Technics SL-1401

Always liked my sl1700 but use this now

I don't really think it sounds any better than the technics but I like the look better. The technics are tanks though with light servicing they still work well after 30/40 years.

I purchased the armless Denon DP-75 back in the day and had a SME arm with it, loved that combo, sold it when I went back to school, big mistake. Now its worth a king's ransom. I currently have the Denon DP-72L shown in my avatar, which I purchased without the arm. I initially put a Grace 707 arm on it, but went to a Jelco 750. Very nice table and arm. There is a lot to be said for upgrading the arm on many TT's.

Your buddy had a very nice system. Those vintage Yamaha receivers and integrated amps still hold up well indeed to much of the modern gear. I just did a review of Skip's phono preamp that is touring, with a Yamaha CR-800, and it sounded fantastic.

I'd love to own one of those 60/70 series denons but they scare the heck out of me, the electronicly operated arm's are a great idea but serviceability and parts availability just scares me considering the purchase prices they get! Would also but one of the "flying saucer" models and add a good arm but again the purchase pricing is insane and approaches and even surpasses the cost of tables like vpi, Oracle ect.

Soundfreak, if you ever run across a reasonably priced 60/70 series just take off the arm (and make a new armboard if you have to) and put on a different arm. That eliminates all the problems with the electronically operated arm and the arms were the weak link soundwise in those tables anyway, not that they were bad. I know the prices of used Denons have gone up considerably since I bought mine several years ago and that is a problem these days. Then adding the cost of an arm can be pricey but the Jelco 750 can be had on sale quite reasonably and is a real giant killer arm. However, there is nothing wrong with the Denon you have, and as long as it works I'd stick with it. Its a beauty to boot!

Don't know the answer off the top of my head, you'll have to do some google research and see what people say or try to get ahold of a Jelco dealer by email. I think I got mine from the Canadian dealer but I'd have to look later tonight to see what his contact info is. I will try to do that when I get home.