Densen CD Player

Posted by: Phil Craddock on 29 November 2000

Has anyone yet tried the Densen B400? If not, you're in for a very pleasant surprise. I've compared it to the new Rega Planet and the much acclaimed CD5 - believe me neither can hold a candle to the B400.

The rest of the system was 72/Hi/250 driving SBLs.

Phil Craddock

Posted on: 29 November 2000 by Former member

Phil,

Would you tell us more detail of the comparison of Beat 400 with the CD5 and Planet?

Jauhar

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Tony L

quote:
Has anyone yet tried the Densen B400? If not, you're in for a very pleasant surprise.

I heard it, along with the new Densen 1800 quid pre-power combo at a show recently. I thought them all to be stunningly good, and also incredible value for money.

Tony.

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Simon Jenkins

I did a very similar dem to Phil, but with a 102/180 driving SBL's.

I agree that the Densen is an awesome player, possibly better than the CD5, but I didn't buy it.

Why ? I found that the Densen was just to tiring with Naim amps/speakers. In another system, maybe Densen amps, I would imagine this is completly different. The Densen was very involving, but for me a little harsh.

I would have to recommend to anybody that was thinking of using the Densen with Naim Amps and speakers to do an extended dem, at home if possible and see if you can live with it. If you can great, if not go for the CD5. Both are great.

Simon

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Andrew Randle

I heard the Densens at the same show as Tony. Very impressive, however it gets a bit "too much". Rather like the audio equivalent of being hit over the head with a hammer.

I suspect it is the CD Player that is responsible for this effect. Their excellent amps with another CD player may work fantastically.

This is not to decry the CD player. Maybe the demo's choice of rather treble heavy JM Lab speakers didn't help.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Simon B

Guys,
How do Densen B300 / B400 amps compare with say NAC72 / NAP140 (same sort of money?). I am looking for an amp to partner my CDI / Epos ES11 speakers.
Don't laugh but I have only got a Sony ES amp at the moment. I auditioned a NAC102 / NAP180 (no Extra PSU's) and found the tonal balance was to bright until the volume was increased by which time I just couldn't take the intensity for longer than 10 mins. As I will be using the system in a 3M X 3.5M room huge amounts of power are not really required.

- Simon

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Andrew Randle

Simon,

I've heard them both but haven't done the direct comparison. Both amps are good and both amps focus on different parts of the music. Naims and Densens will turn on a six-pence - sonically speaking.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 30 November 2000 by Phil Craddock

Interesting comments guys. As someone previously unmoved by CDs, the dem convinced me that it was possible to obtain an acceptable substitute to vinyl. The surprise, however, was that it was not the CD5 which impressed me but the Densen. This was especially so with female vocal and acoustic guitar but also rock and orchestral. I know what you mean Andrew about initial impressions but it didn't take me long to establish a definite preference for the B400. To my ears it wasn't strident or brash just more like the vinyl I'm used to.

Simon, I didn't try the Densen amps as I am happy with my 72/Hi/250. If I was in the market though and based on the CD dem, I'd give them a try. For me, the next step is the preamp...

Phil Craddock

Posted on: 01 December 2000 by Former member

Phil,

very interesting your opinion about the Densen CD player.
do you know the price of the B400?

I too have difficulty in appreciating CD (I currently own a Linn karik and I am not fully satisfied with it )

I must add that the listening on a CDX did not convince me either, inspite of its non neglectible price.

thanks and regards

jean-christophe

Posted on: 01 December 2000 by Simon Jenkins

Jean-Christophe,

In the UK the Densen is about 1300 pounds, cant remember the exact figure, but know it was about 200 more than the CD5.

Hope this helps

Simon

Posted on: 01 December 2000 by Former member

Hi again,

I think I remember that a Densen B400 is the CD player selected by Frank Abela in his michell/chord/dynaudio based system.
It is a very good reason for seriously considering this player...

waiting for your comment on "how is the life getting along with a B400 player "

did you compare it with the CD5/CDX/CDS2?

should you be offered a CDX, would you do the replacement of your B400?

regards
Jean-Christophe

Posted on: 01 December 2000 by Phil Craddock

Almost right Simon, the list price is £1,280.

I'm taking delivery of mine on Thursday. I'll keep you posted on how I get on with it.

Off to buy some of those shiny little disc things tomorrow!

Phil Craddock

Posted on: 03 December 2000 by Former member

It is possible that you may in this instance all be right about the Densen CD player.The firm are not exactly noted for their consistency .
Ihave recently swapped my 62 hicap 160 for a densen DM10 amp which was better with my Dynaudio speakers but lost one channel when it got shorted out by a friends REL subwoofer.After it was repaired by Haden Boardman it came back sounding amazingly good,faster clearer and far more hard hitting.A phone call to Haden as to wwhat on earth he had done revealed that he had spent an entire afternoon balancing the amp and getting it to meet its power output spec.I was assured that this was nothing to do with the accident it had incurred but was sloppy QC.I have further improved the sound by removing the case thanks to advice from Nigel at the Chord Company.

It seems to me that this is a company that has abrilliant desighner but doesnt always inspire confidence in production.However it has to be said that a completely on spec Densen is one hell of an amp for the money.

paul duerden