Denon DCD-1560

Overview

The Denon DCD-1560 is a substantial single-disc CD player produced in the early 1990s, when manufacturers were still investing heavily in dedicated digital playback. Built in Japan and weighing roughly 23 pounds, it sits well above the lightweight entry-level players of its era.

Inside, Denon used separate Burr-Brown PCM1701P digital-to-analog converters for the left and right channels, with 20-bit conversion architecture and 8-times oversampling. The player also provides both coaxial and optical digital outputs, making it useful either as a complete player or as a transport feeding an external DAC. Published specifications include a 2 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, 115 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and 0.002% total harmonic distortion.

Why This Model Matters

The DCD-1560 comes from a period many vintage-digital enthusiasts value: after CD playback had matured beyond the rough edges of the earliest machines, but before dedicated players became increasingly simplified and lightweight. Denon’s emphasis here was not novelty but execution—solid mechanical construction, serious power-supply and analog sections, and proven multibit conversion.

It was part of a broader Denon range that included the DCD-1460, DCD-2560, and DCD-3560. The 1560 occupied an appealing middle position, offering much of the physical substance and engineering character associated with the larger models without being the top-priced player in the line.

Highlights

• Single-disc CD player built in Japan
• Dual Burr-Brown PCM1701P DACs
• 20-bit architecture with 8x oversampling
• Coaxial and optical digital outputs
• Heavy chassis at approximately 23 pounds
• Produced circa 1990–1993

Who It’s For

A strong choice for listeners who appreciate early-1990s Japanese CD players, especially those drawn to multibit DACs, substantial construction, and the tactile feel of a dedicated source component.