Denon’s new DNP 2000NE is their first foray into the premium market of network players. This all-in-one product gives users access to everything they need for a strong streaming setup at a reasonable price.
Priced at $1600, the 2000NE delivers superior sound quality and well-integrated streaming compatibility that makes playing your favorite songs a breeze. Its high-quality build is easy to integrate into any setup, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to add a network player to their setup.
The remote that accompanies the DNP 2000NE is a simple affair, lacking any luxurious embellishments. Despite this, it's surprisingly comprehensive and not just for the network player.
It can extend its command to compatible Denon amplifiers, which is a neat addition for those who have invested in the Denon ecosystem. I did find the remote to be on the lighter side, which might be misconstrued as flimsiness.
However, it is functional, and I had no trouble using it to navigate through the player’s features. It does what it needs to, but given the cost of the product, a more substantial remote would have been a nice complement to the DNP 2000NE's premium feel.
The DNP 2000NE shines when it comes to connectivity. On the back panel, a comprehensive set of digital inputs includes an HDMI ARC for audio playback from ARC-equipped TVs, and a USB-B port for direct connection to a computer or laptop.
These features extend the DNP 2000NE's functionality well beyond a traditional network player, offering convenience and enhanced digital sound quality. With these inputs, the DNP 2000NE acts as a superior DAC, ready to handle a variety of digital audio sources.
Apart from the expected TOSLINK and coaxial inputs, there is the thoughtful inclusion of both fixed and variable analog outputs. You have the flexibility to use the DNP 2000NE as a fixed-level source in a traditional hi-fi setup, or to take advantage of its volume control for direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers.
Wireless connectivity is robust, with support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from iOS devices. However, the Bluetooth functionality is limited to the basic SBC codec, which isn't ideal for high-fidelity audio streaming.
This limitation is somewhat mitigated by the inclusion of AirPlay 2, although Apple's implementation currently caps streaming quality at 256k AAC, which won't satisfy those seeking lossless audio experiences. Nevertheless, for most streaming scenarios, especially within the HEOS ecosystem, these wireless options provide ample quality and convenience.
The DNP 2000NE's versatility in connecting to your home network and various devices makes it an excellent choice for those who value both high-quality sound and a wide array of connectivity options.
The 2000NE has some pretty high-end features which produce excellent audio quality. It uses Denon’s signature Advanced AL32 Processing Plus in conjunction with its DAC Master Clock design, delivering precision sound without any unwanted jittering or interference.
The player also comes equipped with a quad digital-to-analog converter configuration, ensuring your streams come through with exceptional clarity. The 2000NE upsamples signals to 32-bit/384kHz, which reconstructs the signal as close as possible to its original signal.
Overall, from the testing on this product, the 2000NE gives users an excellent audio output that is both detailed and ultra-clear. There is a huge depth of sound present when using the 2000NE. Songs from artists like Julia Holter and FKA Twigs come through with an intricate delicacy, allowing for the many different layers of sound to have room to breathe.
There is a shocking warmness that colors the personality of the sound. A pulsing glow that adds a coziness to the sound without outweighing the finer details of the music. It is still cool enough and detail-oriented enough to let the full range of sound come through and remain balanced while leaning ever so slightly to the warmer side of things.
The upscaling allows for an incredibly high resolution of sound. Everything comes through crisp and rich. Songs like Ugly and Vengeful by Anna Von Hausswolf feel appropriately epic and cinematic, with Haysswolff’s vocals ringing with vibrant beauty and the complex layered instrumentation sounding dynamic and grand.
I tested the 2000NE with two different setups: one with a subwoofer and speakers and the other with just speakers. In both instances, the music sounded great. Surprisingly, even with only the speakers set up, I found that the 2000NE was able to output some decent depth of bass, even on more bass-reliant tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s Humble. Nothing close to what you get with a subwoofer, but the low-end was much more present on the speakers with the 2000NE added in.
Using the 2000NE with headphones provided A deep and well-balanced experience. While the sound didn't blow my mind, it certainly pleased it. Also, the 2000NE's dual-band Bluetooth means it receives and outputs wireless music, so if you want move around your place listening with headphones, you absolutely can.
Overall, I was very impressed with the output this product managed to deliver. It's a premium product with a reasonable price tag and brought something special to our setups during testing.
Streaming can be done simply through Bluetooth, but it is enhanced through the HEOS app, which is well-integrated into the player. The app elevated the listening experience and made everything sound effortlessly better. You can easily swap between your favorite streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Tidal, etc.
You also are given a fair amount of control over the player itself, able to adjust volume, remote power, and more. It also supports different voice assistants, such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
The 2000NE is widely compatible with most streaming platforms, with a notable exception being Qobuz, which is an audiophile-centric platform that would be nice to have on a higher-end machine like this. Overall, the app was very well-integrated and easy to use.
The DNP 2000NE's offerings extend beyond the basics with its status as a Roon tested device, a nod to its compatibility with the high-end music management platform known for its rich user experience and audio performance. For enthusiasts integrated into the Roon ecosystem, this signifies an assurance of seamless integration and access to Roon's advanced features, enhancing the overall utility of the streamer.
The 2000NE also comes with a built-in library of different radio stations if that's your jam. The library is impressive in its scale, providing listeners with plenty of options to choose from, including different music genres, news, local channels, talk shows, sports, trending, podcasts, and different language options.
Swapping between these channels was simple on the app and just and just as easy, if a bit tiresome, using the controls on the player itself. Overall, the sound quality from the radio stations was solid.
Denon's passion for dynamic, classic design and the little details is undeniable with the 2000NE.
I think that the 2000NE can hold its ground against even more premium products, partly thanks to the Ultra AL32 Processing technology and the robust build that supports a wide range of audio formats with finesse.
I would say that I slightly preferred the 2000NE’s sound profile to the Naim Uniti Star, which is a very high bar considering the Uniti Star’s price and fidelity. The 2000NE also gives you incredible versatility and other high-tech features that make it an easy addition to your setup.
Overall, I think the 2000NE is an excellent bet for those looking to get a network player. It has all the bells and whistles of an excellent player without being too bogged down by the price. It boasts excellent audio quality, easy streaming integration, and flexibility all in one package. I highly recommend the 2000NE. The 2000NE is a clear standout that deserves special recognition. We are thrilled to honor them with our Highly Recommended Award.
