Summary: I've owned this table since 1996 and I gotta say I'm very impressed. All the reviews are accurate. So I'm not to be redundant. The table, (if you can find one) would make a great addition to anyones stereo system. With the right cartridge, (I have an Ortofon MC 3 Turbo) will provide a great stereo sound reproduction that stands up to turntables costing thousands of dollars more. I know I've compaired. It tracks warped records very well, has a "whisper quiet" direct drive motor that is a little "low torque," or on the weak side, but this machine holds up. Attractive, solid, and well built, it is a gem!
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Summary: As a previous reviewer stated that the DP 47 has a sorta Star Wars-ish look to it...
Actually, if you look at the base of the servo-compu controlled tonearm it does resemble Boba Fett's/Jango Fett's space ship! That said, this Denon model was truly the final homage that the company paid to turntables of yesteryear that were just loaded with all sorts of fully automated bells and whistles. The exception being that while those turntables were more of a mechanical nature, The DP 47 incorporates some pretty smooth and sophisticated auto-servo technology in it's arm as well as in it's operational functions and controls laid out in the front bezel (outside of the dustcover---neat convenience for those times you want to play a record with the lid down).It's truly a couch potato's dream for full automation(detects record size,speed,automatically via the red-laser emitting post positioned in the right back rear of the plinth---ahhh, now that's what that does, who woulda thunk it!). Stature-wise, the DP 47F is the Denon DP 59L shrunken down a bit in size and contains a plethora of auto features NOT found on the DP 59L (the latter only contained an auto-lift arm mechanism).The other significant difference,also noted by another reviewer,is the low torque start up on this direct dirve quartz motor of the DP 47F.However,once up to accurate rotational speed it's pure analog-vinyl nirvana from there...
Now, the meat and potatoes of this great turntable system...As Forrest Gump would say, "I like it a lot!"---What's not to like about the DP 47F. I am currently using an Acutex 312 cartridge and stylus (similar looking to one of the Ortofon OM series). The DP 47F plays vinyl in what I consider to be a "polite" and clean sounding manner(if that makes any sense).There's this way that the DP 47F plays vinyl that I have never experienced on a Technics deck or on a JVC deck.Maybe it's the servo-Q damping circuitry doing it's job properly in which it cleans up any unwanted or extraneous tonearm resonance or extrenal and imposing acoustic vibrations from nearby speakers....In any case,as with my Denon DP 59L, I also experience this quiet and sweet,no noise or rumble level (many turntable belt drive advocates always criticize most direct drives for being too noisy and being able to hear some rumble from said turntable drives). Stereo separation and imaging is pretty good.Bass,mids,highs are produced accurate enough so as not to hear any smear or rolled off highs.At times, this system plays so clean that I do think I am listening to a cd player (in that "good" digital way---not the flat, non-3-dmensional ,piercing highs,cold sonic way)...
One of the biggest feats this 'table can accomplish is tracking those pesky slightly warped records---The only drawback, due to the collar design on the back of the tonearm that angles down, any large warps will get caught and bump the tonearm;This I found out with one particular album that contained a difficult warp on it---the Denon could trace it,no problem there, BUT when the warped bump went underneath the tonearm it tended to push the arm up causing the needle to mistrack...
Yes, this particualr model I have is from the mid 80's (later models into the 90's came with the black trim bezel, black brushed aluminum buttons, and black tonearm assembly). My point being that this mid 80's Denon DP 47F I own is a testament to how the company put a lot of thought and ingenuity into this deck as a final homage to full automatics of years passed. This is one durable 'table!
Strengths: -I own the silver bezel faced and silver,light grey trim in contrast with the dark cherry rosewood color as opposed to the later models that were black against the wood grain color. I pefer the silver metal trim which gives the DP 47F a classier look in my humble opinion...
-Accurate direct drive quartz system
-Quiet FULL automatic servo arm functions (can locate arm left or right to find that special section of a track you want to hear with button controls)...Also, if you hit the start button while the turntable is playing a record in the middle, arm will automatically reset to the beginning of record without having to stop.
-Tracks warped or off centered-pressed records with no problem (however, large and unusual warps will get caught on the back end of the tonearm collar).
-Sounds like a very "polite" and clean analog deck sporting convenient electronic control features. Quiet or extremely low black background noise level.
-Looks right at home,even with today's stereo systems...The DP 47F retains some nice hefty and classy looks with it's faux cherry/rosewood plinth.
Weaknesses: -No longer in production, replacement parts are close to nil.Definitely NOT a Technics 1200MK2 where replacment parts are readily available...
-Awkward angled backend tonearm collar that will not allow large warps on a record to pass through with ease---will cause arm to skip.
-Somewhat low torque motor and start up (as also noted by another previous reviewer)
-Not a dj type manual turntable where you can just grab the arm and drop it anywhere----but then again, why would you??!!---Just enjoy the smooth ride.
Similar Products Used: Denon DP 59L
JVC QL Y66F
JVC QL Y55F
Onkyo CP 1046F
Technics modded Full Automatic Quartz 1600 MK2
Technics 1200 M3D
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Summary: Hi
This is a funny TT. It looks quite Star Wars fashioned with it's robot controled tonearm.
In other words, I did not even thought that this was a decent player. I was wrong!
I had one in my room up for sale suited with a DL-160 cartridge.
At the same time I owned a Micro seiki DQX-1500 with MA-505 arm. I put on an Audio Note Soara Japan cartridge and the best step up in the world, The Super Nova!
Now the Micro had some of the best analog ever built to make a top performance, at least that was what I thought...
The Micro was incredebly bad sounding, I was stunned!
For comparison, I was curios, I smacked the Denon on with it's cheap high output cartridge without Nova.
It simply killed the other set up!!!
This is not, that the Denon must be that good, but, it's amazingly good compared to a Micro DQX 1500
For it's price it's a Rega killer as well.
Recommended for all low budgets fan. 5 stars according to low price!
Strengths: Not slow sound thought not controlled like other high end stuff. Ok palpably and easy set up. Stable and well made. I like the look!
Weaknesses: None at this price really.
Similar Products Used: Garrard 401, EMT stuff, Voyd (auch a bad player!) so as the System Deck, most Micro and heard most Nottingham as well.
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Summary: This review is for the Denon 51F not the 47F. I owned this table from new in 1983 until 2000. I found it to be a gnereally excelent vinyl player. Among the pluses: It is easy to set-up. Its automation reduces the risk of a cartridge's cantilever destruction from a momentary lapse in care. It can be adjusted to play all types of catridges-For the most part I used a Yamaha MC1, but also many moving magnets as well: Staunton 681EEE, Signet, Grado Signature.
The down-side for me was this deck's three breakdowns in the 18 years. Once it stopped working under warranty,the circuit board burned-out. It burned out a second time about five years later after running extremely fast for a period. In 2000 it stopped running again and I chucked it in the trash. So, while I haven't read of other similar experiences, I have mixed feelings about recommending this turntable.
Strengths: Ease of use.
Mates well with a variety of cartridges.
Protects cartridges fromcareless handling.
Weaknesses: Tendency for the circuit board to burn out in my table.
Similar Products Used: Technics SL1200
Thorens TD160
Systemdek IIX
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Rating Reviewed by: John Phillips(Unregistered User)
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date December 16, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Used product for 3 months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 3.67 of 5,
6.00 votes
Review 5 of 9
, from Ontario
Price Paid:
$575.00
from Good Guys
Summary: Very good quality, very smooth and quiet in operation. I am using a Grado Gold in it and the sound is very smooth and neutral. None of the exaggerations experienced with CD's. I do not like the integrated stylus force/anti-skating adjustment. I would prefer to set them seperately. All in all - a nice quality, good sounding table. With the right cartridge, a definite step up from CD's.
Strengths: Smooth operation. Excellent Sound.
Weaknesses: Fairly low torque motor for a DD table.
Similar Products Used: Sony 2251, Technics sl-10
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