Denon S-52
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd. Part number: S-52
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While the Denon S-52 is chock-full of impressive features, its subpar sound quality makes it hard to justify the steep asking price.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Try Free Amazon Prime for one Month | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/29/2009 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | | In stock | as of 11/29/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 11/29/2009 | |
| Advanced Lamps | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 11/29/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 11/29/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Denon S-52 price range: $449.00 - $698.00
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg and Jeff Bakalar
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 04/07/2008
- Released on: 10/12/2007
The good: Fully featured tabletop radio with AM/FM/HD radio, iPod dock, USB port, XM satellite radio compatibility, network/Internet audio playback (including Rhapsody), and CD player; clock with dual alarms.
The bad: Extraordinarily expensive; mediocre sound quality; tedious character input; no iPod video output.
The bottom line: While the Denon S-52 is chock-full of impressive features, its subpar sound quality makes it hard to justify the steep asking price.
In the past few years, the addition of an iPod dock or a CD player has constituted a major upgrade to the tabletop radio category. Polk Audio upped the ante in 2006 with the I-Sonic, which included HD Radio, XM satellite radio compatibility, and even a DVD player in one compact frame. Now Denon has answered the call with the S-52, which also offers a slew of unconventional features. In addition to all the usual components you would expect from a tabletop radio--AM/FM tuner, CD player, and an iPod dock--the S-52 adds HD Radio, XM satellite compatibility, and the ability to stream digital audio files, Internet radio, and Rhapsody's premium subscription service via your wired or wireless home network. It's among the most full-featured tabletop audio product we've seen to date, but there's one big problem: the sound quality of the built-in stereo speakers isn't great. Given the product's whopping $700 price tag, it's a major black mark on an otherwise impressive all-in-one unit.
Design
The Denon S-52 is on the larger side of tabletops we've seen--not surprising, given how much that Denon managed to cram into one box. It also happens to be one of the heaviest--almost 15 pounds. The outer cabinet is designed with black and gray hard plastic with top-mounted perforated air vents on the left and right of the unit. You'll find all of the functions are accessible from the buttons on top of the device. This is also where the jog wheel is located, which you'll use for volume control, character input, and function selection. On the front of the device you'll find the display, CD loading slot, auxiliary in, headphone jack, and USB port.
In terms of ease of use, the S-52 performed well. We were able to cycle through and use functions relatively painlessly. Our only complaint arose when dealing with character input. Unfortunately, there were a handful of times where we needed to enter text--Rhapsody and wireless network setup to name a few--which dampened the overall experience.
The included remote control is laid out well and provides easy access to all of the features on the S-52. We just wish it labeled the iPod control features as well. You'll have to consult the manual for a key explaining the various commands available on the remote.
Features
As mentioned previously, the Denon S-52 is chock-full of features that deliver an almost comprehensive list of audio options: AM/FM and HD Radio; CD player; XM satellite radio (with the purchase of an add-on XM Mini-Tuner and valid subscription); an iPod dock; USB port (for playing back MP3 and WMA audio files); and a wired and Wi-Fi network connection for streaming digital audio files on a networked PC, from an Internet radio station, or accessing Rhapsody's premium online service.
The S-52 supports all iPods with a dock connection and comes with iPod dock adapters to fit the various sizes. What's even better is that unlike most iPod compatible tabletops we've seen in the past, the S-52 will actually let you navigate and control your music with the remote control using the unit's display. (Of course, you still have to be close enough to see the tiny front-panel display, so it's kind of a wash.) However, if you have hundreds of artists on your iPod, be prepared to spend some time scrolling as there isn't a way to skip ahead in your library, (the equivalent of spinning the click wheel faster on your iPod). Unfortunately, there is no video out on the rear of the device, so playing any videos from your iPod isn't an option. The S-52 will also charge your iPod whenever it is docked in the device.
As far as digital audio is concerned, the S-52's compatibility is fairly good: it'll play MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, and FLAC over the network, from a USB drive, or burned to a CD. WMA- and MP3-based Internet radio stations are supported and managed via the RadioDenon.com Web site. The S-52 also supports the premium Rhapsody online music service.
The S-52 is compatible with XM satellite radio receivers. Simply plug in your Mini-Tuner and Home Dock into the rear of the S-52 and--once you establish your XM subscription--you're all set.
In addition to standard AM/FM, the S-52 also supports tuning in all-digital HD stations--though, to date, we've found the sound quality and selections on HD Radio in our area to not be worthy of the hype.
The S-52 has two alarm clocks, each separately customizable. You can set them to go off using almost any source the S-52 can play (excluding USB). In addition, you can also set the volume at which each alarm goes off.
The unit includes detachable Wi-Fi, AM, and FM antennas. As we'd expect with a networked entertainment device, the firmware is upgradeable.
The S-52's step-down model, the Denon S-32, loses the USB port, CD player, HD radio, and XM satellite support found on its big brother. It retails for a still hefty $500.
Performance
Using the S-52 wireless network feature (you have the option of using the Ethernet port on the back of the radio as well), we were able to connect to our WPA-encrypted Belkin router with no issues. Once connected, we fired up the Rhapsody music service. This was one of our favorite features as it allowed us to call for music "on demand" completely via the included remote control. Getting the S-52 to connect to our music server was a bit more of a headache as it took a few restarts on our Windows Vista PC before the S-52 would recognize our Windows Media Player 11 software (which needs to be running). However, once the S-52 made the initial connection, it never required a restart on subsequent attempts. We found this to be the easiest way to play music remotely; however you can avoid using Windows Media Player by setting up your own music server with a program such as
USB playback was a bit slower than we would have liked as changing tracks caused a noticeable lag. However, the Denon was able to read all ID3 tag artist and track information in addition to displaying it.
Yes, the Denon S-52's features lineup is impressive, but what does it sound like? In a word, it sounds "fine"--but for a product at this price, we expected exceptional sound and didn't get it.
We used the best possible sound source for our first listening tests--CDs--and immediately noted the sound was bright and aggressively detailed. True, the bass was deep enough to shake the table the S-52 was sitting on, but the midrange between the bass and treble was recessed to the point it made vocals sound thin and anemic. Bruce Springsteen's Magic CD sounded harsh and grating, so we played the CD over a Polk I-Sonic table radio, which was much more to our liking. Springsteen's voice sounded more human and the treble range was smoother.
The Springsteen CD isn't the best of recordings, so next we tried Harry Connick Jr.'s Chanson du Vieux Carre CD that features a swinging New Orleans big band. That sounded much better on the S-52, but the i-Sonic's richer sound was still way better. Backing away from the S-52 to around 3 or 4 feet was where it sounded best--much further than that and it started to sound small. Stereo imaging, never a strong point with table radios, wasn't in the cards with the S-52.
Listening to our iPod, Rhapsody, and Internet radio didn't change our opinion of the S-52's sound. If it was much less expensive, we'd be less hard on its sonic deficiencies, but for this kind of money you could buy a really nice home theater in a box, or for even a bit less, Polk Audio's i-Sonic.
While the S-52 does offer an impressive amount of features, its mediocre sound quality and high price point is enough to deter potential buyers. While the Polk Audio I-Sonic lacks the iPod dock and network audio functions of the S-52, it sounds notably better.
User reviews
-
-
Awesome Internet Radio
by Lonestar10 on January 2, 2008
Pros: Streams radio stations from around the world; Streams music from your PC
Cons: Price; Poor setup and operation instructions; Poor AM HD Radio reception; Unit runs hot, even when off
Summary: This table top radio does it all: AM/FM/XM, HD Radio, PC Streaming, CD player, iPod and USB docking and best of all: Internet radio.
The Denon S-52 is ...Summary: This table top radio does it all: AM/FM/XM, HD Radio, PC Streaming, CD player, iPod and USB docking and best of all: Internet radio.
The Denon S-52 is slightly larger -- and much heavier -- than a Bose Wave Radio.
I bought the S-52 to easily listen to radio stations from across the country and around the world streaming programs on the Internet. I could do this on a computer, of course, but the convenience of a table top radio, with all those stations available at the push of a button, is hard to beat.
The S-52 requires a connection to your home network (wired or wireless). The unit will search for an available network..and after you enter any required encryption keys..you can immediately begin searching for streaming radio stations. No PC is required for this feature.
Perhaps it's because it's such a new product, but the manual for the S-52 fails miserably in describing how to stream music from your PC or how to troubleshoot any connection problems. PC streaming did not work for me the first time...until I turned on Network Sharing on my Windows Vista computer. Now all the music stored on my PC is displayed and played wirelessly on the table top unit anywhere within range of my wireless network.
The instructions vaguely mention two different websites where programs downloaded to your PC can help program and push media to the S-52.
For me, getting these two services to work was not easy. It's still a work in progress, with absolutely no help from the manual or the websites.
Another downside to the S-52 is HD Radio function. I can receive FM HD Radio just fine, but switching between stations or switching between HD and regular FM is not an easy task. Again, the lousy manual offers no help.
From my location in downtown Dallas, I could not receive any AM HD Radio stations, even with the included antenna (regular AM was OK).
There's a little door on the top of the S-52 that hides an iPod dock. You can control an iPod with the S-52 remote or directly from the iPod.
The unit's built-in CD player can play hours of MP3's.
The S-52 has a USB connector on the front. You can plug in a thumb drive loaded with MP3's and the unit will play them complete with ID tags.
The S-52 is one hot radio, in more ways than one. It runs hot even when it's turned off. This is one radio you do not want to put in an enclosed cabinet.
But it's a radio you'll love having around to enjoy streaming music from your PC...or from anywhere in the world.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Considerations when buying a DenonS-52
by Lionfish61 on February 16, 2009
Pros: I found the Denon S-52 easy and straight forward to set-up and use.
The sound is 1st class, in a class on its own - TOP OF THE CLASS.
The unit is packed with many great and helpful functions.
This is a must for anyone serious about Radio.Cons: Secondhand buyers must get www.Radiodenon.com portal Userid/password to enhance Internet Radio listening.
The Denon S-52 does not support Real Media streaming format (RAM).
Do not loose the remote or wifi aerial - very expensive to replace.Summary: Please be aware of two considerations when buying a Denon S-52.
Consideration 1
---------------------
This applies when buying a second-hand Denon S-52.
Make sure your Denon S-52 purchase comes with ...Summary: Please be aware of two considerations when buying a Denon S-52.
Consideration 1
---------------------
This applies when buying a second-hand Denon S-52.
Make sure your Denon S-52 purchase comes with the Userid/e-Mail and password that was that was allocated on the Denon Radio Web page to access Internet Radio.
Let me explain why??
The Denon S-52 Internet Radio function makes use of the Denon Radio Web page to access Radio stations. This access is achieved by the unique mac address of your Denon S-52. Details of this can be found in the Owner?s Manual on page 15.
When you first go onto the Denon Radio Web page to set up your Internet Radio on your Denon S-52, you will be asked to supply the unique mac address of your Denon S-52. A userid/e-Mail and password will then be created based on this unique mac address of your Denon S-52 unit.
This Userid/eMail allows to you manage, maintain and update your Internet Radio preferences for your Denon S-52. This also enhances your listening experience and helps make navigation easier through tens of thousands of Radio Stations on the Internet.
Examples of key functions you will not be able to do without this Userid/e-Mail:
1) no access to new Internet Radio stations you identify
2) no access to new Podcasts you identify
3) no use of the Add Station function
4) no use of the Favourite function.
Having this Userid/e-Mail and password will make your listening experience so much better.
Consideration 2
---------------------
The Denon S-52 does not support Real Media streaming format (RAM).
This means most of the UK BBC Internet radio broadcasts cannot be received on this unit as they only use Real Media streaming format (RAM).
This is documented in the General Help section on the Denon Radio WEB page as follows:
Why are some stations (such as the BBC) not available?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Certain stations, like the BBC, broadcast in a format that the DENON Products do not support. The DENON Products play MP3 stations only, of which there are many available. However, it does not play stations that are in RealMedia or Windows Media format. AVP-A1HD,AVR-5308,AVC-A1HD,AVR-4308,AVR-3808,AVC-3808,S-302,S-52,S-32,ASD-3W and ASD-3N support Windows Media format.
BBC stations that cannot be received on the Denon S-52 Internet Radio function.
BBC London
BBC Radio Berkshire
BBC Radio Bristol
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
BBC Radio Cornwall
BBC Radio Cumbria
BBC Radio Derby
BBC Radio Devon
BBC Essex
BBC Radio Gloucestershire
BBC Radio Guernsey
BBC Hereford/Worcester
BBC Radio Humberside
BBC Radio Jersey
BBC Radio Kent
BBC Radio Lancashire
BBC Radio Leeds
BBC Radio Leicester
BBC Radio Lincolnshire
BBC Radio Manchester
BBC Radio Merseyside
BBC Radio Newcastle
BBC Radio Norfolk
BBC Radio Northampton
BBC Radio Nottingham
BBC Radio Oxford
BBC Radio Sheffield
BBC Radio Shropshire
BBC Radio Solent
BBC Somerset Sound
BBC Southern
BBC Radio Stoke
BBC Radio Suffolk
BBC Radio Swindon
BBC Three Counties Radio
BBC Radio Wiltshire
BBC Radio York
BBC WM
BBC WM Coventry/Warks
BBC Radio Cymru
BBC Radio Foyle
BBC Radio Scotland
BBC Radio nan Gaidheal
BBC Radio Ulster
BBC Radio Wales
BBC Tees1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Typical DENON set-up issues but WOW! The pain is worth every hour!
by drpreece on March 5, 2008
Pros: It plays music via the net, the air (analog & digital HD), USB, media servers, iPOD, and XM (with additional hardware) - and YES it really works
Cons: If you own any newer DENON products, you know how minimalist the interface and manuals are - this is definitely NOT a PLUG & PLAY unit. The price is steep as well.
Summary: It should ship with a "BANG HEAD HERE" sticker for you to place on the hard surface of your choosing. Setting up the WiFi on a secure network takes a ...
Summary: It should ship with a "BANG HEAD HERE" sticker for you to place on the hard surface of your choosing. Setting up the WiFi on a secure network takes a great deal of patience - especially if you have a 32 character key (which cannot contain a space as one of the characters). For those who use MAC filtering on your wireless access point, SURPRISE! - the MAC address is nowhere to be found printed on the outside of the unit or in any documentation - you need to get into the network setup menu to see it - before you are actually ready to set up the unit. The reward is, once set up, it works. If you want to switch between the wired and wireless connection, you need to plug in (or unplug) the Ethernet, get into the network setup menu, go to the details, scroll to connection, and hit enter - typical DENON intuitiveness at work.
The build quality is very good to excellent as one would expect for the price and the brand. It is HEAVY - 21 pounds, and runs a bit warm. The remote is functional and typical DENON - no numbers on the thing.
The documentation is better than most DENON manuals I have needed to look at in the past - notice I said look at - not understand. You need to be patient and read through the entire manual BEFORE you try to set this unit up. The good thing is you should be able to read it in less than 10 minutes.
The sound quality seems to vary greatly depending on the input signal. Be advised - there are NO TONE OR EQUALIZER SETTINGS TO PLAY WITH. The Audyssey Dynamic Equalization controls it all. The best sound I got was from an Internet Radio feed (from Europe) and WOW did it sound great! I could have sworn there were speakers in the back of the room. Other sources range from "WOW" to "HOW did that sound so bad?" Based on the fact the unit was able to WOW me with some feeds tells me it has the capability as long as the content has the dynamic range.
Once connected to the Internet, the firmware can be updated via a menu selection and there is one out there to be had. It takes almost 20 minutes to download and execute - the only noticeable changes were in the menu behavior although I am certain there was more in the update than that.
The unit exposes itself on your network via UPnP and if you click on its icon, a web page launches on port 8080. It has only the words "PRESENTATION PAGE" on it. It would be a godsend for the WiFi configuration if DENON would create a Web interface to configure and even control the S-52 (something similar "but better" than the 4306 interface would be great). Perhaps there is already something there that is not documented and I just haven't found the proper port.
All-in-all - DENON has built a unit that is ahead of the competition in features and sound quality. The price is a touch too steep for this to become a mainstream consumer product, but the S-52 definitely sets the functionality and quality bars higher than they have ever been before. It won't be long before the same functionality is available in a lower quality package from numerous vendors.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
What they don't tell you.
by analagous on February 1, 2008
Pros: Relatively good audio.
Cons: Need to purchase $60 of hardware from ((XM)) radio to function. Does not work with Mac OSX therefore no PC radio, no internet radio, no upgr. Terrible manual. Customer Service wait times 40-60 minutes
Summary: At $700 plus tax this radio is virtually worthless. You need to buy a subwoofer to realize adequate base. You need to buy an ((XM)) Radio mini-tuner at $70 plus ...
Summary: At $700 plus tax this radio is virtually worthless. You need to buy a subwoofer to realize adequate base. You need to buy an ((XM)) Radio mini-tuner at $70 plus shipping to receive ((XM)) Radio. Will not function with Mac OSX, therefore, no PC radio, no internet radio, no firmware upgrades, etc. In short this is a $700 AM/FM/HD radio with an iPod dock and a CD player. Denon "Customer Service", in my three attempts, had a MINIMUM wait time of 40+ minutes. Denon did not respond to my email in 24 the hour promised time period, or at all, for that matter. The manuals are terribly written and woefully inadequate. The "FAQ's" on their web site hve answers to questions that are not asked. Not worth more than $200 in my opinion. I will return this product
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd.
- Part number: S-52
- Description: Denon's S-52 Networked Audio System features the ability to stream music wirelessly from Internet Radio sources and other network attached storage devices, PC or Mac computers on the network. Both S-52 features a built-in dock for iPod for easy drop-in functionality.
General
- Product Type Micro system
- Width 15 in
- Depth 8.7 in
- Height 5 in
- Weight 13.9 lbs
Audio System
- Built-in Cradle iPod cradle
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Equalizer Yes
- Output Channel Qty 2
- Output Power / Total 20 Watt
- Amplifier Output Details 10 Watt - 4 Ohm - THD 10 % - 2 channel(s)
- Built-in Clock Snooze, Sleep timer, Digital clock
- Timer Sleep, Snooze
- Bass Control Yes
- Built-in Display LCD
- Additional Features Jog-Wheel, iPod ready, Audyssey Bass-XT, Wi-Fi compatible, Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Connectors
- Headphone Jack Yes
Equalizer
- Equalizer factory presets Bass
Radio
- Type Radio tuner
- Tuner Frequency Range 87.5 - 108 MHz
- Tuning Display LCD display
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 35 dB
- Supported RDS Functions RT, TP, PTY
Network Player
- Network player type Network audio player
- Network player functionality Internet radio playback
- Supported digital audio standards MP3
- Connectivity Wireless / wired
- Connectivity protocols IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)
- Network protocols supported DHCP
- Sample rate 32 kHz, 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz
Turntable
- Type None
CD System
- CD system type CD / MP3 player
- Media load type Slot-load
- Playback modes Program play, One track repeat, All tracks repeat, Random play / shuffle
- Sample rate 32 KHz, 48 KHz, 44.1 KHz
- CD track programming Yes
- CD-R compatible Yes
- CD-RW compatible Yes
- Digital audio standards supported MP3, WMA
- MP3 playback Yes
- ID3 tag support Yes
DVD
- Type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type Digital player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC
- ID3 Tags Support Yes
- Playback Modes Repeat all, One track repeat, Random play / shuffle
- Sample Rate 32 KHz, 48 KHz, 44.1 KHz
- Additional Features PC Connection via USB, USB flash drive playback
MD System
- MD system type None
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Remote Control (2nd)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Front, 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Front, 1 x Headphones ( RCA phono ) - Front, 1 x DAB antenna - Rear, 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) - Rear, 1 x Subwoofer output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Antenna - Rear, 1 x IPod docking
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 230 V ( 50 Hz )
- Power Consumption Operational 36 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.4 Watt
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd.
Specs: Micro system, Stereo, 20 Watt, AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Network audio player -, Remote control (Infrared), 15 in x 8.7 in x 5 in, 13.9 lbs
-
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd.
Specs: Micro system, Stereo, 20 Watt, Network audio player -, MP3, Remote control (Infrared), 15 in x 8.7 in x 5 in, 12.3 lbs
-
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd.
Specs: AV system, Stereo, Network audio player -, Remote control (Infrared)
-
Manufacturer: Denon Electronics Ltd.
Specs: AV system, Stereo, Remote control (Infrared)
Manufacturer info
- Denon Electronics Ltd.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Denon Electronics Ltd. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.usa.denon.com/
- Address:
P.O. Box 867, Pine Brook, NJ 07058-0867 - Phone: (973) 396-0810
- Fax: 973-396-7448
