[sharper]

Has anyone heard the newish Denon DP-500M direct drive turntable? I'm looking at getting a new DD turntable in about that price range. Apparently, it, and the model up (DP-1300M), have faired well in the Japanese review magazines.

I'm one of those who has gone from expensive separates to a digital receiver. I'm thinking of continuing down this path and go from a belt drive to a simple direct drive.

[doug s.]

dunno about the nad, but i'd strongly recommend the technics sl-1200 if yure gonna go for direct-drive.  they really are quite good.  or, scout around for a used sp-10 on ebay.

doug s.

[Psychicanimal]

I'm thinking of continuing down this path and go from a belt drive to a simple direct drive.

Actually, the belt drive is the simpler machine of the two...

[sharper]

I'm thinking of continuing down this path and go from a belt drive to a simple direct drive.

Actually, the belt drive is the simpler machine of the two...

Not from a usability standpoint...on a DD like the Denon, all you have to do is press a button to get it started and it lifts up on its own at end the side.

[Psychicanimal]

How about a SL-1600 (or is it the 1800?) MKII from eBay?  It is a better unit, if you can find one in decent shape.

[johnkramer]

I'll chime in on the Technics too

I've always been of the "no hassle" approach to TT's. My friends have had belt drives of all sorts. nice tables and in some cases notably better sounding. but they were all picky to some degree, too soft suspensions, platters that needed finger assist because the belt would pop otherwise, belts wearing out, etc. I got an SL1700MK2 when I was a teenager when it was still a new table. Still use it. The only problems over the years was the pitch control went funky when moved from zero (fixed by resetting a small connector) and recently the little belt that drives the arm lift rotted. 20 years and I still use it.

I've heard of speed control problems in these due to age, but overall I think its a great player. The SL1800MK2 was a fully auto, the 1700, semi-auto, the 1200 manual and still being made. Not the ultimate in hi-fi, but its 99% there. The only real concern I'd have with getting a used one would be how heavly it was used. The platter bearing has to wear out some day and eventually the arm will go.

can you tell I like Technics TT's? An SL1000MK2 would be great!

[doug s.]

I'm thinking of continuing down this path and go from a belt drive to a simple direct drive.

Actually, the belt drive is the simpler machine of the two...

Not from a usability standpoint...on a DD like the Denon, all you have to do is press a button to get it started and it lifts up on its own at end the side.

sharper, if yure only concerned about the usability issue, why not get one of these:

http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift/lift.html



i have a similar iteration, (ancient thorens lifter), that i have used for years.  no worry at the end of the record.  the platter can spin for days w/no ill effects...

doug s.

[sharper]

Thanks Doug. I'll look into that.

I used to have the Thorens Q-Up as well on my first LP12. I thought about getting it again or something similar for my current LP12 but liked the idea of direct drive and not having to adjust the suspension, etc.

[doug s.]

Thanks Doug. I'll look into that.

I used to have the Thorens Q-Up as well on my first LP12. I thought about getting it again or something similar for my current LP12 but liked the idea of direct drive and not having to adjust the suspension, etc.

dunno about that 'table ya presently run, (i've heard the lp-12's can be pretty fiddly), but my last suspended deck, a c&j walker cj55, needed only moderate fiddling - a coupla times a year, mebbe; & my oracle is pretty-much set-n-forget.

re: the thorens q-up, one went for >$150 on ebay not to long ago - go figure!     a buddy of mine uses the expressimo item on his rega p3 w/no issues...

doug s.