Why I Love My Denon DP 60L Turntable

I can't believe I babbled on for that long. Sorry about that! I also apologize for my head getting in the way a couple of times. Would love to hear any comments though, good or bad.

[@billjundt6373]

I purchased this turntable new in 1984.... still have it today. Amazing table... still an audiophile favorite.

[@danpinzone8226]

I purchased my dp-62l a 1982 I still have it it looks and sounds like I just bought it

[@danielwilliams1921]

Working in a hifi shop back in the late 70s/early 80s, we sold Denon and I bought one of the first DP 60L tables hitting our shores. Still have it, original box and all. Beautiful table, incomparable performance. I trust you're still enthralled - I am!

[@MrHawkwind]

Babbling forgiven ;), we tend to babble about things we love. Looks like a beautiful example.

[@grandg9437]

Absolutely stunning video! Great information and I love your enthusiasm!

[@audiomotion1]

Thanks for giving us a good description of the DP 60L. Denon always make good stuff.

[@ddanny3108]

I enjoyed the rambling. It's enthusiasm. Thank you.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

ur not babblin at all. just shows your true appreciation for this wonderful machine. those classic denons are amazing.

[@123pilpil]

Picked up a beautiful one with both arms and both headshells and original box and packaging. Lovely made thing.

[@vinylcity1599]

Fantastic TT my friend! I bet it really extracts all the beautiful analog sound out of your record's!

[@beninski707]

George White it’s been years since I made this video and this Denon is still my #1. Thanks for commenting!!

[@robottaway]

Looks like a well thought out plug and play table, and great looking too!

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Great video and explanation of the turntable I am looking to get. I learned so much about the product, and you hit on all the salient points. I, too, prefer vintage stereo components and turntables to today's generally inferior quality and suspect origins. Thanks again for spelling out the important stuff.

[@rwoodford9812]

Nice video! I guess I would be classified an Audiophile. I have a belt driven TT, but I agree the 1980 TTs from Japan were amazing TTs to own and use. I still have my Kenwood, KD-500 TT, which was one of the heaviest TT, on the market at that time. The base is made from granite, and adhesive blends, which made this TT pretty dead to vibrations. I no longer user it in my system, but I always loved this table because of the quality and the beauty of their design.

[@beninski707]

We are sooo on the same page with this stuff. I couldn't agree more. Thanks again for all your valuable input!!!

[@marmiki]

Congratulations in sharing this video. It is a very nice piece of engineering.

[@zobtoyash1]

Great video and very informative.I bought a DP-60l a short time ago with the S tonearm and a Ortofon 2M blue.I had a Rega P2 which I did like but the Denon won me over.Best wishes.Tom

[@the_last_song]

Awesome turntable! Thanks for showing it. Very interesting video!

[@Saturnize7]

Beautiful piece.

[@moesella3542]

Great video, was educational, thanks for your time.

[@mannye]

Thanks for making this video! Love it. I know it's a lot of work to put one of these together and I appreciate the effort. Love the Denon turntables. They, in my opinion, win in the looks category and sound fantastic. I would mod it to match my tube monoblocks though.. lol. Great explanation.

[@beninski707]

I wish I could afford some tube equipment. I made this vid a few years ago but still feel the same about Denon. Thanks for the kind comments.

[@mannye]

beninski707 Check out Bottlehead kits. The stuff I have is all Bottlehead.

[@tomdavis6371]

That is a beautiful table! I never owned this particular model but my brother in-law did. Ad for me, I owned the DP-55K which looked pretty much the same with the Rosewood base. The 55K was a fully manual table which came without a tonearm and I added a Grace 707 MKII to it, had the board drilled for the arm board/arm rest. I added an Audio-Technica arm lifter in order to pick the arm up at the end of the album. I used a Grace 8-F/L moving magnet coil along with a Grado Red Ruby of which I can not recall the model designation but that one was a moving coil. I hope that you still own this wonderful piece and that it continues to serve you well. Denon made some outstanding products back in the 80's and early 90's.

[@bauertime]

I also have a 55k and it has a Denon tone arm with lift lever. I like the manual aspect of it, with less things to break. I use AT120e, AT440mla, Empire2004, and the Denon DL160 HOMC Cartridges. I like the cheap AT120e the best. I paid $200 for the table about 20 years ago, from a friend. I've heard if you ever have speed problems with it, you might as well junk it and buy another.

[@beninski707]

Hi again. When I said I checked your table on the net, I was looking at the wrong model. This time I got it right. That thing is a brute!! I love it!! would love to add it to my collection. I noticed they go for a pretty big $ as well. Very cool!

[@miles573]

I just traded for this table today and loving it so far!

[@beninski707]

That’s Great!! Made that video 9 years ago but still stand by what I said. Still my main turntable. Enjoy!!

[@beninski707]

Hi Mike. Sounds like a nice system you got there. Need a reel to reel to complete my system. Glad you liked the video!!

[@InterpolFL]

Thanks for the video explainer, it was helpful. I just found one of these in near mint condition in my late Uncle’s house. Only thing that’s amiss is that the cartridge seems to be missing the stylus tip, so I’ll need to buy a new cartridge. Other than that it has the dust cover, both the straight and S tone arms with both counterweights, and overall it looks great. Super excited to get it fully ready and try it out.

[@SchindlerHaughton]

I completely agree! I have no plans to replace it until it breaks, if it breaks. It is different from this one because it is fully automatic (it even detects the size of the record and guesses the speed based on the size, but there are manual overrides for both), but the specs are otherwise very similar. It encouraged me to rig up a proper stereo system, complete with new Pioneer floor speakers and an old Pioneer receiver.

[@beninski707]

Thanks for your input. Yeah sometimes I just shake my head when I see these collections with the Blake sleeves, knowing what type of equipment they're playing it on.

[@inmatejason]

that’s one nice turntable! i just got a denon dp55m and i’m so happy with it, it sounds and works absolutely amazing, and on top of all that it’s a thing of beauty to look at. have you had any work done to your denon? i think i’m going to be getting my electrolytic capacitors replace in a couple month. i read on a couple forums that if ones goes it could cause a lot more damage, and the caps are older then me lol so i’m thinking there not running to spec.

[@beninski707]

Good specs on your Yamaha. I've checked out that model more than a few times, A great example of a quality vintage table. Thanks for watching!

[@beninski707]

Thanks very much for the comment. I also have a Technics SL-MA1 which is direct drive and fully automatic. It too has an arm system that operates separately from the platter drive. Also a very good table so I know what you're talking about. Your Sony and my technics are exceptions to the general rule of automatics. I've checked out your model on the net. Very nice!! Denons are just my personal preference but I respect all higher end tables like yours. Keep that Vinyl spinning!!

[@donkeevney]

Babble on my friend, I am a turntable lover too, beautiful deck.

[@Bercyable]

The wood is "Bubimba" wood...beautiful. I have one myself. Agree with you totally on this. For something your going to keep forever..you got a great deal!

[@danpinzone8226]

I always wondered what kind of wood that was I bought my turntable in 1982

[@joopoldenzaal]

I love it. It's great. Much better then today's turntables.

[@beninski707]

Totally agree. Thanks for watching!!

[@mikkotoivola]

This is one of the most beautiful turntable ever.

[@abrahamshamir9949]

I crazy this turntable denon dp 60 L ! Sound awesome!

[@jake105]

Definitely my dream turntable.

[@mostirreverent]

I have the DP 30 L but I’ve always lusted over these larger units

[@1mattadams]

Have one I bought in the early 80s from Audio Associates in Wash. DC. Wouldn't think of replacing it. Thanks for the video

[@beninski707]

Thanks for watching Mathew. I have many tt's but this one is still my fave.

[@ArcadeDude44]

Awesome turntable, I'd definitely consider this unit to be classified as an "audiophile-grade" turntable. :)

[@beninski707]

You are so right about missing JVC. they made some superb tables back in the day. Yamaha was another one. thanks for the kind words.

[@proper90s43]

Great looking deck and I'm sure it also plays amazing. Has a great reputation. Not keen on companies not publishing tech details, but hey, they are mostly inflated anyway. The thing with direct drive TTs are that they cost a fortune to repair, as they are complex. I just stayed with belt drive. Ermm, just realised this was 10 yrs ago!!

[@beninski707]

Thanks very much. I'm glad you got something out of it.

[@Icecold185]

Great vid. Very informative

[@johnadams9044]

The tone arm is mounted on the base which also has the motor mounted on it as well. That is a terrible design approach due to its inherent vibration and noise problems.

[@mikegrundy2970]

I love my DP60L also.It is just such a show peice and sounds fantastic to boot.I have all of my final componnants to match it with.Mcintosh MC225,MR71 tuner,C22 preamp,Klipschorns,Revox B77 reel to reel,Sony TC-K88B cassette deck.The ultimate I was told was to get a second MC225 to run each Klipschorn but I am fine with one.It sure will be nice to look at with the DP60L.

[@krystyon1]

I was on the fence about getting one of these but you got me sold brother.

[@danpinzone8226]

You will love one I bought mine in 1982 I still have it it's superlative

[@beninski707]

I would call that great luck. If looked after, you will never need/want anything else. Congrats!!

[@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube]

I was excited to hear the breakdown of your wonderful table. Then I saw the Rush album behind it. I went full 'prostrate on the floor' mode, begging God to punish you for all-time for years of extreme turntable abuse. May Zeus have mercy on your soul.

[@beninski707]

Lol. Ya I get that Rush isn’t for everyone. Not my favourite band but up there. In any case, glad you tuned in.

[@markanderson350]

Never seen a servo platter. Wow! Nice base too.

[@Si1983h]

That denon is a very nice deck, bet it sounds great!

[@markwilliams4989]

Hi Robert. I am envious of your DP 59l, would love to add it to my collection. Your comments are so true, the quality today is no where near what it used to be. I think the people that would prefer to buy, say, a new Rega RP6 for $1200 over one of these quality Denons for say $700 are crazy. Just because the word NEW is attached, a lot of people think it is better. If they only knew!

[@kkoller8952]

Those are great turntables, I still have my DP-62L that I bought new in 1984 and sounds better than ever. It's actually the best sounding DD turntable in my stable, even better than my Yamaha PX-3 Linear Tracker! The only one that come close is my Sony PS-X600, which makes sense because it uses a similar speed control and computerized tracer tonearm. Great video, very informative. Long live vintage Denons!

[@beninski707]

Sorry for the very late reply but thank you very much for watching, glad you were able to get something from it.

[@Bercyable]

An extra feature too..is the strobe to show exact speed. There is NO way to adjust the speed though..it's just there to assure the owner of perfect speed control. Pretty cool!

[@thinhdo2194]

Amazing denon turntable.

[@beninski707]

Thanks for Watching!

[@DoctorDeadwax]

I'm hoping to trip across a DP-72L at some point in my travels for a good price. Cool video Mark!

[@Leepal1969]

A truly lovely turntable. I have a nice Sony DD from the same era and it's appreciated in price too. I bought it about 2 years ago.

[@markwilliams4989]

I know Sony made some great tables back in the day. I'd hang onto that one for sure.

[@beninski707]

I know Sony made some great tables back in the day. I'd hang onto that one for sure.

[@beninski707]

Appreciate your comments, and I like your definition of an audiophile. I suppose one could have the most expensive system and not be one, for example someone with a load of cash who only wants the best stuff, not necessarily really taking into account the improving of their sound as a reason to upgrade, but instead, "well I have the cash so why not?". Great comments overall. Thanks for watching!

[@metaljoe9088]

Just purchased a denon dp60L today.in near mint condition. Can't wait to go hone and try it. I do have the dp62L also but i think this 60L is better

[@beninski707]

Thanks very much for watching. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@beninski707]

Excellent news!! Enjoy!

[@lazerrazor7905]

You.re the first one to tell the weight of the turntable and how heavy it is which they don't do for reason in the DJ community which i wish they would.

[@totheboyelis]

Great video. I really enjoyed it. I share the same beliefs about the vintage tables. It's a shame that a lot of record collectors don't care enough to know why they should upgrade. Cheers/hd

[@michaels8597]

Nice gear,and yes,they were built solidly,to last a LONG time,so these turntables are a great investment..I have an older Technics with an SME cart...

[@beninski707]

+michael s Thanks for watching. Yes, you cant go wrong with a vintage Technics. I gad a Technics SL-D2 for almost 30 years which never failed me.

[@michaels8597]

Exactly..a friend of mine told me about 5 years ago,that digital djing would be come passe,and since Tracktor was hacked,it's pretty much time to get back to analog training.I had told people I would keep my vinyl and it would be back,and from what I heard,after some years,Technics is back in the turntable game.Now I will probably hunt for a Denon,or two,and start digging through my monster vinyl collection.

[@beninski707]

Thanks so much for the nice comment!

[@Paneeks1960]

That is one beautiful turntable Mark. Worth every penny. I do not really know much about specifications but the 'signal to noise ratio' {S/N} set at 76 dB is one of the highest I have ever heard of. I know you are suppose to look for speed variations, S/N and also playback speeds. I never knew that the stylus is supposed to be set at an angle or vertical tacking angle. The electronic braking is sweet. I agree with you regarding the semi automatic vs manual. comment one of two~ Rob

[@beninski707]

Hey Randy. The cartridge is a Denon DL-160 which is the best match that I've found for this arm thus far. Unfortunaley, it has been discontinued so is hard to come by. Prior to this I used (still have) the Denon DL-110 which I guess could be called the little brother to the 160. There is very little difference between the 2. The 110 is readily available on e-bay most of the time. They are both MC as opposed to MM cartridges but high output so you don't need an MC preamp. Regards, Mark

[@beninski707]

Just checked your Numark out on the web, definitely a nice unit for the money, loaded with features that I'd never use though. It's nice and heavy like my Denon, spec wise a little inferior but yours is designed for DJ use, nice and rugged. For anyone not willing to fork out $900 for a top of the line Technics DJ table, this Numark is quite a nice substitute. I see there are many favourable reviews as well. Congrats on your purchase. Mark

[@dobermanguy9437]

I have a Denon DP DJ 151 I like the turntable the Q arm is dropping like a rock I have to get some fluid to slow it down

[@beninski707]

Thanks for the tips. I do have and use the Bren 1 weight. So far, I haven't heard any ringing from the platter but then again, I don't really own much in the way of classical to notice. Not exactly sure what you mean about the rubber in the arm so please enlighten me a bit on this. One thing I've had to do a couple of times is tighen the bearings (both vertical and horizontal) in the pivot as they tend to work themselves loose. Overall, I just LOVE that TT. Do you still have yours?

[@DoctorDeadwax]

I'm loving it! :D

[@mestredigital2]

Amazing cosmetic state! Have you change some part or it's completely original?

[@BOBTUNNELTON]

I AM INTO LOOKS AND THAT IS A PRETTY TURNTABLE, I THINK THE DENON DP-60L WILL BE MY NEXT CONQUEST, BOB

[@Paneeks1960]

Comment two of two} I think you are talking me into these classic tables because it seems that there are a bunch of good models out there that were made very solid such as this Denon. I am very much impreseed with the weight of that model too. Plus like you stated it is very silent with no motor hum. The newer models do look nice but I think for all out features, the classic models may be better.> Thanks Mark, fantastic post~ Rob/Boston

[@beninski707]

Just checked out your Harmon Kardon on the internet. Looks to be quite a nice table. It's cool that it has quartz locked speed. Don't see many belt drives with that feature. Very Nice!

[@beninski707]

The DP-72L is awesome, a step up from mine with the Q-Damping feature. Also a bit more weight and a S/N of 82db. This would be a great score! BTW, how are you liking your Technics?

[@joseantoniomartinezbombin1669]

Brown Moses must to sound great on it.!!

[@GoldenrockSkb]

My Father purchased one of these as part of the Bay Bloor Radio ( Toronto Canada ) "Presidents system if I recall correctly it was $750. I love this table . The system was packaged with a Luxman Receiver and ADS speakers . Oh the good old days !!!

[@beninski707]

I yearn for the good old days. So much quality made stuffI. I'm originally from Hamilton and remember hearing about Bay Bloor Radio. Is that Denon yours now?

[@GoldenrockSkb]

beninski707 Yes It is now mine, fitted with a Grado cartridge. I have a very busy body four year old son so it in packed away for now. I am using a dual 504 with a Grado cartridge as my regular listening table. I came across your video by chance, I can hear the passion for audio in your voice.

[@stringsattached67]

I just bought a Denon DP L60 at a salvation army store that was new in the original box' it had never been used i got all the paperwork with it also. I also bought an onkyo CP1055F like new in the original box with 3 new shure v15vmr cartridges complete with stylus for a grand total of $50.00 for both .. yeah I was grinning all the way home ...

[@Lovin_NY93]

+steve scarberry You got LUCKY

[@richardmarshall6751]

Shut up. I will ignore this post....la-la-la-la-la. Amazing deal, God was smiling on you!

[@beninski707]

You got it at a great price! Congrats. I saw your video, the Denon looks mintt. Did you get the straight arm as well?

[@beninski707]

Hey Rob. I can always count on you with some amazing comments. You know your input is always appreciated. I will be sending you a PM shortly

[@rc52]

@beninski707 Excellent video...two tonearms & 2 counterweights to fit any cartridge! Are you kidding me!? You definitely got your moneys worth...besides the fact that it sounds great, that is one handsome looking turntable. My friend has a Denon TT, not sure what model it is but he hardly ever used it & he's selling it...got to give him a call after watching this video. Thx for posting...like to hear it in action, play some vinyl.

[@rickseneris]

Speaking of tonearms, the low mass tonearm on your Denon is actually much better than the other massive "S" tonearm. All you have to do is add some form of bob weight on the cartridge headshell if you're using a very compliant cartridge. I used to have an Infinity tonearm. It was so light that on a real low organ note I could actually see the modulation on the tonearms head. It was suggested, I believe, Stereophile magazine to add some weight on the headshell or wrap some solder on the tube close to the headshell. It did the job well. So, don't try to get the obsolete heavier tonearm. Save your money. Your tonearm is designed like the Sony tonearm on my PS-55. I fine tune the mass by adding weights on the head. Well, it didn't need it even with the Shure V 15 II. I wonder who copied who, but I tend to believe Sony came out with theirs first. I just checked eBay for the prices on Denons like yours. I can't afford to spend that kind of money considering I listen mostly on CD's through my P5 preamp

[@terranceholmes6951]

Great I have one as well

[@beninski707]

I watched your Rega vid. Nice! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@Paneeks1960]

I tell you between yourself and Ottavio, I feel like I have an audio class set up in the VC with component information that we can all use. These posts will come in handy to anyone who is trying to decide what kind of turntable to buy. As you know I have procrastinated for way to long already. Pro-Ject? Music Hall? Denon or Clearaudio? It is very discouraging. Thanks for helping me out Mark~ Rob

[@beninski707]

My first thought is, does your receiver or amp have a Phono input. Only the phono input will provide enough signal boost to properly amplify the cartridge in your turntable. A regular auxilary input will not do the trick. Most newer receivers don't have this feature where the older, more vintage ones do. If yours does not have one you will either have to buy a phono preamp that will connect to the aux or switch to a receiver that has one. Does this help at all?

[@RUfromthe40s]

yes, for younger vynil users it´s a very important information

[@beninski707]

I saw your video and I must say that your Yamaha isn't too shabby either. Thanks for the comment!

[@farr64]

Great looking turntable gleaming.......

[@petercornell9063]

Back in the 1970-1980's I sold audio and had various turntables from Dual, Thorens, JA Mitchel, Micro Seki and Lynn LP12. When CD, SACD, Lazerdisc, and DVD came out I left the audio business, got more into home theater and sold off my two channel system. My last turntable was a SOTA and I sold it and my record collection in 1995 for $400. Stupid Me! (I also sold a pair of Stax electrostatic headphones with a Stax head amp or $200 - Double Stupid Me !!!). As my Home Theater equipment grew and evolved into a complicated 13 channel Martin Logan system with 9 amps, 4 subs and all kinds of digital content, I longed for the simplicity of putting on a LP record and sitting down to enjoy an album. When vinyl started coming back, I saw the high prices online for the new turntables where anything under $2,000 looked really flimsy. My old SOTA, JA Michel and Lynn turntables were selling used for even more on audiogon. Back in the day, I always liked the Denon turntables and thought they were well built and a good value for a mid priced turntable (more expensive than mass market but not as pricey as high end). This summer I lucked out and found one in new condition for $545 (they usually go on ebay for about $800), put an Ortofon Black in it and have started collecting vinyl again. For about a grand, the combination beats anything new at double the price. Normally, I'd prefer belt drive, but to get this kind of build quality in a new or vintage table would cost 3x as much. You're right, there is nothing more sexy than beautiful wood on an audio component be it a turntable or tube amp. There is also a real joy to flipping through LP's at the used record store, finding an old favorite in mint condition, then taking it home for a long spin while reading the liner notes and appreciating the cover art. Kids today don't know what they're missing downloading compressed MP3's to play over earbuds from an iPhone. Now if I just had my old vinyl collection…..

[@inmatejason]

ouch! i feel your pain.

[@mostirreverent]

I have since bought the DP 57, which is the Japanese version of the 62. It does have the crazy technically control arm, but happily mine is in working order. I do prefer the green buttons on mine

[@beninski707]

Very nice Greg. I believe the only feature difference between yours and mine is yours has the q damping feature. Glad it’s worked out for you. Cheers.

[@benitoperez4312]

you did good!!

[@beninski707]

benito perez Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@stevescott200]

beautiful, I'd love to hear Sheik Yer'bouti played on it.

[@beninski707]

Stephen Scott. It’s been years since I made this vid but SYB still sounds awesome on it. Thanks for watching!!

[@vicepresident6697]

Ok beninski707...After watching this video and doing some research, I decided to start looking for a DP-60l in as best condition I can find. I see that you made this video 8+ years ago. How is your DP-60l functioning these days? Would you still highly recommend it? Thanks for the great video!

[@beninski707]

Hello and thanks for the nice comment. Yes, this is still my main turntable and I still stand behind everything I said 8 years ago. Have had zero issues in all that time. Good luck with your search !!

[@dingdingalingthecat4924]

I currently have a pioneer pl-518, Sony ps-x7 and a new Project debeue carbin fiber.

[@chaparra64]

Hi, great video, thank you. Do you need a receiver for this or just speakers? Sorry, kind of a newbie here, but considering buying one.

[@beninski707]

Lorena Bazen Hi there!! Thanks for watching. Yes you need a receiver with a dedicated phono input. Another option would be a phono preamp and a set of powered speakers. There are many turntables.built today with built in preamps so all you would need is a set if powered speakers there are many options out there for people like you who are starting out.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I have the same kind of automatic shutdown and tonearm lift on my H/K T55C. Can be switched off though.

[@jgwalling]

what's the difference between the Denon DP 57-59 60 + 62 in your opinion. do they all have the same drive system is it just cosmetics?

[@uterpia]

Thank you

[@eldasto]

Hello, I've been trying to buy a turntable but I can't really understand all the different kinds of turntables. Recently I've seen many in the stores but I'm not sure if thats the way to go (cheap). I just started my vinyl collection last year and I want to play my vinyls in a turntable, I dont plan to spend over 400 bucks, could you help me? I have good headphones, but do I need a receiver to make it play records or just the turntable? thanks in advance :)

[@mikkotoivola]

Have you seen the Denon DP-A100 anniversary turntable? Or heard any first-hand comments on it?