Network Audio Players/Servers

Something missing from the specification sheet is Roon Ready status, which has become a feature of many network audio players targeting the 'above entry-level' crowd. Through AirPlay 2, the DNP-2000 does have 'Roon Tested' status, but this doesn't deliver total control nor the streaming of high-resolution material. Additionally, quite a few modern streamers, such as Auralic's Aries G1.1 [HFN Jun '23], can function as a media server if you attach storage. This isn't possible with the DNP-2000NE, but it will playback hi-res file formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF and DSD) from the USB port on the front-panel, adjacent to its 6.35mm headphone output.

Sonic Synergy
While the DNP-2000NE is a streamer ready for all kinds of configurations, it's nevertheless a 'natural' fit with a PMA-1700NE amp and DCD-1700NE CD/SACD player, which were the models I used for the majority of my listening sessions. Together with DALI Rubicon 2 standmount loudspeakers this made for an elegant hi-fi system, and one with a good synergy between the Denon separates.

Offering a detailed performance, the DNP-2000NE proved entirely complementary to the direct and powerful presentation of Denon's amplifier when streaming Kjartan Sveinsson's Der Klang Der Offenbarung Des Göttlichen [Society of Sound 101; 48kHz/24-bit]. Part one (or rather 'Teil 1') of this stirring opera composed by the Sigur Rós keyboardist and performed by the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg builds from a snail's pace to a crescendo that hits ever-higher notes. The string section never seems to stop edging further up the scale, which might otherwise be an invitation for some harshness or artificiality to rear its head.

That wasn't case here as the DNP-2000NE impressed with a natural-sounding and airy presentation. Neither did Denon's DAC lose track of the finer detail of the background percussion, which Sveinsson deploys to evoke the crashing of waves, even though – mercifully with this track – it softens up a bit on the high-end, ensuring the final few bars did not grate.

There's a lot of spatial detail on offer during Teils II, III and IV, which add choral singing to the mix. It's quite an unusual opera, as it was performed without a single actor on stage; the audience were instead greeted by painted landscape decors and effects (such as snow and a real campfire). That element of the performance was missing – lighting a fire in the listening room is against house rules – but enjoying this music streamed via HEOS on the DNP-2000NE, it was easy to imagine how immersive the performance must have been.

Rich Pickings
Comparing the 'virtual' stream of Mettavolution by Rodrigo y Gabriela [Rubyworks 538471642; 44.1kHz/24-bit] with the disc version spinning on the DCD-1700NE, there was little difference to be noted – the player uses a Burr-Brown DAC, but both have been similarly tuned. And just as the DCD-1700NE does for discs, the DNP-2000NE is adept at conveying music streams with a sense of emotion. The twang of the strings or the patting of the guitar body on the album's title track were not presented as too dry, but lifelike and with rich harmonics.

The above might suggest that the DNP-2000NE lacks subtlety, so I should be clear that while it doesn't appear to strive for ultimate resolution, it does deliver a coherent performance with a high level of detail and, above all, rhythmic panache. These are fine qualities for a multifunctional product that might not only be called upon to play pristine audiophile classics, but also deliver the Friday night playlist.

The obvious role for the DNP-2000NE is as a network streamer, but listening via its USB-B port is also worthwhile. It's not that this offered a night-and-day improvement, but sampling Cowboy Junkies' Songs Of The Recollection [PRPCD160; 44.1kHz/24-bit] via Roon on a MacBook added a smidge of extra openness and a sweeter tone to the slide guitar on 'No Expectations'. Overall, switching back and forth between streaming via rooExtend/UPnP, and my MacBook via USB, it was hard to put a finger on specifics, but the performance felt just a bit tighter with the latter.

Yes, Boss
What about that HDMI input? Well, there's a lot of good music content to be found on your smart TV. One of my favourites is Bruce Springsteen's Letter To You, a sweet and poignant Apple TV documentary covering the recording of the artist's 2020 album of the same name, and touching upon Springsteen coming to terms with his advancing years.

I've watched it many times in its Dolby Atmos incarnation, but in stereo through the DNP-2000NE and the rest of the Denon separates it was equally delightful – crisp, enveloping and intense. Everything about the production – the black and white imagery, Springsteen's voice-over, the excellent recording of the band – is made to pull you in. The well-featured DNP-2000NE was up to the challenge.

Hi-Fi News Verdict
Sure to satisfy Denon owners keen to add streaming to their setup, the DNP-2000NE offers a lot at an agreeable price, from app control to HDMI connectivity – but thankfully the brand hasn't focused solely on functionality. Effort put into the underlying electronics reaps performance rewards, whether heard via streaming or USB. This is a fine-sounding and versatile unit that deserves broader attention.