[Kenm]

I am the original owner of this unit and have used it on and off for many years as a stationery (usually bedside) system as the slightest "touch" sends it into "skip" mode. I have always used line out with a monster mini to RCA and not any phones to write home about. Until recently, I have not focused too much on the inherent sound quality of the unit. Getting back into headphone listening recently, I purchased a pair of Senn PX220s and a 1ft. mini to RCA Kimber PBJ from Headroom. Hooked it all up to a Creek OBH-21SE. Hasn't yet had enough break in time (about 48 hrs), but took the chance and did some critical listening anyway. Amp's fully broken in.

Based on my review of these forums' comments on this Denon model, I expected a similar negative reaction to its performance but was right up front floored by the musicality of the combination. Lows were extended and taught, mids slightly prominent but to be expected from the 200s, very smooth and palpable, and highs extended, crisp with no noticeable grain. My musical tastes run the gamut but I generally gravitate toward the acoustical, small group classical, light country, female vocalists. This combination's rendering of Jennifer Warnes' "The Hunter" was phenominal, so too, Clapton's "Unplugged". Information in spades. Delicacy when needed and not obscured. Plugged in my Senn 600s for a similar experience (of course, MUCH diffence in phone presentation and qualty). However the Denon displayed a consistent musicality that I can happily live with and fully enjoy.

Just an aside, I am not easily satisfied. My home rig for headphone listening is a Corda HA-1 mkll, Senn 600/Equinox/Musical Fidelity A308 source and Cardas Golden Ref. Being familiar with THAT sound I was still very impressed by the Denon's performance.

I would love to hear of any similarly positive experiences with the Denon. For that matter, maybe I'll just re-post this in the Headphone form and extoll the merits of the PX200s....

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[usc goose]

thanks for the mini-review

 

[Kenm]

My pleasure. Just noticed...I first referred to the cans as 220s...they are, in fact the 200s. An addendum...as I can't take the Denon anywhere since it doesn't like to be touched, I am awaiting receipt of a brand new Sony D-FJ405 for my daily commute. Seems to be the consensus for the best sounding still available(new) portable. Happy listening!

 

[Mat Bon 0013]

Great mini review Kenm!

I too have the DCP-70 and do like the it also. It does skip but not as bad the only problem with it is it won't spin straight away when you press play. You'd have to flip it upsidedown to start it going and once it goes you can flip it rightside up again to enjoy it. I also like the convenience of the remote

 

[Kenm]

Hey Mat....I don't seem to have that problem about starting up...but mine is VERY sensitive to any movement whatsoever. This does not bother me at all, though, as I would never think of using it in any other manner than as a stationery device. Mine, though , has this grinding, whirring sound as it plays...don't care about this either as who can hear it with phones on??? Anyway, certainly can't use it on a train, etc. which is why I'm buying the Sony. Otherwise, I can't be happier with the sound. Got home tonight after another 12 hours of burn in to the cans and the Kimber cable....gets better all he time!!

 

[Mat Bon 0013]

YEah! Mine gives out that grinding noise too on some CD's

Otherwise it's ok (flip play flip) hehe, I think it's a weak motor or something.

There should be a fix to this though

 

[PeterR]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I guess I may have been the author of one of the negative posts you refer to.
Basically, if I have to choose, I'll prefer a too laid back sound over a too bright sound anytime. But to me, my DCP-70 is just too rolled off and wooly. Midrange is ok, if not overly detailed, bass a little weak.
However, I've acquired a DCP-30 in the meantime, which looks absolutely identical, minus the digital output and the remote sensor. I like this one much better, and it doesn't share the rolled off treble. I'd still prefer the D-33, which seems to be about Sony's equivalent, but it's not a bad player.
So if the 30 and 70 shared the same internals (except remote/dig out obviously), this could be a strong indication that my DCP-70 might be defective and my negative comments were unjustified. Does anybody know? I'll try to revisit this issue over the weekend...
Is it right that these are '91/'92 models? Hard to believe if you see them sitting next to Sony's from that time. Build quality feels quite cheap, and wow, are they bulky. Bigger than a D-50

...

 

[Kenm]

Thanks for the info, Peter. Mine was manufactured in October, 1991, ser.# 1108101111. You question is interesting. That certainly could explain our different takes on this player. If I heard what you heard mine would not just be on the shelf but repose in a more permanent resting place! Spent some more time this morning with it after more burn time on the other stuff (Nora Jones, Johnny Cash this time) and it just gets better. Going to go and plug it into my main rig now and do some playing. Hope someone else can comment on his or her sample of the unit. Could very well be a QC issue.