- It is the latest generation of a highly successful line of compact audio systems, now presented with the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB.
For years, the Denon brand has been able to offer a product line of extremely flexible, compact and elegant all-in-one systems with an astonishingly high level of sound with the Denon CEOL Series, and Masimo Consumer is now presenting the latest generation with the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB. Once again, the focus is on the features already mentioned, namely flexible use despite very compact dimensions, an elegant appearance and, last but not least, a fine sound.
The manufacturer promises to once again address design-conscious music lovers and to continue a long success story in the field of hi-fi solutions.
Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB – The prime example of an elegant lifestyle system
It is fair to say that the solutions of the Denon CEOL Series have always been a prime example of what is meant by an elegant lifestyle system that combines attractive design, versatile applications and appealing sound to appeal to the widest possible range of customers.
Of course, all of this should also apply to the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB, with which a CD receiver is presented that is optimally equipped for the demands of many users.
Outstanding sound in an elegant, compact design with amazing flexibility
The manufacturer states that the new all-in-one system has dimensions of 280 x 305 x 108 mm and thus weighs 3.4 kg. The solidly built system is available in black or white and presents itself with a tidy front.
Here, the CD player’s charger is located in the centre, below which there is a generously sized display flanked by two buttons and a USB-A port for corresponding storage media on the left, as well as a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack for connecting headphones on the right.
The rear panel offers an astonishing number of interfaces, starting with an analogue input in the form of a pair of RCA sockets plus another pair of RCA sockets as a phono preamplifier, which is designed for record players equipped with MM cartridge systems.
The audio signal can be passed on to other systems via a pair of cinch sockets as line out, and a subwoofer can be brought into play via an additional cinch connection.
For digital sources, an optical S/PDIF interface is available here, and special mention must also be made of an HDMI port, which is used for direct connection to a TV set and therefore, in addition to HDMI CEC for central control, naturally also supports ARC, i.e. an audio return channel.
An antenna connection shows that an FM and DAB+ tuner is integrated here and smartphones and tablets can be used directly as a source via Bluetooth. Bluetooth can also be used to connect headphones “wirelessly”; the Bluetooth module of the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB thus works as a transceiver and can receive as well as transmit.
Of course, the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB is particularly flexible when it is integrated into the network, which can be done directly via the RJ45 Ethernet interface on the back or optionally via the integrated WiFi module.
HEOS Built-in – Hi-res Audio Streaming Included
When it comes to streaming, the developers of the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB of course once again rely on HEOS Built-in, the streaming platform from Masimo Consumer that has been tried and tested for years and is used in all corresponding solutions from the Denon and Marantz brands.
First of all, this provides access to your own content on the network via UPnP, whereby audio data can be played back in all relevant formats, including hi-res audio in Linear PCM with up to 24 bits and 192 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD128.
Access to various streaming services is also possible, such as TIDAL, Spotify, Deezer, Napster, Soundcloud, Amazon Music and many more. Of course, corresponding apps for Apple iOS and Google Android are available for simple control.
The Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB is also capable of streaming music directly via Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, and interestingly, it is also designated as Roon ready.
Of course, the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB can also be integrated into the Smart Home without any problems, especially because it carries the “Works with Amazon Alexa” certificate, but can also be part of Google Home and Apple HomeKit, so it can also be controlled with Google Assistant and Apple Siri by voice.
Quite powerful amplifier
The new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB is equipped with a Class D amplifier that can deliver two times 65 watts of power, according to the data sheet. The company explicitly points out that the same high standards of sound quality are applied as for the “big” hi-fi components.
Optional Denon SC-N10 loudspeaker systems
If desired, the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB can be expanded with the Denon SC-N10 loudspeaker systems, which are compact two-way bass reflex systems in the same design line.
A 12 cm low-centre driver is combined with a 3 cm soft-dome tweeter to reproduce a frequency range between 50 Hz and 20 kHz at an impedance of 6 ohms.
The Denon SC-N10 speaker system measures 153 x 200 x 233 mm and weighs 2.4 kg. Like the Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB all-in-one system, it is also available in black and white.
Prices and availability
The new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB all-in-one system celebrated its premiere at the IFA 2023 in Berlin and should be available in specialist shops as early as these days at a recommended retail price of € 699,-. If you want to buy the matching speakers right away, the Denon SC-N10 is available at a price of € 100,-.
Getting to the point
The all-in-one line of Denon, the Denon CEOL Series, has always been convincing, since they are always extremely fine all-in-one systems that can be seamlessly integrated into any living environment with their compact dimensions and elegant appearance, sound amazingly good and are usually very flexible in use. Of course, all this should also apply to the latest generation, which Masimo Consumer is now presenting with the new Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB. Not only does it rely on a CD receiver in the proven manner, which supports DAB+ in addition to FM and now also has an HDMI interface for TVs in addition to an integrated phono preamplifier, the integrated HEOS Built-in streaming platform provides the user with all relevant streaming options and also ensures integration into the Smart Home.
| PRODUCT | DENON CEOL RCD-N12 DAB |
|---|---|
| Price | Denon CEOL RCD-N12 DAB € 699,- Denon SC-N10 € 100,- |
| BRAND | DENON |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Masimo Consumer |
| Distribution Austria | Masimo Österreich GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Masimo Europe Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland |
| Distribution Switzerland | Masimo International Sàrl |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
