Marantz turned a few heads with its new M1 streaming amplifier that was introduced in May 2024 and we wondered when Denon would follow its high-end sibling into the network streaming ring to compete with WiiM, NAD, Cambridge Audio, and Bluesound. We didn’t have to wait very long apparently.
Streaming amplifiers make a lot of sense for consumers who want to stick with passive loudspeakers and possibly only two sources and there are no shortage of options right now that offer a lot of performance for the money.
Some, like this new option from Denon, include HDMI ARC/eARC support making it a viable option for those who wish to combine audio/video in one system.
Keeping in line with this trend, Denon is offering up a compact streaming amplifier that integrates its HEOS streaming platform labeled the Denon Home Amp.
Features
Denon Amplification: Denon is well-known for their AVRs and their amplifier technologies. The Denon Home Amp can power any type of speaker in any room of the home, such as in-ceiling, in-wall, outdoor, or bookshelf speakers in a two-channel configuration. The Home Amp also includes a subwoofer output.
HEOS: Using the HEOS App, users can stream music from several services while enjoying seamless multi-room control. HEOS wireless speakers can be added (in addition to the speakers physically connected to the Home Amp) for whole-home music listening. HEOS enables users to play the same song in every room or select a different song for each connected room from several accessible streaming sources. HEOS supports up to 64 zones.
Apple AirPlay 2: In addition to HEOS, the Home Amp also incorporates AirPlay 2 to stream Apple Music and other select services wirelessly to the Denon Home Amp, or group with other AirPlay 2 compatible speakers. Along with AirPlay 2, Siri Voice control is also available for users to control compatible features and playback options.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is not left out – you can use Bluetooth to connect and play music directly from smartphones, tablets, or other compatible devices.
Enhance TV Audio: In addition to standard analog and digital source input connectivity, the Denon Home Amp also includes an HDMI-ARC/eARC connection that allows users to enhance TV sound – making the Home Amp a great soundbar alternative.
Key Specifications
- Amplifier: 2-channel amplifier
- 100 W + 100 W (8 Ω/ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, T.H.D. 0.05 %)
- 125 W + 125 W (4Ω/ohms, 1 kHz, T.H.D. 0.1%)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz: ±1.5 dB
- Connected Loudspeaker Compatibility: 4–16 Ω/ohms impedance
- Audio Inputs/Outputs:
- Loudspeaker Connections: 4-way binding posts
- Digital Inputs: HDMI (eARC), TOSLINK, USB-A
- Analog Inputs: RCA L/R
- Subwoofer Out: RCA Mono
- Adjustable High Pass / Low Pass Filters: 40-250 Hz / 40-120 Hz
- EQ Bass, Treble: -5dB to +5dB
- Sound Modes
- Stereo
- Direct
- Virtual
- Denon Dialog Enhancer,
- Night Mode
- TV Sound Grouping Yes
- Audio Format Support
- Dolby Digital+, Dolby Digital, LPCM
- Stereo PCM / Multi-channel PCM Yes / Yes
- WMA: up to and including 192 kbps
- AAC & MP3: up to and including 320 kbps
- WAV, ALAC, FLAC: up to and including 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6MHz
- Streaming Technologies (in addition to HEOS)
- Bluetooth (Receive): Ver 4.2
- AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- Music Services Supported
- Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TIDAL HiRes, iHeartRadio, Deezer, Mood: Mix, Sony Hi-Res, AWA, QPlay, SoundCloud
- Storage/Play Options
- Music stored on mobile device: Yes (iOS, Android or Kindle Fire)
- NAS (Network Attached Storage): Network share, DLNA
- USB Storage: Yes (FAT32, NTFS formatted drives)
- Network Connectivity
- Wired: Ethernet
- Wireless: Dual-band, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Control Options
- IR Input 3.5mm
- IR Learning Yesti
- Compatibility via TCP/IP
- Crestron
- Control4
- AMX
- HEOS App (iOS, Android)
- Kindle Fire
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.4 × 8.54 × 9.21 inches (86.2 × 217 × 234 mm)
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
Initial Impressions
Denon has incorporated its HEOS streaming platform in many of its AVRs and similar components and they offer a line of HEOS-enabled wireless speakers, but this is the first time that they have combined HEOS with a compact amplifier.
The Denon Home Streaming Amplifier offers a lot in its small form factor, but there is no dedicated wired headphone output, which would have provided more listening flexibility. It is not clear if you can listen on Bluetooth headphones.
Also, if you want to connect a turntable to the amp, the turntable has to have a built-in phono preamp or you need to connect an external phono preamp between the turntable and the Home Amp.
On the other hand, the inclusion of an HDMI-ARC/eARC connection makes the Home Amp a possible soundbar alternative when hooked up to speakers.
Price & Availability
The Denon Home Amp is available for purchase for $799 US / $999 CAD at denon.com and authorized Denon retailers.
Related Reading
David
July 10, 2024 at 2:35 pm
Looks like the Marantz M1 but at $200 less. Maybe I am missing something.
Ian White
July 11, 2024 at 2:44 pm
David,
I strongly suspect that they don’t sound the same. One is made in one of Marantz’s best facilities in Japan and the other is mass produced in China (most likely).
I rather like the sound of the Marantz Model 40n and if the M1 offers a strong taste of that…a total bargain.
Best,
Ian White
Jeff
July 10, 2024 at 3:43 pm
From the photos, the Denon is a lot less pretty.
I would assume it’s gonna be mass-produced in China instead of assembled in the Japan facility like the M1.
But if the internals are indeed the same, that’s a serious saving if you like how it looks.
Mike Cornell
July 11, 2024 at 1:27 am
I’d have to look at them side by side to see if there’s any difference in features/connectivity etc but this looks to be a clone of the M1. Not sure why the $200 difference in price, unless as suggested, the place of manufacture accounts for it.
Ian White
July 11, 2024 at 2:42 pm
Mike,
I happen to like the design of the M1 more. I also don’t think they sound the same. I expect the M1 to offer something akin to one of their class D network receivers which is a high standard.
Best,
Ian White
Mike Cornell
July 12, 2024 at 1:48 am
Hi Ian….interesting. From John Darko’s review of the M1, apparently it’s a direct digital amp…converts everything to digital at the input stage and isn’t converted back to analogue until just before the speaker outputs (if I understand it correctly). Maybe the Denon uses different technology or is just a class d amp. Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see a comparison of both.
Ian White
July 14, 2024 at 11:33 pm
Mike,
The Marantz appeals to me. I can see it working well with a number of the bookshelf loudspeakers that I have that could use some midrange color.
Best,
Ian White
ORT
July 11, 2024 at 5:03 am
This is why I have been an enthusiastic supporter of Denon/Marantz and their HEOS (Home Entertainment Operating System. It simply works. It sounds like music I enjoy which is exactly what music I listen to is supposed to sound like. Denon/Marantz make equipment meant to be seen but all their equipment is meant to be heard via the music. This HEOS Amp is not meant to be looked at and to be honest, it is purposeful in its appearance. the speakers that are powered by it are far more important as far as looks go. Looks matter but this is an AMP/Streamer. It is there for a purpose and as I said, its looks are purposeful.
Both Denon and Marantz AVRs and other 2.1 Stereo Systems are pleasing to the eye and again, they WORK! I think so highly of them that I bought several thousand dollars of their Home series of powered speakers and put them in the homes of people I know as well as people I just met. Why?
Because these folks have a soundtrack to their lives and if I can afford to give them that music in their homes, then they can play it at will. And remember…
One of the people I have done this for is in her 90s and speaks fluent Italian. I have set her up with HEOS and a portable Grace Digital Internet Radio to take into the garden of her back yard so that the music of her native tongue can fill her day as it has filled her life from its conception. Today I spoke with a neighbor of my daughter and will be installing a HEOS speaker in her home for them to try out. She asked me “How much?” and I told her no charge.
I only ask if ever they no longer desire it in their home they are to return it to me so that I can look for another person that needs/wants to hear their memories set to their music in their home.
After all, “home” is what the first letter in HEOS stands for. Thank you Robert Silva. I mean that.
ORT
Chris Boylan
July 15, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Sir ORT the True,
You are a modern day missionary of music. Thank you for your service!