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Denon DCD A100

I'm looking to upgrade my two channel SACD player. Currently my two channel system has a Marantz SA 803 for SACD. I had started a thread on this recently, but that was just before the Denon player has been slashed in price from $2500
10 $1500 by Music Direct and other sellers.
There are virtually reviews of this player anywhere. Nor is the Denon Web site very forthcoming with information.
My concern is that since Denon and Marantz have the same parent company, these may be very similar players. My issue with the Marantz (I think) is with the Cirrus Logic chip used in the D-A processing. It is kind of "soft". I don't want a bright, in your face sound with to much detail, but the Marantz is just to laid back, and the music tends to lose some vitality.
Has anyone heard the Denon? Do we know where they get their D-A Chips
( Denonweb site not helpful here at all). Can anyone compare the two players?
richardfinegold
johnjohn
42 posts
 
I've had mine for 6 mos and it's starting to sound really good. It is a well balanced presentation with superb scale and weight. Other than a very slight spotlighting in the mids there is absolutely nothing to complain about. At least half dozen players have come by to challenge it and none has been able to beat it (at least in my system). Cambridge 840 and McIntosh 201 came close but neither had the detail that comes so effortlessly from the A100. I read somewhere the transport in the Denon - smoothest and quietest I've seen by far from any player - is a derivative of the one used in the 6k MCD500. Very possible, since both firms are owned by the same parent company.
slpamya
13 posts
 
I've owned my DCD A100 for almost 1 yr. I've head to head tested with th mac 500, sim audio moon player @ 10 grand & an Audio Research player. The detail, sound stage is better and more 'fluid'. The only player better was the Esoteric reference.... But not by much... Warmer sound, but less detail. I've compensated by using Transparent reference RCA's. All other players used balanced. Equipment: Mac c2300, MC601, Genesis 2.2jr & Transparent Reference cables.
patpenna
1 posts
 
Can someone tell me why the screen shuts off when DAC is on ?
ig316b
104 posts
 
Haven't seen this on mine, by chance do you have the "Pure Direct" on? I know this turns off the display. I will try it with mine tonight when I get home.
bucaramanga
6 posts
 
I own it and love it.

Bought it for $1500. It plays like a $5K unit.

Redbook and SACD playback is exceptional.

Extremely well-built. CD tray operates effortlessly and with fortitude. Nothing flimsy here.

I also own the matching integrated amp (PMA-A100). This beast was a steal at $1500.

It is truly an extraordinary 100 year anniversary effort by Denon. I'm shocked there are so few reviews.

Rated 80 watts and plays like 120 watts. I've cranked it.
No distortion. Very user-friendly. Minimalist approach.

And, what's more, the remote controls both units. Sweet.

If you're looking for true audiophile quality "sleepers" then these two Denon units are it.

If you can find them, buy them.
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