Denon VL12 PRIME review
Jun 10, 2019
The Denon VL12 PRIME is a professional vinyl player. This model is the flagship of the company, one of three new turntables from the Prime line, presented by Denon DJ. In general, the device is desig...
Read MoreDenon VL12 PRIME vs Pioneer PLX 1000: find your perfect one
Features & Performance
The Denon VL12 PRIME vs Pioneer PLX 1000 features comparison shows that the Pioneer PLX 1000 has a phono pre-amp 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz. The Denon VL12 PRIME has a dual magnet cartridge installed, while the Pioneer PLX 1000 uses a moving magnet cartridge. Both models have replaceable diamond styluses. These turntables have the same speed modes – 33.3 and 45 RPM. Both solutions use the direct-drive method providing you with gradual acceleration. The electronic braking system will gradually stop the platter. However, the Denon VL12 PRIME is fully automatic, while the Pioneer PLX 1000 is manually operated.
Design & build quality
The Pioneer PLX 1000 vs Denon VL12 PRIME design features comparison proves that these models look like professional solutions. These models come with the 45 RPM adapter. The Pioneer PLX 1000 has a dust cover. However, the Denon VL12 PRIME features an RGB LED that illuminates the platter edge. These models have the sliders to adjust the tempo. Both models have S-shaped tonearms. These solutions have the easy to access RCA ports.
The PLX 1000 is larger and heavier – compare its dimensions 6.6x17.8x13.9 in. with the VL12 dimensions - 5.9x17.8x14 in. The weight is 41.4 versus 27.4 lbs. respectively.
Denon VL12 PRIME
Pros:
- The output sound is clean (the stylus can be replaced to get a better solution). It is easy to adjust to make sure you get not skips.
- The direct-drive assures high accuracy, durability, simplicity and great dynamics and it does not produce too much noise.
- It has the features that some DJs can find useful – torque and tempo settings.
Cons:
- According to some customers, the platter may be a bit wobbly.
- The LED light may start producing the noise when it is set to certain colors (sometimes it causes the noise when it is off).
Pioneer PLX 1000
Pros:
- It is built great (the materials seem durable) and it has useful additional features like a dust cover. It has gold plated RCA jacks, which exclude any noise. The cables are replaceable.
- Many features which some users will find useful – the tempo adjustment is very responsive and it has no dead spots.
- The outputs sound is clean and it is very easy to adjust and use.
Cons:
- A slick arm suspension may pull it down.
- It is quite heavy.
- It may start producing some humming sound when it is placed near a speaker.
