The story of Denon

Craft, clarity, and purpose

Defining Audio Excellence

Over a century of audio innovation

Denon has been building, breaking, pushing, and inventing audio milestones for over a century. It's the backing behind the signature vivid and spacious sound.

Denon's guiding principles

Craftmanship

Driven by its Japanese heritage, Denon is committed to the highest standard of manufacturing. At Denon, excellent craftsmanship is a promise.

Simplicity

A Denon product is simple to set up and easy to use. It's a statement that premium sound doesn't have to be busy.

Technology

A flagship 150W 15-channel AV receiver, effortless multi-room Hi-Fi wireless speakers, and handmade bamboo housings for precision 50mm Free-Edge drivers—Denon is concentrated audio brilliance.

Shinichi Yamauchi, Sound Master

Having a sound master hand-tune Denon's sound to his vision is the only way to develop the refined, vivid sound quality present in every Denon product.

A powerful legacy

Frederick Whitney Horn laid the foundation

In 1910, Frederick Whitney Horn started Japan's first-ever audio equipment company. It was a decision influenced heavily by the core Japanese values of honesty, pride and quality craftsmanship which indicated Japan would be a great source for manufacturing.

The first professional disc recorder

In 1945, Denon invented Japan's first professional-use disc recorder and made the first-ever recording of Japan's Emperor Hirohito.

An LP first

It was 1951 when Denon became the first to record and sell LP records. It's the reason you spend Saturday afternoons at vinyl shops.

The foundation of digital audio playback

In 1981, Denon invented the first CD player, and in 1982 introduced the first professional-use CD player.

Home cinema audio began

In 1995, Denon built the world's first home theater system to support Dolby Digital decoding. It was a proper introduction to the new millennium when home theater became massively popular.

Sound. Mastered.

Continuous pursuit of innovation

Denon has had over a century of firsts, but will never stop imagining while striving for the clearest sound. Great ideas only turn into groundbreaking audio products if there's passion behind the craft.

Craftsmanship is paramount

From headphones to AV receivers and wireless speakers—Denon practices the craft of beautiful sound and tries to apply it to every product.

Sound is just the start

Denon donates 5% of every Denon.com sale to Sound Start, which keeps music programs thriving in schools.

The halo effect

Denon builds flagship products like the AVR-A1H to push the boundaries of sound. The resulting glow of invention that's shed on all other Denon products is just a bonus.