2. member-reviews
  3. 1031799908

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
    saabken's avatar
    saabken
    5 posts
     
    I had the DCD-1420 (circa 1989) from day 1 and was the strongest link in my low-fi system. It too had the 20bit lambda DAC. Never had problems with it in all the 15 years I used it, in fact the sound only got better as I upgraded other weak links in the system. The thing was built like a tank, certainly superior to all other Japanese CDPs of that era.

    I only just traded it in for a Rotel RCD-1072 two weeks ago. And the improvement with the Rotel over the Denon is like day and night.
    ferrari OP
    617 posts
     
    Which Rotel Model did you buy?
    soundcheckinstitute-6964
    1 posts
     
    I bought this CD Player secondhand, and what can I say. I have been dealing with a lot of different types of players. But when it comes to solidness then the 1560 is truly very good. I still enjoy the sounds and therefore can only recommend the 1560 even as a used gear
    daveoxfordus-4482
    1 posts
     
    I bought this denon DCD 1560 CD Player in the early 90's and still have it. Yes I was lucky that I bought it as I also didn't know back then that some were better than others. This player has outlasted 3-4 others in the last 10 -12 years since and still sounds better than anything I've heard. Every few years this unit will skip due to lens dirt. If this happens just take the lid off and gently clean the laser off with a cuetip and the right solution. If mine breaks then I will send it to have it fixed before I buy another one (unless I become rich and have 5 grand to drop on something better)
    If you have this cd player don't get rid of it as you will most likely regret it later.
    sixesandsevens-d3a5
    1 posts
     
    It is gratifying to read these posts. I found this site searching for current estimates of the value of my 1560 just for fun. Apparently it won't fetch much, but I would never part with it. My best friend works in a high-end audio retail shop and he brought my Denon in to his store to show off. The guys he works with were floored. Despite the fact that it's 14 years old, every one there acknowledged the fact that the DCD-1560 is a fine, fine machine.
    More to discover