Denon Dp-400 Vs Rega Planar 1
What To Know
- The Denon DP-400 is a fully automatic turntable, while the Rega Planar 1 is a manual turntable.
- The DP-400 has a solid MDF plinth and a heavy metal platter, while the Planar 1 has a lightweight acrylic plinth and a glass platter.
- The Denon DP-400 is a great choice for beginners who want a fully automatic turntable with a built-in phono preamp.
The Denon DP-400 and Rega Planar 1 are two of the most popular entry-level turntables on the market. Both offer excellent sound quality and build quality, but they have different features and price points. In this blog post, we will compare the Denon DP-400 vs. Rega Planar 1 and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design
The Denon DP-400 is a fully automatic turntable, while the Rega Planar 1 is a manual turntable. This means that the DP-400 will automatically start and stop the record, while the Planar 1 requires you to do it manually. The DP-400 also has a built-in phono preamp, while the Planar 1 does not. This means that the DP-400 can be connected directly to your speakers, while the Planar 1 requires an external phono preamp.
Features
The Denon DP-400 has a number of features that the Rega Planar 1 does not, including:
- Auto start/stop
- Built-in phono preamp
- Dust cover
- Headshell
The Rega Planar 1 has a simpler design, but it also has some advantages over the DP-400, including:
- Better sound quality
- More upgradeable
- Made in the UK
Sound Quality
The Denon DP-400 and Rega Planar 1 both offer excellent sound quality. The DP-400 has a warm, rich sound, while the Planar 1 has a more neutral, detailed sound. The Planar 1 also has a better soundstage and imaging than the DP-400.
Build Quality
The Denon DP-400 and Rega Planar 1 are both well-built turntables. The DP-400 has a solid MDF plinth and a heavy metal platter, while the Planar 1 has a lightweight acrylic plinth and a glass platter. The Planar 1 also has a better tonearm than the DP-400.
Price
The Denon DP-400 is priced at $399, while the Rega Planar 1 is priced at $499. The Planar 1 is a more expensive turntable, but it also offers better sound quality and build quality.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Denon DP-400 is a great choice for beginners who want a fully automatic turntable with a built-in phono preamp. The Rega Planar 1 is a better choice for audiophiles who want a more upgradeable turntable with better sound quality.
Denon DP-400 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fully automatic
- Built-in phono preamp
- Dust cover
- Headshell
Cons:
- Not as good sound quality as the Planar 1
- Not as upgradeable as the Planar 1
Rega Planar 1 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Better sound quality than the DP-400
- More upgradeable than the DP-400
- Made in the UK
Cons:
- Manual
- No built-in phono preamp
- No dust cover
- No headshell
In a nutshell
The Denon DP-400 and Rega Planar 1 are both excellent turntables. The DP-400 is a great choice for beginners who want a fully automatic turntable with a built-in phono preamp. The Planar 1 is a better choice for audiophiles who want a more upgradeable turntable with better sound quality.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which turntable is better, the Denon DP-400 or the Rega Planar 1?
A: The Rega Planar 1 is the better turntable overall. It has better sound quality, build quality, and upgradeability.
Q: Is the Denon DP-400 fully automatic?
A: Yes, the Denon DP-400 is fully automatic. It will automatically start and stop the record, and it also has a built-in phono preamp.
Q: Does the Rega Planar 1 have a built-in phono preamp?
A: No, the Rega Planar 1 does not have a built-in phono preamp. You will need to purchase an external phono preamp to use the Planar 1 with your speakers.
