DP-400
With its strong, sophisticated design and re-engineered tonearm with auto lift and playback stop, the Denon DP-400 plays cherished albums faithful to the original recording.
FEATURES – DP-400
Hi-Fi Turntable with Speed Auto Sensor
Overview
Rediscover your passion for vinyl with the Denon DP-400 Hi-Fi turntable with with auto speed sensor for precise sound reproduction. Strong construction and elegant design blends seamlessly into the existing Denon Design Series. The S-Shape curved tonearm lifts automatically and stops the platter when vinyl reaches the end of playback. Weighted, belt-driven platter supports 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm or 78 rpm records with precision that’s faithful to the original recording. Integrated phono equalizer creates an open, enveloping sound stage for your cherished albums with detailed, accurate reproduction. Includes MM cartridge. Exclusive, removable dust cover doubles as a display stand.
Features
- Unique S-Shape curved tonearm design optimizing tracking angle at any point of the record to reduce harmonic distortion for clear audio reproduction
- Tonearm supports auto lift-up and playback stop when end of record is reached Built-in phono equalizer with on/off toggle lets you connect DP-400 to any amplifier or system with analog inputs or phono inputs
- Multi-speed selector (33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm) to play the widest array of vinyl records
- Engineered with a more than 100-year Denon legacy in audio excellence — trust this high-quality and durable turntable to deliver the ultimate audio experience
- Includes high quality MM cartridge for precise sound out-of-the-box within minutes
- Exclusive, removable dust cover with included base eliminates fixed-cover vibrations and doubles as a display stand for your vinyl record covers
- Supports both MM (included) and MC cartridges — advanced flexibility that matches your audio preferences
- Weighted, belt-driven platter with auto speed sensor maintains accurate speed for precise sound reproduction
- Strong, weighted base and durable construction reduces external vibrations and improves audio performance
- Part of the Denon Design Series — elegant, modern design fits beautifully in the home
SPECIALLY ENGINEERED S-SHAPE TONEARM
Features a carefully engineered S-Shape curved tonearm with optimized tracking angle at any point of the record, auto-lift at records end and playback stop. When the vinyl reaches the end of playback, the tonearm auto-lifts preserving the excellent condition of your album and the cartridge. S-Shape curved tonearm design also reduces harmonic distortion, ensuring a crystal clear sonic signal every time you listen.
STRONG-BUILT CONSTRUCTION
Solid construction offers both the strength and high-density needed to reproduce detailed, resonance-free music. Thick cabinet walls and a weighted platter provide the optimal surface for your vinyl collection, reducing external vibration. Pair DP-400 with the rest of the Denon Design Series for a durable, high-resolution system.
SPEED SELECTOR
Supports playback at 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm. Easily play your entire vinyl collection and enjoy its full breadth — even your cherished, vintage 78’s.
Easy Setup and Operation
Takes minutes to unbox and quickly operate for novice and seasoned vinyl fans. Plug DP-400 into your favourite amplifier or system, including the Denon Design Series, and immediately begin reconnecting with your vinyl collection — it’s that easy.
Exclusive, Removable Dual-purpose Dust Cover
Removable dust cover features a modern design, elevating the overall aesthetic of DP-400 while eliminating vibration issues that affect music quality associated with attached covers. Doubling as a display stand for your album cover, place the dust cover upright on the included base and show it proudly to friends and family.
Phono Equalizer
Built-in phono equalizer creates an open, enveloping sound stage that enlivens your cherished vinyl collection while staying true to the original recording as the artist intended. Connect it directly to a mini component or integrated amp for seamless use.
Cartridge Options
Includes an MM cartridge for more precise listening and added musical detail. As a producer of the longest-selling cartridge in market, enjoy the Denon DP-400 turntable with confidence. If you prefer listening via an MC cartridge, easily swap out the existing MM cartridge to fit your audio preferences. Enjoy iconic Denon sound quality however you choose to listen.
Weighted, Belt-driven Platter with Auto Sensor
Integrated auto sensor accurately controls the platter, preventing unwanted speed fluctuations during playback — enjoy audio reproduction exactly as the artist intended.
Compact Size
At just 41 cm in width, DP-400 is constructed to fit seamlessly into your existing Hi-Fi system. Though compact in size, it still delivers the powerful, detailed sound you expect from Denon.
Sophisticated Design Series Aesthetic
Blending seamlessly with the popular Denon Design Series, DP-400 features a sophisticated form factor and solid construction. Durable aluminum materials offer a modern aesthetic. Pair it with the rest of the Denon Design Series to complete your elegantly designed Hi-Fi system.
100+ Years of Firsts in Audio Technology
Founded in 1910, Denon has a deep heritage of "firsts" in audio technology — from Japan's first audio electronics manufacturer, to producing the world's first commercial CDs. This focused investment in audio R&D ensures you get the latest technology and highest quality with every listening experience.
Full Specifications from Denon:
https://www.denon.co.za/za/product/hifi/turntable/dp400Feet / leveling
- No height-adjustable feet. The DP-400’s feet are fixed; owners commonly shim them to level the deck (coins/furniture pads) or place it on a leveling isolation platform.
- To get it “100%”:
- Put a small bubble level on the platter and shim until level.
- Set tracking force to 2.0 g and anti-skate to 2 for the stock cart (details below).
- If your shelf is lively, add a massy, leveling platform (e.g., IsoAcoustics ZaZen or similar) for better isolation.
Dust cover & cupboard clearance
- The DP-400’s cover is not hinged. It drops over the spindle and is removed completely for playback (it also doubles as a record-jacket stand). So you just lift it straight up off the spindle—no big angle required.
- For cupboard planning: the deck’s overall height is ~5.2 in (132 mm). Give yourself a little extra headroom (≈20–25 mm) so you can lift the cover clear of the spindle comfortably.
- Denon explicitly says remove the cover before playing. Also avoid playing in a tightly closed cupboard (feedback/rumble risk).
What cartridge does it come with?
- It ships with a pre-mounted MM cartridge. Denon specifies 2.0 g tracking force and anti-skate = 2 for the included cart; stylus life is ~400 hours and the replacement stylus is DSN-85. If you ever swap carts, target 5–13 g cartridge weight.
MM vs MC on the DP-400
- The built-in phono stage is for MM-level output. If you choose a low-output MC (e.g., DL-103), you’ll need an MC-capable phono preamp or step-up transformer; otherwise stick to MM or high-output MC (HOMC).
Should you change the cartridge?
You don’t have to—but if you want more performance, here are proven, DP-400-friendly upgrades:
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML (MM, MicroLine) – Tracks superbly, reduces inner-groove distortion and often lowers surface noise on older records thanks to the MicroLine profile (tracks at ~2.0 g). Great “set-and-forget” upgrade.
- Nagaoka MP-110 (MM, elliptical) – Smooth, forgiving top end; nice with bright systems and well-behaved on worn LPs (no spec cite needed; general guidance).
- Ortofon 2M Blue (MM, nude elliptical) – More detail and air than stock while remaining easy to match. (General guidance.)
- Denon DL-110 (HOMC) – “Taste of MC” dynamics but works into MM inputs (≈1.6 mV output). Lovely match without needing an MC stage.
About the DL-103
- It’s a low-output MC with low compliance that generally prefers heavier tonearms; on many medium-mass S-arms it can be a so-so match unless you add effective mass. It also needs MC gain. If you’re not planning an external MC stage (and possibly added headshell mass), I’d skip it on the DP-400.
Quick setup checklist (for best sound)
- Level the platter (shim or platform).
- Tracking force 2.0 g; anti-skate 2 (stock cart).
- Use EQUALIZER ON if you’re going line-in; OFF if your amp has PHONO.
- Cover off for playback; store it on the supplied stand.
