Denon DCD-1500 (1985)
A high-end CD player from Denon's early digital era, released with advanced D/A conversion and precision engineering for its time.
Overview
The Denon DCD-1500 is a CD player released in August 1985 by Denon, part of their early wave of digital audio equipment. It was designed with a focus on minimizing distortion and improving channel separation through proprietary technology. This model is recognized within Denon’s 1980s–90s CD player lineup and is noted alongside the DCD-3500 as having become a benchmark for digital playback quality.
Specifications
| Model Rating | CD Player |
| Number of channels | 2 Channel |
| D/A conversion method | W super-linear converter (Double D/A Converter Type) |
| Filter | 2 x oversampling digital filter, Linear phase analog filter |
| Frequency characteristic | 5 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.3 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 96 dB or more |
| Dynamic range | 96 dB or more |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | Not more than 0.0025% |
| Channel separation | 95 dB or more |
| Wow and flutter | Measurement limit (0.01% W. Peak) or less |
| Pitch deviation | ± 0.005% |
| Output voltage | Fixed: 2 V (10kΩ load), Variable: 0 ~ 2 V (at 10kΩ load) |
| Headphone port | Maximum output 70 mW (at 32Ω load) with volume |
| Pick-up | 3-beam, 2-dimensional parallel, objective lens drive system |
| Light Source / Wavelength | Semiconductor Laser / 780 nm |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 17W |
| External dimensions | Width 434 x Height 89 x Depth 350 mm |
| Weight | 6.0 kg |
| Attachment | Wireless Remote Control RC-1500 |
Design
The DCD-1500 uses Denon's proprietary W super-linear converter. It is a double D/A converter system that applies a correction signal to eliminate zero-crossing distortion, which reduces conversion errors. The left and right channels each get an independent digital filter circuit, which improves time alignment and channel separation. The digital filter is a 2x-oversampling FIR-type 121-order design with ±0.001 dB high-frequency ripple. An independently developed Computer Analyzed Linear Phase analog filter keeps group delay flat up to 30 kHz. The pickup base is glass-fiber-reinforced BMC plastic. The chassis uses a fully floated base with Q-dump material to resist external vibration, and a magnet clamper stabilizes the disc. The focus and tracking servo uses a high-speed IC. Internal power comes from isolated sources for the digital, servo, audio, and display sections. The amplifier is a DC servo configuration.
Context
Denon developed the DCD-1500 in 1985, as part of its early commitment to high-fidelity digital playback. Like the DCD-3500, it is recognized as a benchmark in digital audio performance. The DCD-1500 II is documented as its direct successor.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ DENON DCD-1500 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $530 Latest $126 │ │ Median $259 Trend — │ │ Low $75 Volume ~3/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $600 ┤ │ │ │. │ │ │ . . .. │ │ $364 ┤ . .. │ │ │ . │ │ │ . . .. . │ │ │ . . . . .. │ │ $50 ┤ . . . .│ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▂ ▂ ▂ ▅ ▂▅▂▂ ▂ █▂▂▅▅▅▂ ▂│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2025-11 2026-03 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $126–$451 (median $259, based on 24 completed sales, past 12 months)
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