Denon was a group of engineers in business-purpose audio equipment, dating back to Japan Electric Recorders Mfg., which was established in 1939. The company was developing and manufacturing turntables and cartridge tape-recorders for NHK and other broadcast stations.
A typical model for DENON, the MC-type cartridge DL-103, was the object of joint R&D with NHK before Den-on merged with Nippon Columbia. It was completed, the year of the merger. In addition, tape-recorders and other equipment were released as part of the DENON brand, and all those were models designed for audio fans, reflecting Den-on's advanced technology. However, the DENON brand really established a strong position with the debut ot the DP-5000, a direct-drive phono-motor with an FG-type servo, that boasted a brand-new design and predominant performance.
Since the establishment of Denon in the late 1930's, the company has continually produced world first technology for the discerning hifi enthusiast including: the first professional and consumer use CD players, the first Professional Broadcast Mini Disc recorder, now a standard in Radio stations world-wide, the world's 1st Dolby Digital/THX 5.1 product, the AVP-A1 A/V Pre-amp/Processor, World's first commercial music DVD disc World's first THX-EX AV component and the AVC-A10SE first Mini 5.1 A/V system.