Denon DCD-900NE Review (CD Player)

[johnsen88]

The 900Ne offers a perfect digital output, so nothing more can be expect from the CDA. Resistance to scratched CDs is high too, and so besides maybe a faster drive to skip or FFW a track, you can’t expect more.

Thanks, NTTY! Glad to hear that it will be a wise choice. The good thing is that this model can serve both as a standalone and as a transport. I saw the measurements and leaned towards the Denons. I was considering the Mission CDT as well as the Woo Audio CDT(discontinued) earlier. Would you still recommend the 900ne over the latter two, given how it has measured? I will be using it with my Primare I15(AKM Dac).

 

[NTTY]

It is easy for me to recommend the 900NE since, as a CD transport, you can barely find anything better.

 

[johnsen88]

It is easy for me to recommend the 900NE since, as a CD transport, you can barely find anything better.

I purchased this player and I see why it is being recommended. I am extremely pleased with it. Without going into the fancy 'audiophile' terms that are often used to describe music(or sound), I am simply going to say that this is worth the purchase at this price point. It does what it is designed to do and can't see myself paying 10x more to get a CD player from a boutique brand, thinking that it will produce better sonics. Thanks for making it an easy decision, @NTTY .

 

[ChrisJJ]

Just bought this CD player after reading this review. How would it come to the best of use in my system, coax or analog?

My system is this: NAD C3050 LE connected with two Apollon Monoblocks. Buchardt S400 MKII speakers and SUB10.

Asked Gemini and the answer was Coax as I would have double conversion if I used analog. Is this corect? Thanks in advance.

 

[antcollinet]

Just bought this CD player after reading this review. How would it come to the best of use in my system, coax or analog?

My system is this: NAD C3050 LE connected with two Apollon Monoblocks. Buchardt S400 MKII speakers and SUB10.

Asked Gemini and the answer was Coax as I would have double conversion if I used analog. Is this corect? Thanks in advance.

No audible difference. (I assume you are using the NAD as a preamp for the mono-blocks.)

Technically, the coax might result in measurably lower noise and distortion, but this will not be audible. Even though analogue will result in double conversion, the effects of this are also going to be inaudible - unless the NAD is defectively designed.

So use whatever is most convenient. If you have a spare digital input on the NAD, use that. If not, the analogue input will be fine.

 

[NTTY]

Just bought this CD player after reading this review. How would it come to the best of use in my system, coax or analog?

My system is this: NAD C3050 LE connected with two Apollon Monoblocks. Buchardt S400 MKII speakers and SUB10.

Asked Gemini and the answer was Coax as I would have double conversion if I used analog. Is this corect? Thanks in advance.

You have one of the best D/A converter in this Denon, I would use it

 

[antcollinet]

You have one of the best D/A converter in this Denon, I would use it

Not much benefit to it being the best converter ever though - if the NAD converts it straight back to digital.

 

[Mart68]

Not much benefit to it being the best converter ever though - if the NAD converts it straight back to digital.

The NAD 3050LE does indeed convert all analogue inputs to digital, including the phono input.

Did this comparison some years back with an expensive Lector CD player known for it's 'smooth sound' due to tubes in the output stage.

No difference with the double conversion compared to direct analogue, even the tubes made no difference. So I wouldn't worry either way.

 

[NTTY]

Not much benefit to it being the best converter ever though - if the NAD converts it straight back to digital.

Ah indeed, good point, I did not know the amplifier would do that.

 

[ChrisJJ]

I'm using the Linein for my RIAA so guess the Coaxin is the one if there is no audible difference anyways. Thanks everyone.

 

[Parakmiakos]

For anyone curious about pre-emphasis handling on the DCD-900NE, I emailed Denon support directly to ask. Here's their reply in full:

---
"1. Does the DCD-900NE detect the pre-emphasis flag on CDs that have it?
Answer: Yes.

2. Does it apply de-emphasis automatically during playback?
Answer: Yes.

Additional Information:
Our production Quality Control team also verifies during the final quality assurance process that the de-emphasis function operates correctly and as intended."
---

Sharing in case it's useful to others asking the same question.

 

[Poeman]

Great review (I know I'm quite late..). Just bought one based on it. Now I'm rediscovering my CD-collection and I'm amazed at how much better many of my CD's sound than I remember it (of course the rest of the hifi-chain has improved considerably since 25+ years..). I was prepared to connect it to my Topping E30 II, but I honestly can't hear a difference between the DAC and the analogue out from the CD, so I'm connecting it via the latter. It has a robust and sturdy build and I'm not noticing any slowness in operation. Only annoyance is the big ugly remote and the lack of open/close functionality via the same. Yes, I'm lazy..

 

[NTTY]

I’m happy you’re happy with the Denon

 

[pinger]

Great review (I know I'm quite late..). Just bought one based on it. Now I'm rediscovering my CD-collection and I'm amazed at how much better many of my CD's sound than I remember it (of course the rest of the hifi-chain has improved considerably since 25+ years..). I was prepared to connect it to my Topping E30 II, but I honestly can't hear a difference between the DAC and the analogue out from the CD, so I'm connecting it via the latter. It has a robust and sturdy build and I'm not noticing any slowness in operation. Only annoyance is the big ugly remote and the lack of open/close functionality via the same. Yes, I'm lazy..

Thats interesting about the remote. i have the Denon 600 and i was surprised by no open/close tray button. Not really needed but my two other players have it. (Marantz NAD)

 

[alfa]

I am keen on this cdp. I have the Audio note cobra amp and AZ TWO speakers. I’m looking for a cdp with deep bass. Not for rap or electronic genres but for blues , classical and jazz. Long ago I had a Wadia regret I sold. Will the Denon be close enough

 

[Gio-G]

It is easy for me to recommend the 900NE since, as a CD transport, you can barely find anything better.

Do you like this as a transport more than the Tascam CD200-BT? I've read both reviews and my apologies for being ignorant as to what all the measurements mean, I'm learning bits and pieces but most of this stuff is foreign to me. It appears both units were reviewed and looked upon favorably. I have an aging player here and I love my CD collection so I'm considering replacing my current player. The Tascam appears to sell for a little less and seems to do quite well with older and scratched discs and it seems to have a reputation for durability.

 

[NTTY]

Indeed, as a transport only the Tascam is a star because of its speed and resistance to scratched CDs. But the Denon will be as good in most cases and hosts a much better DAC if you need to use it.
I suppose the look of each will be the main driver of you final decision.

 

[Gio-G]

Indeed, as a transport only the Tascam is a star because of its speed and resistance to scratched CDs. But the Denon will be as good in most cases and hosts a much better DAC if you need to use it.
I suppose the look of each will be the main driver of you final decision.

I have the opportunity to at least see the Dennon in person and may be able to trade in a couple pieces of gear to make the price about the same as the Tascam. They both look decent enough for my tastes so I guess it will come down to durability and which one is likely to last 20-30 years. I appreciate ALL of your reviews even if I don't understand everything. Once you give a "final blessing" as a transport, I feel confident your objective advice is all I need.
I won't need the DAC in either unit which helps.