
( Brand: Decca ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: DP585 ), ( Part Type: Player Speaker )
The **Decca DP585** is a timeless, high-quality turntable that seamlessly blends classic vinyl listening with modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and casual enthusiasts alike. Engineered with precision, this record player features a robust **direct-drive motor**, delivering smooth, consistent speed without the need for belt maintenance, ensuring a longer lifespan and superior tracking performance. The **sleek, all-in-one design** incorporates built-in **passive speakers**, eliminating the need for external stereo equipment while still delivering rich, balanced sound through its **full-range drivers** a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter that work in harmony to reproduce the nuances of your favorite albums with clarity and warmth. The **stylish, retro-inspired cabinet** in a refined matte black or classic woodgrain finish adds a touch of vintage elegance to any room, whether placed on a shelf, console, or dedicated turntable stand. The **ergonomic controls**, including a **tonearm with a 25-gram counterweight** and a **smooth, low-friction bearing**, ensure effortless tracking and minimal surface noise, while the **adjustable counterbalance** allows for fine-tuning to match different record weights and styles. Built with durability in mind, the DP585 features a **heavy-duty base** and a **durable anti-skate mechanism**, reducing wear on both the record and the stylus over time. Whether you're spinning jazz, rock, classical, or hip-hop, this turntable delivers a **full, immersive listening experience** that honors the artistry of vinyl while offering the simplicity of built-in sound perfect for those who appreciate both the craftsmanship of analog audio and the convenience of an all-in-one system.
The Decca DP585 is a mid-range turntable with built-in speakers, designed for audiophiles who want a compact, all-in-one setup. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
### Pros of the Decca DP585:1. **All-in-One Design**: The integrated speakers eliminate the need for separate components, making setup simple and reducing clutter. This is ideal for those who want a streamlined, space-saving solution without sacrificing sound quality.
2. **Direct Drive Motor**: The turntable uses a direct drive motor, which is generally more reliable and durable than belt-driven or idler-wheel systems. Direct drive motors also tend to have better tracking stability, reducing wow and flutter, which is crucial for accurate sound reproduction.
3. **Semi-Auto Operation**: The DP585 features a semi-automatic lifter, which lowers the tonearm automatically after playback. This reduces the risk of accidental damage to the stylus and records while still allowing manual control when needed.
4. **Built-In Preamp**: The inclusion of a built-in preamp means you can connect the turntable directly to amplifiers or receivers without needing an external phono stage. This simplifies the audio chain and can save space.
5. **Good Sound Quality for the Price**: For its price range, the DP585 delivers respectable sound quality. The speakers are designed to complement the turntable, providing a balanced audio output that suits casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The tonearm and cartridge (the MM cartridge included) are decent for entry-to-mid-level use, though they may not match high-end components in terms of detail and clarity.
6. **Compact and Portable**: The turntable is relatively compact, making it suitable for smaller spaces or those who may want to move it occasionally. The built-in speakers also mean you don t need to worry about matching external speakers to the system.
7. **User-Friendly Features**: The DP585 includes practical features like a built-in phono equalizer (for modern amplifiers that may not have one) and a headphone jack, allowing for private listening sessions. The control panel is straightforward, with clear buttons for playback and volume adjustment.
8. **Brand Reputation**: Decca is a well-known brand in the audio industry, particularly for turntables. Their products are often praised for reliability and build quality, which can be reassuring for buyers.
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### Cons of the Decca DP585:1. **Speaker Quality Limitations**: While the built-in speakers are adequate for casual listening, they are not high-end. The sound may lack the depth, clarity, and dynamic range that dedicated audiophiles or those with larger rooms expect from separate high-fidelity speakers. Over time, the speakers may also degrade, requiring replacement.
2. **Cartridge Limitations**: The turntable comes with a basic MM cartridge, which is fine for general use but may not provide the same level of detail and accuracy as higher-end cartridges (e.g., those with sapphire or diamond tips). If you plan to collect or play high-quality vinyl, you may eventually want to upgrade the cartridge.
3. **Sound Quality Trade-Offs**: Because the speakers are integrated, the overall sound may feel more "boxy" or less open compared to a system with separate components. The crossover design of the speakers can sometimes lead to a less extended high-end response or less precise imaging.
4. **Limited Customization**: Unlike a turntable paired with external speakers or an amplifier, the DP585 offers little room for customization or upgrading individual components (e.g., you cannot easily swap out the speakers or preamp). This can be a drawback if you later decide to invest in better audio components.
5. **Potential for Distortion**: Integrated systems can sometimes suffer from internal distortion, especially if the speakers are not well-matched to the turntable s output. While the DP585 is well-designed, this is a general consideration for all-in-one units.
6. **Durability of Components**: Over time, the built-in speakers may wear out or become less effective, requiring replacement. Since they are not easily replaceable, this could be a long-term maintenance issue. The turntable itself is sturdy, but the overall lifespan of the system may be limited by the speakers.
7. **Price for Components**: While the DP585 is reasonably priced as an all-in-one unit, if you were to purchase the same turntable separately and add high-quality speakers and an amplifier, you might end up spending more. For audiophiles who prioritize component quality, this could be a downside.
8. **Limited Connectivity Options**: The DP585 typically includes basic connectivity (e.g., RCA outputs for phono and line-level signals, a headphone jack). If you want additional features like Bluetooth, USB output, or digital connectivity, you ll need to rely on external devices, which adds complexity.
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### Conclusion:The Decca DP585 is an excellent choice for beginners, casual listeners, or those who want a hassle-free, all-in-one turntable experience without breaking the bank. Its direct drive motor, semi-automatic lifter, and decent sound quality make it a reliable and user-friendly option. The built-in speakers and preamp simplify setup, and the compact design is ideal for smaller spaces.
However, if you are an audiophile who prioritizes high-fidelity sound, customization, or plans to invest in better components in the future, the DP585 may not be the best long-term solution. The integrated speakers and cartridge, while adequate, may hold back the overall audio experience compared to a system with separate high-end components. Additionally, the lack of upgradeability could become a limitation over time.
For most casual users or those new to vinyl, the DP585 strikes a good balance between convenience and performance. It s a practical choice that delivers solid sound without the complexity of a multi-component setup.
### Recommendation: Buy the Decca DP585 if:- You want a simple, all-in-one turntable with built-in speakers.
- You are a beginner or casual listener who doesn t need high-end audio components.
- You value convenience, reliability, and ease of use over customization.
- You have limited space or don t want to deal with separate speakers and amplifiers.
Avoid the Decca DP585 if:- You are an audiophile who prioritizes high-fidelity sound and plans to upgrade components later.
- You want the flexibility to swap out speakers, cartridges, or other parts for better performance.
- You have the budget or interest in investing in a separate turntable and high-quality speakers/amplifiers for a more refined listening experience.
- You expect to use the turntable extensively with high-end vinyl records, where the limitations of the built-in cartridge and speakers may become noticeable.
For those who want a more future-proof or high-performance setup, consider investing in a high-quality turntable (e.g., Audio-Technica AT-LP120, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo) and pairing it with separate speakers and an amplifier. However, if you want a turntable that s ready to use out of the box with minimal setup, the Decca DP585 is a solid and affordable option.
Its vintage charm combined with modern functionality makes it a sought-after collectors item for those who appreciate both the aesthetics and sound quality of older audio equipment.