This Denon DP75 is a technological tour-de-force from the Golden Age of Analog. The arm is a sorta' rare DA-401 with all accessories included. The VPI spring-suspended isolation base for Denon's top-end models was among the first products made by the Harry Weisfeld at VPI. The combination is in fine original condition and provides outstanding sonic performance. (Cautiously rated 8, respecting age and normal wear.)
Denon DP75 Turntable Motor
The DP-75 motor unit features a split platter construction employing constrained-layer damping. A high-torque AC motor has a speed-control system in which magnetic markers on the platter's perimeter are read by a stationary tape head called ‘Pulse Magnetic Field Detection system.’ There is no “cogging”- it’s pure analog and ROCK SOLID as the fine PRAT attests.
Specifications • Drive method: direct drive servo system
• Speed control: frequency detection servo system phase locked to a quartz crystal oscillation
• Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
• Speed deviation: less than 0.002%
• Wow and flutter: less than 0.015% WRMS
• Rumble: less than -80dB
• Platter: double construction 308mm diecast aluminum alloy Comparing the DP 75 and DP-80, the specs are essentially identical: S/N Ratio: DP-80 S is 77dB, DP-75 is 80dB. Wow/Flutter: DP-80 is <0.015%; DP-75 is < 0.008%w.rms The S/N ratio and self-reported Wow/Flutter numbers are better for the 75, but the Japan Institute of Standards put the Wow of both at the same level (JIS measure shows both below 0.02%.) Weisfeld stated: “I believe direct drive is the way to go when it’s done correctly. I’ve always been a huge fan of the concept, but you can’t get a belt or a pulley perfect, no matter how hard you try. A belt-drive turntable consists of multiple mistakes and you’re always dealing with multiple tolerance errors. Direct drive eliminates these issues.”
Denon DA-401 Lightweight Static‑balance Tonearm
The DA-401 has a low- to medium effective-mass are suitable for a wide range cartridges, designed to reduce intermodulation distortion. Precise calibrated stylus force, magnetic anti-skate and height adjustment. The DA-401 tracking force goes to 2gm maximum and the equivalent mass for the wand is only 6g. The recommended cartridge was Denon's DL-303, which I used with this arm and table. The arm is perfectly beautifully machined in every aspect. Specifications • Overall length: 322mm
• Effective length: 244mm
• Overhang: 14mm
• Tracking error: Less than 2.5 degrees
• Height adjustment range: 41-70mm (from arm board surface to arm pipe center)
• Stylus force adjustment system: Dial scale system, 2gm per rotation (0.lgm subdivision)
• Acceptable weight of cartridge: 4-6gm (small weight), 6-10gm (large weight)
• Head shell: Special rigid resin, weighing approx. 4gm (excluding screws and nuts)
• Anti-skating system: Magnetically controlled (disengagement possible)
• Arm lifter: Oil damped
• Bearings: High precision pivot bearings and miniature bearings
• Head connector: Plug-in type with fixing screw, 4P connector (gold plated).
The arm moves smoothly, adjustments are silky, and it’s in outstanding condition. There are no scratches anywhere on the arm except for some slight marks from the arm stand. It has performed well with various moving coils including Dynavector XX, Denon DL-103D and DL-303. Both light and heavy counterweights are included. It tolerates a wide range of cartridge compliance and sounds great. The arm includes the tools, literature, original mounting template, and instructions. The arm cable included is the original Denon low-capacitance type.
Oak VPI Isolation Base The base is a spring-suspension type. The suspended plinth is made of layers of plastic and steel plates and is VERY heavy. I estimate the turntable to weigh about 55 pounds. The massive damping of the plinth makes a very quiet base that results in a very black background. The plinth then sits on tall springs resulting in a very low resonant frequency. It all work’s to isolate the table from floor and airborne vibration.
The base is 21 wide by 18 deep inches. (Requires around 21 inches depth from the wall to the front, to allow for the swing of the dustcover.) The oak frame is clean, in original condition, and the wood radiant. See photos. The dust cover is free of cracks and in very good condition.
The turntable has been disassembled to remove the arm, dustcover, and hinges so some minor hand-tool assembly is required. Notes and photos are included to assist.
Performance Switching to this VPI/ Denon immediately eliminated all the warm stuff coloring the midrange and made the music snap into focus. Imaging is excellent. The effect of the background ‘blackness’ of this arm/table combination is eye-popping. If you want a direct-drive, this is the Big Kahuna. I have recently downsized my vinyl rig. I will try to answer any questions you might have.
SALE TERMS • I will not separate the arm and turntable, they are too good together so please don’t ask.
• Price is firm. Paymentvia PayPal ONLY • You may pay via PayPal and pick it up in Long Beach, California any time. Please note it is totally disassembled and packed and I cannot demonstrate the unit. • Shipping will be FedEx, the weight is 75 pounds total in two boxes- one for the base + dustcover + tonearm and a separate one for the DP-75 motor. Buyer pays full cost of shipping under all circumstances. • Shipping: WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY! Shipping is within United States ONLY! Sorry, no International offers will be accepted. We DO NOT ship to AFO, APO or MPO addresses. • Sales Tax: You are responsible for paying sales tax in accordance with your state laws. I’ve been on Vinyl Asylum for nearly a decade now, so you know who mr.bear is. Mr.bear444 has 455 eBay transactions with a 100% score. You will receive the table as pictured. Due to age and the hobbyist nature of this table, no returns will be considered. Thanks! I want you to feel it's perfect; if any problems arise please contact me immediately and we will work to resolve it.
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