Originally Posted by
helma
The Denon motor units (DP-3000 upwards and later DP-75 & DP-80) would be worth a look. I have the DP-3000 which is/was like their entry level into the "big" units. The Denons are a bit different to most in that they use AC motors, which behave a little differently than DC-motors and have less torque.
I haven't heard the better models but the DP-3000 is quite competent, however as for beating a Garrard or a Lenco, I don't think it really does that. It's better in some ways and worse in others. Speed stability and S/N is excellent as you'd expect. The DP-3000 is quite snappy sounding in my setup, but somehow it doesn't quite achieve the musical flow of my fettled Lencos, even when using the same tonearm. On the other hand it doesn't sound quite as uninvolving as my sonic memory of a completely stock SL-1200mk2, but it's been years since I last heard one.
IMO, you won't beat a good Garrard or Lenco with your budget if the idlers give what you are looking for.
my DP80 trumps a 401 and ptp lenco and anything else I've heard tbh. Sounded better than a 401 without a plinth. The Dp80 and DP100 ( rarely seen outside Japan ) are completely different to the look alike Denons. Check out the specs. Platter is two piece with damping and electronics are more sophisticated. I had a mad moment and almost sold mine, glad it didn't happen. The guy that wanted it bought one and also hasn't heard anything to beat it.
Bakoon 13r Denon DP80 Stax UA-70 Shure Ultra 500 in a Martin Bastin body with jico stylus, project ds2 digital Rullit aero 8 field coils in tqwt speakers
Office system, DIY CSS fullrange speakers with aurum cantus G2 ribbons yulong dac Sony STR6055 receiver Jvc QL-A51 direct drive turntable, Leema sub. JVC Z4S cart is in the house
Garage system another Sony receiver, cassette deck
System components are subject to change without warning and at the discretion of the owner.