Integrated amplifiers — Denon PMA-1700NE

The PMA-1700NE is an integrated amplifier from Denon's New Era (NE) series that combines a high-current analogue amplifier with a USB DAC and a phono stage for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. It sits near the top of Denon's stereo integrated range and is designed as a single-box centre for systems that play records, CDs and computer files.

Key specs that matter

Output is 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 140W into 4 ohms, from an Ultra High Current single push-pull output circuit. The DAC section uses a Texas Instruments PCM1795 converter and accepts PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD up to 11.2MHz over USB, with optical and coaxial inputs for other digital sources. Signal-to-noise ratio is 89dB for MM phono, 74dB for MC phono and 107dB for line input. The external preamp input has a sensitivity of 0.85V into 47 kilohms. The chassis measures 435 x 135 x 448mm.

Engineering and use context

The single push-pull output stage uses one pair of high-current transistors per channel rather than several paralleled pairs, reducing the variation that comes from matching multiple devices, while the transistors' high current capacity lets the output double from 8 to 4 ohms. Digital playback passes through Denon's Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, an algorithm that interpolates data to restore detail lost in digital recording before conversion. The Analog Mode switch turns off the digital circuitry and display entirely, removing digital noise from the chassis when only analogue sources are in use. Volume, balance and tone are set with electronic controls rather than conventional potentiometers, for precise and repeatable adjustment. Every unit is checked in final listening by a Denon Sound Master before leaving the factory.

Pairing

The MM and MC phono stage connects a turntable directly, including low-output moving-coil cartridges, without an external phono preamplifier. The USB-B input suits a computer or network transport for high-resolution files, while optical and coaxial inputs take a CD transport, TV or streamer. The external preamp input lets the power section be used with an AV processor in a home cinema. With 70W into 8 ohms and 140W into 4 ohms, it drives most bookshelf and floorstanding loudspeakers in average-sized living rooms.

Alternatives

Denon's own PMA-600NE is the entry model of the same series, offering Bluetooth and a built-in DAC at lower output and price.