A dedicated player that puts CDs back at the centre
The DCD-600NE is Denon's first step for CD, CD-R/RW and MP3/WMA files, with AL32 Processing, Pure Direct and optical digital output.
This is a dedicated Compact Disc player without front USB or SACD compatibility. The mechanism is centrally positioned to distribute mass, while signal paths are kept short. Compared with the DCD-900NE it omits high-resolution USB playback and uses AL32 Processing rather than the Advanced Plus version.
Key features
- CD and CD-R/RW playback with MP3 and WMA files
- AL32 Processing for PCM signals
- DAC Master Clock design
- Pure Direct mode
- RCA analogue and optical digital outputs
Role in the system
Pure Direct switches off the display and digital output when internal conversion is used, reducing unnecessary activity. The optical output instead allows operation as a transport with an external DAC. It is a straightforward choice for listeners focused on CD who do not need SACD or USB-memory playback.
The next DCD step is the 900NE, adding USB-A and Advanced AL32 Processing Plus. The 1700NE changes media capability by introducing SACD and a proprietary mechanism, while the 3000NE develops that approach at reference level.
The remote controls playback and navigates MP3/WMA folders on data discs. Choosing analogue or digital output determines which converter is used: the player's internal DAC or the amplifier's DAC. This flexibility allows installation in either a straightforward system or one intended for later upgrades.
