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  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 snilf

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snilf
222 posts
 

For what it's worth, I picked up a Denon DP-37F a few years ago, put a new Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge in it, and have never looked back. It does have that "servotracer" tonearm, and it may be that a better cartridge would sound better in a fine but conventional arm. Still, tracking weight and anti-skate measure perfectly, and the arm tracks better than any I've ever owned. A friend has a Linn LP-12 with a Sumiko cartridge that can't track my Bob Ludwig pressing of Led Zeppelin II (which has a warp on the outer grooves). The Denon tracks it perfectly, with barely a whoosh sound for the first two revolutions. The cue is very precise and consistent, and the automatic functions, which I've always disdained, work beautifully; watching the table do its thing is like watching a mechanical ballet dancer. I've owned AR, Lenco, Gerrard, Thorens and Dual tables, all the others manual. The Denon beats them all in every way.

I replaced the cables last year, but not the caps. Never had a hiccup. And, of course, the DP-57L is a still better table. Enjoy it!

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