Denon unveils new Design series wireless micro hi-fi system

Denon says the two units can be positioned either vertically or horizontally and there is a direct coaxial digital connection between the two. The PMA-50 amplifier includes advanced AL32 processing and a DAC master clock design.

For those wishing to pair the DCD-50 with other amps, it has a 32-bit/192kHz DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) for connection to any standard amplifer with RCA analogue input.

A slot-loading CD drive can play regular CDs as well as those with MP3/WMA files on them, and there's aptX Bluetooth as standard for streaming music wireless from portable devices. Music lovers can also listen to high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio and play back PCM and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) tracks on their PC or Mac via the Denon PMA-50's USB-B connection.

The amp delivers a claimed 50W into 4ohms and has two optical, one coaxial and one USB-B input. There's also a subwoofer preout, a headphone output with gain control, NFC (Near Field Communication) compatibility and a system remote control.

Also unveiled was the DRA-100 network amplifier, offering 70W per channel into 4ohms.

Boasting the same sleek aluminium design as the rest of the range, the DRA-100 offers high-res audio streaming support up to 24-bit 192kHz PCM and DSD 2.8/5.6MHz, as well as internet radio, Bluetooth connectivity with NFC and built-in Spotify Connect.

Physical connections are covered off by a front-mounted USB-A port with support for high-res audio, two optical inputs, a coaxial in and three analogue ins. There is also a pre-out (fix and variable level switchable) and a front-mounted headphone jack to allow you to use it as a headphone amp.

The Denon DCD-50 and PMA-50 will be available this month (June 2015) in silver or black, while the DRA-100 will be available in October for £799.

MORE: Denon adds HomeCinema soundbar and sub to HEOS multi-room system

Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.