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A Denon – that says it all. In the Japanese hi-fi scene of the 1970s, the brand represented one of the most robust expressions of technical innovation applied to analogue reproduction, and this manual direct-drive turntable was fully in keeping with that design tradition. It was a model that was widely known and highly regarded at the time of its release, and remains highly sought-after today within the vintage hi-fi collecting community. The turntable was in fact created by combining components that Denon also sold individually, following a modular philosophy that allowed enthusiasts to assemble high-end systems from separate units.
This turntable is a combination of components that were also sold individually by Denon: the DK 100 plinth, the DA 305 tonearm and the DP 3000 motor. Just one year later, this same combination was marketed under the name DP 3700, demonstrating how this configuration represented one of the Japanese manufacturer’s most balanced offerings at that stage of its production.
A premium direct-drive turntable of solid construction and extraordinary design, elegant and timeless. The model presented here still commands a striking presence today, with generous proportions and a build that reflects Denon’s industrial philosophy of those years, when mechanical robustness and precision of operation were central to the design.
In this Denon, the platter speed was electronically controlled and the revolutions were detected by a magnetic sensor that regulated the speed for extremely high precision. In this method, the pulse that was precisely recorded magnetically on the inner circumference of the turntable was detected by the magnetic head and converted into a voltage based on the frequency. This value was compared with the reference voltage to control the voltage applied to the motor. 1,000 pulses were recorded with an accuracy of 0.01% wavelength error, enabling extremely accurate speed detection and extremely fast and sufficient servo control, resulting in excellent wow and flutter characteristics.
It was possible to maintain a stable rotational speed even when load conditions, such as stylus pressure, changed. Furthermore, as the servo circuit provided temperature compensation and featured a stabilised DC power supply, the rotational speed was unaffected by fluctuations in the supply frequency and voltage, or by changes in temperature.
A solid-rotor AC torque motor was used for the drive motor. This motor offered smoother and less vibrating rotation characteristics compared to synchronous motors and DC motors. Furthermore, background noise was extremely low as the system was driven by alternating current with a carefully shaped waveform.
The DA 305 tonearm was S-shaped with lateral balance designed to allow the use of a light-tracking cartridge. The stylus pressure adjustment was of the direct-reading micrometric type. The horizontal rotating bearings were premium miniature units protected by a double housing. Furthermore, the vertical rotation section consisted of a combination of an angular bearing protected by a special elastic material and a precision-hardened and polished spindle, designed to remain stable against external vibrations and shocks whilst minimising the resonance of the tonearm itself.
A substantial piece in terms of both size and weight. It measures a width of 53 cm and weighs approximately 16 kg. The model on sale features a solid build and an aesthetic presence typical of Denon’s designs from that period, elements which today contribute to its increased value within the hi-fi collecting scene.
Features:
Direct drive system Solid rotor motor
AC torque motor Speed control system
: Servo system via frequency
detection Rotation speed: 33 1/3, 45 rpm Fine rotation speed adjustment range
: ±3% (independent rotation speed adjustment)
Wow and flutter 0.03% WRMS or less (on test record)
Signal-to-noise ratio 60dB or more
Start-up time 1/2 rotation (1.8 seconds) or less (at 33 1/3 rpm) 30 cm die-cast
aluminium platter, 1.1 kg
Inertial mass 160 kg·cm²
Static-balanced S-shaped
tonearm Effective length 244 mm
Overhang 14 mm Offset
angle 20.5° inward
Tracking error ±2° Radius
Needle pressure adjustment range 0–3g (1 scale 0.5g) tonearm
height adjustment range 35 mm ~ 70 mm
headshell connector standard EIA 4P
Power supply: AC 230V, 50Hz Power consumption
: 14WPhysical dimensions
: Width 530 × Height 180 × Depth
440 mm Weight: 16 kg
