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This New Japanese Hi-Fi Player Promises to Make Your CDs Sound Better Than Ever

It’s further proof that CDs are far from dead.

Denon DCD 3000NE reference CD playerDenon

By Tucker Bowe

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You probably know that CDs are having a bit of a resurgence. It’s not nearly to the same level as vinyl, but CD sales increased last year for the first time in decades. And brands are taking notice.

The latest example is Denon, the renowned Japanese audio brand with over a hundred years of hi-fi heritage, as it just released a new CD player: the Denon DCD-3000NE.

But while much of the CD resurgence can be attributed to Gen Z, who buy physical media as collectibles or keepsakes, Denon’s newest player is aimed squarely at audiophiles.

Denon DCD-3000NE CD/SACD Player

Denon DCD 3000NE reference CD player
The Denon DCD-3000NE is the most premium CD player that the brand makes.
Denon

Not your parents’ CD player

Denon sells quite a few CD players, but the DCD-3000NE is its most premium (and expensive) option. It’s the newest addition to the brand’s Reference series and costs just shy of three grand.

The Denon DCD-3000NE plays both CDs and SACDs (Super Audio CDs), the latter of which supports even higher-resolution audio. It supports audio playback for DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs, as well.

Denon DCD 3000NE reference CD player
The Denon DCD-3000NE promises to upsample and improve the audio of your CDs and SACDs.
Denon

A hi-fi upgrade

The DCD-3000NE’s secret sauce is twofold. First, it features Denon’s Ultra AL32 processor, which upsamples the audio (up to 32-bit/384kHz). Second, it feeds that audio signal to its high-performing DAC.

This promises to make your CDs and SACDs sound better than ever. According to the brand, the DCD-3000NE can “reveal unprecedented sonic detail in all of your favorite music, from the deepest, defined lows to the most shimmering highs.”

Additionally, the player features Denon’s patented S.V.H. (Suppress Vibration Hybrid) drive mechanism, which holds the discs firmly in place so they can be read accurately.

Denon DCD 3000NE reference CD player
It’s available in two finishes: silver or black.
Denon

Price and availability

The Denon DCD-3000NE CD/SACD player costs $2,999 and is available now. It can be purchased from a wide variety of audio retailers, including Crutchfield, World Wide Stereo and Music Direct.

It’s available in two finishes: silver or black.

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