Upper Level Vintage DD Strenghts and Weaknesses


All of these tables have been discussed in some form or another here over the years. I have read quite a few threads on them, but its a bit difficult to nail this point down.

Basically I am looking for a non-suspended table to install a Dynavector DV505 arm on, and these tables can fit the bill.

The most widely available is a Denon DP 75 or DP 80 in a Denon plinth, and they are perhaps the most affordable also. Are there any of their plinths that are desirable, or are they just a veneered stack of MDF or plywood?

While more expensive I can find a Sony TTS8000 in a Resinamic plinth although shipping from HK is expensive. There is one thread I came across here where a member who restores tables says two of the three TTS8000 he has done had play in the spindle assembly which looked to be wear in the brass bushings of the motor. That does make me pause in concern.

The JVC TT101 is not only difficult to find, its apparently a bit of a bear to get serviced, so its not high on the list.

The Technics SP 10 MK II I have owned, and its a nice table but to be honest I had a Denon DP75 that I felt actually sounded better. Also the models that are out there are either abused or have a premium price tag attached to them. Also I don’t need instant torque, and I think the bi-servo designs might offer better speed control.

As I write this the Denon and Sony seem to be at the top of the list, unless there is another I should be looking at.
neonknight

Showing 2 responses by ihcho

@neonknight  
I have DP80 with DK100 and DA401 arm with DL303. I use it with HA1000. I like it very much, and I decided to have DK2300 and DP75 from Japan. I will use DA309 and DL103R. I still need to get another arm. Maybe I will get DA307. I will use LoMC Ortofon cartridge with DA307.  With all, it will cost me around $1200 without cartridges. 
I got HA1000 from an original owner who had kept it in mint condition, and actually it sounds pretty good.
I have Allnic H1202 and Live! MC-10 SUT, and yes, indeed they sound better than HA1000, but not day and night difference on my system. Other cartridges I use are AT150mlx, Ortofon MC20 super, SPUs, and super low output Ortofon MC cartridges. 
Currently, H1202 is used with MC20 super and Live! MC-10 is used with SPU cartridges on Garrard 301 with two arms. I enjoy the difference of sounds from different cartridges/tonearms/turntables, and MC SUT and head amps.