Denon DCD-1700NE

The Denon DCD-1700NE is an optical disc player capable of playing CD, CD-R/RW, SACD and MP3, as well as high-resolution audio files in DSD format. It is designed for hi-fi systems built around a separate amplifier, to which it transmits the audio signal via its RCA analogue, optical digital or coaxial digital outputs.

Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Texas Instruments PCM1795 DAC, compatible with DSD and PCM streams up to 32-bit / 192 kHz. This component is paired with Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, which applies data interpolation, upsampling and bit-extension algorithms to produce an analogue signal more faithful to the original, particularly with high-resolution files.

The player features an S.V.H. (Suppress Vibration Hybrid) mechanism with a lowered centre of gravity, designed to limit internal and external vibrations affecting the transport. This mechanical stability reduces strain on the servo system and the power consumption linked to corrections, contributing to more accurate reading of the digital signal encoded on the disc. A precision clock and separate power supplies complete this architecture.

On SACD, the unit delivers a frequency response of 2 Hz to 50 kHz, harmonic distortion of 0.0010% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 119 dB, for a dynamic range of 112 dB. On CD playback, these figures are 2 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.0016%, 117 dB and 101 dB respectively. The player also supports DSD file playback up to 5.6 MHz and up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, along with a Pure Direct mode designed to simplify the signal path.

This player is aimed at enthusiasts of music on physical media, whether classic CDs or SACDs, as well as listeners wishing to make use of high-resolution DSD files. Its versatile output options allow it to be integrated into either a traditional analogue system or one equipped with an external converter via its digital outputs.