electronicsme - Electronics / Audio Components made easy

Print this page

Denon DP-300F: Review

Posted to Audio Components 2009-07-30

If you're in the mood for playing old school vinyls, but you don't have a turntable to do so, consider the fully-automatic Denon DP-300F analog turntable. Amazing advances in audio technology allows this model to give you the best sound for the price. It provides a fully-automatic turntable experience, while at the same time preserving the manual functions of a serious record player. The Denon DP-300F is not the cheapest model on the market; however, the audio quality, performance, and features it offers compete with several higher-priced turntables.

At 12 in x 20 in x 16 in and 16 lbs, the Denon DP-300F has a studier construction than turntables of the past. It is specifically built on a heavier base for reduced vibration- something that is important in preventing tracks skipping. This model was especially designed to prevent deteriorating audio quality on older vinyls, and it features a tonearm that starts and stops automatically (subtle lifting and lowering) to protect the record. Whether you want to play the record at the touch of a button or manually move the tonearm to a different track, this turntable is a great model for your home.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Value

Surprisingly, the Denon DP-300F automatic analog turntable is moderately priced. Similar models cost up to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars more. Of course, the majority of users opts to purchase the non-stock cartridges for better audio quality, but if you don't mind the extra quiet hum or occasional hiss, then this model is perfect for you. It is a much better upgrade to older analog models for sure. All the features and enhancements, in addition to the quick and short setup time, make this turntable model a good value for the price.

Features

Unlike many modern turntables on the market, the Denon DP-300F stays true to its old school roots with an entirely analog system. But in the new era of sound and technology, that doesn't mean there can't be improvements. For example, the DC servo motor and belt drive (33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM) system are insulating within the sturdy aluminum platter, which improves background noise reduction. Some users have complained about excessive noise when using the stock MM cartridge, but overall it serves well and sounds well. The Denon DP-300F also comes with a built-in phono equalizer in case your receiver does not come with a phono input.

Summary

Technology has come very far in the fields of audio and electronic devices, and the Denon DP-300F analog turntable is no exception to that evolution. The simple interface, easy-to-replace cartridge, and improved tonearm are the strongest elements of this model. And when compared to more expensive turntables, this one provides nearly-equivalent sound quality at a fairly decent price. So, if you're looking for a well-built model that produces great sound, comes with the latest enhancements, and is easy to operate, then the Denon DP-300F may be for you.

Pros

Heavier, sturdier base construction for reduced vibration
Easily adjustable- compatible with 5-10 gram tonearm cartridges
Fully automatic analog system with manual function for track switching
Features built-in phono equalizer for connectivity to an unequipped receiver

Cons

may produce noise when using the stock MM cartridge