The true wireless earbud category continues to grow in 2023 with more than 100 models available to consumers; we’re starting to wonder when the dam is going to burst leaving some brands to drown. Denon plans on swimming to the front of the line with the new PerL and PerL Pro true wireless earbuds and it will interesting to see how they compete with similar products from Bose, Sony, Apple, and Sennheiser.
Shared Features
The PerL and PerL Pro both offer the same features:
- Denon Sound Philosophy: The Perl and Perl Pro are tuned by Denon’s Sound Master team under the supervision of Shinichi Yamauchi.
- Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT): Beyond the core tuning of the PerL line, AAT takes things a step further by providing a unique hearing profile by generating tones and measuring faint sounds called Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs), which are produced by the inner ear as a byproduct of amplifying sound. AAT uses a self-learning engine to create a unique user hearing profile for an optimal music listening experience.
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0 (PerL), Version 5.3 (PerL Pro)
- Immersion Mode: Adjust the bass for the music genre based on your personal preference.
- Transparency/Social Mode: Social Mode lets in outside sound so you can have a quick chat or be aware of your surroundings
- Environmental Protection: Rated IPX4 to withstand your toughest workout or getting caught in the rain.
- Comfort and Fit: Denon provides 4 tip size options ( extra small, small, medium, large) and two wings to make sure that the PerL and PerL Pro fit comfortably in your ears.
- Onboard Controls: The PerL and PerL Pro both include customizable onboard controls with Auto Power On/Off function.
- Denon Headphone App: The app provides access to AAT functions, and also provides control of your listening experience such as adjusting EQ and Immersion Modes, and switching between Noise Cancelling and Social Mode.
The PerL
The PerL is the entry-level model but still packs in a lot of useful features in addition to those already mentioned above.
Active Noise Cancelling: Tune out the distractions of the world with active noise cancelation so you can focus on your music
Quick Switch: Easily switch connection between devices
Voice Calling: 2 microphones (one on each side) are provided for voice calling.
The PerL Pro
The Perl Pro provides most of the same features as the PerL but takes it up a notch with the following refinements.
Dirac Virtuo/Spatial Audio: Dirac Virtuo™ for Bluetooth headphones enhances standard stereo content into an immersive sound listening experience. Sound is pushed so that it “appears” from a pair of speakers in front of the listener instead of being inside your head. In addition, filtering is employed to remove unintended resonances so that sound is crisp and clean.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency: AANC automatically adjusts the sound according to the loudness of the environment, while the Transparency feature can be used to adjust the level of noise leak-through.
Qualcomm aptX: Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology retains all of the original content, bit for bit, resulting in music identical to the original recording.
Stay Charged: The PerL Pro provides eight hours of earbud battery life per charge. The are also three additional charges in the case, and wireless case charging is also provided.
Voice Calling: Qualcomm aptX Voice combines eight microphones (4 on each side/2 on each side are bone-conducting) to support clear voice pick-up and sound clarity.
Bluetooth Multipoint: This allows users to connect the PerL Pro to two Bluetooth-compatible source devices at the same time. This makes it easy to switch between sources without re-pairing.
Specifications Comparison
| PerL | PerL Pro | |
| Driver Size | 10mm | 10mm |
| Driver Type | Dynamic, low distortion | Ultralow-distortion triple-layer titanium diaphragm dynamic driver |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz | 20Hz to 40kHz |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes (Dirac Virtuo) |
| Aptx Lossless | No | Yes |
| Head Tracking (for spatial audio) | No | No |
| Adjustable Bass | Yes, when in Immersion Mode | Yes, when in Immersion Mode |
| Voice Microphones | 2 | 4 on each side, including 2 bone conducting |
| aptX Voice for Super Wideband Calls | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX | AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptx Lossless |
| Bluetooth Quick Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Multi-point | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (Buds) | 6 hours | 8 hours |
| Battery Life (Case) | 24 hours | 32 hours |
| Quick Charge | 18 min = 1-hour playback | 5 min = 1-hour playback |
| Total Case Charge Time | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Earbud Weight | 7.1 grams | 8.6 grams |
| Case Weight | 47.4 grams | 55.5 grams |
What’s Included with PerL Line Earbuds
- Earbuds
- Charging Case
- Ear Tips (4 sizes)
- Secure Fit Wings
- USB-A/USB-C Charging Cable
Availability and Pricing
A limited number of Denon PerL and PerL Pro True Wireless Earbuds are available for sale on Denon.com for $199 and $349. Expect the full roll-out later in 2023.
- Denon PerL – $199 at denon.com
- Denon PerL Pro – $349 at denon.com
Related Reading
ORT
June 20, 2023 at 3:37 pm
Last year I gave four pair of JBL Reflect Mini NC True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Headphones as Christmas presents to family and friends. They seem to like them very much but this year I will give serious consideration to these new Denon models.
I had previously given a couple of pairs of Skullcandy IEMs to family members but they did not seem to hold up as well as have the JBLs and being a Denon enthusiast I would hope these are as good as the rest of the Denon equipment I own!
Thank you for the information!
ORT
Ian White
June 20, 2023 at 3:47 pm
ORT,
The early word is that Denon hit a homer with these. Deep into the bleachers. We shall see.
IW