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Review: Denon DCD-1560 CD Player

Category: Digital

At the time this was one of the top units from Denon.I believe it was third from the flagship model. Probably the first units to have real 20 bit D/A technology,with 8 times oversampling. I have had this unit for quite sometime now.This was a NOS unit. This has been a total plug n play unit and has never given a moments problem. This is a single tray CD Player with way above average transport. Controls have that solid feel,nothing flimsy here. Weighs in at least 20 pounds. For a CD Player it is heavy. Retailed for $650.00 in 1991 or 1992,cant remember which year though.

I listen to a wide variety of music and for a CD Player it is quite remarkable. At times I forget I am listening to the digital format,it is that good. To extract the most from this CD Player it needs a good preamp and power amp. It is unforgiving if the rest of the system is not up to the task. But with the given of having the proper PreAmp and Power Amp as well as decent speakers,this CD Player from Denon can deliver sonics that are on par with todays CD Players up to the $1,500.00 range. Can you do better than the Denon 1560 - Sure you can. When I replace this will go to a CAL unit. But at the secondary prices these sell for,it is damn near impossible to do better.

Specifications:
Audio

  • No. channels: 2
  • Frequency Response:2-20,0000Hz
  • Dynamic Range: 100 dB
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 115dB
  • Harmonice Distortion: 0.002%(1kHz)
  • Separation: 106 dB (1kHz)
  • Wow & Flutter: Below Measurable Limit.
  • Output Voltage:2.0 V,Variable 0 - 2.0 V
  • Discs: Compact Disc Format

    General Characteristics

  • Power Supply: 50/60 Hz,voltage is shown in rating label
  • Power Consumption: 18 W
  • Dimensions: 19 3/32 x 5 10/32 x 13 25/32
  • Weight: about 20 Pounds

    Functions and Display

  • Functions:Direct Selection,automatic search,programmed playback,repeat playback,manual search,auto space,time mode,auto edit,emphasis feature
    Display
  • Track number,time,music calendar,and engaged modes and Headphone jack.
  • Remote Control

    Clearly with the above specifications this Denon was way ahead of the competition when it came out. And can hold its own very nicely with the players of today. Have never been disappointed with the sonics of this Denon 1560 CD Player. In my opinion this is just about as good as it gets for digital. For what these sell for in the secondary market,the simple question why spend more??

    The back panel of the Denon 1560 has fixed and variable outputs as well as optical and coax connection,nice touch there. This unit is extremely resistant to vibration due to its very ridgid chassis and Denons BMC technology.

    The way this Denon CD Player sounds,plus its build quality,it will be a long time before I move up to a California Audio Labs unit.Then again may opt for another Denon. Very pleased with this one.

    Associated gear
    Click to view my Virtual System

    Similar products
    Music Hall,Rega Planet,Sony,Parasound,California Audio Labs.

    • ferrari
    quadophile's avatar
    quadophile
    418 posts
     
    I you like this player so much you will be flabbergasted when you hear the DCD-S10 series cd player. It is truly high end and was introduced as S series of Denon's high end components in 1995. The original price was about $2000. I think it can be had now for around $300-500. I thought I should let you know.

    My friend and I bought the package together with the Amplifier PMA-S10, he kept the cd player and I kept the amp, we both ended up paying $250 each for a total package price of $500. Both are in very good condition and weigh over 15Kgs each!

    He has it feeding the Bryston 7B st monoblocks driving the Martin Logan CLS, this system oozes out nothing but details from the source disks.

    I recently reviewed the faboulous S10 amp here.
    toddmichaelvarney-a6a9
    1 posts
     
    Does anyone know a good place to service the Denon DCD-1560 in San Francisco for tracking problems? Thank you for the article, we are definitely enlightened as to the level of quality of this player!

    Thank you,
    Todd
    ferrari OP
    617 posts
     
    Todd - Just move up to the 1650ar. The 1560 was great, but now doubt worth the $$ to service. The Denon 1650ar is a fairly current machine and was 1K when new a couple of years ago. Can be had for around $350 - $500 or so. Same build quality if not a little better than the 1560.
    easyrider
    1 posts
     
    these old players can really get modded fo great sound.
    lwood
    61 posts
     
    Have been using this venerable CDP for 16 years now...at first I was bummed I let a sales guy talk me into it, as I had my sights set on a Rotel...but when the kids finally moved out and I could afford a new amp, I realized it was the crappy Yamaha HT receiver, not the 1560...what a surprise!! I've since been using it as a transport and folks, this is one fine piece...I've compared it here to my buddies Theta, and there is no differance, 4 pairs of ears say so.

    The 1560 Lives ON!!!
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