CES 2015

PBN Updates Denon Direct Drive Turntables

Michael Fremer  |  Jan 11, 2015

While PBN still offers its curvaceous version of VPI's Classic Direct Drive turntable, designer Peter Noerbaek's current obsession is buying up vintage Denon DP-2000, 3000, 6000 and 80 direct drive turntables and completely rebuilding them.

Noerbaek refurbishes the motor drive and produces a new servo-control mechanism and push button controller. The original encoder-containing platter must be retained. The unit goes into one of his sculpted multi-layer wooden plinths. Prices range from $5000-$10,000 without arm, depending upon the Denon model. The base model with Jelco arm costs $5500.

COMMENTS
Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on Sun, 2015-01-11 21:22

...Dynamic Servo Tracer tonearm, leather-trimmed base and dustcover with real glass as found on the DP-100M?

pbnaudio's picture
Submitted by pbnaudio on Mon, 2015-01-12 08:24

Ortofan,

The Vintage Direct tables use the Drive system (Motor, Servo Controller and Speed Sensor, all completely rebuilt and refurbished ) from the magnificent older Denon tables, their ability to maintain speed is amazing. Where there in our opinion was room for considerable improvements was in vibration/ resonance control, where our solid laminated wooden plinths provide great improvements over the old tin pans that used to house the above components.

The Vintage Direct Tables are available in many different configurations and can be configured to carry two tone arms, for a Mono / Stereo setup for an example. We can make models to accommodate 12" arms also.

The Vintage Direct Tables can be produced in many different types of hardwood, the one above is pictured in Sapelle, a type of Mahogany. Also readily available are Maple, Walnut and more exotic choices like Cocobolo can be specially ordered. Polished Gloss finishes are available on all models as well.

Good Listening

Peter B Noerbaek
President
PBN Audio LLC

Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on Mon, 2015-01-12 14:27

Is the mount for the tonearm replaceable in case one wants to swap out different tonearms?
Also, does the support/pillar on which the tonearm mounts have sufficient space to accommodate the oval cutout for an SME?

pbnaudio's picture
Submitted by pbnaudio on Mon, 2015-01-12 15:11

The arm pod can easily be fitted for a SME cutout, or any other 9" tonearm on the 9" platform or 12" for the 12" platform. The armpod is cut specifically for the arm that supplied with the table at the time of order but should one want to change arms down the road an adaptor plate can be easily be fitted on top the armpod to accommodate any arm mounting pattern.

Good Listening

Peter B Noerbaek
President
PBN Audio LLC

Michael T's picture
Submitted by Michael T on Mon, 2015-01-12 17:43

Peter,

Along with Denon, JVC, Kenwood and Technics made some very highly regarded direct drive turntables.

Are there any plans for custom made bases for Technics SP10 turntables? The MKII and MKIII are incredible sounding turntables, especially after the Krebs upgrade....

Thanks,
Michael

pbnaudio's picture
Submitted by pbnaudio on Mon, 2015-01-12 20:42

Michael,

The main reason we chose the Denon drives is that they are so plentiful, along of course with their excellent performance. The Technics SP10's are much harder to come by. That being said if you have a SP10 that you'd want a custom plinth for we can certainly accommodate you.

Good Listening

Peter

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