By: CE Critic
Denon, has thrown its hat into the streaming amplifier ring with the Denon Home Amp. This compact powerhouse is designed to appeal to audiophiles who value simplicity, streaming flexibility, and, of course, excellent sound.
What's in the Box (and What's Not)
For $799, you get a 100-watt per channel (8 ohms) stereo amplifier that's ready to rock your favorite passive speakers. Denon's amplification pedigree is evident, promising enough juice to drive everything from bookshelf speakers to in-ceiling or outdoor setups. It even has a subwoofer output for those who crave a bit more low-end rumble.
The Home Amp is a streaming marvel, thanks to the integration of Denon's HEOS platform. This opens up a world of music services (Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, etc.) and multi-room audio, controllable through the HEOS app. Apple users aren't left out either, with AirPlay 2 support for seamless integration with their devices.
However, vinyl enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow at the lack of a built-in phono preamp. If you're spinning records, you'll need a turntable with its own preamp or an external one to bridge the gap.
Amplified Features for the Discerning Ear
- HDMI eARC: This is a game-changer for those who want to simplify their TV audio setup. It allows the Home Amp to receive and decode high-quality audio from your TV, potentially replacing a soundbar.
- High-Resolution Audio: The Home Amp isn't just about convenience; it's about fidelity. It supports hi-res formats like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as DSD, ensuring your music sounds as the artist intended.
- Multi-Room Magic: With HEOS, you can orchestrate a symphony of sound throughout your home, controlling up to 64 zones. Each room can have its own soundtrack or you can synchronize them for a house party.
- Voice Control: Apple users can summon Siri through AirPlay 2, while Amazon Alexa fans can use the HEOS skill for voice control. (Sorry, Google Assistant isn't invited to this party yet.)
Under the Hood (Specs that Matter)
- Power Output: 100W per channel (8 ohms), 125W per channel (4 ohms)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Speaker Impedance: 4-16 ohms
- Inputs: HDMI (eARC), Optical, USB-A, RCA analog
- Outputs: 4-way binding posts, subwoofer out
- Networking: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
Should You Invite It Home?
The Denon Home Amp isn't perfect (no product is). The absence of a headphone jack and phono preamp might irk some. But, if you're primarily a streamer who values a clean setup, excellent sound quality, and multi-room flexibility, the Home Amp is a strong contender. Its HDMI eARC input adds another layer of versatility, making it a potential centerpiece for both audio and video enjoyment.
With a price tag of $799, it's not an impulse buy, but for audiophiles looking to streamline their setup without sacrificing performance, the Denon Home Amp offers a compelling package. It's a testament to how far streaming amplifiers have come, bridging the gap between convenience and audiophile-grade sound.
