Japanese audio specialist Denon has today unveiled a new network audio player that aims to mix 21st-century music habits with old-skool hi-fi values.
The slimline DNP-720AE uses your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to stream tunes from your networked PC or NAS drive, and access online services including Napster and Last.FM.
AirPlay-enabled
Denon's background in high-end audio then comes into play, with the DNP-720AE's 24bit/192Khz DACs and 'simple and straight' circuit design working to optimise the sound performance.
Of course, you'll need to partner the DNP-720AE with a stereo amplifier, via the rear-mounted phono outputs, to actually hear it.
Like much of the competition, Denon's new player is also AirPlay-enabled, meaning it can stream music straight from an Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or your PC's iTunes library.
The DNP9720AE is also Windows 7 certified for 'Play To' on Windows Media Player 12 and above.
Other features include control via Denon's remote app (iPad, iPod and iPhone – but not Android, yet), playback from portable storage devices thanks to the front USB input, and a somewhat redundant built-in AM/FM tuner.
The DNP-720AE, which Denon reckons will 'bring your beloved, but possibly somewhat forgotten, hi-fi system flashing back into use,' is available in black and silver finishes, and will go on sale later this month for around £430.
