DENON | Launch of Portable Headphone Amplifier with USB-DAC
DESIGN / DIGITAL
January 13, 2015

DENON | Launch of Portable Headphone Amplifier with USB-DAC


DENON

Uncompromising High Fidelity in a Palm-Sized Package


USB-DAC Equipped Portable Headphone Amplifier Released



Denon has released the "DA-10," a headphone amplifier with a portable USB-DAC function, on Friday, October 10th. This marks the birth of Denon's first portable headphone amplifier, packing the brand's signature Hi-Fi audio design technology into a compact body.



Text by Yuzu Kuromiya



The Challenge of Miniaturizing the "DA-300 USB" to Mobile Size



With the proliferation of portable music players, listening to digital music files through headphones has become the norm. In this landscape, esteemed audio manufacturer Denon developed the portable headphone amplifier "DA-10" with the desire to offer an even more evolved music experience, not just passive listening.

By bringing together all of Denon's accumulated Hi-Fi technology and miniaturizing the devices used in the highly regarded "DA-300 USB" as much as possible, they have created a product that allows users to enjoy "authentic sound" anytime, anywhere.

The unit features three input terminals: USB-Micro B, USB-A, and analog audio (3.5mm stereo mini). This allows connection to a variety of devices, including PCs, iPods/iPhones, and portable audio players. The input signal compatibility varies by device. The USB-Micro B terminal for PCs supports DSD up to 5.6 MHz and PCM up to 192kHz/24bit. The USB-A terminal for iPods/iPhones supports PCM up to 48kHz/16bit.

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Furthermore, Denon's proprietary analog waveform reproduction technology, "Advanced AL32 Processing," enables the expansion of bit rates and sampling frequencies for CD sources and other audio formats. Rather than simple interpolation, this technology infers the original data from the continuously changing music signal, reproducing the smooth waveform of the original analog signal that was lost during digital conversion. This brings high-resolution sound sources closer to the original sound, even beyond the master source, delivering a beautifully vivid sound experience.

The amplifier section utilizes high-speed, low-noise operational amplifiers in the voltage amplification stage and a discrete current buffer circuit in the output stage, significantly enhancing the driving power of the sound from high to low frequencies. This has allowed them to pursue the sound that the Denon brand aims for.

The design emphasizes texture, featuring a brushed aluminum housing. The use of solid aluminum for the volume knob and other details contributes to its stylish appeal.

The "DA-10" possesses performance that transcends the category of "portable amplifier." We encourage you to connect it to all your digital sources and experience its Hi-Fi grade "good sound."


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Portable USB-DAC / Headphone Amplifier "DA-10"
Frequency Response | 2Hz–96kHz
Output Terminal | Headphone Output (3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack) x1
Input Terminals | USB-DAC (USB-Micro B), iPod/iPhone (USB-A), AUX (3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack) x1 each
Battery | Built-in Lithium-ion Battery (3200mAh)
Battery Life | Approx. 7 hours (when connected to iPod), Approx. 24 hours (when connected via AUX)
Dimensions | W64 x H29 x D139mm
Weight | 240g