Denon DP-1200: Service, Cartridge Installation & Setup

This Denon turntable is a tank! Very high quality.

[@petarstojanov4187]

Still have the same model, with rega bias cartridge and using it everyday. Great sound and works perfectly all these years

[@Amundsek]

This is the best Turntable repair channel👍

[@SteveDave29]

I like Capt Mark, but he is more sales and music history. WISH I could figure out how to message him to buy a TT I fall into LIKE with

[@SteveDave29]

Have you ever patched, repaired a crack in a cover?? Technique?? Media for repair ( adhesive or epoxy type?)

[@tonystoysntiques6341]

If you want to service further, you can remove the screw on the bottom of the motor to get access to the bearing in order to clean up old lubricant. Instructions I had said that it was critical to get the screw to the same depth when replacing. With that said, I bought my DP 1200 new in 1979 and it has required no servicing. It sat idle and stored in its original box for 20+ years when vinyl popularity faded, but it has been back in service for the past 10 years. I have replaced the cartridge and had to replace the plastic part that locks down the tonearm. Great turntable.

[@findable]

This plastic lock bit broke off mine. Can you share where you found a replacement?

[@tonystoysntiques6341]

@@findable I'm sorry but I don't remember. I wasn't able to find the exact Denon replacement, but the one I purchased has worked well. I think I purchased it off of eBay. I did have to modify it. After removing the remainder of the broken one, I drilled out the new one so that it would fit securely on the metal shaft. If I remember correctly, I think I reversed the metal part as well. If I could add pictures I would.

[@findable]

@@tonystoysntiques6341Thanks for the reply! I had read elsewhere people have used a technics locking bit with some success. Going to try that

[@TheWretchedWorld]

I had one of these a few years ago, excellent model. Worked faultlessly.

[@LeafyGooner]

I just purchased a 1200 on Marketplace. The speed was very wonky and unpredictable. Spraying the pot and switches was so easy with your demonstration. Thank you so much.

[@sheri1983]

I just received mine from japan and it's running extremely FAST, I mean you can't touch it from the speed. Any ideas? I just contacted the seller but looking for advise until I get a response.

[@LeafyGooner]

@@sheri1983 Have you tried spraying the pots as demonstrated in this video? It fixed my deck up. I’m no expert but I think a recap can solve many speed issues.

[@sheri1983]

@@LeafyGooner I oiled the motor so far, but ordered the contact cleaner. Was yours spinning extremely fast? mine is to the point where the whole turntable is shaking as in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goS5XqhmramfoKM

[@LeafyGooner]

@@sheri1983 I’ve seen many videos of that issue. From my understanding, a recap might be necessary if the contact cleaner doesn’t do the trick. I’ve seen other videos where the sensor under the platter was misaligned. This can also cause speed issues as far as i know. Again, I’m no expert at all, but I did a fair bit of research before I bought my dp-1200. I got a good enough deal that I had some money put aside for a recap if necessary. I used Deoxit Fader lube on the speed control. I hope you have some good luck with the contact cleaner.

[@sheri1983]

@@LeafyGooner Thanks for the response, I got it from Ebay imported from Japan and contacted the seller regarding the issue it was listed as in working condition. I checked and cleaned the sensor under the platter but still no change. I'll keep you posted.

[@guyb7005]

Excellent video - always fascinated by older Denon products. Concerned that the contact cement may shear off the top layer of foam if the leg experiences lateral forces -eg, moving the table along the stand etc

[@TurntableGuy]

Not a permanent fix by any means. The owner is probably going to purchase new feet for it.

[@stevenjosephs9]

Put an old beat up record on when working on TT

[@epowermarine]

Thanks so much for this, got my DP1200 spinning perfectly!

[@raymiehershey1430]

Great video! I recently purchased a JVC QL A7 that has the same style and features. Also heavy at 26.4 pounds. I can't afford the Denon 1200 but the 30 is a good buy if you want to get into this style of turntable.

[@ianyates7742]

Always fancied one of these after watching this I think I will invest in one not quite witch model yet thou 👍🇬🇧

[@TurntableGuy]

They're expensive.

[@FrankHoward-pl4nf]

I have a dp3000 floorless. Does it compare with technics 1200 dd. ?

[@stephenbarr2735]

Fantastic video! I am getting ready to swap one of these into my main set-up but I need to update the damping oil. Do you happen to know what weight I should use? (If you said in this video, I'm sorry I missed it.) I have searched the internet and have not found the info. My Pioneer PL-518 uses 300,00 weight so I'm hoping this is the same. Thanks again!

[@TurntableGuy]

I use 300,000 in everything.

[@deadstudioaudience2354]

I've had mine playing for years , and its slowing down al of the sudden, should i try the cleaner, not seeing anyone with a slow down problem here 🤔 thanks.

[@mbaker7775]

Thanks for going thru the serving of this. I have this TT (with the pine color veneer) & I love it. Using an AT VM 540ML cartridge but thinking about moving to an MC. Any suggestions for rhis TT? Low or high input?

[@michaelfern945]

Hi. I have a Dual 1237 that I picked up at an estate sale for $30. Is it worth restoring, considering the cost to do?

[@leoz6338]

I have the ADC.cartridge. it is my favorite. I would suggest getting a replacement stylus and keep it as a backup.

[@TurntableGuy]

ADC did make some lovely carts. But, it's up to the owner.

[@travisrysdam6725]

I have one of those ADCs as well, and I absolutely love it. Original stylus was a 0.2x0.7 nude elliptical. Very hard to find original styluses, but you can find some of the lower QLM bonded elliptical styluses NOS for a decent price. There are also new Swiss made nude ellipticals, but those have a magnet on the end of the cantilever as opposed to the iron sheath on the cantilever and bar magnet in the grip, so I haven't tried one yet. When my QLM 34 stylus dies, I may go that route.

[@leoz6338]

@Travis Rysdam what turntable are you using it on? I have a Yamaha YP-D8. I got a replacement stylus from Lp gear. Looking for OEM but so far prohibitively expensive. My understanding is that the Swiss made replacement stylus with the different magnet configuration is not as loud as the original version.

[@МухтарМусагаджиев]

Спасибо огромное ,очень позновательное видео,все разложил по полочкам . Поставил лайк и подписался на вас. У меня тоже этот проигрыватель Денон dp-1200.СКОРОСТЬ ПЛАВАЕТ,НИ МОГУ НАСТРОИТЬ СТРОБОСКОП. В ЧЕМ МОЖЕТ БЫТЬ ПРИЧИНА?

[@marcharrison1]

Awesome video. I have the opportunity to purchase one of these for $400, is it worth this price tag.

[@TurntableGuy]

Yes, I think it is.

[@marcharrison1]

@@TurntableGuy I have decided between this one or a Pioneer PL-A25 both for sell at $400.

[@joe10659]

Overhang for this model is 14mm. Why you set 55 mm.?

[@TurntableGuy]

Read the manual - 55mm from stylus tip to headshell gasket.

[@joe10659]

I've read. Overhang 14 mm. Can't find information about 55 mm. 14 mm. not responding to 55mm, like you said in this video

[@GlobalAuctions]

Hardest part is removing the platter

[@stevenjosephs9]

Put an old record on while working

[@andrewstewart8704]

Nothing worse than having to fidget with your nuts to do a cartridge change.

[@ChrisBeenDeadInside4WhileNow]

I would greatly appreciate your advice we'll continue following Thank you

[@ChrisBeenDeadInside4WhileNow]

I could really use your advice I live here in Portland Oregon and I just got into the vinyl I'm kind of green and new to this There is a turntable at my local store called Denon DP51f . It is in absolute mint condition has been refurbished sonically and electronically completely overall condition honestly appears 95/100 . The price is $450 The older gentleman at the store has assured me that if I was looking for a modern turntable that is of this day and age I can easily expect to pay $1,000 for similar sound quality IS THIS TRUE???? Whats yoir opinion on the turntable ?

[@TurntableGuy]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but Denon made high quality units. Check hifishark.com to compare pricing.