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Denon CEOL-N11DAB – Network music system in compact design

For years Denon has been offering compact audio systems that offer a wide range of possibilities and provide attractive presentation quality in the smallest of spaces. The latest addition to this tradition is the Denon CEOL-N11DAB network music system.


For many people music is an important part of their lives, they do not want to do without it and enjoy music whenever and wherever possible. However, many people are not prepared to invest in elaborate solutions for this purpose. Instead, they want compact systems that still offer flexibility, ease of use and, of course, attractive sound.

Such solutions are available on the market in many different forms, above all the Denon brand can point to a long tradition, which is now being continued with the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB.

With the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB, a network music system is to be made available that is deliberately called a lifestyle solution. Compact in size, elegant in appearance and equipped with the latest technology, the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB is designed to be presented in a way that allows it to be integrated seamlessly into almost any living environment.

Sound United LLC. promised to build on the success of previous versions, such as the Denon CEOL N-10, with the latest solution in the field of micro-hifi systems in the form of the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB, and once again decided to actually design a complete system. In addition to the actual electronics, the system also includes a pair of matching speakers, which are of course kept as compact as possible.

At its core, the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB is an audio system that actually combines all the relevant varieties of a modern hi-fi chain in the most compact form. For example, a CD player is available that can play not only audio CDs but also data CD-ROMs with WMA or MP3 files.

A wide variety of audio data can also be played back directly from USB storage media, as the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB naturally has a corresponding interface.

However, it is much more elegant to connect the Denon CEOL-N11DAB to a network, either via WiFi or cable. It then functions as an extremely flexible streaming solution, with the developers once again relying on the HEOS Built-in streaming platform. This ensures that you can access not only your own content, including hi-fi audio, but also various online services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon Music HD and many more. HEOS Built-in also guarantees that a multi-room audio system can be built around the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB in conjunction with other solutions based on this platform, be it a soundbar, an AV receiver or a so-called wireless speaker. In addition to the Denon brand, Sound United LLC. is also using HEOS Built-in for the Marantz brand, so there are indeed many options available.

HEOS Built-in is also the “interface” for integration into the smart home via the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control systems. This allows numerous functions of the Denon CEOL-N11DAB to be controlled, right up to the control of music playback via voice control.

Apple AirPlay is also supported, specifically even Apple AirPlay 2, so that a connection to Apple’s Smart Home platform, Apple HomeKit and thus also the voice control system Apple Siri is possible.

Those who want to use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as a source outside the network can do so with the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB via Bluetooth.

Back to the network functionality, of course the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB offers Internet Radio. But if you want to use radio in the traditional terrestrial way, you can do so via the integrated FM and DAB+ tuner.

To integrate a TV set, for example, and thus use the Denon CEOL-N11DAB as an audio solution for television, two optical digital inputs, so-called S/PDIF or TOS-Link interfaces are available. These have automatic detection of the TV signal so that the audio system is activated from standby as soon as the TV is turned on.

The system also has an infrared learning function so that the TV remote control can be used to control the volume. The Denon CEOL-N11DAB is of course also supplied with a matching infrared remote control.

Operation should also be possible directly on the device, whereby a generously designed OLED display and an illuminated touch field on the upper side of the Denon CEOL-N11DAB were planned.

As already described, the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB is once again a complete system, meaning that the CD receiver is supplied with matching speaker systems.

The focus here is on compact shelf speaker systems, the Denon SC-N10 two-way bass reflex speakers. These are equipped with a 12 cm low-midrange driver and a 3 cm high-definition tweeter and are intended to provide a clear, balanced sound image.

The speakers are driven by a Denon CEOL-N11DAB Class D amplifier, which also uses DSP-based signal processing and is therefore equipped with a specially tuned equalizer.

The new Denon CEOL-N11DAB will be available in grey, white and black and, according to the manufacturer, will be available at specialist dealers in August 2020. Sound United LLC. is quoting a recommended retail price of € 629,- for this solution.

Getting to the point

With the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB, a network music system is to be made available that is deliberately called a lifestyle solution. Compact in size, elegant in appearance, and equipped with the latest technology, the new Denon CEOL-N11DAB is designed to be presented in a way that allows it to be integrated seamlessly into almost any living environment.

Manufacturer:Denon Deutschland – A Division of Sound United
Distribution:Denon Deutschland – A Division of Sound United
Price:€ 629,-

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Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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