The Denon story...

From its beginning in 1910 as a manufacturer of single-side disc records and gramophones, DENON has become a world leader in the manufacture of high quality audio and audio/video equipment and software products for the entertainment and information industries. Professional-use and consumer-use equipment and software products are recognised internationally for their originality and standards of quality, durability and innovation.

DENON is recognised internationally as one of Japan's leading manufacturer's of high-quality audio and audio-visual products, and is the only company in the home electronics industry to be involved in both the development and production of hardware and software.

Denon's History of Excellence

Audio Trends has been associated with Denon products since the very early 1980's. We have always found their products to be amongst the very best in their category. We have also been impressed to see that they manufacture products that not only look and sound good, but also are built well, giving the consumer many years of trouble free service.

Audio Trends feel that is important and we are sure you do also. However, the trend over the last ten years seems to have gone in the other direction when one examines other manufacturers closely. Many have bowed to 'apparent' consumer pressure to make products with more and more gadgets at lower and lower prices. Although technology has developed significantly during this time, a close examination reveals that many products made available have performed very poorly and not been made for long term satisfaction.

Denon is different and is among the very few manufacturers to continue in making products of excellence. Their commitment to excellence continues to show with a current catalogue brimming with a superb range of audio/video products that encompass every aspect of home entertainment for the new millennium. Before you peruse our Denon sections please take a minute to check out just some of their achievements during the twentieth century - truly a history of excellence.

Denon Industry Milestones

1910 Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd, founded by Frederick Whitney Horne, commenced sales of single-side disc records and gramophone players

1939 Developed Japan's first professional-use disc recorder for the broadcasting industry

1951 Commenced sales of Japan's first LP records

1963 Commenced sales of the DL-103 phono cartridge, one of the longest running products in audio history. Still used by broadcasters and audiophiles, it spawned the development of a series of outstanding MC cartridges

1971 Commenced sales of hi-fi audio components, including turntables, amplifiers, tuners and loudspeakers

1972 Developed the world's first PCM digital recorder for regular studio use, thus launching the digital audio revolution. Commenced sales of PCM records.

1981 The Philips/Sony Compact Disc system was announced. Developed the DN-3000FE professional-use CD player (1983)

1983 Inaugurated sales of the world's first Compact Discs available at retail and led the industry in the introduction of consumer-use CD players. Commenced sales of video cassettes on a large scale

1988 Commenced sales of audio/video amplifiers

1989 DENON's industry-leading Super Linear Converter (SLC) mechanisms replaced by the Real 20-Bit Super Linear Converter. Completed CD player plant in Germany. DENON reorganised its operations to reflect ongoing changes in its product line-up.

1990 Three DENON products (CD player, power amplifier and cassette deck) won coveted 'Diapason d'Or' Component Grand Prix awards at 'Les Journees de la Haute Fidelite 1990' hi-fi show in Paris. Commenced sales of high-grade portable CD players and compact system audio components. Celebrated DENON's 80th anniversary. Central Research Laboratory completed in the Kawasaki plant.

1992 Developed the ALPHA processor for separate type CD player
1995 DENON delivers the world's first family of MiniDisc products for the broadcast, DJ and professional industries. Delivered the world's first Dolby Digital/THX pre-amp/tuner/processor
1996 DENON ACTIVE MEDIA (DAM) is formed in Atlanta Georgia USA. to develop DVD disc pressing business
1997 Introduced and began sales of DVD-2000 Digital Video Disc player, continuing active role in evolution of 5 inch optical disc
1999 Releases first Dolby Digital/THX/DTS Audio Video amplifier with 7.1 channel surround sound - the AVC-A1D