Denon Gets Smarter

Filed under: Home Audio



Denon’s new Smart S-52 is the ultimate technophile table radio, cramming a DAB/FM radio, CD/MP3/WMA player, an iPod dock, USB connectivity and wireless streaming into a sleek little black box. The dock accommodates Gen 3+ iPods, which can be controlled with the remote control. Other portables can be connected via USB or a mini-jack analog input.

The built in wireless capability allows the S-52 to stream mp3, AAC, m4a and FLAC files from a networked PC, or access more than 7000 internet radio stations. Even the clock is smart; it can update itself automatically from the internet using the Network Time Protocol. A 20 watt amplifier drives the two 2.8” full-range speakers, which receive a bit of extra oomph from a bottom-mounted 3.1” passive radiator. Additional features are an Analog Devices Blackfin DSP, Audyssey Dynamic EQ/Bass-XT, and a preamp output for a subwoofer. Take that, Bose.

Price: $1,040 (£500)