Integrated amplifiers — Denon PMA-600NE

The PMA-600NE is the entry model in Denon's New Era (NE) series of stereo integrated amplifiers, aimed at listeners building a first dedicated two-channel system. It shares the series' high-current output design with Denon's more expensive NE amplifiers, and adds a built-in DAC, Bluetooth and a moving-magnet phono stage so that CD players, televisions, phones and turntables can all connect without extra boxes.

Key specs that matter

Output is 45W per channel into 8 ohms and 70W into 4 ohms (1kHz, 0.7% THD), with bandwidth extending to 100kHz. The DAC accepts PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit through two optical and one coaxial digital input, and Bluetooth is built in for wireless streaming from phones and tablets. Analogue line inputs and an MM phono input complete the connections.

Engineering and use context

The output stage uses Denon's Advanced High Current (AHC) transistors, which can handle two to three times the current of conventional audio power transistors. This lets Denon build a simple, fully discrete single push-pull circuit, with one pair of devices per channel, while still delivering enough current for 4-ohm speakers. Denon's Signal Level Divided Construction separates the chassis into zones for low-level analogue signals, digital circuits and power, so that the delicate parts of the signal path stay away from noisy sections. The main transformer has separate windings for the audio circuits and the control circuits, reducing interference between the two. A microprocessor Stop Mode halts unnecessary clock oscillation during playback so that digital control circuitry does not add noise to the analogue signal, and an Analog Mode disables the digital input stage completely while a turntable or other analogue source is playing. As with other NE models, each unit's voicing is approved in a final listening check by a Denon Sound Master.

Pairing

At 45W into 8 ohms, the PMA-600NE suits efficient bookshelf and compact floorstanding speakers in small to medium rooms rather than large, low-sensitivity designs. The MM phono stage connects a turntable directly, the optical input takes a television's digital output, and Bluetooth covers casual streaming. Denon's matching DCD-600NE CD player shares its width and styling, making the two a natural starting pair, and a network streamer can be added later through the digital or analogue inputs.

Alternatives

Denon's own PMA-900HNE adds HEOS network streaming to the same concept, while the PMA-1700NE steps up to higher power and an MC phono stage.