Denon 300F

halo

I just got this Denon 300F in today. So far, I'm digging it.

I ordered an extra headshell so I can swap out cartridges easily. I will work on that tomorrow with the Audio-Technica AT120EB cart I got a while ago.

The reason for the tt swap is that this Denon is just easier for me to work with. The dexterity in my hands isn't 100% and, because it's a fully automatic model, it is easier for me to use. The removable headshell definitely sealed the deal though.

I will say that it sounds fine with the stock Denon cart (the replacement stylus is Denon DSN85) but I will see what kind of difference the cart swap makes tomorrow.

While it has a built in pre, I've bypassed it and I'm using the Art DJ Pre II for the moment (still waiting for my Bottlehead Reduction kit + Integration upgrade to ship out).

Unfortunately, the RCA cables are hardwired in and I cannot swap them out. I like that the PS is built in to the unit rather than having to use a wall wart but that's just a personal preference.

It's a nice looking piece of equipment but it isn't as pretty as the Stir it Up.

mhardy6647

What did you do with the other tt (if I might ask)?

halo

mhardy6647 wrote: »

What did you do with the other tt (if I might ask)?

Of course Mark,

I still have it. I packed the Marley away in the original box with all the packing materials. The upgraded stylus is still installed & the original cart is safely packed away with the tt in the box as well.

halo

Much easier to swap out the cart with the removable headshell!

AT120EB

mhardy6647

halo wrote: »

mhardy6647 wrote: »

What did you do with the other tt (if I might ask)?

Of course Mark,

I still have it. I packed the Marley away in the original box with all the packing materials. The upgraded stylus is still installed & the original cart is safely packed away with the tt in the box as well.

I approve of that strategy (i.e.., that's what I would've done, were I you)


I think that Denon is "pretty OK" (as a former ESL colleague of mine would say) -- it doesn't aspire to anything beyond being a perfectly decent platform for playing records, which is probably a pretty darned good strategy on Denon's part. Not a hipster nor would-be DJ "toy", but a nice, basic tt with just enough "frills" (let's call them "features") not to be off-putting to a relatively new or non-fanatic record owner. These are good things!

erniejade

Looks great.

halo

mhardy6647 wrote: »

I think that Denon is "pretty OK" (as a former ESL colleague of mine would say) -- it doesn't aspire to anything beyond being a perfectly decent platform for playing records, which is probably a pretty darned good strategy on Denon's part. Not a hipster nor would-be DJ "toy", but a nice, basic tt with just enough "frills" (let's call them "features") not to be off-putting to a relatively new or non-fanatic record owner. These are good things!

Thanks Mark

It's doing fine thus far and it's easy for my better half to use too (bonus). I don't know that it is made by Denon. I think it's a Hanpin product (looks like the Pioneer PL-30-K). It is a nice looking tt but it's not as warm & cozy looking as the Marley.