Denon DP 1000 – direct-drive turntable with motor only

A Denon – that says it all. The Denon DP-1000 model inherited all the features of the glorious and successful DP-3000, retaining its design philosophy but with cost-cutting measures that allowed for wider distribution. It was a direct-drive turntable that was well-known and highly regarded at the time of its release and is still considered a design of great interest in the world of vintage hi-fi collecting.

In this Denon, the platter speed was electronically controlled and the revolutions were detected by a magnetic sensor that regulated the speed with a level of precision extraordinary for the time. In this method, the pulse that was recorded magnetically with great accuracy on the inner circumference of the turntable was detected by a magnetic head and converted into a voltage based on the frequency. This signal was then compared with a reference voltage in order to control the voltage applied to the motor. As many as 1,000 pulses were recorded with an accuracy of 0.01% wavelength error, allowing for extremely accurate speed detection and extremely rapid and sufficient servo control, resulting in excellent wow and flutter characteristics.

This sophisticated system ensured a stable rotational speed even when load conditions varied, such as the pressure exerted by the stylus on the record. Furthermore, as the servo circuit provided temperature compensation and was powered by a stabilised DC voltage, the rotational speed was unaffected by fluctuations in the supply frequency and voltage or by changes in ambient temperature.

The drive motor utilised a solid-rotor AC torque motor, the same as that fitted to the famous Denon DP-3000, a feature that contributed significantly to the technical reputation of the design. This motor offered smoother rotation and lower vibration compared to traditional synchronous motors and DC motors. Furthermore, the almost total absence of hum was facilitated by the AC power supply with a carefully modelled waveform, a solution which at the time represented one of the strengths of Denon’s design in the field of direct-drive turntables.

Direct drive system Solid rotor motor AC torque motor Speed control system Servo system voltage via rotation speed 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
S/N ratio 60dB or more Start-up characteristics 1/2 rotation (1.8 seconds) or less (at 33 1/3rpm)
Platter 30cm die-cast aluminium, 1.1kg Inertial mass 160kg · cm²

Power supply AC 100V, 50/60Hz Power consumption 11W Physical dimensions Width 356 × 132 × 356 mm Weight
6 kg

This turntable operated on 100 V AC, so it required an external transformer to be connected to the European mains supply. This is not included but can be supplied on request.