Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Turntable with Phono Preamp

Vinyl at the Push of a Button

The Denon DP-300F Fully Automatic Turntable with Phono Preamp plays your record collection at the press of a single button. Its heavier base construction reduces vibration, while a fully automatic mechanism starts play and returns the tonearm to its rest on its own. A switchable built-in phono equaliser means the DP-300F connects to almost any amplifier or receiver, even one without a phono input.

Why You'll Love It

• Fully automatic operation. Press start and the tonearm lowers onto the record, then returns to the armrest gently at the end, so the stylus and record are protected.
• Built-in switchable phono equaliser. The DP-300F connects to an integrated amp or receiver that has no phono input, and the phono stage can be switched off when you use an external one.
• Ready to play out of the box. It ships with a moving magnet cartridge fitted, so the DP-300F plays your records as soon as it is connected to your hi-fi.

Under the Hood

• Heavier base and diecast aluminium build. The heavier base reduces vibration, and rigid diecast aluminium delivers uniform rotation for smooth, flutter-free playback.
• DC servo motor with belt drive. A DC servo motor paired with a belt drive system holds a steady 33-1/3 or 45 RPM.
• Removable headshell tonearm. The standard-mount headshell accepts any standard cartridge between 5 and 10 grams, and a manual lifter lets you cue to any track by hand.

CHT Insider Verdict

The DP-300F is one of the easiest ways into good vinyl sound. Full automation removes the fiddle of the tonearm, the built-in phono stage removes the need for extra boxes, and the fitted cartridge has you playing straight away. It suits a first turntable or a fuss-free second system, and the removable headshell leaves room to upgrade the cartridge later.

Pro Tip: If your amplifier already has a dedicated phono input, switch the DP-300F's built-in equaliser off and run it into that phono stage, which usually gives a cleaner result than running two preamps in series.