Densen Audio Technologies, from Denmark, embodies classic Nordic minimalist design and represents High End audio at its best. Whether it’s amplifiers, CD players, or DACs, all Densen products share a consistent aesthetic – simple lines and a minimal profile, which exude elegance and blend seamlessly into any home environment. Available primarily in silver and black, the complete Densen system offers not only sonic synergy but also a unified visual appeal.
Under review here is the newly introduced DenDAC50, a DAC distinguished by its true analog preamplifier stage. Why do you emphasize “analog preamplifier”? Because most DACs include “digital preamps,” which use a digital volume control without actual amplification circuitry, they rely on reducing the signal to adjust the volume. The DenDAC50, by contrast, includes a real analog preamp module, and a Class A one at that, which is comparable in quality to the reference-grade B-275 preamplifier.
For those who want to skip the separate preamplifier and directly drive the power amplifier, this design promises high sound quality, albeit at a high cost. The DenDAC50 isn’t Densen’s first foray into DACs; released their first DAC in 1994 and even designed DACs for many companies.
The review unit came in a replacement box, almost identical to the final retail package. A fully functional Densen DR-1 remote control is included. The official images also show a decent looking Densen USB drive, which presumably contains the necessary USB DAC drivers.
Densen products are renowned for their consistent design language. The chassis of the DenDAC50 is made of high-quality aluminum, with a fine brushed finish. Besides the central screen, there are three metal buttons on each side. The left side primarily controls the volume of the preamplifier, while the right side handles input source selection.
Opening the chassis reveals the quality components inside. Rear panel connectors include digital inputs: 1 x USB, 2 x Optical, and 2 x RCA Coaxial. The left analog section offers a total of 6 sets of connectors: 2 x line analog inputs, 1 x Tape Input. Output options include 1 x Tape/Headphone Out, 1 x DAC Pre output with preamplifier stage (variable volume), and 1 x fixed volume output for DAC bypass pre stage. All connectors are gold plated.
The DenDAC50 also has two headphone outputs, in both the standard 6.3mm and 3.5mm sizes.
The internal circuitry of the DenDAC50 is broadly divided into three main sections: the power supply, the digital decoding center, and the analog preamplifier. Densen was among the early adopters of Surface Mount Technology (SMT). SMT significantly reduces the size of electronic products, achieving a simple, thin, short, and thin form factor, which defines the small profile of Densen devices.
The DenDAC50 uses 4-layer Teflon circuit boards, improving signal paths, ground planes, and signal protection. It also uses German Vishay metal film filters.
The power supply section has two large 90VA transformers, manufactured by the Danish company Noratel. These transformers separately power the digital and analog circuits. Before reaching the transformers, the input power passes through a Densen filter circuit. To ensure adequate current delivery, five Densen 10,000 capacitors are used, totaling 50,000 uF.
The recording center uses an XMOS chip. The digital circuit board has reserved space for future digital input modules, such as network, WiFi, or AES/EBU. The DenDAC50 currently supports decoding up to PCM 24Bit/192kHz. Given the power of the XMOS chip, supporting very high resolutions will not be a problem.
Go to the DenDAC50 preamplifier class, it operates in pure Class A at 6W with zero negative feedback design. Densen emphasizes that both the local and global response are being completed. The volume control is controlled by a microprocessor, which offers 200 steps from 0 to 200, providing excellent volume adjustment. Like other Densen products, the volume adjustment mechanism produces a distinct clicking sound, which is an attractive design.
For audio testing, the DenDAC50’s USB input was used primarily, with the Mac Mini and Audirvana playback software as the source. Since the system already includes a preamplifier, a constant volume is used for the analog output of the DenDAC50, bypassing its first stage. While the display did show the current volume level, it wasn’t working in this setting. The screen also showed a USB input and a sampling frequency of 192kHz.
Although the specification of the DenDAC50 is listed at 24Bit/192kHz, the display capacity indicates support for DSD 128, which suggests a possible future development from Densen.
Natural reverberation and soundstage
Listening to Lang Lang’s live recording in Vienna, his first album under the SONY label, reveals a different recording style compared to DG. Both have their advantages. The DG recording is, in my opinion, closer to the live experience, but may sound familiar on low-end systems, lacking that “audiophile” thrill. SONY recordings, on the other hand, tend to excel in sonic presentation. I appreciate both ways. DenDAC50 shows excellent visibility.
The conversion of the “Musikverein Golden Hall” of Vienna is taken naturally, with rich and perfect piano harmonics, and a sweet, warm quality to the piano notes, conveying the texture and brilliance of a high piano. Track 15, Chopin’s “Heroic” Polonaise, showcases Lang Lang’s unique personal flair, exciting and varied, with exciting dynamic and rhythmic shifts.
Solid and Deep Bass
To explore bass texture and intensity, Flamenco music is an important choice. The dancer’s steps and the tap on the wooden stage are not only well defined physically but also full of physical energy. An important point here: if the footwork sounds too high on the soundstage, it may indicate a problem with the soundstage presentation of the sound system. The whole album is incredibly real, bringing a special presence.
The positions of dancers, singers and guitarists on stage are clearly defined. Tracks featuring stomp and tap sequences, accompanied by real handclaps, are rendered in high fidelity by the DenDAC50, showing incredible speed and responsiveness.
Details, Details, and More Details
Decoding signals is the primary function of a DAC. Listening to Anne Bisson’s “Blue Mind” album, I experienced the outstanding decoding capabilities of the DenDAC50. On the 2nd track, “Soothing Your Soul,” which begins with Anne’s a cappella vocals accompanied by drums, you can hear the drums sounding incredibly real in the space. Anne’s words are full of subtle emotional nuances.
Anne also plays the piano, and the vocals, drums, and piano, all within the same acoustic environment, are distinct and distinct, but blend naturally together. The DenDAC50 exhibits excellent tonal separation, allowing you to clearly see the natural texture of each instrument.
Nice Touch and Sound
Favorite female vocal album “First Taste of Loneliness” by Huang Hongying, a reinterpretation of Teresa Teng’s songs. Many believe that Teresa Teng’s success is unmatched, making it difficult to accept other singers singing her songs. Huang Hongying faced similar criticism. However, without any preconceived notions about Teresa Teng, I really appreciate Huang Hongying’s performance. His words are clear, sweet and emotionally rich.
In addition, Mr. Yik Wai Woo of Hugo Records is a recording artist, and this album is captivating from start to finish. DenDAC50 gives subtle pleasure, and enhances the emotional impact of Huang Hongying’s voice, making it even more touching.
Listening to Rudolf Koelman’s performance of Paganini’s 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, recorded live by the German label hänssler CLASSIC, which always produces high-quality recordings. Paganini’s 24 Caprices include a variety of violin techniques, including pizzicato, spiccato, glissando, détaché, trills, and kneeling nuances, all of which are interpreted with distinct clarity.
Despite the rapid change in performance, the DenDAC50 behaves effortlessly, maintaining a constant quality even in the higher registers.
Simple Headphone Amp feature
The DenDAC50 also has headphone outputs on the rear panel, with both standard 6.3mm and 3.5mm jacks. This is perfect for private listening if you don’t want to disturb others. The volume control is shared with the preamplifier stage. I used HiFiMAN HE400i headphones for listening, and they paired well with the DenDAC50.
True Danish Beauty at a Reasonable Price
To me, Densen represents true Danish high-quality sound at an affordable price point. The DenDAC50 is their latest offering. For those looking to simplify the system, the DenDAC50, with its USB input for computer playback, eliminates the need for a CD player. A built-in Class A high-quality analog preamplifier allows direct connection to a power amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate preamp. Additionally, it includes a headphone output.
If you’re attracted to minimalist Nordic design, the DenDAC50 is undoubtedly the perfect match.
Densen DenDAC 50 Details
* Digital Inputs: USB 2.0, 2 Toslink, 2 COAX/SPDIF
* Analogue input: 3 line input using RCA
*Output:
* 1 direct rectified output from DAC.
* 1 variable output from DAC/Preamp
* Storage capacity: 50,000uF
* Power supply: 2 x 90VA Toroidal transformers.
* Weight / transport weight: 14/15 Kg