Last Updated on March 7, 2023
When you wish to select turntables, there are many of them they will be suitable for you. But the main issue will arise when you have a tight budget and you wish to find something that fits in nicely within your budget. So, assuming that you are on a tight budget and you wish to find the right turntable that will suit you, then the Denon DP 29F will be suitable. Costing just under $100, you will be delighted at the sound that the Denon DP 29F could produce at that price.
Let us look a little closer at the Denon DP 29F and figure out if it is indeed a good budget turntable that you can either buy for yourself or as a gift to a friend.
Denon DP 29F Turntable Review
Denon is one of the world’s most recognizable brand when it comes to audio equipment. Well known for its range of products that suits people of all budgets and ages, you will be thrilled to know that they came up with a budget turntable that is capable of producing sound that rivals those from the bigger brands. The Denon DP 29F turntable is conjured to suit the needs of people who are looking for cheaper turntables. The reason why we decided to conduct the Denon DP 29F review is that we believe in the age-old adage “not all things cheap are bad, and not all things expensive are good“. As mentioned earlier, the Denon DP 29F is best suited for people on a budget as the turntable is pretty cheap. But that itself shouldn’t be the only reason why the Denon DP 29F proves to be a good purchase.
In this Denon DP 29F turntable review, I will look specifically into the features and specifications of this Denon turntable as well as looking at the sound quality of the turntable itself. Of course, as per all devices, the Denon DP 29F does have its shortcomings, and I will list them down too.
Design and Build
As you might already know, the Denon DP 29F Turntable boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any living space. The turntable is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around and store. The sturdy construction of the turntable provides excellent stability, ensuring that the vinyl record stays in place during playback.
Features
The DP-29F is one of the best budget turntables that anyone could get, and this is partly because of the built-in RIAA phono equalizer that is incorporated into the design itself. What makes it more robust is due to the diecast aluminum material that is being utilized for the body itself. This allows for a perfectly balanced rotation, which allows for a smoother playback of the sound.
This is an automatic turntable, which means that you will be able to start playing the record which the touch of a button. If you fall asleep while listening to the record and forgot to off the turntable, you can be assured that no additional power will be lost as the DP-29F will simply return the tone arm to its resting position as well as stopping the rotation of the record once the tonearm reaches the end of the song. Of course, should you prefer to play songs at the middle of the record, you can always do so too.
The DP-29F comes in two speeds, which is at 33 1/3 or 45rpm. There is also the MM cartridge that allows you to listen to your records via external speakers. Not that you really need this though.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, you can expect that it will of course not be comparable to the expensive counterparts. But having said that, with its awesome balance as well as the design of the turntable, the sound produced is sweet to the ears.
We put the DP-29F on a table and ensure that all vibrations are being dampened and placed a record on it during testing. We were surprised by the wide range of the dynamics as well as acoustics. From the deeper notes to the higher octaves, the sound can really be heard clearly by us. This comes as a surprise as we know that not many turntables are able to produce deep sounds with such clarity.
Ease of Use
The Denon DP 29F Turntable is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. The turntable features a fully automatic operation, meaning that with the press of a button, the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to its resting position after playback, ensuring that the vinyl record is protected from scratches and other damages.
Compatibility
The Denon DP 29F Turntable is compatible with a wide range of cartridges, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences. The turntable also comes equipped with a universal headshell, making it easy to swap out cartridges without the need for additional tools.
Maintenance
The Denon DP 29F Turntable requires minimal maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The turntable comes equipped with a dust cover that protects the vinyl record and turntable from dust and debris. The turntable also features a removable aluminum platter that makes cleaning a breeze.
Price and Value
The Denon DP 29F Turntable is reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for anyone looking for a high-quality turntable that won’t break the bank. The turntable’s exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent investment for both beginners and experienced vinyl enthusiasts.
What Can Be Improved
There are a few aspects at which the Denon DP 29F can be improved.
First of all, it is rather perplexing that there is no adjustable counterweight and removable cartridge present. This is rather perplexing since it does not allow us to change cartridges, which is one of the main reason why some turntable sound different from one another. If you are an audiophile, then it is most likely that you will own various cartridges to play sounds of different genres.
This goes the same for the fixed counterweight. Since it is completely adjustable, then there is no control over the balance of the tonearm, which might have a negative impact when it comes to playing on the turntable. itself.
Secondly, there is no adjustable anti-skate either. With this, it is possible that the records might wear and tear faster.
Conclusion
With that, here comes to the end of our Denon DP 29F review. While obviously, it is good to purchase an entry-level turntable like the Denon Dp 29F due to the lower price, you will need to be mindful of the tradeoff that comes with the lower price. But if all of these are ok with you, as they have been with many other listeners, then it might be a good choice for a turntable.
You can view a quick review of the Denon DP 29F in the video below.