OK entry-level turntable
Written: Aug 03 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very inexpensive, no setup required, built-in preamp
Cons: Average build quality for the price, built in preamp, untweakable
The Bottom Line: Good starter turntable, but if you appreciate real sound quality then look elsewhere.
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| fewtch's Full Review: Denon DP-26F Turntable |
I ended up returning my DP-26F to look for something better, but in the meantime I couldn't find anything wrong with the build quality. For what you get here, this is a well-built turntable, and has received good reviews from the audio press.
As far as negatives, the "integrated" cartridge/stylus means you're stuck with the sound quality forever. More expensive turntables allow you to exchange cartridges -- on the lower end using a plug-in "P-Mount" system, and on the higher end with standard (1/2" mount) that require some skill in mounting, or taking the turntable to a dealer. The DP-26F allows no cartridge changes (it's impossible), so if you don't like the sound quality (or want to upgrade) you're out of luck. The only thing you can do is replace the old stylus (needle) when it wears out... the one supplied should last a year or two with normal usage.
The DP-26F also includes an integrated phono preamplifier, which is necessary to bring the low-level output from the cartridge up to "line" level to drive an amplifier, and which also performs the special equalization required because of the way records are pressed. Unfortunately, the integrated phono preamp included here just isn't very good. In this case, you aren't stuck with the sound (you can switch it out and buy a separate phono preamp), but many people who buy a turntable in this price range won't want to bother.
Bottom line: OK if you want a taste of those old vinyls again, or just want to dub your records to CD-R for more convenient listening in the car. If you have much interest in vinyl at all, you're gonna want to upgrade very soon. If you never upgrade, you may never know what you're missing -- greatly reduced rumble/clicks/pops and a tremendous boost in sound quality.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
fewtch
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Location: Seattle, WA
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Movie, music and computer nut. Interested in high-fidelity sound on a budget, particularly headphone audio.
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