Lecteur CD Denon DCD-600NE

Like the majority of brands that have existed for more than 50 years, Denon retains the design and the "look" that have made its identity. The Denon DCD-600NE CD player therefore keeps this brushed aluminium front panel, marked by its characteristic "wave".

Denon DCD-600NE: front and rear panel

Although this CD player is the Japanese manufacturer's entry-level model, it is nonetheless superbly built and offers an impeccable finish.

At the centre of the front panel you will find the loading tray, and to the left of it the direct-access buttons for the basic functions. The RC-1234 remote control supplied with the unit of course includes these functions and offers many others.

The back of the Denon DCD-600NE is simple and efficient: a stereo analogue output on RCA and an optical digital output in Toslink format.

Denon DCD-600NE: features

The Denon DCD-600NE CD player is not SACD-compatible, but, at the price at which it is offered and given the sharply declining importance of this format, this is not of great importance.

The "AL32 Processing" digital processing, combined with the new-generation PCM5142 conversion chip (derived from the 800NE), processes the digital data at 32 bits and 192 kilohertz.

Denon DCD-600NE: test and listening

The reproduction is defined and very transparent. The Denon DCD-600NE pairs perfectly with the Denon PMA-600NE integrated amplifier.

The dynamics are excellent and the soundstage surprising for a player in this range. This CD player is very balanced and shows no major flaw. It allows you to listen to all kinds of music for hours without any listening fatigue.

It also seems a little less coloured than its competitors (Cambridge Audio...).

At the price at which this Denon DCD-600NE CD player is offered, you will find few serious competitors…

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Denon DCD-600NE CD player

What connections does it offer?

The back of the DCD-600NE is simple and efficient: a stereo analogue output in RCA format and an optical digital output in Toslink format. The supplied RC-1234 remote control includes the basic functions accessible on the front panel and offers many others.

Does it play SACDs?

No, the DCD-600NE is not SACD-compatible. But at the price at which it is offered and given the sharply declining importance of this format, this is of little importance. The AL32 Processing digital processing, combined with the PCM5142 chip derived from the 800NE, processes the data at 32 bits and 192 kHz.

Which amplifier should it be paired with?

It pairs perfectly with the Denon PMA-600NE integrated amplifier, forming a coherent set from the same manufacturer, Denon.

How does the Denon DCD-600NE compare with the competition?

The reproduction of this CD player is defined and very transparent, which is an important asset for an entry-level unit. It also seems a little less coloured than some of its direct competitors, such as the equivalent models offered by Cambridge Audio. At the price at which this Denon DCD-600NE CD player is offered, testers consider that there are few serious competitors capable of matching it across all of its qualities. This combination of careful build, high-performing digital processing and contained price makes it a highly recommended CD player for anyone who still wishes to enjoy their compact disc collection.