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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

    Showing 1 response by 99golf

    99golf
    6 posts
     
    Well my big CD system has gone down and needs sevice. So from the closet I pulled out the venerable Denon DCD 1560. Cleaned it up a bit and cleaned the laser. Plugged it in and it immdeiately came to life and sound oh so good. For a unit released in 1991 who can complain, It does have a 20 bit chip in it. And it is really not a let down to switch to. Sure the Classe separates have it beat overall,but at a cost of several thousand dollars. I must admit this has been a very pleasant surprise. Very glad that I did not sell this unit. And by the posts to this thread it seems keeping it was a very good idea. Oh I will have the Classe gear repaired. But the sonic differences between the two are so close, I wondered why I made the jump to more expensive gear. Guess we have all been in that boat. Long live the Denon DCD 1560.
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