A legacy of firsts
1910 - that's not a typo
Since 1910, Denon has perhaps made more technological innovations than any other audio brand. Still, progress for the sake of progress is far from the Denon way.
Underlying this legacy of first-to-market technologies are three pillars that continue to drive the brand forward.
A true passion for audio
Music has become increasingly digitized, bringing the need for premium audio technology into sharper focus. That is why Denon is constantly developing new products that not only meet the needs of the latest formats, but consistently exceed them.
A respect for artistry
First and foremost, everyone at Denon is a music lover (many are indeed musicians). Whether they're a Sound Master, an engineer or a customer service representative, they will – without exception – be deeply passionate about how things sound. We've not strayed from the principles that made us famous 110 years ago.
Technology is the way to a better future
Denon has cemented its reputation as a visionary and a tastemaker, not only with our customers, but with our partners and competitors. They are just as eager for our next generation of products, and reassuringly they support our ambition: the belief that better sound leads to a happier life.
Often first, always trusted
Every day at Denon's R&D facilities, new technologies are imagined as our engineers seek new ways to deliver immersive experiences, spectacular sound, and performance that never wavers.
And because of its commitment to ongoing research, Denon is very often first to market. Relentless enthusiasm and exhaustive testing are required to launch any new innovation, and that is the very reason Denon never lets you down.
If what you seek is a combination of cutting-edge technology and sound quality you can trust, there really is no other brand.
Historical highlights
Denon timeline |
|
1910 |
Commenced sales of Japan’s first phonograph |
1934 |
Japan Denki Onkyo Laboratory is established |
1939 |
Japan’s first disk recorder/player, the TPR-14-C, is delivered to NHK, Japan's national broadcaster |
1940 |
A factory, dedicated to recording equipment, is set up in Mitaka, DR-14B |
1944 |
Company name is changed to Japan Denki Onkyo Co. Ltd. |
1945 |
First recording of the voice of Japan’s Emperor Hirohito |
1948 |
Disc recorder/player R-23-A adopted in NHK’s restructure plan |
1951 |
R-26-F portable tape recorder is delivered to NHK |
1958 |
Mitaka is used mainly to produce broadcast studio tape recorders and disc players |
1963 |
Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. acquires Japan Denki Onkyo Co. Ltd. |
1964 |
DL-103 is officially delivered to NHK |
1966 |
SH-31, the first headphones, are released |
1970 |
Denon brand name starts to be used for consumer products |
1970 |
DN-302F direct-drive player for broadcast studios is released |
1971 |
DP-5000 direct-drive servo turntable for consumers is released |
1972 |
Developed the world’s first practical PCM digital recorder DN-023R |
1974 |
DH-710 open reel tape deck is released |
1981 |
DN-3000F, the world’s first CD player, is released |
1983 |
Shirakawa production facility is opened |
1987 |
CD cart player is available for professional use |
1995 |
First home system to support Dolby Digital decoding with Lucasfilm THX 5.1 |
2000 |
AVR-5805CI launches as the first receiver with HDMI, Audyssey, and network capability |
2009 |
World’s first DVD-A1UD universal Blu-ray Disc is released |
2010 |
Denon celebrates ‘A legacy of firsts’ on its 100th anniversary |
2014 |
AV receiver with world’s first support for Dolby Atmos is released |
2014 |
HEOS® multi-room, streaming audio platform is launched |
2015 |
HEOS® takes multi-room mobile for the first time with the HEOS® 1 and the Go Pack |
2016 |
Denon headphones 50th anniversary |
2017 |
Japan’s first Auro-3D AV Receiver is released |
2018 |
Denon introduced the world's first 13.2 channel home AV Receiver |
2019 |
HEOS® streaming platform supports HD digital Audio streams |
2020 |
Denon release the world's first 8K AV Receiver |
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