Denon PerL Pro Review: Premium headphones with amazing sound
Denon, known for its high-quality home theater amplifiers and speakers, has introduced Denon PerL Pro wireless headphones.
These high-end wireless headphones are designed to provide an immersive sound quality that sets a new standard in personal audio experiences. The key feature that sets the Denon PerL Pro apart is its advanced calibration system, promising a level of personalization that few headphones can match.
The question that naturally arises is whether the investment in the Denon PerL Pro is justified. At $349, these headphones fall into the high-end price range, putting them in direct competition with other premium brands in the market. The answer to this question lies in the results of the test.
Denon PerL Pro: Video Review
| Specs | Denon PerL Pro |
| Driver Size | 10 mm |
| Driver Type | Ultralow-distortion triple-layer titanium diaphragm dynamic driver |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz–40 kHz |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive active noise cancelling |
| Transparency | Yes, Social Mode |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC |
| Number of Microphones | 4 on each side, including 2 bone conduction |
| Touch Controls | Yes, customizable |
| Denon Headphones App | Yes |
| Battery Life–Buds | 8 hrs |
| Battery Life with Case | 32 hrs |
| Wireless Charging (Case) | Yes |
| Quick Charge | 5 min for 1 hr playback |
| Case Charge Time | 1 hr |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Earbud Weight | 8.6 g |
| Case Weight | 55.5 g |
| Case Dimensions | 72.4 x 30.2 x 35 mm |
Denon PerL Pro: Design
The Denon PerL Pro headphones arrive in an extended storage and charging case that immediately distinguishes them from most wireless earbuds on the market. The case’s size is notably larger, hinting at what lies within. Once you open the case, the first thing you notice is the substantial size of the headphones themselves. They eschew the slim, minimalistic design that characterizes many wireless earbuds and instead opt for a more rounded, substantial form, with the Denon logo positioned prominently in the center.
Removing the headphones from the storage case can be somewhat challenging. While there is a small space to slide your finger in, it doesn’t make the process as straightforward as with some other designs. Magnetic attachment mechanisms also contribute to this issue, making it a bit frustrating initially. With some practice, you can get the hang of it, but it remains an aspect worth noting.
To ensure a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of users, the PerL Pro headphones come with six pairs of tips of different sizes, shapes, and materials. This thoughtful inclusion allows users to customize their fit according to their preferences. The precise adjustment of the headphones is crucial for achieving an optimal listening experience, and Denon has addressed this well.
The adaptability of the Denon PerL Pro extends to various aspects of life. Whether for daily use or during physical activities, these headphones prove their versatility. By equipping them with the appropriate tips, users can enjoy an excellent audio experience while engaging in sports or any other active pursuits. Notably, they are also rated as resistant to splashing water and perspiration, complying with the IPX4 standard, which adds to their appeal as all-around headphones suitable for an active lifestyle.
The case, despite its larger size, is practical and versatile. It can be recharged via USB-C using the provided cable or through induction by placing it on a compatible charging base, aligning with the expectations of a high-end true wireless headphone product.
APP
The Denon PerL Pro headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, making them well-suited for seamless pairing with a smartphone or tablet. During my testing, I paired them effortlessly with a Google Pixel 6 smartphone and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra tablet, demonstrating their compatibility and versatility.
What sets the Denon PerL Pro apart is the indispensable companion app. It’s through this app that you can fully harness the capabilities of these headphones. Here, you can not only configure touch controls but also explore the groundbreaking Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT) developed by Masimo, Denon’s parent company. This technology represents a major step in personalized audio experiences.
In the realm of headphone calibration, I’ve had the opportunity to test various approaches with recent devices from brands like Skullcandy, Nothing, and Corsair. However, Masimo AAT distinguishes itself by its simplicity. It eliminates the need for manual calibration; everything is automatic. The calibration process takes just a few minutes and is performed on both ears. The outcome is truly remarkable: the sound reproduction is outstanding and genuinely personalized. Comparing the audio quality before and after creating your profile reveals a noticeable and impressive difference, making it hard to revert to a non-calibrated setting.
The Denon Headphones app also allows users to fine-tune the touch controls of both headphones. Not all features are activated by default, so configuring them from the outset lets you adapt to the functionalities, ensuring a tailored experience.
Additionally, the app offers a five-band ProEQ equalizer, which may not be a significant advantage after performing the Masimo AAT calibration, but it’s user-friendly and exists for those who prefer manual audio adjustments. However, it’s worth noting that it covers a relatively limited audio spectrum, which might disappoint audio enthusiasts.
The application is a treasure trove of options. You can toggle features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), spatial audio, and a volume limiter on or off according to your preferences. Moreover, you can select between performance mode and energy-saving mode to optimize the headphones’ battery life. The Immersion Mode is a particularly noteworthy feature, allowing you to customize the bass to your liking. It works seamlessly, enhancing the depth and personalizing your music listening experience.
Sound quality
The Denon PerL Pro headphones are equipped with 10 mm dynamic transducers featuring a triple titanium membrane, a crucial component contributing to the exceptional sound quality they deliver. Even at higher volumes, sound distortion is minimal, showcasing the headphones’ ability to maintain audio fidelity.
In terms of supported codecs, the Denon PerL Pro offers a comprehensive array, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC. This codec support ensures seamless operation on both iOS and Android devices, guaranteeing a clean and high-quality audio experience. While using them with a Nintendo Switch may exhibit some latency, it’s worth noting that this is not exclusive to these headphones and may be attributed, in part, to the console. Watching videos on a tablet, on the other hand, is a smooth experience with no noticeable issues.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature provided by the Denon PerL Pro headphones proves effective in quieter or moderately noisy environments, such as an office. However, it may face limitations in more bustling or noisy settings, like on the street. It’s important to mention that the ANC level is not adjustable, and the “social” mode, designed to allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while using ANC, may not be the most advanced when compared to what’s available on the market. Nevertheless, it’s clear that no ANC solution is perfect for every scenario.
When it comes to phone calls, the Denon PerL Pro headphones excel, both in terms of listening and speaking. Each earphone is equipped with four microphones, which work harmoniously to cancel out background noise and ensure clear sound reproduction during conversations. The quality of phone calls is yet another testament to the headphones’ overall excellence.
Denon has truly raised the bar with the PerL Pro, offering a versatile and high-quality audio solution for discerning users.
Autonomy
When it comes to battery life, Denon proudly claims that the PerL Pro headphones can hold a charge for an impressive 8 hours. Additionally, their charging case is designed to fully recharge the headphones four times over, theoretically providing users with a total of 40 hours of playback. In practice, during my daily usage with variable volume levels, I found that the headphones typically lasted around 6 hours before requiring a recharge. Although this falls slightly short of the stated 8 hours, it’s still commendable, particularly for a high-performance product.
After using the headphones, it’s a common practice to return them to the case for storage, ensuring they are charged and ready for the next use. This practice effectively eliminates the concern of running out of battery power during your listening sessions. The mobile application that accompanies the Denon PerL Pro headphones offers a handy feature to keep track of the battery levels of both the headphones and the case. This ensures that users can easily monitor the remaining power and avoid any unexpected interruptions in their listening experience.
Denon PerL Pro: Conclusion
The Denon PerL Pro undoubtedly comes with a premium price tag, prompting initial hesitation about whether they’re worth the investment. However, it takes little time to realize that these True Wireless earbuds quickly become an essential sound accessory for those who are passionate about music and video consumption on their mobile devices. The standout feature here is the Masimo AAT technology, which sets the Denon PerL Pro apart from competitors and offers an extraordinary personalized sound experience. When you consider the high level of comfort, the comprehensive mobile application, and the very satisfactory battery life, you’re looking at a high-end reference in the world of audio, capable of satisfying even the most discerning users.
Here are the strong and weak points of the Denon PerL Pro:
Strong Points:
- The Denon PerL Pro boasts a premium design and construction, reflecting Denon’s commitment to quality.
- Masimo AAT technology delivers a truly personalized audio experience, ensuring that each user’s preferences are catered to.
- With four microphones in each earphone, the Denon PerL Pro excels in phone call quality, effectively canceling out background noise for clear conversations.
- Despite the advertised 8-hour battery life not always being fully met, the real-world performance of around 6 hours, combined with the charging case, still offers impressive battery life. Plus, the mobile app keeps users informed about the battery status.
Weak Points:
- The design of the storage and charging case can be somewhat challenging to work with, especially when removing the headphones. It may take some time to get used to it.
- While the Active Noise Cancellation is effective in quieter environments, it may have limitations in noisier settings. The ANC level is not adjustable, and the “social” mode may not be as advanced as some competing products.
- The ProEQ equalizer, while present in the mobile app, may not offer significant benefits after the Masimo AAT calibration, making it somewhat limited for users who prefer manual audio adjustments.
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