Denon DCD-900NE
Denon CD player with built-in USB port, ES9018K2M converter and AL32 Processing Plus processing, for faithful playback of CDs and high-resolution files.
Description
The Denon DCD-900NE is a hi-fi CD player fitted with a built-in USB port allowing playback of high-resolution audio files. Beyond CD, CDR/RW, MP3 and WMA, it accepts via a USB stick FLAC formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz as well as DSD 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz, making it a versatile source for a classic hi-fi system.
The Advanced AL32 Processing Plus processing relies on data interpolation, upsampling and extension algorithms, designed to deliver a signal as close as possible to the original sound. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ES9018K2M converter paired with an AL32 Processing Plus digital filter and a dedicated DAC Master Clock Design with ASRC integrated into the DAC.
In terms of performance, the unit offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 115 dB in both CD and USB, a frequency response of 2 Hz to 20 kHz on CD playback, and a dynamic range of 101 dB on CD. Total harmonic distortion is particularly low: 0.0015% in USB DSD, 0.0020% in USB PCM 24-bit and 0.0025% on CD. Line output level reaches 2.2 Vrms.
The construction pairs dedicated power transformers with enhanced physical separation between the audio and digital boards, a layout designed to limit internal vibrations and interference likely to degrade the signal.
This player is aimed at a user who already owns an amplifier or an amp-DAC and wants a CD source also capable of playing files stored on a USB stick, without going through a computer or streaming service. It will suit a compact hi-fi system just as well as a more ambitious setup seeking a reference CD source.
Technical specifications
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 115 dB (CD/USB) |
| Frequency response (CD) | 2 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion (USB DSD) | 0.0015 % |
| Total harmonic distortion (USB PCM 24 bit) | 0.0020 % |
| Total harmonic distortion (CD) | 0.0025 % |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 434 x 328 x 107 mm |
What to check before buying used
The motorised tray and optical assembly deserve careful checking: hesitant ejection or erratic playback on certain discs point to a dirty lens or an ageing laser, which is more costly to replace than to clean. On the DCD-900NE, also check playback near the end of the disc and listen for mechanism noise during loading. The USB port and headphone jack, if present on the unit tested, should be tried directly rather than assumed to work.
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