From CD to high-resolution files through USB
The DCD-900NE adds a USB-A port for PCM and DSD files to CD playback, alongside Advanced AL32 Processing Plus and Pure Direct.
Compared with the DCD-600NE it broadens source options without moving to SACD. The front USB port reads high-resolution collections from memory, including DSD up to 5.6MHz and PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit. Advanced AL32 Processing Plus replaces basic AL32 processing, while the structure remains that of a dedicated CD player with a centrally mounted mechanism.
Key features
- CD and CD-R/RW with MP3 and WMA
- USB-A for PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit
- DSD playback up to 5.6MHz from USB memory
- Advanced AL32 Processing Plus
- Analogue, optical and coaxial outputs
Role in the system
Optical and coaxial outputs allow an external DAC to be chosen, while RCA outputs use internal conversion. Pure Direct reduces activity from the display and unused circuits. This model suits listeners with many CDs and a file collection on USB storage, but no SACD discs.
Moving to the DCD-1700NE is therefore not about adding another socket: it introduces SACD, file playback from DVD-R/RW and a more elaborate Denon S.V.H. mechanism. The DCD-900NE remains the practical sub-500 option combining physical media with high-resolution USB storage.
The USB socket is intended for storage devices rather than direct computer connection, which requires a component with USB-B. This distinction helps match the player to the library. The 900NE is ideal when files are kept on USB storage and operation should remain independent of networks, applications and online services.
