General Asylum: REVIEW: Denon UD-M31 Minisystem by Devil Ears

Model:	UD-M31
Category:	Minisystem
Suggested Retail Price:	$300 (approx)
Description:	Micro Component CD Receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Denon
Manufacturer URL:	Denon

Review by Devil Ears ( A ) on July 22, 2004 at 06:44:04
IP Address: 129.227.211.29

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The UD-M31 is a half-width, full height/depth micro-component CD Receiver. It features a 22wpc amplifier stage with integral CD player and RDS Tuner.
The unit is equipped with two full "tape loops" (ie L/R Input and L/R output) with system remote connectors, plus a variable line-level out pair (L/R) for use with a sub-woofer in a 2.1 configuration. Denon markets two matching components; one, an auto-reverse cassette recorder; the other, a mini-disk recorder. The packaging and styling is nothing to give Linn or B&O any concerns...
Where this little unit comes into its own is its remarkable performance - the amplifier section is remarkable - just 22wpc - in its clarity and ability to reproduce good dynamics with excellent imaging.
The CD player (equipped with an optical digital out) is also no slouch. The RDS tuner, given a decent aerial, also delivers the goods.
I am running this unit in a 2.1 configuration, using Tannoy MX-2 bookshelf speakers plus a Tannoy MX-SUB10 and the sound quality of the total system belies its meagre asking price.
For anyone with space and budget constraints that is looking for something with a reasonably decent sound, I can recommend this system without reservation.

Product Weakness: Local (South African) distributor do not appreciate what a winner they have and seem apathetic when asked to provide ancilliaries - have been waiting 3-4 months for the cassette deck.
Product Strengths: Great "bang for the buck"; sound that belies its modest size/cost; excellent ergonomics; while not a piece of "designer-fi", it looks good.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Denon UD-M31
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	None (all integrated in Receiver)
Speakers:	Tannoy MX-2 plus MX-SUB10
Cables/Interconnects:	El cheapo, no-name brand
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical/Jazz/New Age/Rock, etc
Room Comments/Treatments:	3m x 3m study/guest room with shelves/bed/PC/Printers, etc
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Local (South African) distributor do not appreciate what a winner they have and seem apathetic when asked to provide ancilliaries - have been waiting 3-4 months for the cassette deck.
Product Strengths:	Great "bang for the buck"; sound that belies its modest size/cost; excellent ergonomics; while not a piece of "designer-fi", it looks good.