What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The Denon D-M37DAB has now been replaced by the D-M38DAB. Everything about this system is top drawer.
Pros
- +
Build, design, usability and crucially sound quality are all top class
Cons
- -
Give the speakers plenty of room to avoid overbearing bass
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We looked at this Denon system in October 2008, just in time for it to scoop our all-in-one-system Product of the Year Award. For an extra £80 you can add a very handy iPod dock accessory; this connects to the back of the unit and gives you full control of your iPod's menus via the remote.
Elsewhere, it's as you were with the D-M37DAB. Available in silver or black, this is a smart-looking system, with Denon having put its mind to a serious internal and external overhaul.
Delivering 30W of power per channel, it features an all-new circuit design, including separation of digital and analogue domains, plus UK-tuned electronics and SC-M37 speakers.
There are USB and 3.5mm mini-jack inputs on the front of the unit, and of course that iPod dock attached to the dedicated connection round the back.
Inside there's a DAB/FM/AM tuner, plus a CD player capable of playing MP3 and WMA discs. There's also a new look, smart and intuitive remote control.
Performance to please
Listening to Kanye West's Robocop, the Denon delivers a broad soundstage, complete with much bass and power (be careful not to place your speakers too close to the wall or you'll get too much bottom end).
The soaring synths do an impressive job of filling our room, the D-M37DAB boasting serious dynamics and detail.But the Denon can do subtle and delicate, too. Cat Stevens' Wild World shows natural, emotive vocals, while the guitar has insight and drive.
The onboard tuners have strong signal reception, providing clear, detailed sound from DAB and FM, the latter especially delivering an authoritative, subtle delivery. Using the remote it's intuitive and easy to navigate, too, meaning a wealth of features and functions, along with top-notch sound mark this as a micro machine of serious quality.
The micro system class tends to be a hot one, so it had to be something special to take our Product Of The Year crown, as this Denon did.
Adding an iPod dock for £80 seems a fair deal to us, and coupled with class-leading sound and the fact that there are some great online deals on the main unit, means the D-M37DAB looks set to remain the one to beat.
Click here to watch our video review of the Denon D-M37DAB.
