Custom installers are hard-pressed to find good quality dedicated CD players these days, while consumers just want something that plays well and will give them many years of enjoyment. When Denon put out the DCM-390 5-disc CD Auto Changer, both camps got exactly what they were looking for.

The DCM-390 provides users with the functionality of a high-end CD player, decoding WMA and MP3 files and even handling HDCD, the new high definition CD format which delivers extra quality sound to your system when used with compatible HDCD discs.

The player has the expected analog outputs while including both optical and coaxial digital outputs. There is a pair of remote-in and -out connections that can be used with a compatible controller or AV receiver for controlling the unit without using its IR remote. Lastly, an RS-232C serial connection means that the DCM-390 can be used with high end control systems, which can then access special functions like discrete on and off--which is good, as the remote control doesn't even feature a power button. This is about the only major downside of a pretty excellent player.

If you're using this player in a home theater or AV system, we suggest plugging it onto your AV receiver. That way it can power up with the system and you won't be forced to use the front face panel to turn it on and off. This unit is a tank and seems built to handle many years of aggressive use in the home--and look good while doing so.

This is definitely a higher-end player, as evidenced by its $100 premium over the similar DCM-290. If you aren't planning on using HDCD or the RS-232C control, then we highly suggest saving some money and opting for the otherwise near-identical DCM-290. While it claims some slightly higher specs than the lower priced unit, it is unlikely the differences will be audible in any but the most sophisticated listening rooms.

Pros: Solid build quality, coax and TOSlink output, WMA and MP3 decoders, RS-232C
Cons: No on/off button on remote

Warranty
1 year