Great review. I have the lower-down-the-foodchain PMA-800NE in my library, and it has a stunning sound. Beautifully made, gorgeous premium silver option, and everything I throw at it, from vinyl to hi-res audio, from electronic to classical to experimental, sounds beautiful - a real warmth and richness but still clear and detailed. It cost me about £450 new in the UK - how the hell they can make something so good for so little is mind-blowing. Always loved Denons for their separates - married to my vintage Denon SACD player it's difficult to prise me away from the listening spot.
I regret not buying the 800ne and get the 600ne two years ago because I wanted the bt and sub out of the 600 wich I didn't even use. A novice choice I made.
@@wisdomt00th There should be even though I haven't heard the 800. Not a big one because before the pandemic an all price increases there was only 50 usd price difference between. In the 800 manual there is at the sound section an extra feature. The 800 was released first and it's in the lineup of Denon serious amps. The 600 I think it was made for the mainstream user with sub out and bt receiver. Those extra features of the 600 made me choose it and now I use it just to amplify a stereo setup wich the 800 could do better.
Had my pma 800 for a year now, picked it up new for £350, love it, paired it with the DCD 800 cd player & Dali Oberon 5's, sounds great to me, i keep a PMA 720ae as a backup amp, so much sound for your £ with Denon.
@@danieloherrick6332 What I can really recommend is to read two Japanese reviews with Google Translate from phileweb & av wach impress. Even if the translation is not 100% correct in to European languages, it was the most extended in details, what I found in the web.
@@danieloherrick6332 You get it for example from Crutchfield. I bought mine in Germany on Black Friday for 1350€. In my view this is the best price value amp I ever had. I compared it against my 10k€ PureAudio One.2 Cass A integrated amp from NZ, and I tell you, apart from individual tonal differences, the PMA-1700NE plays on the same level.
The amplifier is a real beast. fills my focal aria 926s with sound. I've been using it for about a year and I haven't gotten past half of its full volume capacity yet. So if I turn the volume up all the way, I don't know if the speakers can withstand it. Additionally, the naturalness and three-dimensionality of the sound draws you into the music while listening. By the way, I have experienced that thick pure copper cables are in a very central position in revealing the real performance of this amplifier and especially the sound tone that you will fall in love with. The “analog mode” and sound direct features of the amplifier are also features that take the listening experience to the next level. One of its most satisfying features is that it has an extremely quiet and powerful “mm/mc phonoamp” stage. The “mc phonostage” is impressive, especially for an integrated amplifier. I do not think that the remote control is very successful in controlling the volume at low levels, but I recently bought a second aftermarket remote control and now I can easily make very small adjustments in the volume control. I can say that the complaint about the volume control stems from the remote, not the amplifier. But I have to say that the DAC section of Eversolo DMP-A8 is superior to the DAC section of PMA-1700ne. The DAC section of the pma-1700ne is extremely satisfactory, there is nothing to fault until you compare it with a superior DAC.
Great review. Just a quick correction: this does not have a preamp out. It’s a preamp in, so this won’t be a solution if you need a sub out. Almost bought this but then double-checked the preamp arrangement. Very odd as with the power rating you’d think this would pair nicely with a beefier dedicated power amp or set of mono blocks.
In 1998 I bought a Meridian 557 power amplifier which at the time was expensive . It complemented a Meridian 501 pre amplifier . Very clean , tad laid back but powerful . At the time I thought this would be my final but in 2010 the power amp started to osolate. To my horror the unique circuit board was not made anymore and without someone to hot rod my power amp I was left with a white elephant. I could have perhaps bought a Quad 909 to complement my 501 pre amp but I decided to go for a Denon pma 1510 . It was considerably cheaper & I use this Amp to this day. Built like a tank , clean upfront sound and respectable phono stage . Buy Denon with confidence 👍👍👍👍
I am so glad to see you are doing well Steve and are still releasing your great videos as usual. Your guidance has helped me a lot with my audio gear over the years. Take care - K and G
Always love your videos Steve! I bought the Denon PMA-800NE for the bedroom and it is a great integrated. Sounds wonderful on my B&W CM1 speakers. Also running my old Pioneer Elite PD-65 into the integrated amp's DAC and my Apple TV through the optical out of my TV. Really happy that Denon is doing such a great job making great sounding products.
Back in 1991, the premium stuff was Denon, Luxman and the usual suspects. NAD wasn’t really in the picture. I bought a Luxman R-115 receiver for $750(!) and never looked back. Unfortunately, it did die recently (bad memory IC that could only be replaced with suspect used parts), but I will have fond memories (the software kind).
I met Denon back in 1976 with stationed @Kadena AFB. A record store I used to frequent record store down town and they used Denon turntable speakers and amp, side note I could play the albums before buying them.
You are guilty of me buying PMA 1700NE! Guilty, guilty and guilty! And...I love it, I love it, and I love it! Thank you for making my decision easier. I had (still have) NAD C338, and honestly, I love that amp. And since I recently bought B&W 706 S2, which replaced Dali Zensor Pico, I thought it would be wise to look for another amp. I loved (still do) Dali Zensor Pico, and I thought I would buy Dali again...but I "accidentally" bought B&W, and now I have become a sudden B&W fan...just excellent speakers! I downsized my search to Yamaha a-s2200 and Denon PMA 1700NE, and after I saw your video...I said what the hack...I love Yamaha in general, but let's give Denon a try...also I thought was it worth replacing NAD C338, which I was so happy with. And the first moment I hooked B&W and Denon, it was......WOOOOOOW, this is an entirely new universe! So if anyone has any second thoughts if Denon being worthy of replacing NAD or any other mid-rated class D amp...the answer is YES, YES and YES!!! This thing is even more beautiful in person and a real power horse! BTW...I love watching your clips...and what's the story behind that painting I can tell you love so much? Cheers!
Have a 20 year old pma-2000r in champagne. It's as good looking as it sounds. Nice to hear that Denon stays true to thier sound and solid build quality. One thing about them, they have a low input senetivety and can be a bit overchouked if you run a modern 2Volt source. A quality attenuator will fix this.
Thanks for this review. The 1700 amp has much in common with the PMA A110 that I bought recently. The amp is musical and holographic but internal dac is the biggest surprise for me. Much better than I expected for internal dac.
I have an Arcam SA30 that I love but I am really considering the PMA-A110. I like what I see in terms of build quality and its made in Japan. Might not have room correction and all that but Im after the sound. Would you say its an uograde from the SA30?
@@CrescendoKeysChannel the NAD, while still a decent integrated has a laidback sound and didn’t give my KEF R7’s the life they needed at 80db and higher (I run the KEFs full range). The Denon may have a lower power rating on paper (180wpc vs140wpc) but it has better dynamics and drives the R7’s like they need to be. It sounds much more powerful.
Hi, thinking of buying this or the 1600. Watched a review which complained about a hum from the amp (1600). Do you notice that as an issue with your 1700 ?
I sold NAD in the 90s. When people asked about Denon the anti-audiophile dig against the brand was all the DSP modes and the layers of circuit boards in the build. The store also didn't like the Techniques 1200 which was only suitable for DJ to scratch and back queue records.
I have been having this beauty for 8 months now and the sound is fantastic. I am feeding it digitaly via the usb b port with Samsung tablet, using the usb audio player pro app. I have hooked on it the kef ls50 meta speakers. The subwoofer is rel t5x. I've been blessed with personal preferences for old styles of music which luckily for me is with high dynamic range and it shines with this set up . Smooth and warm.
How do you feed it via the usb with Android? Says in the manual it’s only compatible with Mac and Windows OS. Your files are probably being downsampled. Anyway keen to hear your thoughts on this because it’s something I’d like to do with mine.
I've been to over 1500 concerts and the absolute number one performance was 1983 David Johansen "Live It Up" tour at Haymakers in Prospect Heights IL and I think it was a Tue or Wed evening show.. Reach Out and I'll Be There!
The error around it having preamp outputs (it does not) is fairly significant because there is also no subwoofer out. This integrated amp would seem like a much better option if it actually had those outputs. With no easy option for adding a sub or subs, the PMA-1700NE seems much less appealing.
Good and accurate review describing the sound. USB DAC is flawless on this one. Works with Fedora Linux out of the box. It is built like a frikin tank and operates like one :). Spartan approach without sub or preamp outs.
Steve is such a wonderful person, seems like a guy you want to hang out with, nothing sounds like the older stuff. Just not built the same anymore. Love the Aussie
I LOVE standard plastic remotes!! Every time I've encountered some type of fancy remote control, I've hated it. Metal case remotes? Yuck. The metal was cold to my hands, it was too heavy, and I had to be careful setting it down on my nice wood table so as not to scratch it. My old Anthem remote was a brilliant remote when it was new, but the velvety plastic coating, after many years, turned sticky and gooey, and the volume buttons wore out!! So PLEASE just give me a sensibly designed remote that will last 20+ years. That's all.
Not much about the sound characteristic of the amp, the strengths and weaknesses? I don’t know what the old denon sound is so this review told me very little Steve.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac That input could be better for many than a pre out. You can now use it a home theater setup with this home theater bypass input.
I have the previous version of this amp, the PMA-1600NE. I used a Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter to feed a subwoofer with RCA inputs, but later just switched to a REL subwoofer that uses speaker-level inputs. The Denon drives KEF LS50 Metas. It all sounds awesome.
Right Chris! I have the Denon PMA A-110, awesome amp, and run subs from high level outputs with great sound. I only wanted to correct the misunderstanding from Steve.
They really need to start adding room correction for 2 channel integrated amps, like NAD is doing. The fact is so many people don't have a perfect listening room.
Interesting timing, I am getting a Denon DCD-A110 today, it's out for delivery. Denon is one of those companies that offer many price levels. I'm upgrading my SACD player, a 15 year old Denon DVD-1940ci, it still works but the drive is getting louder.
@@jazzandcocktails7 I love it, best CD player I've ever owned. I'm sure some DAC's have a different sound, preferred by other people. With the Schiit Mjolnir and my Adam Audio S2V monitors, I'm not looking for anything else.
The lack of pre out and sub out seems like a major oversight.....silly.... the little pma600ne has a sub out....and sounds fantastic btw.... come on Denon...a mark II version w these outputs seems like a really good idea.....
How do I connect an active subwoofer, is that possible at all…… every reviewer says there is a “pre-amp output” to connect a sub, BUT it is in fact an external preamp INPUT…… so what to do ?
Another interesting product review. Why is the 4 ohm power rating at 1 khz? I'm not picking on Denon because I've seen several other manufactures do the same thing.
Steve, nice review! Those transformers don't appear to look up to the size or standard of a top vintage amp from the 70's; When you drove some of the lower ohm/efficiency speakers, did you get any noticeable clipping at higher volumes? The quoted 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms may not be RMS watts per channel, as used in the mid-1970's.
I noticed the back of the amp is labeled Pre-in perhaps indicating a bypass mode to use the amplifier only perhaps in a home theater. Pre out would seem to indicate you could use a subwoofer or a different amp with the Denon preamp section. Do they use a different labeling system than other amps d0 or do I not understand it.
@@johnrampoldi Exactly, That is how I understand it, like a HT receiver. I have a Belles Aria that labels that type of connection as a "bypass" allowing me to use a separate preamp with the Belles amplifier. It brings up another question that baffles me. Denon puts a sub out on their cheapest integrated amplifier but not on all their more expensive integrated amps. What have they got against Pre-out /sub outs?
Me gusta el Denon 1700, actualmente tengo Marantz 40n y estoy pensando en cambiar a Denon 1700. Seria buen cambio o no merece la pena?. Un saludo desde Madrid
The 1700ne is neutral, a bit dark sound and has a high damping factor, which makes the bass more tight 40n is a brighter sound, and the damping factor is low, so the lower note comes out richer Denon would be a better option if your speaker had a bright sound and 40n would be the other way around
Question: This Denon Integrated has that rich, buttery smooth ( warm, I'm guessing) sound through the RCA inputs ( CD Player, for example)? Correct? But the MC phono is leaner, cooler? Steve, anyone, have you tried the MM Phono, and does the MM Phono retain that warmer, rich, buttery smooth sound? Thank you, in advance.
Still using our 1989 Denon AVC 2000 as a stereo integrated amp, in our living room. It has a great sound, but a phono preamp that was apparently designed to make CDs sound better than vinyl. Main listening room is built around the top of the line Denon 8500 which has a fantastic phono preamp, and a sweet DAC that makes analog and digital sources sound silky warm and crystal clear at the same time. I use it to drive an array of large 4 ohm loads directly, it seems to do it effortlessly, although I do have bi-amped power amps for my front speakers.
I remember Adcom (in the late 80s) was the affordable integrated amps at the higher end shops... that was all the snooty salesmen would let you mess with! I also recall a pair of Totem monitors that blew my mind!
they really look good but denon sometimes delivers not so good components but at the same time very good ones and budget friendly ,in the 90´s i remenber a pre-amplifier that with some power amplifiers i tested was a very good and compatible one and also with denon power amplifiers but the medium range was really bad after in the mid 80´s having released some good integrated amplifiers that compared with more famous brands ,comercial wise .But their best components were the cassette decks ,in their price range they were incredible good compared to the other brands ,i own two cassette decks from denon, about being absolete ,i still use them and still have boxes of new cassettes , good ones because in late 90´s they were selling cassettes of higher references very cheap ,i only repent not having bought sony metal master or tdk ma-xg that today they are sold like if they were made of gold, this new integrated amplifiers i didn´t listen to them yet and i bought a magnat amplifier that delivers good sound and it´s a integrated and tube amplifier at the same time wich it seems to deliver real good sound ,i have friends from germany or netherlands that were using magnat for a lot of years . In Portugal only recentelly it appeared on hi-fi shops , for a lot of years this friends showed me how good can they be, and when the last catalog came with new material i went for a amplifier and speakers and i´m happy with them . About Denon i bought in 93 a pre-amplifier that works good still and didn´t gave me problems all this years .I´m saying this but i´m using components bought in 1970 or 76 mainly and no new component can reach to their quality this in the audio and building this in average prices
Pay to talk to Steve or spend more on hi-fi. Well as long as these vids are free I guess I’ll keep investing lol stop stuff as always. I have an okki nokki but never thing it seems right on display with the hifi. But always happy to see one.
It is a bit pricey. I got the pma600ne and it was so flat I returned it. Too bad now days these things are so expensive. I kave my 90s yamaha and it has yet to be equaled for a decent price.
Seems to be build better then Denon’s previous versions. I am not into the sound of Denon (or Marantz). There always seems to be missing something in their sounding (too flat, not neutral). Perhaps it’s better with this amp. For this price I prefer an Hegel H95 / H120. BTW, love your musical tips!
Paul-Erik replied to a comment of mine telling me that a difference, according to Denon, between the 1600 and 1700 is that there is now a separate power supply for the DAC in the 1700. But it's the same chip. Also the same chip as in the 2500.
Denon 'buttery smooth' in the 90s? Am I hearing that correctly? I had two Denon integrated amps and CD players in the early-mid 90s for a 2nd system. Found them slightly etched and flat at the same time. Not interesting to listen to.
@@robertjermantowicz8619Have you done a side by side comparison? I think you will find this is a considerable step up. Just being built in Japan is a huge difference. I've got 50+ year old Japanese built amps that still work great. Do you think the NAD316BEE will be working in 50 years?
I have had the Denon PMA 1600 since almost 3 years ago. It drives BW, the ones with torpedo tweeter on top and also a recently acquired REL 7x sub woofer. My turntable is a one and a half year old Technics 1200 GA with an Ortofon bronze. The CD source is a harman kardon cd player I bought new in Dec of 1989. Still working like a charm. I have to agree with Steve the sound from the Denon is buttery rich, potent and finely finely detailed. What a treat! Great expansive smooth sound, gorgeous sound stage and the Denon does not flinch at any music you throw at it. It is so lifelike. Denon makes good quality and the proof is in the pudding. I listen to acoustic, jazz, opera, classical chamber music, rock and Latin music. My snobbish friends put me down because I don’t have Mc Kintosh or Schiit. But I can tell you folks this here is an astounding amplifier. Cheers to all.
Always love your assessment of the current audio designs.What would we do without you Steve Guttenberg you are best in your field, keep up the good work.And I definitely love 'Steve what do you really think segment ".
Greetings from fareast. I like your coverage. Just wanna remind myself and everyone that listening is harder when you're over sixty. Especially in the high octave. It tends to roll of due to our age. So don't worry maybe it's the product and may our hearing capabilities. Thanks GBU all
It’s a cracking amp. Hooked up to MA Studio Gold 100’s it’s just brilliant - rich, detailed, and no harshness. The critical thing here, is tone controls - balls to so called “purity” - it goes a long way to correcting music or compensating for a room that doesn’t place nice with your speakers. Audiophools will tell you that it muddies the sound, I call nonsense…! Don’t get me started on cables….
Great review Steve! I glean more from your music reviews in context of the device than you just speaking on sound specs and general characteristics. You are always pointing the viewer in interesting places with music. Almost as if you were a music appreciation adjunct somewhere. I have the LS50 Metas and I find my Denon x series avr to be a better fit then class D Peachtree audio 125 decco Sky and Soundartist s 200ia (atoll knock-off). I wish they would make a PMA with HDMI EARC and I would be set. I can tell that you liked this unit better then the Marantz 40n. I think denon must have a good finger on the common sound that audiophiles on a budget are looking for with their amps and phono cartridges.
I appreciate you mentioning the weakness of the phono stage as the Dynavector XX-2 is known for its great bass reproduction. So I would never consider the Denon. We sold Denon for a while before 2000's. They were better than the Marantz and inferior Yamaha units of the time for sure. The later separates Denon made and the HT Denons didn't impress me at all being way to dry and a bit edgy. But then I have always been a separates guy since I traded my MA 230 in on a C-22 and 240 and then added a second one back in 1965 for over 100 watts per channel.
I can only compare my Denon pma 800 with my Klipsch rp6000s and I didn't like it. The Klipsch have a V-shaped sound and the Denon is very warm so it made my midrange hard to hear and not very clear, I then paired the Klipsch with an Emotiva ta 100 and it was worlds better. Way more sparkle up top and better midrange clarity... But Im talking about the mid-level stuff..the higher quality stuff might be better.
Great video on what sounds like a pretty nice a competitively priced integrated from Denon. Also, another great viewer system of the day! I’d like to hear Ken’s setup - looks very well thought out.
It's a great amp, but I do notice a soft humming when it's switched on. It's not really loud, but compared to other amps I've owned it's a definitely louder. With other amps I had to hold my ear against the amp to hear any humming, but with this one I can hear it humming from 10 feet away (of course only when it's not playing music). Is this normal?
Really thought this would be a great product for the price until I heard the price! Definitely stuff from small companies that would surely give more value. I have a similar problem with rotel, great products but based on price I would rather support a smaller company with more bang for the buck
Hello, Tks once again for another great review. This hobby is though....trying to narrow my choices, I'm thinking about going with a "traditional" integrated approach - Denon (PMA 1700NE), Technics SU-G700, Rotel 1592mkII, or Marantz N40 (feature king of them all) I have decided to start with the electronics and then move forward. In the end I'm looking for something as future proof as possible*, low volume "king", for background relaxing listening. Any inputs? * Respectfully for those who value, but honestly, at this point at least, don't see myself constantly lookiing for that 2k usd 10% improvement. Best regards Felipe
Hi Steve. This amp DOES NOT have PRE OUT. It has MAIN IN (or Denon calls it external pre in). To hook up a subwoofer you will need to use the speaker terminals B for a sub with high level input. The ONLY Denon 2ch integrated with SUB OUT is the pma 600ne entry level. (Which is a great little amp btw.) Even the top level pma a110 does NOT have pre out or sub out......which seems ludicrous and these are oversights that MUST be costing Denon many sales. Let's hope that they include these essentials with any revisions coming in the future. I for one wanted to buy the pma a110 and matching cd player but...... Still, if you don't need a sub or extra connectivity for whatever reason.... GREAT SOUND for the money. Cheers S
I love Denon and grew up with Denon AVR’s from the 90’s onward. I parted ways from my low end Denon AVR and upgraded to the Cambridge CXA-81 simply because I wanted something more for two channel listening. I am not disappointed.
There's an Audiophiliac imposter scamming my viewers, DON'T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon).
Great review. I have the lower-down-the-foodchain PMA-800NE in my library, and it has a stunning sound. Beautifully made, gorgeous premium silver option, and everything I throw at it, from vinyl to hi-res audio, from electronic to classical to experimental, sounds beautiful - a real warmth and richness but still clear and detailed. It cost me about £450 new in the UK - how the hell they can make something so good for so little is mind-blowing. Always loved Denons for their separates - married to my vintage Denon SACD player it's difficult to prise me away from the listening spot.
I regret not buying the 800ne and get the 600ne two years ago because I wanted the bt and sub out of the 600 wich I didn't even use.
A novice choice I made.
@@angelOcrisu is there a big difference between the two?
@@wisdomt00th There should be even though I haven't heard the 800.
Not a big one because before the pandemic an all price increases there was only 50 usd price difference between.
In the 800 manual there is at the sound section an extra feature.
The 800 was released first and it's in the lineup of Denon serious amps. The 600 I think it was made for the mainstream user with sub out and bt receiver. Those extra features of the 600 made me choose it and now I use it just to amplify a stereo setup wich the 800 could do better.
Had my pma 800 for a year now, picked it up new for £350, love it, paired it with the DCD 800 cd player & Dali Oberon 5's, sounds great to me, i keep a PMA 720ae as a backup amp, so much sound for your £ with Denon.
I have the same 800NE in black and I love it.
A PMA-1700NE is playing here since yesterday, and all I can say is high respect to Shinichi Yamauchi, sound master at Denon. I enjoy it a lot.
What speakers are you using? Thanks
@@danieloherrick6332 Jean-Marie Reynaud Bliss Jubilé
@@danieloherrick6332 What I can really recommend is to read two Japanese reviews with Google Translate from phileweb & av wach impress. Even if the translation is not 100% correct in to European languages, it was the most extended in details, what I found in the web.
@@woodchamber Thank you. Was not familiar with this brand. Looks like they are not available in the US.
@@danieloherrick6332 You get it for example from Crutchfield. I bought mine in Germany on Black Friday for 1350€. In my view this is the best price value amp I ever had. I compared it against my 10k€ PureAudio One.2 Cass A integrated amp from NZ, and I tell you, apart from individual tonal differences, the PMA-1700NE plays on the same level.
The amplifier is a real beast. fills my focal aria 926s with sound. I've been using it for about a year and I haven't gotten past half of its full volume capacity yet. So if I turn the volume up all the way, I don't know if the speakers can withstand it. Additionally, the naturalness and three-dimensionality of the sound draws you into the music while listening. By the way, I have experienced that thick pure copper cables are in a very central position in revealing the real performance of this amplifier and especially the sound tone that you will fall in love with. The “analog mode” and sound direct features of the amplifier are also features that take the listening experience to the next level. One of its most satisfying features is that it has an extremely quiet and powerful “mm/mc phonoamp” stage. The “mc phonostage” is impressive, especially for an integrated amplifier. I do not think that the remote control is very successful in controlling the volume at low levels, but I recently bought a second aftermarket remote control and now I can easily make very small adjustments in the volume control. I can say that the complaint about the volume control stems from the remote, not the amplifier. But I have to say that the DAC section of Eversolo DMP-A8 is superior to the DAC section of PMA-1700ne. The DAC section of the pma-1700ne is extremely satisfactory, there is nothing to fault until you compare it with a superior DAC.
Great review. Just a quick correction: this does not have a preamp out. It’s a preamp in, so this won’t be a solution if you need a sub out. Almost bought this but then double-checked the preamp arrangement. Very odd as with the power rating you’d think this would pair nicely with a beefier dedicated power amp or set of mono blocks.
In 1998 I bought a Meridian 557 power amplifier which at the time was expensive . It complemented a Meridian 501 pre amplifier . Very clean , tad laid back but powerful . At the time I thought this would be my final but in 2010 the power amp started to osolate. To my horror the unique circuit board was not made anymore and without someone to hot rod my power amp I was left with a white elephant. I could have perhaps bought a Quad 909 to complement my 501 pre amp but I decided to go for a Denon pma 1510 . It was considerably cheaper & I use this Amp to this day. Built like a tank , clean upfront sound and respectable phono stage . Buy Denon with confidence 👍👍👍👍
I am so glad to see you are doing well Steve and are still releasing your great videos as usual. Your guidance has helped me a lot with my audio gear over the years. Take care - K and G
Always love your videos Steve! I bought the Denon PMA-800NE for the bedroom and it is a great integrated. Sounds wonderful on my B&W CM1 speakers. Also running my old Pioneer Elite PD-65 into the integrated amp's DAC and my Apple TV through the optical out of my TV. Really happy that Denon is doing such a great job making great sounding products.
Back in 1991, the premium stuff was Denon, Luxman and the usual suspects. NAD wasn’t really in the picture. I bought a Luxman R-115 receiver for $750(!) and never looked back. Unfortunately, it did die recently (bad memory IC that could only be replaced with suspect used parts), but I will have fond memories (the software kind).
I met Denon back in 1976 with stationed @Kadena AFB. A record store I used to frequent record store down town and they used Denon turntable speakers and amp, side note I could play the albums before buying them.
You are guilty of me buying PMA 1700NE! Guilty, guilty and guilty! And...I love it, I love it, and I love it! Thank you for making my decision easier. I had (still have) NAD C338, and honestly, I love that amp. And since I recently bought B&W 706 S2, which replaced Dali Zensor Pico, I thought it would be wise to look for another amp. I loved (still do) Dali Zensor Pico, and I thought I would buy Dali again...but I "accidentally" bought B&W, and now I have become a sudden B&W fan...just excellent speakers! I downsized my search to Yamaha a-s2200 and Denon PMA 1700NE, and after I saw your video...I said what the hack...I love Yamaha in general, but let's give Denon a try...also I thought was it worth replacing NAD C338, which I was so happy with. And the first moment I hooked B&W and Denon, it was......WOOOOOOW, this is an entirely new universe! So if anyone has any second thoughts if Denon being worthy of replacing NAD or any other mid-rated class D amp...the answer is YES, YES and YES!!! This thing is even more beautiful in person and a real power horse! BTW...I love watching your clips...and what's the story behind that painting I can tell you love so much? Cheers!
Have a 20 year old pma-2000r in champagne. It's as good looking as it sounds.
Nice to hear that Denon stays true to thier sound and solid build quality.
One thing about them, they have a low input senetivety and can be a bit overchouked if you run a modern 2Volt source. A quality attenuator will fix this.
Could you please provide an example or link ( brand / model) of a quality attenuator.
@@tbonet859 Russ Andrews inline attenuators
@@louisavraamides9067
Thank you!
Thanks for this review. The 1700 amp has much in common with the PMA A110 that I bought recently. The amp is musical and holographic but internal dac is the biggest surprise for me. Much better than I expected for internal dac.
I have the pma 1600ne and the built in dac is fantastic. It took a while to break the dac in, but that's ok.
I have an Arcam SA30 that I love but I am really considering the PMA-A110. I like what I see in terms of build quality and its made in Japan. Might not have room correction and all that but Im after the sound. Would you say its an uograde from the SA30?
Just picked this amplifier up and wow. Significant upgrade (sans the streamer) from my NAD C388.
just wait until it's fully broken in- it will knock your socks off!
NAD C388 has more power rating. May I know what speakers are you using and what is the difference you hear? Thanks
@@CrescendoKeysChannel the NAD, while still a decent integrated has a laidback sound and didn’t give my KEF R7’s the life they needed at 80db and higher (I run the KEFs full range). The Denon may have a lower power rating on paper (180wpc vs140wpc) but it has better dynamics and drives the R7’s like they need to be. It sounds much more powerful.
Glad to hear that. Hard to trust those data these days.
Hi, thinking of buying this or the 1600. Watched a review which complained about a hum from the amp (1600). Do you notice that as an issue with your 1700 ?
I sold NAD in the 90s. When people asked about Denon the anti-audiophile dig against the brand was all the DSP modes and the layers of circuit boards in the build. The store also didn't like the Techniques 1200 which was only suitable for DJ to scratch and back queue records.
I have been having this beauty for 8 months now and the sound is fantastic. I am feeding it digitaly via the usb b port with Samsung tablet, using the usb audio player pro app. I have hooked on it the kef ls50 meta speakers. The subwoofer is rel t5x. I've been blessed with personal preferences for old styles of music which luckily for me is with high dynamic range and it shines with this set up . Smooth and warm.
How do you feed it via the usb with Android? Says in the manual it’s only compatible with Mac and Windows OS. Your files are probably being downsampled. Anyway keen to hear your thoughts on this because it’s something I’d like to do with mine.
I've been to over 1500 concerts and the absolute number one performance was 1983 David Johansen "Live It Up" tour at Haymakers in Prospect Heights IL and I think it was a Tue or Wed evening show.. Reach Out and I'll Be There!
This amp is fantastic
The error around it having preamp outputs (it does not) is fairly significant because there is also no subwoofer out. This integrated amp would seem like a much better option if it actually had those outputs. With no easy option for adding a sub or subs, the PMA-1700NE seems much less appealing.
You can use the second set of speaker outs to run to a powered sub high level inputs.
Yeah no pre outs is a deal breaker for me…
As good vintage amplifiers have now gone through the roof price wise you might as well consider this one
Good and accurate review describing the sound. USB DAC is flawless on this one. Works with Fedora Linux out of the box. It is built like a frikin tank and operates like one :). Spartan approach without sub or preamp outs.
Steve is such a wonderful person, seems like a guy you want to hang out with, nothing sounds like the older stuff. Just not built the same anymore.
Love the Aussie
There is better hifi today
I LOVE standard plastic remotes!! Every time I've encountered some type of fancy remote control, I've hated it. Metal case remotes? Yuck. The metal was cold to my hands, it was too heavy, and I had to be careful setting it down on my nice wood table so as not to scratch it. My old Anthem remote was a brilliant remote when it was new, but the velvety plastic coating, after many years, turned sticky and gooey, and the volume buttons wore out!! So PLEASE just give me a sensibly designed remote that will last 20+ years. That's all.
Wonderful review, Steve! Thank you!
Not much about the sound characteristic of the amp, the strengths and weaknesses? I don’t know what the old denon sound is so this review told me very little Steve.
He didn’t even mention that it’s a mosfet amp.
@@rutex09 mosfet amp?
@@mihai6976 It uses mosfet transisters instead of bipolar resisters in the amp section which have a reputation of sounding more like tubes
@@rutex09 oh, thanks for reply. I have no idea tbh, not a technical guy :)
I have PMA 1700NE With Canton Townus 90 Speaker Love ❤❤❤❤🥰
Denon POA-3000ZR + PRA-2000ZR 👌
No pre-amp output! You got that wrong; it is an external pre-amp input.
Oh man, you're correct!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac That input could be better for many than a pre out. You can now use it a home theater setup with this home theater bypass input.
I have the previous version of this amp, the PMA-1600NE. I used a Russound ADP-1.2 Speaker-level to Line-level Adapter to feed a subwoofer with RCA inputs, but later just switched to a REL subwoofer that uses speaker-level inputs. The Denon drives KEF LS50 Metas. It all sounds awesome.
Right Chris! I have the Denon PMA A-110, awesome amp, and run subs from high level outputs with great sound. I only wanted to correct the misunderstanding from Steve.
@@TonyBologna999 I too, have the 1600NE and use the Russound adaptor to drive a pair of subs. Works fine.
That David Johansen & The Harry Smiths album is great! Thanks for the recommendation.😊
They really need to start adding room correction for 2 channel integrated amps, like NAD is doing. The fact is so many people don't have a perfect listening room.
Interesting timing, I am getting a Denon DCD-A110 today, it's out for delivery. Denon is one of those companies that offer many price levels. I'm upgrading my SACD player, a 15 year old Denon DVD-1940ci, it still works but the drive is getting louder.
Respect
Are you enjoying the DCD-110. considering a purchase?
@@jazzandcocktails7 I love it, best CD player I've ever owned. I'm sure some DAC's have a different sound, preferred by other people. With the Schiit Mjolnir and my Adam Audio S2V monitors, I'm not looking for anything else.
@@marzcapone9939 thanks.
I have that Brian Eno record. I bought it new back in the day.
What’s your opinion about this vs. Marantz n40?
Steve, if you were a musician you'd be playing at 'Carnegie Hall.'
:) a fan!
It's a good amp Steve. Bought after your review
Do you remember the PMA 720 from 89? I really like it but maybe I am limiting myself. should I upgrade the sound is still without noise.
Late to the game but how's the built in dac? I know it's a burr brown chip and always preferred their sound to other chips.
Correction: This unit has home theater bypass pre-out ins not pre-outs for subwoofers or external amplifiers.
The lack of pre out and sub out seems like a major oversight.....silly.... the little pma600ne has a sub out....and sounds fantastic btw.... come on Denon...a mark II version w these outputs seems like a really good idea.....
Great piece of gear!!!
First amplifier I bought 1986 was a Denon PMA-500V
How do I connect an active subwoofer, is that possible at all…… every reviewer says there is a “pre-amp output” to connect a sub, BUT it is in fact an external preamp INPUT…… so what to do ?
Buy a Rel Subwoofer. You can connect to high level inputs
Exposed metal speakers connections... are they nuts, one short circuit and your power stage goes straight to heaven.
No, most amps have protection circuits.
Steve I learned a lot from you. Your guidance has helped me a lot with my audio gear over the years. Thank you very much. Georgia-Tbilisi
Another interesting product review. Why is the 4 ohm power rating at 1 khz? I'm not picking on Denon because I've seen several other manufactures do the same thing.
When you get into this price point I think your viewers would want to know how it compares with other integrateds for the same money.
Steve, nice review! Those transformers don't appear to look up to the size or standard of a top vintage amp from the 70's; When you drove some of the lower ohm/efficiency speakers, did you get any noticeable clipping at higher volumes? The quoted 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms may not be RMS watts per channel, as used in the mid-1970's.
It's actually conservatively rated.
Sound Stage tested it and it puts out 89 watts per channel 8 ohms
and 149 watts per channel 4 ohms
I noticed the back of the amp is labeled Pre-in perhaps indicating a bypass mode to use the amplifier only perhaps in a home theater. Pre out would seem to indicate you could use a subwoofer or a different amp with the Denon preamp section. Do they use a different labeling system than other amps d0 or do I not understand it.
the "EXT.PRE IN" would be used to connect an external pre-amplifier.
@@johnrampoldi Exactly, That is how I understand it, like a HT receiver. I have a Belles Aria that labels that type of connection as a "bypass" allowing me to use a separate preamp with the Belles amplifier. It brings up another question that baffles me. Denon puts a sub out on their cheapest integrated amplifier but not on all their more expensive integrated amps. What have they got against Pre-out /sub outs?
@@fletchermunson6225 great question. I suppose it was designed for full-range speakers. Some subs can be connected via speaker wire though.
@@johnrampoldi Yes, wires are a high end problem and i have always recoiled from doubling speaker wires whether bi-iring or subs.
Me gusta el Denon 1700, actualmente tengo Marantz 40n y estoy pensando en cambiar a Denon 1700. Seria buen cambio o no merece la pena?.
Un saludo desde Madrid
The 1700ne is neutral, a bit dark sound and has a high damping factor, which makes the bass more tight
40n is a brighter sound, and the damping factor is low, so the lower note comes out richer
Denon would be a better option if your speaker had a bright sound and 40n would be the other way around
If the speaker is bright, I'll use Denon
If the speaker is dark, choose 40n
I saw external pre in but not pre outs. Maybe I missed it. Sure is nice
Question:
This Denon Integrated has that rich, buttery smooth ( warm, I'm guessing) sound through the RCA inputs ( CD Player, for example)? Correct?
But the MC phono is leaner, cooler?
Steve, anyone, have you tried the MM Phono, and does the MM Phono retain that warmer, rich, buttery smooth sound?
Thank you, in advance.
It doesn’t have pre outs.
I'm gonna steal that hanging portrait so I don't have to look at it anymore. Otherwise, I enjoy the reviews.
I have Denon 710 since many years, very good sound/price, just one thing: sounds a little bit too cool, robotic. This 1700 NE also sounds to cool?
Hi Steve. How would you compare this with the PMA-1600NE?
I know what you mean. Japan the best. Thanks for the review.
Still using our 1989 Denon AVC 2000 as a stereo integrated amp, in our living room. It has a great sound, but a phono preamp that was apparently designed to make CDs sound better than vinyl.
Main listening room is built around the top of the line Denon 8500 which has a fantastic phono preamp, and a sweet DAC that makes analog and digital sources sound silky warm and crystal clear at the same time. I use it to drive an array of large 4 ohm loads directly, it seems to do it effortlessly, although I do have bi-amped power amps for my front speakers.
Mine doesn't have pre outs.
Is that a pre out or in?
Love that silver color.
I remember Adcom (in the late 80s) was the affordable integrated amps at the higher end shops... that was all the snooty salesmen would let you mess with! I also recall a pair of Totem monitors that blew my mind!
they really look good but denon sometimes delivers not so good components but at the same time very good ones and budget friendly ,in the 90´s i remenber a pre-amplifier that with some power amplifiers i tested was a very good and compatible one and also with denon power amplifiers but the medium range was really bad after in the mid 80´s having released some good integrated amplifiers that compared with more famous brands ,comercial wise .But their best components were the cassette decks ,in their price range they were incredible good compared to the other brands ,i own two cassette decks from denon, about being absolete ,i still use them and still have boxes of new cassettes , good ones because in late 90´s they were selling cassettes of higher references very cheap ,i only repent not having bought sony metal master or tdk ma-xg that today they are sold like if they were made of gold, this new integrated amplifiers i didn´t listen to them yet and i bought a magnat amplifier that delivers good sound and it´s a integrated and tube amplifier at the same time wich it seems to deliver real good sound ,i have friends from germany or netherlands that were using magnat for a lot of years . In Portugal only recentelly it appeared on hi-fi shops , for a lot of years this friends showed me how good can they be, and when the last catalog came with new material i went for a amplifier and speakers and i´m happy with them . About Denon i bought in 93 a pre-amplifier that works good still and didn´t gave me problems all this years .I´m saying this but i´m using components bought in 1970 or 76 mainly and no new component can reach to their quality this in the audio and building this in average prices
Pay to talk to Steve or spend more on hi-fi. Well as long as these vids are free I guess I’ll keep investing lol stop stuff as always. I have an okki nokki but never thing it seems right on display with the hifi. But always happy to see one.
It is a bit pricey. I got the pma600ne and it was so flat I returned it. Too bad now days these things are so expensive. I kave my 90s yamaha and it has yet to be equaled for a decent price.
🦋
Buster Poindexter
Ciao Steve com'è il dac❤
What do you think of the Denon PMA-900NE ?
Seems to be build better then Denon’s previous versions. I am not into the sound of Denon (or Marantz). There always seems to be missing something in their sounding (too flat, not neutral). Perhaps it’s better with this amp. For this price I prefer an Hegel H95 / H120.
BTW, love your musical tips!
I was so excited until you mentioned the price
That's a BIG BOI!
AT least it is build the way it should .................
Does no have preamplifier look like? Only preamps in?
Can we just take time to appreciate the correct pronunciation of "Denon"?
Does it have the same builtin DAC as the PMA-1600NE or a quad-chip DAC like the PMA-A110? The quad-chip DAC seems to be considerably better
Same as the 1600.
@@GB-up6nl Thanks 👍
Paul-Erik replied to a comment of mine telling me that a difference, according to Denon, between the 1600 and 1700 is that there is now a separate power supply for the DAC in the 1700. But it's the same chip. Also the same chip as in the 2500.
Denon 'buttery smooth' in the 90s? Am I hearing that correctly? I had two Denon integrated amps and CD players in the early-mid 90s for a 2nd system. Found them slightly etched and flat at the same time. Not interesting to listen to.
$2099
Good value considering all that is onboard
Beyond a basic level all today's components are just jewelry.
$2K! A $500 NAD integrated amp is a much better value - and sounds the same!
@@robertjermantowicz8619Have you done a side by side comparison? I think you will find this is a considerable step up. Just being built in Japan is a huge difference. I've got 50+ year old Japanese built amps that still work great. Do you think the NAD316BEE will be working in 50 years?
I have had the Denon PMA 1600 since almost 3 years ago. It drives BW, the ones with torpedo tweeter on top and also a recently acquired REL 7x sub woofer. My turntable is a one and a half year old Technics 1200 GA with an Ortofon bronze. The CD source is a harman kardon cd player I bought new in Dec of 1989. Still working like a charm. I have to agree with Steve the sound from the Denon is buttery rich, potent and finely finely detailed. What a treat! Great expansive smooth sound, gorgeous sound stage and the Denon does not flinch at any music you throw at it. It is so lifelike. Denon makes good quality and the proof is in the pudding. I listen to acoustic, jazz, opera, classical chamber music, rock and Latin music. My snobbish friends put me down because I don’t have Mc Kintosh or Schiit. But I can tell you folks this here is an astounding amplifier. Cheers to all.
A good knob job is very important for me to have a long-term relationship with any piece of equipment.
Awesome review as always 👏 thank you
Always love your assessment of the current audio designs.What would we do without you Steve Guttenberg you are best in your field, keep up the good work.And I definitely love 'Steve what do you really think segment ".
Greetings from fareast. I like your coverage. Just wanna remind myself and everyone that listening is harder when you're over sixty. Especially in the high octave. It tends to roll of due to our age. So don't worry maybe it's the product and may our hearing capabilities. Thanks GBU all
It has only pre In and not out. You’re saying it wrong.
It has recorder out though.
I have an 1989 Denon PMA-720 85w/ch integrated amp, and it does have a warm, rich sound. It's good to hear that Denon is keeping up the good work.
It’s a cracking amp. Hooked up to MA Studio Gold 100’s it’s just brilliant - rich, detailed, and no harshness. The critical thing here, is tone controls - balls to so called “purity” - it goes a long way to correcting music or compensating for a room that doesn’t place nice with your speakers. Audiophools will tell you that it muddies the sound, I call nonsense…! Don’t get me started on cables….
Great review Steve! I glean more from your music reviews in context of the device than you just speaking on sound specs and general characteristics. You are always pointing the viewer in interesting places with music. Almost as if you were a music appreciation adjunct somewhere. I have the LS50 Metas and I find my Denon x series avr to be a better fit then class D Peachtree audio 125 decco Sky and Soundartist s 200ia (atoll knock-off). I wish they would make a PMA with HDMI EARC and I would be set. I can tell that you liked this unit better then the Marantz 40n. I think denon must have a good finger on the common sound that audiophiles on a budget are looking for with their amps and phono cartridges.
Bought a Denon PMA 1060 as a 17 yo in 1992. I'd say it was my 'first' amp, but it's the only one I've bought to date...just works.
That’s great, you figured it out! Keep going.
I appreciate you mentioning the weakness of the phono stage as the Dynavector XX-2 is known for its great bass reproduction. So I would never consider the Denon. We sold Denon for a while before 2000's. They were better than the Marantz and inferior Yamaha units of the time for sure. The later separates Denon made and the HT Denons didn't impress me at all being way to dry and a bit edgy. But then I have always been a separates guy since I traded my MA 230 in on a C-22 and 240 and then added a second one back in 1965 for over 100 watts per channel.
I miss the Chaos/charm of the room before the makeover sometimes:)
No one has ever said that before! Thanks!
This vs the PMA A110?
I want to upgrade from my Arcam SA30 but not sure if the PMA-A110 is an upgrade. Wish someone could shed some light too.
$2100 for an integrated amp. It ought to be good! How does it sound with Klipsch speakers?
I can only compare my Denon pma 800 with my Klipsch rp6000s and I didn't like it. The Klipsch have a V-shaped sound and the Denon is very warm so it made my midrange hard to hear and not very clear, I then paired the Klipsch with an Emotiva ta 100 and it was worlds better. Way more sparkle up top and better midrange clarity... But Im talking about the mid-level stuff..the higher quality stuff might be better.
Is there any real difference between 1700 and 1600?
my life in the bush of ghosts is one of the greatest albums ever produced
Great video on what sounds like a pretty nice a competitively priced integrated from Denon. Also, another great viewer system of the day! I’d like to hear Ken’s setup - looks very well thought out.
It's a great amp, but I do notice a soft humming when it's switched on. It's not really loud, but compared to other amps I've owned it's a definitely louder. With other amps I had to hold my ear against the amp to hear any humming, but with this one I can hear it humming from 10 feet away (of course only when it's not playing music). Is this normal?
Looks sharp and built-well in Japan.
That's a good value!
Really thought this would be a great product for the price until I heard the price! Definitely stuff from small companies that would surely give more value. I have a similar problem with rotel, great products but based on price I would rather support a smaller company with more bang for the buck
Hello,
Tks once again for another great review.
This hobby is though....trying to narrow my choices, I'm thinking about going with a "traditional" integrated approach - Denon (PMA 1700NE), Technics SU-G700, Rotel 1592mkII, or Marantz N40 (feature king of them all)
I have decided to start with the electronics and then move forward. In the end I'm looking for something as future proof as possible*, low volume "king", for background relaxing listening. Any inputs?
* Respectfully for those who value, but honestly, at this point at least, don't see myself constantly lookiing for that 2k usd 10% improvement.
Best regards
Felipe
Hi Steve. This amp DOES NOT have PRE OUT. It has MAIN IN (or Denon calls it external pre in). To hook up a subwoofer you will need to use the speaker terminals B for a sub with high level input. The ONLY Denon 2ch integrated with SUB OUT is the pma 600ne entry level. (Which is a great little amp btw.) Even the top level pma a110 does NOT have pre out or sub out......which seems ludicrous and these are oversights that MUST be costing Denon many sales. Let's hope that they include these essentials with any revisions coming in the future. I for one wanted to buy the pma a110 and matching cd player but......
Still, if you don't need a sub or extra connectivity for whatever reason.... GREAT SOUND for the money. Cheers S
I love Denon and grew up with Denon AVR’s from the 90’s onward. I parted ways from my low end Denon AVR and upgraded to the Cambridge CXA-81 simply because I wanted something more for two channel listening. I am not disappointed.
Would be curious how its compare to the new Marantz model n40.