After the Marantz Model M1, it’s Denon’s turn to unveil its compact connected amplifier: the Denon Home Amp. This model embodies the perfect fusion of power, compactness and modern functionality. It’s just as suitable for streaming, thanks to the Heos ecosystem, as it is for TV audio, with its Dolby Digital-compatible HDMI eARC port.
Miniaturization
Compact connected amplifiers are growing in popularity. In this category, the Sonos Amp has long been the pioneer and undisputed bestseller. However, new models such as the Bluesound Powernode Edge, Octavio AMP and the more affordable WiiM Amp are beginning to steal its thunder. Recently, specialist Marantz entered this market with the Marantz Model M1 amp. Now it’s Denon’s turn to offer its own vision of the latest-generation hi-fi amplifier with the Denon Home Amp. This model shares many features with the Marantz model, but at a more attractive price.
Compact but powerful
Successor to the popular Denon Heos Amp HS2, the new Denon Home Amp is even more compact, measuring just 21cm wide by 8.6cm high. The silhouette is modernized with the integration of a touch-sensitive interface on the front panel and a top adorned with an elegant wavy grille. This makes the amplifier ideal for discreet placement alongside the TV, on an office shelf or in the living room hi-fi cabinet. Despite its compact size, it delivers a very comfortable power output of 2 x 100W into 8 ohms and 2 x 125W into 4 ohms. This means it can be used to power a wide range of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.
HDMI eARC Dolby compatible
Like the Marantz Model M1, the Denon Home Amp’s connected amplifier features an HDMI eARC/ARC input for connection to a compatible TV or projector. A rare feature on a hi-fi model, it supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ tracks, in addition to the PCM format. To complete the experience, the Denon Home Amp offers several DSPs, including a virtualization mode to expand the soundstage, a voice enhancement mode, and a night mode to contain dynamics.
Read: what’s the point of HDMI ARC and eARC in 2024?
Streaming in the spotlight
Based on the Heos ecosystem, the Denon Home Amp can access major streaming services such as Tidal, Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. It also offers the possibility of listening to web radios and music shared on the local network. Its DAC supports the majority of audio formats up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as DSD files. The latter can also be played directly from a USB stick or hard disk connected to the amplifier’s USB port. What’s more, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth protocols make it easy to stream music from smartphones, tablets or computers, offering maximum flexibility.
Connectors
Although the connectivity is naturally less comprehensive than that of a larger model like the Denon DRA-900H, it remains sufficient for the majority of users. In addition to the HDMI eARC port, the Denon Home Amp offers an optical digital input and an analog RCA input, perfect for connecting a preamplified turntable or CD player. In addition, a USB-A port lets you play files stored on an external device, and there is a dedicated output is ideal to add a subwoofer.
With the new Denon Home Amp, the Japanese manufacturer effectively condenses the countless functions of the Heos system and offers versatile connectivity in a compact, elegant format. This model is now available for pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com at a price of €799.
