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Denon DP-60L vs Technics 1200 MK III

Hi everyone,
I’d appreciate your opinion on the matter. I’m returning to albums and I’ve decided to purchase a good turntable, in the price range of $500-$600. I have a couple of cheap ones already (Technics SL-23, Realistic LAB440) but there’s nothing exciting about them.

I really do like the Japanese style and looks of the mid 70’s - early 80’s so that’s why I’m singling out the Pro-jects, Rega and so on.

I have a chance to buy either a Denon DP-60L or Technics 1200 MK III. Both in near mint condition.
The Denon is just a beautiful machine, the Technics is a classic. Right now the Denon has a new Rega Carbon cartridge (new) and the Technics a Shure cartridge - middle of the road, nothing too expensive. As far as arms - both of them have stock arms, the Denon has the straight arm, and does not come with the extra S arm.

In listening tests I get gorgeous bass and very clear highs (Maybe a tad harsh - new cartridge) from the Denon, and beautiful rich mids mainly from the Technics. Add a little treble to the Technics and it’s just right.
I love the fact that parts and upgrades for the Technics are easy to find, where all the electronics of the Denon scare me a bit, after reading how hard it is to find any parts.

I've done a lot of reading on both this weekend and I think the majority out there with choose the Technics, but still - the Denon is gorgeous... however - I’m leaning towards the Technics. By the way - I'm getting a better price on the Technics. As far as value - I really want a keeper for a while, so resale value is not as important.

What would you do? (Please don't say "but both" because I can't afford to)

Thank you for your help!
yyman23

Showing 4 responses by yyman23

yyman23 OP
153 posts
 
sfall,

I'm not necessarily looking for that type of turntable (the DJ type) I just happen to like the looks of the Technics 1200. What I'm looking for is quality at a budget, from a vintage looking table.
yyman23 OP
153 posts
 
Thank you Sfall, 
I misread my own thread :-)
yyman23 OP
153 posts
 
Thank you for your helpful information everyone. 
I pulled the trigger on the Technics, but then decided I'm keeping the Denon :-)
So, the Technics is going to end at my dad's house and I'm keeping the Denon. When it comes down to it - I did like the bass and highs of the Denon better than the mids of the Technics. I felt it lacked in low low bass.
I wanted to spend $500-$600 on a plug and play and not fiddle and upgrade endlessly. The Denon does it. I just hope it lasts a while.
Then again - I can always find a good 1200. There are a lot of them out there.
yyman23 OP
153 posts
 
Hi 2channel8,

I ended up getting the Technics 1200, then traded for a 1210 (same table, black exterior). And I've enjoyed it ever since. From what I read, a lot of the Denon tables from the time have a lot of parts that are proprietary and if they break you're SOL. That's what happens to the Denon I was testing. 
What I like best about the 1210, other than sound and ease of use - it is a tank. It always runs. Very solid unit. So, 2.5 years after the original thread, I highly recommend a Technics 1200. 
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