Denon Dp-57l Vs Dp-62l

In the realm of vinyl enthusiasts, the Denon DP-57L and DP-62L turntables stand as formidable contenders. Both models boast exceptional craftsmanship, innovative features, and a shared legacy of audiophile excellence. But which one deserves a place in your listening room? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of each turntable to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Construction

The Denon DP-57L exudes a classic aesthetic, with its sleek black finish and elegant curves. Its solid MDF plinth provides excellent vibration isolation, ensuring a stable playback surface. In contrast, the DP-62L features a more modern design, with a silver-colored chassis and a minimalist profile. Its rigid aluminum plinth is designed to withstand even the most demanding listening environments.

Motor and Drive System

At the heart of both turntables lies a precision DC servo motor that provides consistent and accurate speed control. The DP-57L employs a belt-drive system, which offers a smooth and isolated motion transfer from the motor to the platter. The DP-62L, on the other hand, features a direct-drive system, which eliminates the need for a belt and provides instantaneous torque for precise platter rotation.

Platter and Mat

The DP-57L’s platter is made of heavy-duty aluminum, which helps to maintain a constant speed and reduce resonance. It’s topped with a premium rubber mat that effectively absorbs vibrations and prevents unwanted feedback. The DP-62L’s platter is also made of aluminum, but it features a special tungsten-coated surface that enhances its rigidity and damping properties. Its included cork mat provides excellent isolation and a warm, natural sound.

Tonearm and Cartridge

The DP-57L is equipped with a highly regarded S-shaped tonearm that offers excellent tracking and stability. It comes pre-mounted with a Denon DL-110 cartridge, which is known for its detailed and balanced sound. The DP-62L features a straight tonearm with a unipivot design, providing exceptional agility and precision. It’s paired with a Denon DL-103 cartridge, which delivers a rich and dynamic sound with a wide frequency response.

Features

Both the DP-57L and DP-62L offer a range of convenient features. The DP-57L includes a built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to connect it directly to an amplifier or receiver. It also has a quartz lock function that ensures precise speed control. The DP-62L features a built-in headphone amplifier, enabling you to enjoy your vinyl records privately. It also has a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the playback speed from 33 1/3 to 45 RPM.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both the DP-57L and DP-62L deliver exceptional sound quality. The DP-57L produces a warm and detailed sound with a wide soundstage. Its belt-drive system provides a smooth and natural presentation, while the DL-110 cartridge adds a touch of warmth and musicality. The DP-62L offers a more dynamic and precise sound with a wider frequency response. Its direct-drive system provides excellent speed stability, while the DL-103 cartridge delivers a detailed and extended high-frequency response.

Which Turntable is Right for You?

The choice between the Denon DP-57L and DP-62L ultimately depends on your individual preferences and listening habits.

• If you prefer a classic design, a smooth and isolated sound, and the convenience of a built-in phono preamp, the DP-57L is an excellent choice.
• If you value a modern aesthetic, a more dynamic and precise sound, and the flexibility of variable speed control and a built-in headphone amplifier, the DP-62L is the better option.

Questions You May Have

1. Which turntable has a better build quality?
Both turntables are exceptionally well-built, but the DP-62L’s rigid aluminum plinth gives it a slight edge in terms of durability and vibration isolation.

2. Which turntable sounds better?
The sound quality of each turntable is subjective, but the DP-62L generally offers a more dynamic and precise sound with a wider frequency response.

3. Which turntable is easier to use?
Both turntables are relatively easy to set up and use. However, the DP-57L’s built-in phono preamplifier makes it a bit more convenient for those who don’t have a separate phono stage.