Denon PMA-2500NE Review

Denon PMA-2500NE Review

Denon is one of the rare audio brands that continue to actively develop Hi-Fi components and accumulate, refine, and pass down Hi-Fi audio technologies. The 2500NE series, designed for today’s age, has been developed by both veteran engineers and talented young engineers who have inherited the Denon technologies and expertise that have been cultivated over many years and decades. And the performance of the PMA-2500NE goes well beyond that of Denon’s previous PMA-2000 series. With its ultimate built-quality, unique Denon technologies and state-of-the-art connectivity, the PMA-2500NE truly is a masterpiece of sound technology. Thanks to the rear USB-B input and embedded high quality D/A converter, the PMA plays high resolution files up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD up to 11.2MHz from a computer in impeccable sonic quality. For the best performance from analogue inputs, the PMA features an Analog Mode which allows to switch off all unutilized sections like the digital input circuitry or the low noise display for an unaltered audio reproduction.

Overview

Integrated Amplifier with DAC mode

Integrated Amp with USB-DAC for High-res Audio and “Simple & Straight” Engineering Design from High-end Models

2 x 160 W (4 ohm) output
Advanced Ultra High Current (UHC)-MOS Single Push-Pull Circuit Power Amplifier with new Schottky barrier diodes
DAC Master Clock Design
USB-B input for High Resolution Audio up to 384 kHz / 32 bit and 11.2 MHz DSD
Digital isolator to eliminate high-frequency computer noise on the USB-B
Low noise OLED display for source and sample rate indication
Analog Mode for pure audio reproduction switching off digital audio circuitry and display
Advanced AL32 Processing Plus
Direct Mechanical Ground Construction to minimize unwanted vibration
Chassis construction with 6 independent blocks to eliminate noises
Leakage-cancelling-mounted twin transformers
Main transformer with separate power supplies for analogue and digital circuits
Wide dynamic range playback, supporting high-resolution audio sources
High-grade volume control for precise adjustment
2 Digital Optical and 2 Digital Coaxial inputs
High performance MM & MC Phono Equalizer Amp
Available in Premium Silver

How does 32bit/384kHz PCM sound, or DSD Streaming at up 11.2MHz? You may never need these ultra high resolution options, but it is nice to know that the are there and ready should the race for high res continue to go up. And let’s not forget, if you are using a playback software package such as Roon, you can take advantage of the upsampling options and utilise those ultra high res playback options right now.

The build quality of this amplifier is typical of Denon, and that is to say that it is beautifully made. The styling is elegantly simple and timeless. This truly is a very capable, and desirable bit of kit and worthy of your time to audition if funds permit.

Advanced UHC-MOS Single Push-Pull Circuit

To achieve impeccable balance between delicate details and vigor in sound, the PMA-2500NE employs Ultra High Current MOS (UHC-MOS) FETs, capable of producing ample current in a single push-pull configuration which deliver superior linearity in the output stage throughout the sonic range from musical details to robust current. The technique of driving multiple amplifier devices in parallel to secure robust current has solved the problem of muddiness in sound caused by uneven performance among the devices. And to achieve musical expression filled with the delicate nuances of sound, Denon has continued to focus on amplification performed by one pair of devices. The PMA-2500NE is endowed with high-voltage, large-capacity UHC-MOS FETs (peak current of 210A). In addition, the Dual FET + cascade bootstrap connection maintains a constant voltage for the UHC-MOS while improving temperature stability, to reliably bring out the superior acoustic characteristics of UHC-MOS.

High-gain amp construction

The amplifier circuitry has been changed from the conventional two-stage configuration to a high-gain power amp in a single-stage configuration for a more direct signal path. A highly pure sound has been made possible by reducing the number of devices through which audio signals pass and shortening signal paths to an absolute minimum. The protection circuitry for the power amp output stage has also been considerably improved. The current limiter has been eliminated in favor of a system that monitors power transistor temperature changes in real time, and the current capacity of driver stage transistors has been boosted to 2.0A from 1.5A. As a result, the instantaneous current supply capability of the amp has been more than doubled (110A) compared to conventional designs and speaker drivability has been dramatically improved (damping factor: greater than 700, 20 Hz – 20 kHz).