Alternatives for Denon D-M41

[MadDocCanis]

I am looking for a bookshelf/desk system like the Denon D-M41 because I'm sick of listening to music through my laptop's speakers. The Denon seems almost perfect - I need a CD player (at least it would be nice) and I can pipe music from my laptop through it to the speakers. And it's a good price for me. However, it's not available anywhere and I can't seem to find any alternatives with the same features/price point/size, etc. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[j_garcia]

These sort of systems aren't too common these days. Denon seemed to be the only one releasing decent ones, but the current crop are very expensive for what they are. Looking at a few models (RCD-N9), they are all backordered so it is highly likely due to supply chain issues.

I still use a ~30yr old Sony bookshelf CD system in the bedroom because it still works lol. It has an analog input and I connect the tablet to it to give me streaming capability. Maybe a used unit might work? You might want to consider a small powered bookshelf like Audio Engine or SVS.

 

[MadDocCanis]

I'd certainly consider powered speakers; I'd have to do something about a CD player at that point, though.

 

[lovinthehd]

Does your computer not have an optical disc drive you can rip with? Many of us simply rip our cd's to a drive and play from the drive from then on.

 

[MadDocCanis]

Does your computer not have an optical disc drive you can rip with? Many of us simply rip our cd's to a drive and play from the drive from then on.

My laptop hasn't had an optical drive for a while; I can't listen to my music on my laptop speakers anymore. It's killing my soul.

 

[lovinthehd]

My laptop hasn't had an optical drive for a while; I can't listen to my music on my laptop speakers anymore. It's killing my soul.

I can't imagine not having an optical drive....and somewhat pissed the bluray option is largely gone.

Laptop speakers I rarely turn on myself, I get ya! You can always add an optical drive via usb....I use an old bluray drive from an old laptop that way (finding a bluray capable optical disc drive in a computer today is hard, now is usually just cd/dvd capable). Some active speakers like a JBL LSR model might be something to look at. Is running wire/cables among gear an issue or you thinking wireless or ?

So you have no audio gear at all now? Where are you and how much do you want to spend?

 

[j_garcia]

I have not had an optical drive on any of my laptops for years; they're too thin now to include one lol, so I get that. A USB optical drive could work, or maybe a streaming service? I use Amazon Unlimited now and it has HD and Atmos tracks now, partly for that reason: no drive to listen to or rip from.

I had been keeping tabs on the N9 for a while because I like the form factor and features, but they're replaced it with the N10 which is about 2x in price.

 

[lovinthehd]

My newest laptop I got a few months ago is fairly thin, but not too thin....but did have to sort thru many models to get one with a drive as I wanted....people are moving away from discs more I think than the laptops are too thin. Just took a look at the N9/N10 units....for that kind of expense I'd rather have a standalone player and maybe a small integrated amp if not just active speakers.

 

[j_garcia]

My newest laptop I got a few months ago is fairly thin, but not too thin....but did have to sort thru many models to get one with a drive as I wanted....people are moving away from discs more I think than the laptops are too thin. Just took a look at the N9/N10 units....for that kind of expense I'd rather have a standalone player and maybe a small integrated amp if not just active speakers.

For a small space, all in one was why, and I am guessing similar for the OP. I actually ended up with an Emo A2 powering some old speakers for that second setup and the trusty old Sony (30W x 2) in the bedroom with some Miccas.

 

[MadDocCanis]

After more searching and some discussion, I ended up getting a pair of powered speakers (Klipsch Reference R-51PM). Since I paid less than $400 for them, I think that might be a good deal - we'll find out when they arrive and I can hear them.

Along those lines, I really don't like buying audio gear that I haven't heard. And I'm a little irked that so much is out of stock. Stupid virus. ... but these are first-world problems.

I'll figure out what to do about the CD player later; I have a USB optical drive that I can use to put music on my computer. Maybe when the Denon comes back in stock, I'll get it and then use the Klipsch pair (with a sub?) for the TV.

Any thoughts?

 

[BMXTRIX]

My thoughts are that you are really overthinking this.

If you have a computer. Laptop, desktop, whatever, then just get a USB CD player for it. Put the CD player wherever is convenient for you, and play music back off of the CD player through your computer, to the speakers.

If you want to jump into this millennium, then I would even consider ripping your music to the computer itself in lossless, or high bitrate MP3 format and call it a day.

Unless there is some reason why you want that extra box sitting on your desk, there is absolutely no reason to consider going to the Denon... ever.

 

[MadDocCanis]

@MBXTRIX - Thanks for your reply; I'm not so sure it was super helpful. After all, I asked for recommendations for "systems like the Denon D-M41" with some reasons why. You may or may not like the Denon - that's not the issue. The answer of "nothing - just use your laptop speakers" certainly isn't the answer an audiophile would give and doesn't help anyone with a similar question.

 

[lovinthehd]

There simply aren't many things like that Denon these days otoh.

 

[BMXTRIX]

@MBXTRIX - Thanks for your reply; I'm not so sure it was super helpful. After all, I asked for recommendations for "systems like the Denon D-M41" with some reasons why. You may or may not like the Denon - that's not the issue. The answer of "nothing - just use your laptop speakers" certainly isn't the answer an audiophile would give and doesn't help anyone with a similar question.

Except, people should be informed that a good set of active speakers are every bit as good as the speakers on that Denon and playback from a laptop is every bit as good as playback on that Denon. I may have made the incorrect assumption that you wanted quality audio first, and format is secondary as long as you get similar performance to the Denon.

This is what I am saying. You get great performance from active speakers just hooked up to a computer. Not 'okay'. Or 'not quite as good as the Denon', but you get identical audio quality through the system with a long line of laptop related devices. Playback can occur via streaming, from a external CD drive, from a external hard drive, or from an internal hard drive. You may use the internal audio card of your computer, or you can get a external USB audio card for the highest quality playback possible.

It is just my opinion and my two cents, but someone who hits this thread through an Internet search looking for options to the Denon, should know that one of the best options for a computer 'upgrade' is to stick with their computer because it's an awesome way to playback music. Just as it has been for years.

 

[slipperybidness]

My laptop hasn't had an optical drive for a while; I can't listen to my music on my laptop speakers anymore. It's killing my soul.

You can always buy a standalone optical drive that connects via USB.

This is what I do for my laptop, as no built in drive, but I need it only rarely. These have gone out of fashion since most people have no need for it, and it adds significantly to the minimum weight/size for a laptop.