Introduction
The Denon PMA-1600NE is a high-end integrated amplifier that comes equipped with a variety of features that were developed with audiophiles in mind. This amplifier is a member of Denon’s “NE” series, which is a mark of the company’s dedication to producing music that is faithfully reproduced.
Table of Contents
High-resolution audio playback, improved digital connectivity, and an integrated phono preamp are just some of the many features that are included in the PMA-1600NE’s extensive feature set. Its contemporary and elegant design is a perfect match for high-end audio equipment of any kind. In this evaluation, we will examine the Denon PMA-1600NE in greater detail to assist you in determining whether or not this amplifier is adequate to meet the requirements of your home theatre.
Design And Build
When it comes to integrated amplifiers, the Denon PMA-1600NE is a cut above the rest in terms of design and construction. Aesthetically, it’s at home in any cutting-edge audio system due to its contemporary and stylish appearance. The amplifier’s chassis is built from thick aluminium plates that serve to dampen vibrations and offer a solid foundation for the amplifier’s interior parts.
The PMA-1600NE’s front panel is dominated by a big volume knob and two smaller knobs for input selection and tone control. A large, legible display can be seen on the front panel, showing the current input, volume, and tone settings. The brightness of the screen can be adjusted, and it can even be turned off entirely.
The PMA-1600NE’s rear panel is loaded with connections, including five RCA inputs, a phono input for record players, coaxial digital and optical digital inputs, and a USB-B connector for computers. The amplifier also has two premium speaker connectors that are compatible with both banana plugs and bare wire.
The PMA-1600NE’s Advanced Ultra High Current (UHC) power supply is a notable design choice. This power supply is constructed to deliver a consistent and powerful current that can drive the most taxing speaker loads with ease. High-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz are no problem for the amplifier’s high-quality 192kHz/32bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
The Denon PMA-1600NE is an excellent integrated amplifier that looks great, sounds great, and has a tonne of cool, cutting-edge capabilities. This amplifier is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a high-end audio component that will perform admirably and remain reliable for years to come thanks to its high build quality and thoughtful design.
Features And Specs
The Denon PMA-1600NE is an excellent option for discerning audiophiles because to its high-quality sound, extensive feature set, and solid performance. Some of the most important aspects of the PMA-1600NE are as follows:
The PMA-1600NE has a powerful output, able to drive even the most demanding speaker systems with its 140 watts per channel into 4 ohms and its 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Ultra High Current (UHC) Power Supply Technology: This cutting-edge power supply is built to withstand the most taxing speaker loads while still delivering a clean, powerful audio signal.
The high-quality DAC supports high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz, giving you the best possible listening experience.
The PMA-1600NE uses Denon’s advanced AL32 processing, which improves the fidelity and realism of digital audio files for a more immersive listening experience.
The amplifier has a phono input so that you may listen to your record collection on a turntable.
The PMA-1600NE has several digital inputs for connecting to a computer, including a coaxial input, an optical input, and a USB-B input.
The amplifier has built-in Bluetooth functionality, so you can wirelessly play music from your phone or another Bluetooth-enabled device.
You can adjust the PMA-1600NE’s bass, treble, and balance controls to provide a personalised listening experience.
The amplifier’s remote control lets you change the volume, input, and tone without leaving your listening spot.
The Denon PMA-1600NE is a good choice for those in the market for a high-quality audio component due to its advanced features and specifications and its ability to produce high-quality sound.
Sound
The Denon PMA-1600NE is a great integrated amplifier that offers astounding performance and sound quality with a broad variety of musical selections. It also has a lot of inputs and outputs. Because the sound that it generates is of such a high quality—that is, clean, dynamic, precise, and detailed—this amplifier is an excellent choice for anyone who take their listening to music seriously.
One of the most prominent features of the PMA-1600NE is that it features an Advanced Ultra High Current (UHC) power supply. This power supply is able to generate a steady and powerful output that is capable of driving even the most demanding speaker loads. Once distortion and noise are removed, the sound quality is enhanced, which results in a presentation that is both more dynamic and more transparent.
The high-quality 192kHz/32bit digital-to-analog converter in the amplifier can handle high-resolution audio files with a sampling rate of up to 24 bits and 192 kilohertz without any issues (DAC). Because of this, you can have complete confidence that the sound quality of your music will be exceptionally crisp and detailed over the whole frequency range.
The PMA-1600NE also incorporates Denon’s unique AL32 processing, with the intention of enhancing the fidelity and realism of digital audio files. You are able to get exactly the kind of sound you want by adjusting the bass, treble, and balance on the amplifier.
The PMA-1600NE features both coaxial and optical digital inputs, in addition to a USB-B interface for direct computer connection. By enabling you to connect a turntable to the amplifier, the inbuilt phono preamp makes it simple and convenient to listen to your record collection using the turntable.
In conclusion, the Denon PMA-1600NE is an excellent integrated amplifier that outperforms its competition in every conceivable way. Because the great care that was employed in its design is evident in every aspect of the amplifier’s performance, it is an excellent choice for anyone who is interested in purchasing a high-end audio component.
Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Denon PMA-1600NE integrated amplifier stands head and shoulders above the competition across a wide variety of musical styles. It’s a terrific option for audiophiles who want the highest possible sound quality thanks to the amplifier’s distortion- and noise-free performance.
The PMA-1600NE’s Advanced Ultra High Current (UHC) power supply is one of its most notable characteristics, as it delivers a consistent and powerful output capable of driving even the most demanding speaker loads without distortion. The resulting sound is dramatic and robust, with excellent frequency balance.
The amplifier is equipped with a high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports high-resolution audio files with a sampling rate of up to 24-bits/192kHz. This guarantees that your music will have the best possible sound quality, with no loss of clarity or detail at any point in the frequency range.
Denon’s patented AL32 processing, included in the PMA-1600NE, improves the clarity and precision of digital audio files, making for a more realistic and exciting listening experience. The bass, treble, and balance controls on the amplifier let you adjust the volume and tone to your satisfaction.
The PMA-1600NE has multiple digital inputs, including a coaxial input, an optical input, and a USB-B input for connecting to a computer. Turntables may be easily connected to the amplifier via the phono preamp that is included in this system.
The Denon PMA-1600NE, in general, provides outstanding performance with a wide variety of musical styles. The sound produced by the amplifier is clear and powerful, with great fidelity and precision across the entire audible range. The amplifier’s superior performance may be attributed to the meticulous care taken in its design and manufacturing, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a high-end audio component.
Verdict
The Denon PMA 1600 NE, in my opinion, produces a clean, neutral sound and has plenty of volume. The treble and bass are well-extended and have more than enough sharpness and detail. It did a great job of regulating the woofer in my Gershman Acoustics Studio II Bookshelf Monitors, albeit I was unable to determine the unit’s dampening factor because no such specification was provided. The bass was extremely penetrating, tight, and resolving. The overall sound quality of the amplifier was fairly clinical when using Studio II, which was a surprise coming from a Gershman system.
Pros
|
|
Cons
|
