Denon DCD-1700NE CD/SACD Player, Black

The Denon DCD-1700NE is a CD/SACD player with Advanced AL32 Processing Plus that plays a growing silver-disc collection with noticeably more substance than its form factor would suggest.

It sits in the NE series between the compact DCD-900NE and the reference flagship DCD-3000NE – with its own vibration-optimized housing, a high-quality Burr-Brown converter, and the ability to read not just CD but also SACD and a whole range of high-resolution file formats. A player that hits the sweet spot: more substance than an entry-level model, without demanding a reference-level budget.

Why the DCD-1700NE?

Because it brings the virtues of the large NE series into a reasonable price segment. The PCM1795 converter from Burr-Brown with 192 kHz/32-bit and Advanced Segment, combined with Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, delivers signal reconstruction well above what you'd expect in this class.

The gold-plated pair of RCA outputs and a power supply that's generously sized for its price class round off the concept. And because Denon consistently relies on a vibration-resistant housing concept here, the transport stays calm even during low-frequency bass – not a given in this price segment.

What you hear

On CD, the DCD-1700NE delivers 117 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a frequency response from 2 Hz to 20 kHz; on SACD it's even 119 dB and 2 Hz to 50 kHz. The result: a clear, uncluttered playback with solid depth – without details getting blurred or the treble becoming fatiguing.

It also cuts a good figure as a file player: on burned DVDs it reads DSD (2.8/5.6 MHz) and hi-res formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit, plus classic WMA, MP3 and AAC. If you don't feel like paying for streaming subscriptions, you're well served here – the music comes straight from the disc, with no network required.

Who is the DCD-1700NE for? (and who isn't it for)

For anyone who takes their CD collection seriously and wants a noticeable sound improvement over an entry-level device, without jumping straight to the reference segment. It's also an honest recommendation as an entry into SACD.

Straight talk: If you mainly stream and only pop in a CD now and then, you'll be buying more player than you need here – the DCD-900NE does the job just as well and is easier on your wallet. And if you want to listen to music on the go: the DCD-1700NE is a stationary device without a battery, not a mobile companion.

Our verdict

The DCD-1700NE is the player for anyone who won't settle for "good enough" but also doesn't want to sink their entire budget into a silver-disc spinner. Buy this and you're set for years – and you never have to justify why you still listen to CDs.

What the trade press says: "I have no hesitation pronouncing this a superb performer without even going near the usual 'despite its price' qualification." – Paul Seydor, The Absolute Sound, December 9, 2025.

Technical data

• Type: CD/SACD player with Advanced AL32 Processing Plus
• D/A converter: PCM1795 Burr-Brown, 192 kHz/32-bit, Advanced Segment
• Supported formats: CD, CD-R/RW, SACD, WMA, MP3, AAC; DSD (2.8/5.6 MHz) and hi-res up to 192 kHz/24-bit on DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW
• Frequency response: 2 Hz–20 kHz (CD, ±0.5 dB) / 2 Hz–50 kHz (SACD, −3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 117 dB (CD) / 119 dB (SACD)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.0016% (CD) / 0.001% (SACD)
• Digital outputs: 1× optical, 1× coaxial
• Output level: 2-channel RCA (gold-plated), fixed, 2.0 Vrms (10 kΩ)
• Headphone output: not present
• Remote control: RC-1249
• Power consumption: 24 W (standby 0.1 W)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 434 × 135 × 384 mm
• Weight: 9.0 kg
• Colors: Black, Silver

Frequently asked questions

Does the DCD-1700NE have a headphone output?
No. The DCD-1700NE is designed purely as a source for a preamp or integrated amplifier and has no headphone output. If you want to connect headphones directly, you'll need a separate headphone amplifier or an integrated amplifier with a suitable output.

Is the output level adjustable?
No, the RCA outputs deliver a fixed level of 2.0 Vrms. The DCD-1700NE therefore always needs a downstream preamp or an integrated amplifier with its own volume control.

Does the DCD-1700NE also play SACDs?
Yes, it reads both classic CDs and Super Audio CDs at noticeably higher resolution. For SACD playback it reaches 119 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a frequency response up to 50 kHz – a noticeable step up from CD alone.

What's the difference between the DCD-1700NE and the DCD-900NE?
The DCD-1700NE additionally plays SACD, uses a higher-quality Burr-Brown converter, and comes with a heavier, more vibration-optimized housing. The DCD-900NE, in turn, scores with a USB input that the 1700NE doesn't have.

Why buy the Denon DCD-1700NE from HD Zürisee?
Because choosing the right CD player depends on the rest of the chain – preamp, cables, speakers. We advise you personally on this in Wädenswil, instead of just selling you the next box, and take care of delivery and setup on request too.

Goes well with

Combine the DCD-1700NE with a matching integrated amplifier and a high-quality RCA cable for the connection. For a calm, tidy setup, a sturdy HiFi rack is also worth considering.