2. misc-audio
  3. 195652-94506

What would you do?

I just bought a Denon dp-57l turntable in really ​​​​​​, really nice condition for what I feel was quite a bargain ($250). It functions perfectly, gorgeous rose wood veneer, scuff marks on the dust cover which can be buffed out with lens restorer. Even though it functions perfectly, it is 43 years old and has never been recapped. A recapping can cost up to $700. It also came with an Ortofon Red cartridge not worthy of this quality of table and I'd say needs at least a Bronze.  So my question is:

Given the initial $250, plus $700 for a recap, plus let's say $500 for a good mm cartridge, we're looking at $1450 give or take a couple hundred if recapping isn't that much. Is this beautiful table worth it quality and sound wise to put that into it, or would a comparably priced new table beat it in sound quality? Looking for those with a similar Denon who've recapped theirs and have a quality cartridge to voice their experienced opinions. I'm putting it in a system that has Belles integrated, but I'll be using my BAT phono pre. 

thecarpathian

Showing 1 response by 8th-note

8th-note
429 posts
 

I have a Denon DP 47F that I bought new about 30 years ago. It has functioned flawlessly - I've never had a problem with it. I'm running a Hana SL cartridge through a Krell phono preamp. I replaced a Shure V15-V with the Hana and I very happy with the sound. (I got a surprisingly high price for the Shure. They are very sought after).

Just for fun I have compared a few good LP pressings to their CD counterparts to hear the differences. I'm running a Jay's Audio CD3 Mk III transport through a Berkeley Audio Alpha Reference 2 DAC and the Berkeley USB interface. It's amazing how similar the CD and LP sounds. If there's anything wrong with the turntable it should show up on this comparison. I've also done this with a few SACDs (Marantz SA Ruby) and their audiophile LP counterparts. I can tell you that one doesn't blow away the other. They both sound excellent with some fairly small plusses and minuses for each.

I've thought about upgrading this turntable but I just love it and I'm not sure I would get significantly better sound even if I spent 5 figures. For now I'm just going to hang on to it and listen happily.

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