10-06-10: Lewm
Johnny, Do you use the 500M? If you do, and if you like it, then fine. ...
Nope. I was answering the OP's original question about an available, affordable Denon DD (I presume) turntable. Denon has a new $2500 anniversary model out there, but since he was wanting something well under that, I figured the next best bet (unless you stumble onto a 25-yr-old one in excellent shape) would be a DP 500 M.
To answer your question, I have a Technics SL1210 M5G (upgraded tonearm wire) that I bought for $500 when they were plentiful. I've done some aftermarket tweaks, most very inexpensive and all aimed at dampening and controlling resonances (mat, feet, trough, headshell, arm wrap, isolation platform). I cannot believe how good this turntable can sound. I go to my local Brit-oriented high end shop and come away largely unimpressed by their Regas and Roksans. Not that those aren't good 'tables, but they don't tempt me to change rigs in the least. A couple years ago I was thinking of getting a Denon DP 500M, but the A-goners familiar with it implored me to stick with the Technics. I'm really glad I did, but am sorry that its continued production no longer fits Matsushita's business model.
