Compact Denon Home Amp is a finely tuned stereo music hub

Denon has unveiled a contemporary stereo music amplifier, with a compact form factor and Heos hi-res whole home audio support built in.

The Denon Home Amp can supply up to 64 zones of multiroom hi-res audio streaming, and is interoperable with the wider Heos-enabled ecosystem of Denon and Marantz AV components and loudspeakers.

It may be small, measuring 86.2 × 217 × 234 mm, but it’s certainly punchy, with a dynamic 2 x 100W (into 8 Ohms) power plant. Inside CI had an early listen to the Denon Home Amp at the recent Masimo (parent company of Denon and Marantz) European Dealer Conference, held in Malta.

Audio quality is high, combining a snappy delivery with excellent clarity. The package has been tuned by Denon Sound Master Shinichi Yamauchi. It can be partnered with a wide range of loudspeakers, including bookshelf models and in-wall architectural speakers.

Having given the amp an audition, we think it's ideal for media rooms and everyday listening spaces. Helpfully, the Denon Home Amp offers HDMI with eARC connectivity, allowing it to function as the hub of a multisource setup. In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi, there’s the option of Ethernet wired connectivity. Wireless music support includes AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. Hi-Res audio support extends to 24-bit/192kHz. The unit is DLNA compliant.

The amp’s dimensions mean that two units are able to sit side by side on a standard rack. It also benefits from the brand’s extensive integrators support, which includes training resources and a dedicated technical support hotline. It weighs just 2kg.

For ease of use, the Denon Home Amp also supports Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital + bitstreams (so no need to configure the output of AV source components to PCM) and also has a subwoofer output for those that need a bigger bass performance. Audio inputs comprise digital optical audio, analogue stereo and USB-A.

The Denon Home Amp is priced at £699 ($799 / €799), and is available from August.