Denon PerL Pro Review: Excellent Sound, But Bulky Design

Audio

Denon PerL Pro

Pros

  • Personalized sound
  • EQ possibility!
  • ANC, spatial audio and lossless sound
  • For bulky in-ears they fit like a glove. And with the extra tips you can even adjust it to your liking
  • The sound quality of the Denon PerL Pro blows my mind.

Cons

  • Both in-ears are needed to control the app
  • Quite bulky, you have to like the vorm
  • An extra filter in the in-ear would prevent build up of dirt
Denon PerL Pro review

Out of the many premium wireless earbuds that inundate the market, one offers something different – truly personalized audio experience tailoring itself to your hearing profile. These earbuds were developed using technology acquired from Australian earphone brand Nura and focus on delivering the highest-end sound quality via the use of otoacoustic testing but also come with features such as spatial audio and lossless sound. Is it enough, however, to make these earbuds worth their premium price and bulky design?

There is a detailed review of the Denon PerL Pro, with a gander at nearly all aspects of the earbuds, from the sound quality, how comfortable they are, and their battery life, right down to whether they offer more with comparison to other earbuds such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 or Apple AirPods Pro 2.

Denon send me the Denon PerL Pro, to review and to keep (something to do with hygienics). This review is my own opinion, and Denon has no say in it.

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Denon PerL Pro review

Introduction

Wireless earbuds have fast become an essentials gadget for anyone constantly on the move, be that commuting, an athlete in training, or simple love for high quality music. The Denon PerL Pro comes distinct from most other earbuds in this class since it takes a fresh approach to ensuring the best sound personalization that leads to an unparalleled audio experience. It’s not just about noise blocking or crispy highs and deep basses; these earbuds are placed in to get the sound perfect according to how you hear.

In fact, can this sound personalization of uniqueness, along with great audio quality, justify the bulky design and high price? We’ve got all of the answers inside this through-and-through review.

Design and Build Quality

By first impression, the Denon PerL Pro is kind of chunky, especially when set side-by-side with sleeker options like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 or Apple AirPods Pro 2. The apparent size of the earbuds is likely necessary to fit all the complex tech inside, including aptX Lossless and the components involved in hearing testing.

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The one thing I am a bit worried about is the following. There is no added small filter to block mess getting into the earbuds, like there is in the Pi6/Pi8 (see the photo of the pi6 below this one).

Denon PerL Pro review

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Denon PerL Pro compared to an AirPods Pro 2

Denon PerL Pro review

Denon PerL Pro review

Weight and Size

Each earbud tips the scales at 8.6g, making them among the heaviest of their kind. To compare, the Sony WF-1000XM5 clocks in at a svelte 5.9g per bud, while even the Sony WF-1000XM4 weighed in at only 7.3g. The Denon PerL Pro’s bulk is more than just weight, though: its driver housing sticks out further from the ear than other models.
During testing I’ve been using the in-ears for hours on end. And frankly… they never did drop out of my ear. The bulkyness, for some reason, also helps with placement in the ear and keeps in place, where the AirPods Pro 2 would drop out easier.

Materials and Finish

The earbuds feel premium, boasting smooth edges and a robust build that promises durability. The case isn’t so convenient to slip into a pocket, since-it’s somewhat bulky, which makes it less convenient than more compact cases. Comparing with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Pi6 from Bowers & Wilkins, the case of the PerL Pro is the biggest.

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Comfort: Do They Fit?

The design of the Denon PerL Pro may not fit the taste of all, but Denon put a lot of effort in the quality and form of the in-ears. Therefor the ability to wear the in-ears for long periods of time is without any problems. Denon also added exra eartips to make the PerL Pro as fitting as possible.

Denon PerL Pro review

Fit and Seal

With larger ears, the Denon PerL Pro can offer an excellent seal-an aspect that is also crucial for both quality of sound and noise cancellation.

Otoacoustic Testing: Personalized Sound at its Best

Maybe the standout feature on Denon PerL Pro is how it makes use of otoacoustic testing to make a personal sound profile. This technology was devised first by Nura as an innovation that adapts audio output to the individual user’s hearing capabilities. Everyone hears differently and these earbuds make use of some sophisticated sound waves which measure how your ears respond to the different frequencies.

Since my iPhone 14 Pro Max is in Dutch, the app automatically turns Dutch. Sorry. I could not change this easily during  testing.

Denon PerL Pro review
The app explains on how to put the in-ears in your ear.
Denon PerL Pro review
The personal listing profile compared to the last image shows a difference. This means that the ear respond different to certain frequencies.

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MasimoAAT-technology is measuring your listening profile

Denon PerL Pro review
For a good measurement, both in-ears have to be placed in the ear.

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Multipoint also works wonders. You can hook up different devices and easily switch between them. If music is played on a second device, the Denon Perl Pro will switch to that one. You can also set up EU-volumecontrol where the volume can be limited.Denon PerL Pro reviewDenon PerL Pro review

If you open the app, this is what you see. The app looks clean. You can even share the listening profile with your friends or the community.Denon PerL Pro reviewDenon PerL Pro review

It’s pretty cool that you can actually change to what you like. So if you want to increase the bass or lower it, you can even set it up to do so when you tap the left in-ear 3 times. I like this possibility!

Denon PerL Pro review
Same for the right in-ear of course.
Denon PerL Pro review
For example; if you click the lift in-ear once it can activate social mode (ANC) or not. With two you can activate Siri or others. Even the 3 or 4 time tap can be set-up, which standard is not set up.
Denon PerL Pro review
Yes, the Denon app also let’s you control the touch gesture of the in-ears.
Denon PerL Pro review
Yes, the Denon app also has a EQ which can be edited according to your liking. Great feature!

 

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Normally the PerL Pro works for 8 hours. With the extra 24 hours in the case you are ready to tackle anything!

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How It Works

The process is completely passive-which is a blessing, since other earbud brands make you actively participate in the test (like tapping your head when you perceive a tone). That’s it with the Denon PerL Pro: pop on the earbuds, open the companion app and trigger the test, and let the researchers sit quietly for about 30 seconds. The earbuds will start emitting a number of tones which they will then use to calibrate the sound according to how your ear canal is responding to it.

Result

The result is a personalized sound profile that takes your listening to the next level. It’s like you’re seeing an out-of-focus picture, and it then becomes crystal clear. That’s how the personal sound from the Denon PerL Pro will feel-that’s the best way to describe it: it will sharpen those highs and enrich those mids and make the bass better, giving you a signature sound that is unique to you alone.

Denon PerL Pro review

Denon PerL Pro review
The personal listing profile compared to the last image shows a difference. This means that the ear respond different to certain frequencies.

Multiple Profiles

One more excellent feature of the earbuds is a storage of up to four different sound profiles that can be set up using the Denon app. The earbuds can therefore share among users, each getting his or her own customized audio experience.

Denon PerL Pro review
Share your soundprofile with the community!

Audio Performance: A Bass Lover’s Dream

Denon is a well-known brand for top-notch audio gear and, in the case of PerL Pro earphones, these earbuds don’t disappoint the many fans of bass tones. Even though like most other earbuds that focus on bass they do the trick not making the mids and highs muddy, but all frequencies balanced indeed.

Bass performance

If hip-hop, electronic, or grime are your thing, you’re going to be delighted with the PerL Pro’s bass response, which is punchy and controlled and produces deep rumbles without ever sounding bloated or muddled. On bass-heavy tracks, low-end clarity remains sharp.

Middle and high frequency

For lovers of more vocal-centric music, be it classical or acoustic, Denon PerL Pro does not fail to impress either. Mids are smooth and tight, while the vocals are as natural as it can get. The highs are similarly well-articulated though a tad brighter than probably preferred. The overall sound signature here is warm and full-bodied; this audiophile has to say, this makes for an extremely engaging listening experience.

Immersive Sound and Spatial Audio: A Game-Changer?

Apart from the personalized sound profile, the Denon PerL Pro offers a multitude of features for an immersive audio. Among them is spatial audio: listening to music or some sound that seems like it comes from around you, rather than coming right into your ears.

Anybody who has been lucky enough to hear live music or even sit in the audience at a concert knows that, by all accounts, sound is coming from every direction, not through just one source point. The way Denon PerL Pro achieves spatial audio in a simulated wider sound stage is an illusion of origin-the sound is coming from multiple directions. Another special feature makes it seem so, as if you’re right in the middle of watching movies or playing some highly immersive games – spatial audio can make all the difference in how you perceive the content.

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Immersion Mode

Immersion Mode is also offered for those users who like to play with audio settings; it basically lets you personalize your level of immersion. You can turn it all the way up if you are listening to bass-heavy tracks, or turn it down just for a better balance between all the sounds. Thus, it is rather a flexible additional feature in terms of audio control, which allows users to fine-tune their listening.

Denon PerL Pro review
If you want more bass, just put the slider to the right. And yes.. this really makes a difference.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes

One of the core features of any high-end earbud should be effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and the Denon PerL Pro doesn’t disappoint. Though not as cutting-edge as some competitors’ ANC systems, it still manages well in environments of all kinds.

Denon PerL Pro review
Denon PerL Pro review

ANC Performance

Block out low-frequency sounds, like airplane engine hum or air conditioner drone effectively: Denon PerL Pro noise cancellation makes for a very noise-cancelling road as it blocks out sounds like airplane engine hum or the air conditioner. ANC would be able to help you really concentrate on your podcast while also allowing you to be masked off from the world outside – in busy offices or noisy streets, creating a near-silent bubble around you.

Transparency Mode

Also impressive is the ANC, although the transparency mode, which allows in external sounds, is a bit more primitive. In practice, it works fine to allow in ambient noise when you need to be paying attention to your surroundings, but it doesn’t sound anywhere nearly as clear or as richly natural as competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro.

Battery Life and Charging Options

For wireless earbuds, the battery life is also an essential element. Now, certainly, the Denon PerL Pro is not groundbreaking when it comes to performance.

Battery Life

The earbuds on a full charge can give up to 8 hours of playtime, so it should be enough for a full day of listening or through a long-haul flight. This case however provides 24 additional hours so you get a total of 32 hours of battery life before your case needs to be recharged.

Charging

The device supports wireless charging. It’s a fantastic feature for anyone who hates cables, as it will allow wireless charging. The package arrives with a USB-C port meaning you can fast-charge in case you have to boost your battery in no time at all. A 10-minute quick charge provides around 2 hours of playtime handy if you’re running low on battery but do not have time for complete charging.

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Codecs

PerL Pro supports the latest standard-Bluetooth 5.3-which provides a robust and stable connection with minimal dropout. This is important for people using wireless earbuds for long sessions or commutes: interruptions to signal can get extremely frustrating in the long run.

Product review Denon PerL Pro

The one thing I am not happy about, is that both in-ears are necassary to control the in-ears via the app. So if you want to increase or decrease the immersion, you have to grab the second Denon PerL Pro. I truly hope they get rid of this block in the future. I understand that setting up a sound profile would require two in-ears. But for just listening… nah.

Codecs

The Denon PerL Pro will also accommodate aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive codecs, so the earbuds can provide excellent quality audio streams with minimal compression. That means it may bring near-CD quality to the earbuds, provided that it is paired with compatible devices, making the earbuds perfect for exercising without having to sacrifice audiophiles on sound fidelity.

Water Resistance: Perfect to Work Out?

Denon PerL Pro is IPX4 rated, meaning it is splash resistant and can tolerate sweat; it will work with you while you perform light workouts or when the drizzle falls for outdoor usage; however, it cannot submerge in water.
Frankly, it’s pretty cool to use these in-ears in the gym, because the sound really ‘hugs’ you. With the special audio and sound quality due to it’s personal profile you enjoy music even more.

The workout experience

The water resistance is perfectly fine for gym sessions or running, but really the design is a bit bulky for more intensive exercising. If you are a serious runner or if you move about while exercising, you might find that these earbuds will not stay quite firmly in place.

Comparison: Denon PerL Pro vs Competitors

Due to the high price of the Denon PerL Pro, it strafficantly runs with some of the highest-rated wireless earbuds available, including the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6/Pi8, and Apple AirPods Pro 2. ANC of the Denon PerL Pro compares to the Pi6 and Pi8 from Bowers & Wilkins. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 filter the noise around 10% better. But not that huge that I would deem it a win for Apple. Sound wise I would go for the Denon. Especially with the custom profile you feel that music is more for you.. Yes.. personalized, which makes it sound better…

Price and Value: Are They Worth It?

That was music to my ears, mostly because the price is €240,- firmly on the high side of what we expect from a pair of wireless earbuds. And you can’t help but think that at this price, you get more relevant advanced features, such as otoacoustic testing, aptX Lossless support, and high sound personalization.

I’ve been listening to the house mixtape of retrofit with the Denon PerL Pro (and many more playlists/types of music of course), and the PerL Pro delivers a staggering sound which I really enjoy. To be honest, the personalized sound which is fitted for your hearing makes it even fuller. The standard eq, and standard sound makes it sound dull.
In this case; the custom hearing test worked wonders. And frankly.. not even just in this case.

https://soundcloud.com/retrofitdj/rhythms-for-dancing-mixtape – listen to this awesome mixtape!

Verdict: Who should buy the Denon PerL Pro?

If you are a user looking for just the best quality in terms of sound and perhaps some customization in listening, you will opt for the Denon PerL Pro. That is the characteristic feature that distinguishes earbuds from most other choices in the market, and on top of that, lossless audio support makes it a great choice for the audio enthusiast looking for the best wireless audio quality.

As a reviewer of many many audio products, I am still staggered by the quality of audio in these small in-ears.

I give the Denon PerL Pro 5 out of 5 stars. Well deserved!

Get yours today! 🎉📦

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