Denon 90s gold obsession

Hi, new guy here. Somebody talk me out of this.

Although I successfully assembled my 90s dream system and love it (LOVE IT, zero regrets for what I spent to track it down and some refurb costs) there is still a 2nd 90s obsession I have. That would be the gold top-o-the-line Denon components featured prominently in Stereophile pages and even a review or two. I'm talking about the PRA-S1 (preamp with external power supply), POA-S1 power amplifier monoblocks, DP-S1 and DA-S1 (cd transporter and DA converter combo).

I honestly don't know if I will even like the sound compared to my Levinson setup. (Pics here)


At least as a teenager in the 90's I heard the 23.5, Energy speakers, and a 38S preamp when i was working in a high end store. I have never even seen the Denon gear because it is so rare, let alone listened to it.

I seems that the digital transport rig is the "easiest" to come by, followed by that preamp, and then the power amps are incredibly rare. I've read posts and for sale ads that there were perhaps 50 of these pieces ever sold in the US?

I can't help but think I'm more enamored with the chase than listening to them. I wouldn't sell my Levinson rig so that complicates things a bit (space, net cash outlay). I would run this through my Energy speakers.

Attaching some pics from Google if you don't know which Denon pieces I'm referring to.

Has anyone here ever seen and heard this Denon gear?
 

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I don’t think I’ve seen or heard any of these pieces before. Definitely in the golden era for denon components (no pun intended). They have more going for them on the eye candy spectrum vs the ML gear.
For me the chase of certain pieces has been half the fun. If you do decide to get these, I hope they live up to your expectations and then some! :)

Maybe @Ds2000 has heard one or all of these components?
 
Why on earth would I try to talk you out of that? It’s spectacular equipment.
Exactly, no one here likely to talk anyone out of such a thing, much more likely to be highly encouraged.

That would be the gold top-o-the-line Denon components featured prominently in Stereophile pages and even a review or two. I'm talking about the PRA-S1 (preamp with external power supply), POA-S1 power amplifier monoblocks, DP-S1 and DA-S1 (cd transporter and DA converter combo).
That's some really nice gear, and I imagine nearly all N. American Denon dealers did not even carry that portion of the line, good luck in finding a suitable set at a reasonable price (yes, assumptive close you are doing this, committed, and encouraged/enabled).
 
The Denon S1’s were available in 120v. But are very rare and do command a premium. Even the 100v versions are not cheap by any stretch.
 
I don’t think I’ve seen or heard any of these pieces before. Definitely in the golden era for denon components (no pun intended). They have more going for them on the eye candy spectrum vs the ML gear.
For me the chase of certain pieces has been half the fun. If you do decide to get these, I hope they live up to your expectations and then some! :)

Maybe @Ds2000 has heard one or all of these components?
I had the DAC and transport in 120, they were great. I’ve heard the amps, they are good. The pre I have had a shot at a few times and passed. It is a little flat. It may be the early version of power regen in the second box. All have very heavy cast bases and plate cases outweighing the electronic parts by 2:1 and more.
Preferable for me is the M7, R10 and the only really very low impedance capable amp of the Japanese golden era, the M510.
 
Thank you all so much, and Ds2000 your opinion carries so much weight. Yes the 120v version is what I'm after.

Perhaps this will be a long term quest to assemble this gear. The monoblock amps may be the toughest. And I really wonder if they can beat the Mark Levinson 23.5 i have now?
 
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Thank you all so much, and Ds2000 your opinion carries so much weight. Yes the 120v version is what I'm after.

Perhaps this will be a long term quest to assemble this gear. The monoblock amps may be the toughest. And I really wonder if they can beat the Mark Levinson 23.5 i have now?
The 23.5 is truly legendary. I’d think they would have a hard time beating it.
But you really do want the DAC and transport. It’s the best of the series.
 
The drive here uses a slightly larger shaft motor, JVC made the drives for both and the Yamaha GT CD, but saved the biggest for their home product. Both units have a DAC built in, the external DAC is just that much more over the top. The DAC also final version of the K2 processing. It’s an algorithmic doo dad like the Denon Alpha. Both are utter genius and are unparalleled in red book reproduction.
the JVC and the Denon both offer separate clock lock information via a second cable.
I just happen to prefer the JVC.
 
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