Denon PMA-1500AE review. Magazine "Stereo & Video"


An amplifier that sings. Denon PMA-1500 series.

Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. (DENON), the next generation of the Denon PMA-1500R amplifier, has been highly acclaimed since its launch in 1997.

Available in two colors, model PMA-1500RII-N (Gold), PMA-1500RII-K (black). The PMA-1500RII provides wide-range playback compatible with next-generation high-quality audio such as SACD and DVD. By testing each circuit and improving the sound performance during actual use, sound quality exceeding specifications .

In addition, the delicacy of UHC-MOS through a single push-pull circuit using expressiveness, which is a powerful magnetic circuit, winding accordingly LC (leakage suppression), to greatly improve the performance, mount dual transformers, high-frequency integrated amplifier DENON PMA-2000III and PMA-S10III , which have a good reputation for supporting high speed and large current by using Schottky barrier diode for rectification, suppressing resonance and mutual interference between circuits through high rigidity of the divided chassis, etc.

By inheriting high-quality sound technology, we have acquired the quality of the core of next-generation audio systems. With the release of the PMA-1500RII, the range of full-range playback amplifiers has been completed, from the high-end PMA-S10III to the entry-level PMA-390 IV. We offer a new generation of pure sound that meets the needs of all audiophiles."

Indeed, the description differs slightly from the description of the 1500AE, but through analysis we obtain additional information, namely.

The initial model is number 390.

Multiplying by 2 we get 390*2=780.

This is close to the name of the next generation model - 700-710-720.

It follows from this that a model with a fundamentally higher quality sound will represent something corresponding to the formula - model number *2.

720*2= 1440.

We round up and get 1500.

It follows from this that a fundamentally higher level model should be

1500*2=3000, but we don’t see this.

From this we conclude that the Denon PMA-2000 model known to us is only a more advanced and beautiful variation of the 1500 model, otherwise it would have received the name 3000. This is also similar to the situation from the Marantz camp, when after the Marantz PM-17 reference models we have more the perfect model 15S1, which is actually the more beautiful and most perfect 17 model that has stepped up.

It also follows from this that class 1500 is so high in sound quality that it is no longer possible to linearly increase the sound quality, and only a solution of a completely audiophile class can provide more, without regard to cost. Yes, this is the S1 or SA series (a series of increased emotionality or sensitivity, this is how this abbreviation is translated), and of course for absolutely crazy money, completely disproportionate to the price/sound ratio.

Let's return to the Denon website, quote, machine translation from Japanese, sorry.

About Denon PMA-1500RII:

"Functions

Wide-range reproduction compatible with next-generation audio

The power amplifier circuit has been revised, and the upper limit of the frequency response in actual use has been improved to 100 kHz. In addition, Helsingborg's low impedance with um suppresses the noise generated during actual use in the amplifier, gaining a high degree of resolution. Implements wideband playback compatible with next-generation high-quality audio such as SACD and DVD.

Equipped with a single push-pull UHC circuit for both delicacy and durability.

The UHC-MOS high current amplification element is used to achieve both high sound quality and advanced speaker driving capabilities with the smallest amplification element. This further enhances the single push-pull UHC circuitry, achieving both gentle expressiveness and high power. As long as you feel the player's body temperature, it will display real sound in real time.

Use of dual transformer for mounting on LC (leakage suppression system).

Adopts parallel connection with two transformers, which greatly improves the performance of each magnetic circuit and winding designed in the DENON POA-S1 mono power amplifier. In addition, the leakage flux of the power transformer, which is the source of noise in the amplifier, is reduced by using the LC mounting system, which eliminates the influence of magnetism, etc., while high power supply power and low noise are realized at the same time. time.

Uses a large high-speed rectifier diode, which supports high speed and large current.

In order to fully realize the ability of the single push-pull UHC circuit, the PMA-2000III was adopted for the advanced machine, just as the rectifier circuit uses a Schottky barrier diode. Low noise characteristics and high current characteristics of high-speed operation provide powerful, low noise and high-quality audio reproduction. A stable power supply was achieved by combining this Schottky barrier diode with a high quality smoothing block capacitor.

High-rigidity split chassis that completely suppresses vibration.

Regardless of the power amplifier block, of course, a child element in the block structure, in which the separation of circuits with other different signal levels has been decided, the deterioration of sound quality due to interference and the influx of noise between circuits between them. In addition, a heatsink stabilizer is added to the heat dissipation heatsink of the power amplifier part, which is easily subject to vibration, and the effect on sound quality of interference between each unit is eliminated, and excellent reproduction in sound field feeling is achieved. . In addition, when using the chassis, the thickness of the steel sheet is carefully checked to ensure high rigidity. In addition, to completely suppress vibration, a transformer base and special rubber were added to the power transformer section. A chassis with a rigid structure has been implemented.

Independently equipped with a power transformer designed for microcomputer.

To reduce standby power consumption during a remote power outage, only current-carrying source transformers are installed in each of the microcomputer circuit and audio circuit.

Bi-wire compatible, large coverage, speaker terminals

The speaker terminal features machined brass parts, plated with gold to prevent transmission loss. In addition, the hole diameter of the clamping part has been increased to φ6mm to accommodate very thick speaker cables with more space. In addition, two speaker terminals can be connected by a two-wire connection.

Equipped with a high quality phono stage.

Equipped with a high-performance phono preamplifier, which uses a discrete first-stage circuit with low-noise field-effect transistors. The phono stage uses a stabilized power supply with only an equalizer, which allows you to play analog recordings with high sound quality. In addition, both MM/MC cartridges can be used by simply flipping a switch.

Equipped with PRE OUT terminal, which supports system upgrade.

And the bi-amp system in addition to the power amplifier, the corresponding wants the system to be added with a built-in Sapuuha amplifier.

Carefully selected and used high quality sound parts

Carefully selected and used highly reliable parts such as gold plated terminals, high quality carbon resistors, high quality capacitors and copper busbars. In addition, to reduce the impedance of the power supply, an extra-thick detachable type power cord is adopted.

System core design and remote control support

The development took into account the requirements for quality and modernization of the system, which inherited the traditions of high-end machines. In addition, it comes with a system remote control and is compatible with CD, MD, cassette decks and DENON tuners. In addition, the power supply of the control circuit, such as the remote control, is equipped with an independent power transformer, and interference in the audio circuit is minimized.

Specifications

[Power amplifier section]

  • Rated power / both channels (CD → SP OUT): 70 W + 70 W (8 ohm load, 20 Hz - 20 kHz THD 0.07%), 140 W + 140 W (4 ohm load, 1 kHz, THD 0, 7%)
  • Total harmonic distortion: 0.01% (nominal output -3 dB, 8 ohm load, 1 kHz)
  • Output terminal: AorB speaker 4 to 16 ohms, A+B load 8 to 16 ohms, two-wire load 4 to 16 ohms

[Preamplifier]

  • Equalizer amplifier output: nominal 150 mV
  • Input Sensitivity ・ Impedance: ・ LINE 150 mV / 47 kΩ (source directly off), 150 mV / 13 kΩ (source directly on) ・ PHONO MM 2.5 mV / 47 kΩ ・ PHONO MC 0.2 mV / 100 Ω
  • RIAA 偏差 : PHONO MM 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB 、 PHONO MC 30 Hz ~ 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB

[Integrated Characteristics Department]

  • SN Ratio (Network A): ・ LINE 110 dB (when the input terminal is short-circuited)・ PHONO MM 91 dB (when the input terminal is short-circuited, when the input signal is 5 mV)・ PHONO MC 76 dB (when the input terminal is short-circuited, when the input signal is 0 .5 mV)
  • Frequency characteristics: 5Hz~100kHz (0 -3dB)
  • Tone control: BASS (low range) ± 8 dB (100 Hz), TREBLE (high range) ± 8 dB (10 kHz)
  • Socket: 3 OFF (locked), total power 120 W

[other]

  • Power supply: AC100V, 50/60Hz
  • Power Consumption: 250W (Approx. 5W Standby)
  • External dimensions: W434 x H134 x D407 mm
  • Weight: 14.6 kg"

As you can see, the description of the 1500RII model is no different from the 1500AE, except for the price, of course.

Let's listen and compare.

Denon PMA-1500AE review. Magazine "Stereo & Video"

The RMA-1500AE does not handle all musical genres equally easily. The reason lies in the specific color of the sound.

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Stereo amplifier Denon PMA-1500AE

31,000 rub.

Advantages:

solid design, bi-wiring connection possible
Disadvantages:
high price, demanding sound material

Design

The Denon amplifier received an EISA 2006-2007 award, and that means a lot. Indeed, before us is a device that you can fall in love with at first glance at the front panel, everything on it is so solid, stylish and appropriate. The silver finish and massive rotary volume control in the center will bring back nostalgic memories for many audiophiles. The facade also contains tone and balance control knobs, a switch for recording inputs, as well as two buttons - turning on the preamplifier output (as we can see, there is an opportunity to build muscles) and a button for turning on the Source Direct mode, in which the input signal is supplied to the volume control, bypassing the circuits tone and balance settings. The rear panel traditionally houses input and output connectors, and the highly sensitive Phono input is carefully equipped with special plugs designed to protect the device from interference when this input is not used. Also noteworthy is the button that allows you to select the type of cartridge (MM or MC) installed in the vinyl disc player connected to the Phono input.

The acoustic terminals are of high quality, and there are four of them: you can turn on two pairs of speakers at the same time, or you can use the main and additional terminals to connect one pair of speakers using a bi-wiring scheme.

Control

The arrangement of the buttons on the control panel seems to suggest in what order the components of a home stereo system should be placed on the rack: CD player at the top, amplifier in the middle and cassette deck at the bottom. The central place (and role) of the amplifier is emphasized by the ergonomics of the remote control. Clear, stylish and convenient.

Recommendations

The RMA-1500AE does not handle all musical genres equally easily. The reason lies in the specific color of the sound. This specificity may please some, especially jazz lovers. This amplifier enjoys the best positioning - quiet, reproduced at medium volume. Fans of hard rock and symphonic music should be very careful when choosing acoustics. Find sensitive floorstanding speakers, and the amplifier will delight you with a seamless sound picture when playing songs with a wide dynamic range.

Prepared based on materials from the magazine “Stereo & Video”, September 2008
www.stereo.ru This review was read 22,860 times

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