Denon D-M41 CD/FM micro desktop stereo system with Bluetooth® at Crutchfield
Audio Section
Variety Of Sources
Convenience Features
Audio Section
30W + 30W Discrete Amplifier: The Denon
D-M41S is equipped with a 30 watt x 2-channel high power amplifier for serious
HiFi quality sound. A newly-developed discrete
analogue amplifier circuit reduces signal paths for greater clarity and impact.
The Denon D-M41S is also equipped with robust power supplies
that feature dual power transformers to provide a stable supply of electric
current, resulting in lower impedance handling and greater power output.
Simple & Straight Circuit Design: The Denon D-M41S gives you
high quality sound based on the “Simple & Straight” concept. Circuitry is
uncomplicated, signal paths are short, and all adverse influences on sound
quality have been minimized. The circuit design and the way the chassis is built
ensure the sound you hear is faithful to the original performance.
Triple Noise Reduction Design: In an audio component where various circuits,
boards, and wire layouts can influence each other, it is not possible to obtain
satisfying specifications or sound simply by strengthening the power amp
circuit. Denon has therefore eliminated three sources of noise to ensure that
the sound is as clean as possible. Distortion from the input selector,
electronic volume and power amp has been suppressed to improve the
signal-to-noise ratio and produce an even smoother, dramatic sound.
- Short signal paths, to optimize sound quality and minimize noise.
- Thorough separation of digital and analog sections.
- Precision signal ground circuit, to preserve signal purity.
24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Denon D-M41S HiFi component system
employs a high-precision 24-bit/192kHz DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to
reproduce high-definition sound.
Headphone Amplifier: This unit is equipped with a
high-quality headphone amplifier with adjustable gain (High/Middle/Low).
A
variety of headphones are supported. The D-M41S is equipped with a
front-panel 3.5mm headphone output for private listening. Once a headphone
is connected, the system’s speakers will automatically mute.
Audio Adjustments: The Denon D-M41S offers various audio
adjustments to tailor the sound to your music taste.
- Optimizing Filter: An optimizing filter suited
specifically for the properties of the included loudspeakers can be
activated. - Tone Control: The D-M41S feature separate bass and
treble tone controls (-10 to +10dB) for adjusting the tone of the system to
your taste.
- Super Dynamic Bass: The Super Dynamic Bass (SDB)
circuit produces powerful bass sound even when the volume of the system is
low. - Source Direct: The Source Direct feature is provided
for turning off the tone control and SDB circuitry to make the system’s
response naturally flat.
Speaker & Subwoofer Outputs: The Denon D-M41S is fitted with four
binding-post speaker terminals that will accept pin-connectors,
single-banana plugs, and bare wire (up to 14-gauge). The D-M41S also features a mono-RCA
subwoofer output for connecting a power subwoofer to the system for
additional bass.
Bookshelf Loudspeakers: The included bookshelf loudspeakers
have been designed with Denon HiFi craftsmanship and European sound engineering.
For best performance a high quality 4.75″ midrange/midbass driver has been
combined with a high-definition 1″ tweeter and a crossover network with selected
components inside a bass reflex enclosure to reproduce smooth, natural sound.
- Two-Way Driver Design: The bookshelf loudspeakers feature a
two-way driver design with a 1″ tweeter and 4.75″ midrange/midbass woofer.
The soft-dome tweeter feature extended response to 40 kHz, along with wide
dispersion and high power handling thanks to the advanced coil and dome air
venting system. The powerful cone woofer feature Denon’s Double Layer convex
cone technology, which provides deep bass and clear mid-range free of
coloration caused by cone flex distortion, and also features air venting for
optimum cooling during extended passages of high volume. - Bass Reflex Enclosure: The bookshelf loudspeakers
employ a bass reflex enclosure with a rear-firing port for greater
efficiency and bass response. Foam port inserts are supplied to seal the
cabinet for tighter, more accurate bass. The speakers feature a black
wood-grain vinyl finish and a black cloth removable grille. - Binding Post Terminals: Each speaker features two
binding post speaker terminals that will accommodate pin-connectors, single
banana plugs, and bare wire (up to 14-gauge). The speaker’s binding posts
are color-coded (red/black) for easy identification between positive and
negative. - Mounting Options: The bookshelf loudspeakers can be
simply placed on a table-top, shelf, or stand. The optional PinPoint heavy
duty side-grip wall-mounting bracket (121AM41B,
sold separately) can be used to wall mount the speakers (the speakers do not
feature a keyhole slot or threaded insert).
The powerful cone woofer feature Denon’s Double Layer convex
The optional PinPoint heavy
Variety Of Sources
CD Player: The Denon D-M41S features a front-loading, single
tray CD player that supports playback of CD-Audio & CD-Text discs (12 or 8cm).
The D-M41S also supports playback of MP3 (32/44/1/48kHz; 32-320kbps) and WMA
(32/44.1/48kHz; 64-192kbps) files recorded on CD-R and
CD-RW discs. A low gravity CD mechanism is used to reduce vibration. The unit
can be setup so playback starts automatically when a disc is inserted.
Bluetooth Audio Streaming: Bluetooth
4.0 (A2DP 1.3/AVRCP 1.5) is integrated to allow instant wireless connectivity
(up to 33′)
with smartphones, tablets and computers. You’ll be able to stream stored music,
music apps and other audio content from your Bluetooth source device to the
Denon D-M41S.
The Bluetooth circuitry has been designed complete with an on/off
selector, offering convenient wireless connection when required, plus enhanced
sound from the other sources like CD, FM or Optical Digital when it’s not in
use.
- SBC + AAC Codecs: In addition to support for the standard SBC
Bluetooth audio codec, the D-M41S offers support of AAC. By supporting AAC,
the Denon receiver offers better audio performance of the music streamed
from your Apple iPod/iPhone/Pad. - Multi-Device Pairing: Up to eight Bluetooth source devices can be
remembered by the D-M41S, so family members as well as friends can enjoy
their favorite tracks. However, only one device can be used at a time.
Note: The unit does not support Bluetooth hands-free communication for
phone calls.
Optical Digital Inputs: The Denon D-M41S features two
optical (toslink) digital inputs for connection of your TV, satellite/cable box,
or Blu-ray/DVD player.
The digital input will only accept a 2ch PCM signal
(32-192kHz; 16/24-bit). The optical digital inputs are not compatible with Dolby
Digital/DTS.
Analog Stereo RCA Input: The Denon D-M41S is equipped with a
set of rear-panel RCA stereo audio inputs for connecting an external home
component audio source.
AM/FM Tuner: The D-M41S features a built-in AM/FM tuner and
comes supplied with an FM wire antenna and AM loop antenna. The built-in AM/FM
tuner supports up to 40 station presets in any combination. You can manually
tune your presets or have the unit automatically select your presets using the
area’s strongest stations. You can label each preset station with an 8 character
name.
Convenience Features
FL Display: The unit’s front panel features a two line dot
matrix fluorescent display, which provides indications of source and function
status. The D-M41S’s comprehensive FL display identifies source, music tracks
(including song/artist info for MP3/WMA files),
broadcast stations, and a12-hour clock.
The unit’s display brightness can be
adjusted in four steps -100%, 70%, 40%, or Off.
Remote Control: The Denon D-M41S comes supplied with an easy-to-use IR
wireless remote control. The included remote control unit features ergonomically
designed buttons, with logical groupings for easy use. The keys of the remote
have been laid out so that various media can be easily played both intuitively
and visually. The buttons for the main operating sequences, such as Play, Skip,
Stop, or Volume Up/Down, have been placed near each other for smooth, quick
finger operation.
Playback Controls: The Denon D-M41S offers playback control
for CD and Bluetooth. Play/Pause, Stop, Fast/Forward, & Previous/Next Track are
supported for CD and Bluetooth. Other playback features for CD include – Repeat
(Single/All/Folder), Random (All), and Program (up to 25 tracks) playback, as
well as direct track/folder access.
Program playback is not possible with
MP3/WMA files.
Alarm & Sleep Timer: The unit is equipped with an Alarm &
Sleep Timer.
- Alarm: You can set the alarm for “Everyday” or “Once” and select
the playback source. With the “Everyday” alarm set, playback starts (the
power turns on) and stops (the power turns off) at the set time each day.
With the “Once” timer alarm set, playback starts (the power turns on) and
stops (the power turns off) only once at the set time. - Sleep Timer: Use the Sleep Timer to automatically switch
the power to the standby mode after as specific amount of time (minutes).
The sleep timer can be set up to 90 minutes, in 10 minute increments.
AC Power: The D-M41S is powered by standard household AC
current using the supplied 6.5′ AC power cord. The power consumption of the unit
when in standby is approximately 0.
3 watts.
Auto Standby: This unit will automatically enter the standby
mode after approximately 15 continuous minutes of stop mode with no operation.
Last Function Memory: This feature stores the settings as
they were directly before the standby mode was set. When the power is turned
back on, the settings are restored to as they were directly before the standby
mode was set.
Denon D-M41DAB micro system review: a shining example of great sound in an affordable package
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What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. Bluetooth capability makes this Denon even better than before
Tested at £379
What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The D-M41DAB is impressive proof that great pound-for-pound hi-fi sound need not always mean several separate components
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Denon didn’t necessarily need to release a new microsystem with the D-M41DAB. The multi-Award-winning D-M40DAB hung around our most-read reviews list like an Adele record that simply refuses to drop out of the charts.
Logically, then, there are two explanations for this latest model. Either it’s a subliminal reminder that Denon remains at the top of this tree or, in the near-two-year wait for the product’s emergence, the company has once again managed to significantly better itself.
The lengths to which Denon has gone with this updated system would suggest the latter. And the multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards it continues to receive confirms it.
- Denon D-M41DAB (Silver) at Amazon for £219
Features
Even if the rest of the package had remained the same, the inclusion of Bluetooth for the first time in this range (which can be turned on or off to avoid affecting the D-M41DAB’s overall performance while not in use), is our first cause for celebration.
The lack of wireless capability didn’t stop us giving Denon Awards, but it had been the only blot on the M-series’ otherwise-pristine copybook.
Given the merits of the D-M40DAB, it might have been risky for the company’s engineers to tinker so much with the insides of its flagship micro system.
Denon claims its brand new analogue amplifier circuit offers greater clarity and purity, with shortened signal paths and further measures to avoid sources of interference built in.
This is part of what Denon dubs its Triple Noise Reduction Design which, while sounding like something off a gastro-pub menu, also encompasses careful separation of analogue and digital circuits plus precision signal grounding.
It also claims distortion from the input selector, volume control and power amplifier has been better suppressed for the purest possible sound.
Build
But if Denon has redesigned the interior of its micro system, the same cannot be said of the façade.
At a glance, the only way to tell the D-M41DAB apart from its predecessor is the CD drive and display screen have swapped places, so that the former sits above the latter – as it did prior to the D-M39.
On closer inspection, however, you’ll notice the screen is flatter than before, meaning less reflection. It isn’t immediately obvious, but placing the pair side-by-side reveals a significant improvement.
You’ll also notice Denon has removed the USB input. There are still analogue and digital optical inputs for playing music from an external source without Bluetooth, such as an old iPod, but it means no more memory sticks.
As with previous models, the D-M41DAB is available with or without matching Denon speakers. Without, the system is called RCD-M41DAB. The speakers are dubbed SC-M41. Put the two together and you have the D-M41DAB we’re testing here.
Last time we tested a Denon micro-system, we preferred its designated speakers to any price-comparable alternative.
Though they look the same as before, Denon says it has fine-tuned this 12cm driver/25mm soft-dome tweeter configuration to make the partnership even more harmonious. If you buy the complete system, you’ll also take receipt of upgraded, heftier speaker cable.
Sound
So the design has undergone more than just a tweak, and the rewards are reaped in the performance. The D-M40DAB improved on its predecessor in just about every department, but it wasn’t as clear a leap forward as this. Here, the whole character of the system has been bettered.
We play Hot Chip’s Made In The Dark on CD and immediately notice the spacious gains in the soundstage as well as greater detail. Dynamics, too, are more insightful and expressive – and this is only in the album’s opening build with the intro of Out At The Pictures.
By the time it gets properly going, it’s as if the Denon has been on a mindfulness retreat for the past two years and rediscovered itself.
To say the presentation is more forward is not a slight. The balance here is still pleasantly even, but it really throws itself into the changing rhythms and does so with sprightly confidence.
We play around with speaker positioning and end up with the SC-M41s further away from our back wall than a bookshelf would really allow – but the tonal character isn’t compromised if it’s a tight fit. Really, it’s another feather in Denon’s cap to have retained worthwhile heft and stability without the assistance of a rear wall.
We’ve hinted long enough in our reviews that Denon should add Bluetooth connectivity to these systems, and it has been integrated very well indeed. The drop in sound quality from CD to Spotify stream has no effect on the D-M41DAB’s sonic mastery.
We change pace with Ryan Adams’ Heartbreaker and it’s clear the energy with which the Denon rendered Hot Chip can be easily traded for gracefulness when playing the more delicate passages of this album.
While its touch is light across the fingerpicked acoustic guitars in tracks such as Oh My Sweet Carolina, it gives away no weight in Adams’ vocal performance.
The combination of low-end stability and dynamic sensibilities leaves us with a remarkably human performance for a hi-fi system at this price.
Verdict
Denon could have simply added Bluetooth to its system and struck the only item from our “against” column. But we’re pleased it didn’t.
If the D-M41DAB – which we’d again recommend pairing with the company’s designated speakers – doesn’t quite put its predecessor to shame, it certainly puts it in the shade.
It sees multiple marked improvements across the board, combining to offer a character of performance that could hold its own against groups of separates at a greater cost.
We suspected it would be good. We just didn’t realise it’d be this much better.
More:
See all the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winners
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Denon D-M41DAB: Price Comparison
674 Amazon customer reviews
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Denon D-M41
Highlights:
The new D-M41 mini system builds on the success of the legendary M-D40 with improved sound, style and features. The addition of Bluetooth allows you to instantly access the system from your smartphone, tablet or computer for music selection and playback and sound control. However, Bluetooth can be turned off to reduce its effect on the sound of other sources when not in use. The new design incorporates the design and features of Denon’s flagship “NE” range.
The RCD-M41 central unit is now equipped with two digital optical inputs for connecting a TV, set-top box or other digital device that deserves high sound quality, as well as a built-in CD and FM/AM radio. Completing the package for high-quality sound reproduction is the new SC-M41 acoustic package
High Output Power with New Discrete Amplifiers
New Discrete Amplifier circuit delivers 2x30W output power for quality sound reproduction on the SC-M41 speakers. You can also purchase a CD receiver separately and use it with other speakers or listen to music through headphones, for which the RCD-M41 has a built-in amplifier.
Straight and short sound path for pure sound
To enhance the sound, the RCD-M41 circuitry uses Denon’s Triple Noise Reduction Design, which carefully separates and shields the analog and digital circuits to protect the signal from distortion and produce the purest sound possible. Short connections between components also help to avoid interference and interference.
Triple Noise Reduction (T.N.R.D.) technology for pure sound
In an electronic circuit where different components interfere with each other, it is not possible to obtain sound quality simply by amplifying signal strength. Careful separation and shielding of analog and digital circuits protects the signal from distortion and allows you to get the purest sound.
Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming from smartphones and tablets
Built-in Bluetooth lets you instantly access your smartphone, tablet or computer to select and play music and control audio settings. Bluetooth can be disabled to improve playback from other sources such as CD, FM tuner or digital input.
New design
The styling of the RCD-M41 has been updated and refined, incorporating design elements from Denon’s flagship NE (New Era Hi-Fi) ranges, including the award-winning PMA-2500NE / DCD-2500NE amps and turntables and PMA-1600NE / DCD-1600NE.
Denon SC-M41 Speaker System
These speakers have been developed using Denon’s Hi-Fi design expertise and European school of sound.
The acoustics use high quality 12cm woofers/midrange drivers, 2.5cm soft dome tweeters and crossovers on high quality components to reproduce clear and natural sound.
Features
- 2-way speakers, 2 x 30 W, FM tuner
- Bluetooth support, two optical inputs to built-in DAC
- T.N.R.D. triple anti-interference, subwoofer output
Specifications
- Power output 2 x 30 W class A/B amplifiers
- Playback CD-Audio, CD-R/RW (MP3, WMA)
- Bluetooth yes
- Inputs 2 digital optical, analogue
- Outputs for subwoofer, headphones (mini-jack 3.5 mm, separate circuit), acoustics (screw)
- Tone control LF, HF
- Optional Super Dynamic Bass circuit
- FM tuner (87.5 – 108 MHz), RDS, 40 station memory
- Remote control yes
- Alarm clock yes
- Auto off timer yes
- Speaker SC-M41, two-way bookshelf
- Woofer 120 mm
- Tweeter 25 mm, soft dome
- Frequency range AC 45 Hz – 40 kHz
- AC resistance 6 ohm
- Dimensions (W x H x D) 210 x 115 x 309 mm (main unit), 145 x 238 x 234 mm (speaker)
- Weight 4 kg (main unit), 3. 6 kg (column)
6 kg (column) Stereo
“An all-in-one system with great sound…”.
Denon RCD-M41 CD Receiver and SC-M41 Speakers
Denon mini and micro systems were popular back in the old days when vinyl was forgotten and digital music was not taken seriously. Tiny branded components were capable of a lot and confidently competed with full-sized Hi-Fi in the budget and mid-range segment. A lot of time has passed since then, but Denon’s compact Hi-Fi is still in demand and has a regularly updated lineup. I think it’s time to study this phenomenon on a concrete example and try to identify the reason for the success of these babies.
Highlights:
The new D-M41 Mini System builds on the success of the legendary M-D40 with improved sound, style and features. The addition of Bluetooth allows you to instantly access the system from your smartphone, tablet or computer for music selection and playback and sound control. However, Bluetooth can be turned off to reduce its effect on the sound of other sources when not in use.
The new design incorporates the design and features of Denon’s flagship “NE” range. The RCD-M41 central unit is now equipped with two digital optical inputs for connecting a TV, set-top box or other digital device that deserves high sound quality, as well as a built-in CD and FM/AM radio. Completing the package for high-quality sound reproduction is the new SC-M41 acoustic package
Small form factor
The Denon D-M41 mini system is extremely compact and can easily fit on a shelf, chest of drawers or AV cabinet next to your TV. But if you decide to listen to music seriously and thoughtfully, and not in the background, when the sound is pouring from somewhere far away, the listening distance must be chosen according to the scale of the system. I listened to her from a distance of about a meter and a half.
The shelves are very compact and the standard stand is too big for them. If a recording lacks deep bass and the system doesn’t need to recreate large-scale sound objects, it’s completely impossible to tell if it’s toddlers or mid-range full-sized Hi-Fi.
In the midrange and treble range Denon D-M41 demonstrates excellent dynamics and unexpectedly high resolution. The bass is reproduced only in the upper, and in the lower registers the system is ineffective, so the scale of symphonic works and the drive of rock hits cannot be felt. The same AC / DC sound very neat and subtle. In short, the RCD-M41 has a subwoofer output for a reason.
Speakers look very neat with grills
Electronic music is not so straightforward. Some dance hits, in which the main rhythm is written high enough, sound absolutely full and do not cause a desire to connect a subwoofer.
Audiophile recordings with female vocals are the ideal content for the Denon D-M41. So, for example, “Ain’t no sunshine” by Christy Baron sounds great – very expressive, articulated, detailed. The full range of dynamic possibilities can be felt on the album version of “Run” by Guru Groove Foundation. Pulsating keyboards, a highly recorded gated bass drum and dry crisp percussion sound very rhythmic.
And another hit called “Moscow” is better to listen not from the first album, but in the acoustic cover version of 2022, with dominant percussions and guitars.
The phase inverter is integrated into the module with terminals. Tommy Emmanuel and Al Di Meola recorded their hits as if specifically for such a scale. This is where the microsystem gets the opportunity to demonstrate all its advantages: the expressiveness of the middle, the purity of the high frequencies, rhythm and dynamics, high detail.
Characteristics
- Power output 2 x 30 W Class A/B amplifiers
- Playback of CD-Audio, CD-R/RW (MP3, WMA)
- Bluetooth yes
- Inputs 2 digital optical, analogue for acoustics (screw)
- Tone control LF, HF
- Additional bass boost circuit Super Dynamic Bass
- Tuner FM (87.5 – 108 MHz), RDS, memory for 40 stations
- Remote control yes
- alarm clock yes
- Auto off timer yes
- Speaker SC-M41, bookshelf 2-way
- Woofer 120mm
- Woofer 25mm, fabric soft dome
- Speaker frequency range 45Hz – 40kHz
- Dimensions (W x H x D) 210 x 115 x 309 mm (main unit), 145 x 238 x 234 mm (speaker)
- Weight 4 kg (main unit), 3. 6 kg (speaker)
90 033 AC resistance 6 ohm
6 kg (speaker) For sound quality
The Denon D-M41 minisystem looks very nice and at first glance it may seem frivolous. But this impression is wrong. In miniature sizes, a real monster is hidden, assembled according to the canons of High End. Inside is a fully discrete class AB amplifier with 30 watts per channel.
Minimal shelf space required for CD receiver
Circuitry and packaging are based on Denon’s Triple Noise Reduction Design, which reduces noise in three ways: shielding, separating digital and analog circuits, and following the principles of a short path when signal paths minimized as much as possible. In a word, it is not for nothing that the design of this mini CD receiver is so reminiscent of the design of Denon’s latest generation New Era high-end components.
Built-in CD drive reads not only CD-DA, but also CDs with MP3 and WMA files speaker with a large dust cap in the center. Acoustic design is bass-reflex – a small diameter port is brought back.
What is characteristic – the phase inverter does not give any overtones even when installed close to the wall. The connection is carried out with large screw terminals, which allows you to replace thin regular cables with something more solid and audiophile with a large cross section.
Conclusion
The Denon D-M41 micro system is undeniably good in its class and price range. The only adequate upgrade is the use of a subwoofer, otherwise this is a completely self-sufficient kit. The developers can only be reproached for not taking the sound quality of the headphone output seriously enough. After all, modern technologies make it possible to install truly high-quality amplifiers even in a limited space.
The remote control of the mini-system turned out to be full-size
Other than that, it’s the perfect second system for traditional stereo lovers. By the way, I think it should be mentioned that Denon still has turntables in its range, and the Denon D-M41 has an analog input.
Pros: high-quality sound, compact size, availability of digital and analog inputs
Disadvantages: a subwoofer is required for full-fledged sound, replacement of standard speaker cables is highly desirable
Going beyond
, its most likely fate is the background scoring of bedrooms and offices. But it would not be fair to deprive her of the chance to prove herself in higher realms, so in addition to the main audition, I conducted a number of experiments.
Connecting a subwoofer changes the sound picture completely, bringing the system’s capabilities up to full-size Hi-Fi. It all depends mainly on the capabilities of the additional low-frequency section and its ability to match at the frequency of the natural decay of the feedback of the Denon SC-41 shelf speakers. This is the most direct and obvious way.
Tiny speakers have a standard 25mm tweeter
Another option is to replace the speakers with larger and more expensive bookshelf speakers with a lower bass rolloff frequency.
This will give a gain in all characteristics, especially in the lower mids and bass, but at high volume the amplifier will have a hard time. Nevertheless, if you can install a full-size Hi-Fi, but you want more bass, I think it’s quite possible to find shelf speakers that are suitable in terms of characteristics and surpass the regular ones in sound. However, the budget of the system will grow two or even three times. After all, the entire set of Denon D-M41 costs like a pair of mid-range bookshelf speakers.
Small mid/bass driver delivers very dynamic and clear sound
Another bolder attempt to improve sound is the replacement of the built-in CD player with an external one that costs as much as the RCD-M41 CD receiver itself. The connection was made first by optical and then by analog cable. In both cases, the external CD player noticeably lost to the built-in one. This means that the built-in is at least a class, and it feels like it is even two classes higher. The situation is the same as with the replacement of columns.
You can improve the sound, but the costs increase many times over.
The general conclusion turned out to be simple and obvious: Denon D-M41s are very good in their price niche, and to get even better sound, the budget will have to be radically revised.
Denon speakers are quite rare
But if you’re into personal audio in addition to classic Hi-Fi, put your high-end headphones away and look for something simpler in stock. The corresponding output of the CD-receiver is designed more for inexpensive models with a dark and bass sound – with them it plays best. With my studio headphones, I got a very tight sound, collected somewhere in the center of the head, almost without bass and with a raised middle. The resolution was not as impressive as it was when listening to the speakers. In a word, everything sounded no better than the average smartphone.
Full-size terminals allow the use of large-section speaker cables
A reverse metamorphosis has occurred with simpler headphones.
Compared to their sound on the same smartphone, everything has changed for the better. The microsystem in such headphones produced a clearer, more embossed and focused sound; bass picked up and became more manageable; only the stage was still without the feeling of width and volume, as it was on more expensive headphones.
Equipment
Even if the rest of the package remained unchanged, the first-ever inclusion of Bluetooth support (which can be turned on or off to avoid affecting the sound of the D-M41DAB when idle) is already reason enough to rejoice.
The lack of wireless functionality didn’t stop us from awarding Denon models a well-deserved Award, but it was the only stain on the line’s flawless biography.
Given the D-M40DAB’s many strengths, the company’s engineers took on the challenge of redesigning the innards of their flagship micro system.
Denon claims its new analog amplifier circuit improves sound clarity, while shortened signal paths and several other measures avoid internal interference.