]

I wonder if somebody came around your place and swapped the turntables over would you even notice?

That's an interesting question, isn't it? At the moment I have about €3000 in my Technics setup, recovering this sum (at least partially) would be quite agreeable.

[Barry]

The only Denon TT that would interest me would be the DP100 with the arm removed and replaced by another.

http://www.thevintageknob.org/denon-DP-100.html

https://images.hifido.co.jp/12/513/51348/a.jpg

https://images.hifido.co.jp/12/513/51348/b.jpg

https://images.hifido.co.jp/12/513/51348/d.jpg

https://images.hifido.co.jp/12/513/51348/f.jpg

[Shovel_Knight]

You don't even need to remove anything, there was an armless version (although Denon's servo arms are very good, certainly better than any "classic" SME ;))