The Denon PMA-1600NE, serves as a more budget-friendly alternative to the well-regarded Denon PMA-2500NE integrated amplifier, which has already won over many audiophiles. The Denon PMA-1600NE amplifier boasts capabilities that significantly surpass those of the previous PMA-1500 series. Utilizing Denon’s innovative technologies, the PMA-1600NE stands out as a remarkable product in its category. With its integrated USB port and high-quality Digital-Analog Converter (DAC), the amplifier can handle high-resolution music files, supporting up to 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD formats (up to 11.2 MHz), ensuring exceptional sound quality from your computer. Additionally, to enhance audio performance from analog sources, the PMA-1600NE is equipped with a dedicated Analog Mode that disables all unused amplifier circuits, including digital inputs, thereby optimizing sound quality.
The device also has two optical and coaxial digital inputs capable of processing material with a resolution of up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. The integrated phono preamplifier allows you to connect turntables with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Denon PMA-1600NE is capable of developing up to 140 watts in each channel when operating on a load with a nominal resistance of 4 ohms. The output amplification stages are made using the proprietary Advanced Ultra High Current MOS technology. To connect acoustic systems, two pairs of high-quality screw terminals are provided on the rear wall of the amplifier. The device uses the proprietary UHC (Ultra High Current)-MOS topology, that is, it is made according to a push-pull circuit on powerful field-effect transistors capable of delivering a large current to the load with minimal distortion. This circuit combines high output power with the ability to masterfully reproduce the full sonic range of any style, from the subtle musical nuances of jazz performers to the powerful climaxes of a symphony orchestra.
The chassis design of the PMA-1600NE amplifier helps prevent unwanted vibration that affects the sound quality. The chassis consists of 6 independent blocks, consisting of a phono preamplifier block, an input interface block, an equalizer and volume control block, a USB DAC block, an amplifier block and a control block. The blocks are made of 1.0 mm thick steel plates that protect the signal circuits from external vibration and eliminate adverse mutual interference between the circuits. The power supply is located in the center of the PMA-1600NE and is equipped with powerful heatsinks on both sides. The mounts of the power transformer, heatsinks and chassis are made of ABS plastic, which absorbs vibration.
For digital inputs, the PMA-1600NE amplifier uses Advanced AL32 Plus, the latest version of the analog signal processing processor, which uses unique data interpolation algorithms and also supports high-resolution signals up to 384 kHz / 32-bit. These interpolation algorithms allow the received signal to be brought closer to the original analog sound by carefully restoring the data that was lost during digital recording. As a result, the sound is reproduced in great detail, without interference, the sources are clearly localized in space, the sound is rich and expressive throughout the entire range and corresponds as closely as possible to the original.
The PMA-1600NE amplifier is equipped with a high-speed digital isolator to eliminate the negative impact of high-frequency noise from a computer connected via the USB port on the sound quality. The isolator uses chips to convert the signal and provide galvanic isolation of the input and output signals, reducing the adverse effects of high-frequency interference on the amplifier’s analog circuits. The PMA-1600NE also uses a special circuit for the secondary winding of the digital power supply transformer to eliminate noise from the power supply.
When using analog signal sources, Analog Mode is activated, turning off the power supply to the digital circuits and preventing any interference in the analog section. Analog Mode also turns off the display, which allows the PMA-1600NE to operate as a purely analog amplifier (with the digital optical and coaxial inputs disabled, and the USB-B input disabled).
The integrated amplifier includes a phono preamplifier that supports both MM and MC cartridge input. This phono preamplifier has a high gain, and its “simple and straightforward” design allows for distortion-free sound transmission. The PMA-1600NE features a relay-type MM/MC switch, which simplifies the circuit board layout and reduces the impact on the sound, allowing you to reproduce the most subtle nuances of music. The PMA-1600NE comes with a remote control that can also operate the DCD-1600NE turntable and other Denon components. A low-noise display on the front panel shows the type of source selected and the source’s sampling frequency.
Denon PMA-1600NE Specifications
- Output power 2 x 70 W (8 Ohm), 2 x 140 W (4 Ohm)
- Frequency range 10 Hz – 70,000 Hz
- Signal-to-noise ratio 108 dB (linear input), 74 dB (MC), 89 dB (MM)
- Harmonic distortion coefficient less than 0.01% (power amplifier)
- Tone control +/- 8 dB (100 Hz, 10 kHz)
- Inputs MM / MC pickup, 3 line, USB-B, 2 optical, coaxial, IR
- USB parameters PCM (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz), DSD (up to 11.2 MHz)
- Outputs for recording, headphones, 2 speakers, remote control
- Technologies Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, DAC Master Clock Design
- Direct signal feed yes
- Possibility of disabling digital circuits yes
- Tone control +/- 8 dB (100 Hz, 10 kHz)
- MC input sensitivity/impedance 0.2 mV / 100 Ohm
- MM input sensitivity/impedance 2 mV / 47 kOhm
- Linear input sensitivity/impedance 125 mV / 45 kOhm
- Power consumption 295 W / 0.2 W (Standby)
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 434 x 135 x 410 mm
- Weight 17.6 kg
