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.
These Denons are chock full of little capacitors and other fiddly bits. Quite complex for a turntable. When you recap one, you’re replacing something like close to 50 parts. That's a pretty poor explanation, but it's the best I've got with my limited knowledge. Hopefully some of the more learned guys will explain it better. |
Thanks, guys. I'm talking about an auto headlight restoration kit. Get a good one with a drill attachment pad. If you have deeper scratches, use a really high grit sandpaper first, then an even higher one after that, then the lens restorer. Like a 1000 grit then a 3000 grit. And of course, YouTube it!
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Thanks for the responses so far. No, not seeking validation, asking from a purely financial standpoint. I love the look of these tables, so it's a keeper no matter what I decide. There are certain components on these table that if a cap goes bad it will take out an irreplaceable part and I don't want to end up with a 26lb paperweight! More of a peace of mind thing, I guess. That Clearaudio looks very tempting.
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Yes, it’s the Japanese model with the step down transformer. I’m leaning toward @dekay ’s recommendation. Works great, holds speed, just install a better cartridge and enjoy. Forego the recap, and if it poops out eventually I’ll put the recap loot towards a nice newer one like that Clearaudio. The point was also brought up about trusting in a shops competence to do the work. Repair shops are few and far between and I don't have the DIY skills to pull this off. Kicking around the idea of getting a soldering practice kit and honing my skills to attempt it(eventually). |
