Skip to main content

Denon’s $500 networked audio player targets purists

Denon has managed to stay on the bleeding edge of network audio integration over the past couple of years by embracing DLNA certification, Internet radio and, more recently, Airplay early in the game and integrating it into high-end audio gear. The company’s A/V receivers were among the very first to offer access to these music destinations, which have handily eclipsed the CD as a source of entertainment for much of the music listening population.

Now that almost every A/V receiver, TV and Blu-ray disc player manufacturer has gotten the memo on the importance of network audio integration, we’re seeing support for Pandora, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Internet radio and DLNA in everything from entry-level A/V receivers to $400 televisions. That being the case, it’s fair to wonder: Who in the world would want a $500 stand-alone device that serves up what is already built into so many other products already and can be had from other standalone components (like the Squeezebox Touch) for half the price? That question has already been posed by more than just a couple of snarky bloggers in reaction to Denon’s announcement of the DNP-720AE, a standalone network music player that provides Wi-Fi access to just about every sort of digital music file as well as good ole’ AM/FM radio and Apple’s Airplay, then processes it through a high-end 24-bit, 192 kHz DAC.  So, we figured we would throw an answer out there.

Recommended Videos

Audiophiles (and not just the crazy tweakers you see sitting around at high-end audio shows smoking cigars, sipping Johnny Blue and listening to Pat Benetar on vinyl through a $7,000 turntable rig with amplification that costs more than your car) probably will. Then there’s the folks out there that own two-channel integrated amps instead of an 11.2 receiver, and those who have vintage gear and don’t feel like hooking up a glossy, plastic-housed touchscreen with questionabe fidelity to their 1970’s tube rig. Those folks might dig it, too.

We think Denon’s DNP-720AE might be worth a look and listen. The  DNP-720AE will play just about any file you might care to download or create from your physical music collection. FLAC, WAV, super-high-bit-rate AAC and WMA lossless… it does them all, and pumps it out through a high-quality DAC, so the files will (hopefully) sound really good when you listen to them, which is more than can be said for most network media players under $500.

Is $500 (not $660 as has been falsely reported) a little much for such a thing? Maybe, but keep in mind that there are similar devices  that cost a good bit more. The Logitech Transporter SE, for instance, goes for over $1000 and even Marantz’s NA7004 goes for about $800.

Granted, it’s a niche product, but we think fan’s of Denon’s sound will find this addition to the network audio player market an appealing one.

Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
Topics
The latest Amazon Echo Buds 2 with ANC are a huge 61% off right now
Amazon Echo Buds 2 in charging case.

Despite their best efforts with Fire TV devices, Kindles, and the surprisingly good Amazon Basics line, it is somewhat difficult to remember that Amazon is more than a retailer — that they're also a producer of products themself. This deal — which takes the $140 Amazon Echo Buds 2, drops the price by 61% (a discount of $85), and sells them for just $55 — really reminds you that Amazon is alive and well as a producer. Tap the button below to check out this neat headphones deal yourself or keep reading to see our take.

Why you should buy the Amazon Echo Buds 2

Read more
Buy your dad an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, get it by Father’s Day, and save 40%
The newest version of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K has WiFi 6.

Not every Father's Day gift has to be something new, big, and exciting. If your dad's idea of the best TV ever is the one he already has, but you all know it could use a boost, then you should take a look at this great offer on the latest version of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. Usually $50, you can save 40% and get one for just $30 at this time (that's a savings of $20). As of June 12, Amazon says the TV upgrade will arrive two days before Father's Day if you use the fastest shipping (available free with your Amazon Prime free trial). That means I could order it as late as July 14 and get the device on Father's Day. Your particular situation could vary, so tap the button below and check out the info for yourself. Otherwise, keep reading to see all the details and figure out if the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a good gift for Dad (or yourself).

Why you should buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Read more
At $120 off, the most comfortable noise-canceling headphones are now at a comfortable price
Sonos Ace with a Sonos Arc.

One of the best things about wearing noise-canceling headphones is the great deal of comfort they bring when in loud, chaotic environments. However, they need to really fit around your head to get that seal, which can lead to some comfort issues. If you're the type that wants to float away into your music or studies, then the Sonos Ace are your absolute best bet, and they are the headphones we consider to be the overall best noise-canceling headphones for comfort. Unfortunately, they're usually $449, the same price as the brand new Sony WH-1000XM6. Now, however, in a deal you can find at any major retailer, they're discounted by $120, making them just $329. Tap the appropriate button below to make your purchase or keep reading to see just how comfortable the Sonos Ace are, and learn about the special link they have with the best soundbar Sonos makes.

Why you should buy the Sonos Ace

Read more