Back to basics-ish

[jimbob]

The Denon has arrived and looks like a rather nice and simple unit. I've had it connected at work to check it plays okay. Unfortunately I'm away for a couple of days so won't be able to put it into my system until Sunday. I've also borrowed a friend's Cyrus CD7 and power supply to compare it to. Initial listening on the crappy system at work shows similar levels of detail but with the Cyrus giving a more forward presentation as in from the speakers forward. The Denon is more from the speakers back and has a slightly fuller tone. I'm really looking forward to doing a comparison in my system at home.

[jammy395]

Look forward to yer findings JB.

[_D_S_J_R_]

Take care with volume settings when comparing. It's not uncommon for some CD players to exceed the 2V nominal output and as a result, will 'appear' more impressive because the volume is ever so slightly louder. I was fooled recently when comparing two seemingly identical sound files, preferring one slightly. This latter one had ONE CHANNEL ONLY increased by half a db! That's all, but it was enough to hear 'a difference.'

[jimbob]

I've now had a chance to compare the Denon with the Cyrus and it's been quite interesting. In all honesty I can't say I prefer one to the other as they give very different presentations. I would say they both provide similar levels of detail but the Denon seems to have a deeper soundstage from front to back. The Cyrus has slightly better seperation but without the depth. The Cyrus is more forward sounding and possibly more exciting but I would have to spend more time with it to see if it's forwardness becomes irritating. The Denon gives a fuller and more atmospheric sound which I really like. The area where the Cyrus is a clear winner is in bass definition and clarity. The Denon just seems a tad soft and flat in comparison. I could happily live with either of these and indeed I will have to live with the Denon because it's mine! For a £130 CD player to come out in my opinion the equal is pretty astonishing. I don't know how much the Cyrus cost but with its seperate power supply I think it is probably multiples of the price of the Denon. If I had to choose a favourite I would pick the Cyrus but only because of the bass clarity but given the price difference I simply couldn't justify the cost for such a small improvement.

[BillyBones]

Hi Jim

Mathewpiano on WHF (one of the few on there whose opinion I rate) is a firm advocate of your Denon CDP and for the money it's a no-brainer really. Enjoy!

[jimbob]

It really is a very good CD player and having now removed the Cyrus and put the Denon back into my system I don't at all feel like I'm missing out on anything.

[Firebug1]

Has that cyrus slot loading mech? I've had two of a kind and both had troubles with the mech...

[jammy395]

Old DAB player In kitchen is on its last legs.
Shona would now like (demands) a new one & a cd player.
looking for a wee one box solution Any ideas ?
Is this any good.....£179.

Denon DM40..jpg (28.99 KiB) Viewed 3015 times

[jimbob]

Has that cyrus slot loading mech? I've had two of a kind and both had troubles with the mech...

No it's not a slot loading one. It's a CD7. It's a lovely bit of kit especially with the power supply but just not worth the extra to me.

[jimbob]

Old DAB player In kitchen is on its last legs.
Shona would now like (demands) a new one & a cd player.
looking for a wee one box solution Any ideas ?
Is this any good.....£179.

Denon DM40..jpg

No idea jammy... Best to check the what HiFi reviews section... They are always reliable and unbiased!