Denon DF-100 series review
Written: Jun 20 '01 (Updated Nov 18 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Superb sound quality, easy to use and very well built
Cons: Messy remote layout, minidisc unit overheats in hot weather
The Bottom Line: This system combines the best of the minisystem and hifi separates world, it will also deliver superb sound quality with minimal hassle.
|
|
|
| drgreenthumb's Full Review: Denon D-F100 Mini Hi-Fi System |
Denon’s DF-100 component system is basically a collection of modular hifi separates designed to the same standard and finish. Technically they are true hifi separates, unlike many offerings from Sony and Technics, which are in, separate boxes but do not have standard inputs and outputs. The main benefit of purchasing a series of these matched units from Denon is that you can combine the flexibility of separates with the convenience of an all in one system. This is achieved by using data links between the separates, which allow them to communicate with each other. This is unusual in the hifi separates world because more often than not combination of manufacturers units are used, which lack a standard data link system, if at all. The other great thing about the DF-100 series is that the data links are not crucial to the operation of the system, for instance if you choose to buy a cd burner from another manufacturer it would work quite happily with the hifi, except it would not benefit from the synchronised recording facilities unless it had a digital input. I purchased the standard system, which consists of a receiver (amp and radio combined), a cd player, a tape recorder and a minidisc unit, which cost extra. These are the most likely options although Denon sell a 3-channel power amp and 2 channel Dolby 5.1 receiver as well as a very nice matching dvd/cd player to give a surround sound experience.
Build quality
This is second to none; all the units are finished in a thick aluminium plate that covers the front of the unit. Denon have finished the plate off by anodising it to a champagne gold colour, which looks truly beautiful. The rest of the unit is built from steel painted matt grey – no cheap plastic in sight. The controls are equally well made, the volume control on the receiver is not only motorised and damped but is machined from a thick billet of aluminium and then finished in champagne gold. Each unit boasts its own display, masked behind a very deep purple screen. The displays not only look stunning with the bright blue digits but also are informative and clear unlike many gimmick-ridden displays common to the lower end of the market. The loading mechanisms used for the tape and cd player are equally well made and seem very sturdy like the rest of the system. The minidisc power loading mechanism seems very precise which is important as a cheap one would most likely get jammed from time to time. Denon also boast about the transformer and heat sinks used in the receiver. As an inquisitive individual I decided to take the lid of the units to have a look inside. The receiver’s innards are quite spectacular. The transformer is enormous, about 80mmx80mmx40mm. Although it is not a tordial transformer, as used in very upmarket hifi it is by no means the cheapest option and reflects on the build quality of the system. As stated by Denon the heat sinks are huge compared to most, and no doubt will not overheat. The circuitry is neat and fairly simple (compared to most other combined systems) and once again reflects on the build quality of the units. The units perch on four cylindrical disks masked by an aluminium ring (standard stuff) and stand about ¾ as high as a standard separate.
Receiver
The receiver is at the heart of the system, as an amp it is highly impressive. It boasts 30 watts per channel into 4 to 8 ohms. The 30wpc is no joke, unlike nearly all combined systems as well as pc speakers this figure actually means something and is not exaggerated. It is not peak music power output either (its route mean squared) and so is comparable with other separate amps. To give an idea of how powerful it actually is, it will move the bass cones in my B&W DS100 series to the maximum travel and then go on to distort them, by this time not only will my mum complain but some 100watt rated speakers will be overloaded by the receiver! Yes, ok this is with the bass turned up but there is more than enough power for any user who doesn’t have a concert hall or something else of similar magnitude to fill with sound. In a nutshell the output is comparable to the $650 Technics ‘separates’ series (70wpc), which I used to own. There are not quirky gadgets attached to the amp, only bass and treble controls, which should usually be set to neutral. This is a good sign – Denon are trying to sell this system on the basis of quality and finesse – not quantity and technological overload. There are proper phono inputs for two recording devices, namely the minidisc and the tape deck, a cd player, an auxiliary unit (ie the TV or a digital radio) and a high gain turntable input. Even in today’s multi format world you shouldn’t have problems with a lack of inputs. My only quibble is that Denon have not gold plated the contacts – weather or not this makes any difference it is not that expensive and is placidly disappointing.
Sound
The amp is arguably the most important part of the system so it is crucial it sounds good. It does just that, and is very impressive, even when compared to a $600 hand built reference unit. The bass is smooth and taught and never booms or over powers the crisp upper frequencies unless of course you turn it up. The mid range is clear and clean and gels very nicely with the treble, which is again clear, crisp, and to the point. The sound quality overall is impressive for the money considering it will outplay a similarly priced separate amp. The amp will play any music happily and is perhaps most impressive with classical where any deficiencies are usually revealed, but not with the Denon. What Hifi magazine also commented on the excellent sound. Sleep and timer functions are also provided.
The radio is equally excellent; it is basically of the last order of analogue radio and so boasts radio text, program search, pty (unlikely shorthand for “this radio will set your clock when you tell it to”) and all the usual gubbins associated with RDS. It sounds good, very good for radio and is very simple to use since everything is tuned in for you. I should also mention that it is digital tuning (of course!). Medium wave is also there; Denon provides a loop antenna; you don’t have to move the entire unit to adjust the reception and you can buy a proper amplified medium wave aerial if you are a fan of the medium wave.
Cd player
Once again the cd player is very good and is of the same class as the amp. It may not have cd text, which is a slight loss, but it makes up with this by providing a wonderfully smooth and detailed sound that compliments the amp nicely. All the standard stuff is there, random, program and repeat. There is also an optical digital output namely for the minidisc unit. Output to the amp is via phono, which is common throughout the hifi world. I suggest replacing the cheap phono leads with some more upmarket ones in the region of $30. This will subtlety enhance the sound providing it is a good interconnect. Loading is done via a tray as in most players, which as I mentioned earlier is very sturdy.
Tape Deck
This unit is nice to have but I very rarely use it, as minidisc is such a good format for recording. For a tape deck it is very flash and has horizontal loading (like a cd), Dolby HX pro, B and C noise reduction and fully electronic operation. Pre recorded tapes sound dated compared to cd and primitive compared to vinyl. However this tape deck will certainly bring out the best in any pre recorded tapes, even if the sound is inferior to cd. Recording however is a different matter, for tape it is utterly superb. I have never heard anything like it from the old analogue medium. Even with a fairly cheap cassette the results are stunning and would compare with the cd output of a $150 combined system. If you have a portable cassette player of a decent quality the superb recordings from the Denon will no doubt enhance the playback quality. The stunning recordings make you wonder why the pre recorded tapes sound so bad.
Minidisc
Of all the Denon units I own this is the only unit, which I have had problems with. I have had trouble with the unit overheating when recording (never playback). Luckily the unit has a temperature sensor to prevent any permanent damage, but when the unit cuts out half way through a recording it is difficult to maintain a relaxed state of mind. I am not sure whether Denon have modified the unit so the cover is perforated like the amp to prevent this over heating, but it is certainly not much of a problem in the winter. My room is also prone to overheating in the summer so that may well be the cause of the problem. I would certainly recommend the unit being kept cool to prevent any annoyances and it may be a good idea to install it on a proper rack so the units don’t stand on top of each other and accumulate heat. Apart from this problem the minidisc is very nice to use and to hear. I mainly use it for recording minidisc’s for use with my Sony MZE90 minidisc player – and needless to say the results are always impressive. The sound quality is similar to the cd player although not quite as good (barely noticeable). This is due to the music on the minidisc’s being compressed rather like mp3. This unit is also an expensive extra costing about $300 but is worth the money if you have a portable minidisc player. Away from the sound quality the build is as equally good as the other components and I have no problems with the loading mechanism. It is however quite time consuming to input the track names with the jog dial – a keypad would have been nice.
Speakers
Usually the system can be purchased without speakers allowing you to add your own to suit your purpose. The Denon speakers made for the system are by Mission and are very nice, if a little cheap for the components. It is great that Denon got Mission to design the speakers as systems like this are often let down by dodgy far eastern speaker designs (those super woofer quadruple base expansion air wave techy nonsense designs come to mind!) If you choose not to have the standard speakers then I would advise spending at least $220 on a pair which have been reviewed in a hifi magazine of elsewhere. Speakers, like the amp play a huge role in determining the sound of the system overall so choose carefully and don’t be fooled by gimmicks. In true hifi speakers have no gimmicks, as do the components. Also be sure to spend some money on good quality speaker cable, about 5$ to 10$ per metre should be suffice.
General
As I mentioned earlier the data links between the components allow the units to synchronise recordings as well as “talk” to each other. This means one rather messy remote control for all the components. Just about everything can be operated by the remote even if it takes you two minutes to find the right button. Denon should have though about the layout more, it’s a bit jumbled up and the buttons are tiny. On the other hand the minidisc remote control is very nice and much easier to use. If you have loads of money a Sony lcd remote control would be nice since you can program it to control everything on the system as well as in the room with a remote control.
I have owned the system for 3 years now and used it almost everyday with no problems (except the minidisc over heating). In a nutshell I would definitely recommend this system to anyone looking for a good quality, easy to use, well-made and reliable system. It is a great alternative to individual separates as well as a combined system. I would recommend that the system should be operated in as cool environment as possible as well as upgrading the interconnect between the cd player and the amp.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
drgreenthumb
|
|
Member: Epinions Suck!
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
BUILD YOUR OWN DIY LCD PROJECTOR: www.diycinema.co.uk
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.