Denon PMA520AE Integrated Amplifier - Black

Product Information

Long & short is, you've got to figure out WHICH part is mis-operating, 'cause you only need to replace THAT one (& replacing any other of course won't fix it!). Play the record of 18 With A Bullet by Lewis Taylor and Carleen Anderson, and the Denon charges through the mellow do-wop tune with undue impatience and zeal. It certainly conveys music across the whole spectrum, when first switched on it sounded a little 'spitty' on cymbals and a little grainy overall, after a few hours listening it sounds smoother now - maybe it has warmed up or maybe I've adjusted to it. And when the NA-11S1 finally does arrive, it'll be possible to drive a complete '11' system using the Marantz Control app on iPod/iPad/iPhone and the standard RC-5 remote control protocol.

Bought this for a neighbour who has asked me to help set up an affordable strereo. Presently testing it in my system in place of an Exposure 21/18S combination. The 720 retains that surefooted sense of timing that we praised in the 710, with the added benefit of a tauter, more controlled bass.There's a USB-A port on the front panel for iOS devices or USB memory, and three digital ins – coaxial, optical and USB-B – on the rear.

Queue up a playlist of Major Lazer, Nine Inch Nails and even Rhianna, and the Denon happily zips through with speed and alacrity – if it suits your music style, the amp is a thoroughly energetic and entertaining listen. The PMA-720AE is a stubborn and uncompromising performer, with a determined sound that won’t allow itself to loosen up. That doesn’t mean there’s any enjoyment lost, but such a particular presentation means the Denon will favour certain styles of music over others. The PMA-500AE amplifier covers all the bases, too, with its complement of moving magnet phono stage, and tone, loudness and speaker switching controls. Little to complain about so far, then. It has strong dynamics that help bring the music alive though at times loud busy passages can sound a little cong ested and 'shouty'. It creates a reasonably good sound stage too. Straight away the Denon sounds strong and confident, with good levels of clear detail. We’d definitely keep the Source Direct button on – it bypasses the tone and balance controls for a more subtle and purer sound.

Denon PMA-520AE - Q&A

The SA-11S3 player uses new 384kHz/24-bit digital-to-analogue conversion, a new dedicated SACD/CD mechanism, the SACDM-2, and Marantz HDAM-SA2 and HDAM amplifier modules in the analogue circuits. There's even a dedicated headphone amp, again driven using the HDAM-SA2 technology.