What To Know
- In the realm of vinyl enthusiasts, the debate between the Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 turntables has sparked countless discussions.
- The choice between the Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
- The Denon DP-400 provides a balanced and affordable listening experience, while the Fluance RT85 delivers unparalleled sound quality and versatility.
In the realm of vinyl enthusiasts, the debate between the Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 turntables has sparked countless discussions. Both devices boast impressive features and have garnered a loyal following. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two exceptional turntables, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to determine which one emerges victorious.
Design and Build Quality
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 exudes elegance with its sleek black finish and brushed aluminum top plate. Its sturdy construction ensures stability and minimizes vibrations during playback. The isolation feet effectively dampen external noise, allowing for undisturbed listening experiences.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 showcases a more traditional aesthetic with its classic wooden plinth and veneer finish. Its solid construction provides excellent vibration isolation, while the adjustable feet allow for precise leveling on uneven surfaces. The included dust cover protects the turntable from dust and debris.
Cartridge and Stylus
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 comes equipped with the DSN-85 cartridge, featuring a conical stylus. This cartridge offers a balanced and detailed sound signature, capturing the nuances of your vinyl records.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 comes with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which utilizes an elliptical stylus. This cartridge delivers exceptional tracking ability and retrieves intricate musical details, resulting in a rich and engaging listening experience.
Drive System
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 employs a precision-engineered belt-drive system. The belt helps to isolate the platter from the motor, reducing noise and vibrations. The stable speed control ensures accurate playback of your records.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 utilizes a direct-drive motor. This system provides instant start-up and precise speed control, allowing for seamless transitions between tracks. The high-torque motor delivers ample power to handle demanding vinyl records.
Tonearm and Anti-Skating
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 features a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm. Its low mass and low friction bearings enable accurate tracking and minimize resonance. The adjustable counterweight allows for precise cartridge alignment.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 boasts a carbon fiber tonearm with a J-shaped design. Carbon fiber’s rigidity and low mass enhance tracking performance and reduce unwanted vibrations. The adjustable anti-skating mechanism ensures optimal stylus contact with the record.
Connectivity and Features
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 offers basic connectivity options, including RCA output terminals for connecting to your amplifier or receiver. It lacks built-in phono preamplification, requiring an external unit for playback.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 provides more comprehensive connectivity options. In addition to RCA outputs, it features a built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to connect directly to your speakers or headphones. The USB output enables digital recording of your vinyl collection.
Sound Quality
Both the Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 deliver impressive sound quality. However, their sonic characteristics differ slightly:
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 produces a warm and balanced sound with a slightly emphasized bass response. It excels at reproducing the full spectrum of musical genres, from delicate classical pieces to energetic rock and roll.
Fluance RT85
The Fluance RT85 offers a more detailed and analytical sound signature. It captures the subtle nuances of recordings and delivers a wider soundstage. Its precise tracking ability ensures accurate reproduction of complex musical passages.
Which Turntable Is Right for You?
The choice between the Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, ease of use, and a warm sound, the Denon DP-400 is an excellent option. However, if you seek exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and connectivity options, the Fluance RT85 emerges as the superior choice.
Final Thoughts
The Denon DP-400 and the Fluance RT85 are both exceptional turntables that offer unique strengths. The Denon DP-400 provides a balanced and affordable listening experience, while the Fluance RT85 delivers unparalleled sound quality and versatility. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and select the turntable that best suits your audiophile journey.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which turntable has a better cartridge?
A: The Fluance RT85 comes with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which offers superior tracking ability and sound detail compared to the Denon DP-400’s DSN-85 cartridge.
Q: Is the Denon DP-400 easy to set up?
A: Yes, the Denon DP-400 features a simple and straightforward setup process that requires minimal technical knowledge.
Q: Can the Fluance RT85 be used with a Bluetooth speaker?
A: No, the Fluance RT85 does not have Bluetooth connectivity. You can use an external Bluetooth transmitter to connect it to a Bluetooth speaker.