DENON

Feb 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Chris Gill

           
 

The Technics SL-1200MK2 has remained the standard in the DJ market for so long that other turntable manufacturers could only hope to compete by reinventing the wheels of steel. Any company that produced a DJ turntable with a similar or higher price was considered utterly nutters unless the device offered a lot more features and significantly improved performance. Recently, Vestax developed just such a unit, and now Denon has introduced the DP-DJ151, a quartz direct-drive turntable that borrows from the SL-1200's best features and adds a few captivating plot twists all its own.

At first glimpse, the DP-DJ151 looks like just any other SL-1200 knockoff. The S-shaped tonearm, platter, and control configuration are essentially the same as the Technics turntable's, but closer examination reveals several significant differences. The most immediately noticeable of those are the Pitch and Key Adjust buttons located above the pitch slider. When engaged, the Pitch button allows you to adjust the platter's rotation speed ±12 percent, a greatly improved range over the Technics' ±8 percent. With the Pitch button disengaged, the rotation speed returns to 0 percent.

BRAND-NEW KEY

Even cooler is the Key Adjust button: when you engage this feature, the record plays back at its intended key, regardless of how fast or slow the pitch-slider adjustment. Key Adjust is an absolute godsend for DJs who like to mix records in key. The feature works only with the output-level switch set to line (the turntable includes a built-in phono preamp), but because most DJ mixers have line/phono input switches, that is no hassle.

In addition to maintaining the record's key, the Key Adjust button makes it easy for you to create some wicked effects. With the pitch slider set to a faster or slower speed, you can toggle between two notes. The button's solid action makes it easy to engage and disengage this feature in rhythm. Add some delay or other effects to the equation, and you can create some mind-blowing buildups that go a long way beyond the material on the record.

Like the Technics turntable, the DP-DJ151 offers two revolution-speed buttons (33 and 45 rpm), but when you press both buttons at once the platter spins at 78 rpm — a feature the SL-1200 doesn't offer. Drum ’n’ bass, happy hard-core, and gabber DJs with a need for speed will certainly love this capability.

Another notable feature is the Slow Brake button located above the unit's power dial; it lets you select from three different braking or startup speeds. When the brake button lights up constantly, the platter takes about two seconds to come to a complete stop or rev up to full speed when you engage the Start-Stop control. When the brake button flashes, the brake disengages and the platter winds down to a complete stop even more slowly; however, the turntable starts immediately at full speed in this mode. With the brake button turned off entirely, the platter achieves normal, quick Start-Stop times.

THE DIGITAL DIFFERENCE

The one feature that truly sets the Denon DP-DJ151 turntable apart from the pack, however, is its digital S/PDIF output. By simply connecting a single coaxial cable between the turntable and a CD or MD recorder or a digital processor, you can instantly transfer your vinyl recordings or scratch performances to the digital domain with no problem. The DP-DJ151 is the first model to offer this feature, and it's a welcome one that brings the turntable squarely into the 21^st century.

Although determining the hardiness of a turntable's construction can take months or even years, the Denon unit held up admirably to all of my abuse during the testing period. The buttons, sliders, and switches feel solid and sturdy and operate without any noise or static. The platter's motor provides torque that is comparable to an SL-1200's, and the unit's heavy construction and four large shock-absorbing rubber feet suppress rumble and skipping. The height-adjustable S-shaped tonearm tracks well, with minimal side-to-side sway, which makes it ideal for scratching applications. Although it doesn't have the locked-in-the-groove feel that the new Vestax turntables provide, the DP-DJ151 should feel comfortable in the hands of turntablists who have honed their chops on an SL-1200.

Other noteworthy improvements over the SL-1200 are the Denon unit's RCA output jacks and removable power cord (replacing hardwired output and power cords), as well as its circuit design, which eliminates the need for a ground wire.

A NEW SET OF WHEELS

Offering several major advantages over the SL-1200, similar performance, and a list price that's a full $100 lower, the Denon DP-DJ151 is a great alternative to the industry standard. This model suits mix-tape production applications particularly well because the Key Adjust button takes a lot of the guesswork out of mixing records in key. The only real drawback to owning the DP-DJ151 is that you may get so used to its Key Adjust feature, the pitch slider's extended range, and the bonus of a 78 rpm speed that you'll feel severely limited when you have to use SL-1200 decks at a club or event.

PRODUCT SUMMERY

DENON
DP-DJ151
$600

PROS: Key Adjust button maintains pitch at any speed. Digital outputs. Speeds include 78 rpm as well as 33 and 45 rpm. Solid construction.

CONS: Slightly wobbly tonearm.

Overall Rating (1 through 5): 4.5

Contact: tel. (973) 396-0810 e-mail contactus@denonnj.com Web www.del.denon.com