I had been looking at getting a new turntable for a while, and was debating used vs. new when I happened upon a description of the DP-400 and DP450USB. They both checked all the boxes for me, in that they have (1) 3 speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78), which cover all the records in my collection (I have a few vintage 78s), (2) a standard headshell, making the mounting of a new cartridge, or replacement of broken cartridge leads, very easy (it's especially nice for me since the 78s need a special mono cartridge), (3) a speed sensor that regulates the platter's rotation, holding it to the exact speed selected, (4) a sensor that lifts the arm at the end of a record side and turns off the platter motor automatically (nice for those of us older folk who sometimes doze off while listening), and (5) a low-profile dust cover that allows the turntable (which is relatively small and light) to fit nicely in the shelf space I have for a turntable.
Both turntables have a switchable built-in phono preamp for high-output phono cartridges, although I have no need for that (I have a separate phono preamp -- I also use mostly moving coil low-output cartridges, for which the built-in preamp is not compatible and must be switched out). Both tables also come with a mounted Denon high-output moving magnet cartridge (more on that later).
The only difference between the two turntables seems to be the addition in the 450USB of a port for insertion of a USB drive and the ability to convert a vinyl record into a digital file (either MP3 or WAV) for inclusion in a digital music collection (after editing the file using either the free Denon software or another program, like Audacity). I have done some conversions in the past, and the Denon set up is far easier to use than others, virtually all of which require the turntable to be connected directly to a computer. So I decided to purchase the 450USB, just to have the versatility. I haven't tried the USB conversion process yet.
The table comes in gloss black or gloss white. I chose white, both because it looked good on line and I figured it would show fingerprints far less. I was right -- it looks great, and unlike gloss black (I have had a gloss black table before, and regretted it), fingerprints and dust do not stand out. The dust cover is a love-it-or-hate-it affair -- the cover has a stand it sits in when not on the turntable, and is not hinged, and it does not cover the entire table -- just the platter and arm. But it it low-profile when sitting on the turntable, and does keep dust off the platter and arm when the turntable is not in use -- which is the primary purpose of a dust cover. Personally, I love it. It is far less likely to end up scratched and cloudy, which happens to most hinged dustcovers, although I do worry I will drop it and it will crack (if Denon sold extras, I'd buy a couple just to have on hand).
Set up was straightforward -- the guide in the box is well-written and I had no trouble assembling the turntable (although I may not be the best judge -- I have a lot of experience with turntable set up). The cartridge is pre-mounted in the headshell and is easily installed in the tonearm. I followed the directions to set the tonearm weight at two grams, using the "eyeball" process Denon describes in the guide, and then checked it against an electronic wieght scale -- just using the eyeball method, I was able to set the weight at 1.95 grams, which is well within acceptable tolerances. Using the scale, I was easily able to set the final weight at exactly two grams, even though it wasn't really necessary to do so. Setting the anti-skate at two grams was accomplished just with the twist of a knob, and seemed to work flawlessly.
Using a strobe measurement wheel and strobe light, I confirmed that the speed control worked perfectly -- both 33 and 1/3 and 45 speeds were rock solid, dead accurate with absolutely NO drift. Wow. This is not that common, and the single most important attribute of a turntable -- if the turntable does not deliver accurate and consistent rotation speed, nothing else matters. The Denon produces absolutely zero "rumble" through the cartridge -- and if the turntable itself produces any meaningful noise when turning the platter, I can't hear it.
The end-of-side shut off and arm lift also work perfectly, although it often takes six or seven rotations of the record after the end of the music for the arm to lift. This isn't really any kind of problem, and the fact that the arm lift is based on a sensor, instead of a mechanical switch or gear, means there is no mechanical interference with the arm's movement while playing, and no plastic gear to break (both of which are problems with a lot of semi-automatic turntables).
Although the turntable is not a heavyweight, which is often helpful in preventing vibration from transmitting through the record to the cartridge and causing noise, I detected no vibration issues when walking across the floor or playing music at high volumes -- the turntable seems well-damped. And a lighter turntable is easier to place and move. The plinth is also a little more compact than a lot of turntables, although the platter is full-size. This also assists with placement.
The only downside is the included cartridge. It is inexpensive, and sounds it -- not bad, just not great. Like stereo speakers, phono cartridges are a component where you really do, within limits, get what you pay for. I recommend upgrading the cartridge at the first opportunity, perhaps to a Denon DL-103 or equivalent (assuming you have a phono preamp that will handle low-output moving coil cartridges).
Even after upgrading, for roughly $1000 all in, you can have a turntable and cartridge of superb quality, versatility, convenience and performance that rivals other turntable/cartridge combinations that cost two to three times as much. Skip the USB option, and you can have the same performance for about $800.00 with the DP-400. Either way, this is a great turntable.
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This Item  Denon DP-450USB Semi-Automatic Analog Turntable, USB Output for Recording, Speed Auto Sensor, Specially Designed Curved Tonearm, 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM (Vintage) Speeds, Superior Audio |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $685.00 | -19% $259.98 List: $319.99 | -20% $279.00 List: $349.00 | -16% $319.00 List: $379.00 | $49.99 | $499.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, Jan 4 | Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 8 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 5 | Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 5 | Get it Jan 3 - 8 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jan 3 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Accuracy | ||||||
| Sold By | Mega Deals & Savings | Angels Horn | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Fluance Audio | Amazon.com |
| power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric,Usb Cable | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired, Wireless | Wired | Wired | — | Wired |
| signal format | Analog | Digital | Analog | — | — | Digital |
| model name | — | H00501 | AT-LP120XUSB-BK | AT-LPW40WN | — | — |
| material | Plastic | Plastic, Wood | Plastic | Wood, Engineered Wood | Plastic | Plastic |
| weight | 11.03 pounds | — | 17.5 pounds | 10.4 pounds | 1.68 pounds | 11.03 pounds |
From the manufacturer
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Create Digital Files of Vinyl RecordsEnjoy your vinyl collection anywhere with DP-450USB. Integrated USB-A output allows for one-touch recording of your favorite vinyl records onto a USB drive as MP3 or WAV format files. Play your albums on the DP-450USB or record and take them with you to enjoy trusted Denon sound wherever you go. |
Specially Engineered S-Shaped TonearmFeatures a carefully engineered S-Shape curved tonearm with optimized tracking angle at any point of the record, auto-lift at records end and playback stop. When the vinyl reaches the end of playback, the tonearm auto-lifts preserving the excellent condition of your album and the cartridge. S-Shape curved tonearm design also reduces harmonic distortion, ensuring a crystal-clear sonic signal every time you listen. |
100+ Years of Firsts in Audio TechnologyFounded in 1910, Denon has a deep heritage of "firsts" in audio technology — from Japan's first audio electronics manufacturer, to producing the world's first commercial CD player and the world’s first 13-channel AV receiver. Denon introduced its first turntable in 1970 and has been delivering on its promise of premium quality, performance and amazing sounding products for over 100 years. |
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Phono EqualizerBuilt-in phono equalizer creates an open, enveloping sound stage that enlivens your cherished vinyl collection while staying true to the original recording as the artist intended. Connect it directly to a mini component or integrated amp that lacks a phono terminal for seamless use. |
Easy Setup and OperationTakes minutes to unbox and quickly operate for novice and seasoned vinyl fans. Plug DP-450USB into your favorite amplifier or system, including the Denon Design Series, and immediately begin reconnecting with your vinyl collection — it’s that easy. |
Speed SelectorSupports playback at 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm. Easily play your entire vinyl collection and enjoy its full breadth — even your cherished, vintage 78’s. |
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