Have had the PMA-A110 and DCD-A110 for around 2-3 months now and personally I wanted to take the approach of having speakers which drive low enough, so I don't need to have a Subwoofer in my flat, and avoid get myself evicted. The RP-8000F from Klipsch fit the bill(32hz, not as low as your Revels, but still low enough for me to enjoy a full soundscape of an experience). - The PMA-A110 drives a full 100% out of the speakers and that I really, really love. I've tried these as well with Dynaudio Evoke 30, Elac VELA FS 407.2, KEF LS50s and Dynaudio Countour 30i. Only the Countours in my opinion brought something concrete above the Klipsch speakers when listening to music(others in my opinion were not nearly as clear in the highs, lows, or soundstage(Elacs had the best mid)). Now, to the Amp itself: It's analytic, it's accurate, it pressed everything out of any speakers you put to it and in that regard, it's a "cheap" Stereo amp, as it does things that +5000€/$ AVRs do not always do. - Where this thing though in my opinion really shines, is when you listen to it in Analogue Mode combined with the DCD-A110: You can get 25-35% more out from CDs with the combination than you do with Tidal CD quality. Master is in-between 5-15%. - I literally got a new lease of life for CDs and I couldn't believe the difference so much, that I had to ask friends over to confirm it. 6/6 confirmed that it did sound more accurate, soundstage was more clearer, and e.g. Soprano singers sounded more "being in the same room with you"(more warmer, clearer, "fuller voice", on any CD when compared b2b with a Streamer) when playing live recordings. SACD I've yet to test. Bought first CDs in over 12 years. - A friend borrowed his Music Hall LP player for testing, and at that point... I raised my hands up. Gotta get one. It's surreal how good it is with all the tweaks you can adjust with the Amp. It's literally the best of the new world, and the old-school analogue world. Something magical just happens as the whole output somehow "comes out of the speakers" more clearly in the Analogue mode. The bad: - It's costly regardless of how you look at it(although it is way better than the PMA-2500, which I've also tested. PMA-A110 ruined the 2500 though for me). - I almost would want to dump my Bluesound streamer after getting a taste of the "Analogue" world again after so many years, but... it's convenient after rough days. It's the CD/LP world when I want to *actually* enjoy something. - The Auto-Standby mode is something which hasn't ever caused any issues for me. As long as I stop the signal from e.g. my Streamer, it shuts it down after around 5-10 minutes or so. It never turns itself on though. Might be an EU thing though, as the directives are tough around here for electric items. I tried both modes and the description is something I never could replicate through my day here =/

I have this amp, it is fantastic. To get around the lack of 'sub outs' simply use REL subs or any sub that uses a high-level input. I am using this amp with two REL S/510 subs using the high-level inputs for stereo, and I also have my AVR connected the subs using the AVR LFE outputs. The beauty of REL subs is that you can use both high-level and LFE inputs simultaneously and you can adjust each individually so you can get that perfect balance. It is a match made in heaven. Incidentally I also own and use a high-end Cayin CS100A tube amp and trying to choose a favourite is hard. The Denon lacks that ultra smooth 'tube' sound of the Cayin but the Cayin cannot match the Denon for clarity. I'm not a Hi-Fi reviewer so I cannot talk the talk and simply know what my ears tell me. Both are great amps and I like to listen to both. The Denon does a fantastic job of separating instruments and voices and creating a huge soundstage. It sounds very three dimensional and not 'flat' like some solid-state amps. In that respect I can see why some say the Denon sounds similar to a tube amp. I would say it's the best of both. I hope this helps anyone reading.

I enjoyed your review. This Denon, even with its lack of a sub output, looks impressive. I would love to hear one cut loose on my favorite music genres. Thank you very much!

I'm a happy owner of the 110th anniversary integrated amplifier very satisfied with it. I think it will definitely sound as good as higher price amps within reason of course 😉.

I own this amp. Ultra ultra happy with it. Runs cool, massive power, epic build quality and tuned very well. Runs my KEF Reference 5s with ease.

I'm a happy ownwer of the PMA110! It was my number 1 option and after audiohoics measurements I closed the deal and purchased the amp. I was not expecting such performance with my Martin Logan ESLx, they make a very nice match, bass is superb, here is where I noticed huge improvement compared to my modest previous class d amp (Yamaha WXA-50) I'm not thinking on adding a sub so far because of my room size but I don't think I ever need it. Love the channel! Cheers

I’d own this pma110 for about 8 months, love it. Sound a little holographic, clean details in all around. Really just a simple all in one solution for a small office room I am listening. I paired with Focal 826 Chora, pair of DIY 24 strands speakers cable, Furutech receptacle outlet and NCF power booster, and this Shunyata power cable “Venom NR V10 Power Cord”. This power cord definitely turn my Pma-110 into a more power and clean Machine! Lastly added another Furutech Clearline NCF into the Furutech outlet and got better cleaner details in highs and open up a tiny bit to the music.

Gene - great review! I also own this amp and absolutely love it. Totally agree with you about the outstanding sound, looks and build quality. While I would buy this amp again in an instant, I think it is important to make potential buyers and Denon’s engineers aware of the less than impressive volume control when using the remote (volume jumps way too much) which has been reported by several users across the web.

Great to hear your enthusiasm for this. I'm getting my hands on the level up Japanese domestic PMA SX11. Can't wait. These things rival Luxman and Accuphase at half, if not one third, of the cost.

I used to own Marantz PM10 and SA10 but got rid of them due to lack of bass. Then I bought Denon PMA-A110 and DCD-A110. I absolutely love them. Built quality and sound quality are truly amazing. Very detailed and holographic. Sounds several times over. They are powering Q Acoustics Concept 500s and a pair of SVS SB3000 Subwoofers connected to recorder output.

My favorite integrated amp is my Peachtree Audio Nova220se. It's a beast. 220 watts into 8 ohms, 350 watts into 4 ohms. Best part. Sounds exactly like what you described in the Denon. Peachtree is Class D though. Crazy thing....at one point they were being sold for $1000 new in box!! In my opinion nothing can touch it for the money. Gene, wish you'd get in some Peachtree products. I really feel they are underappreciated.

I just bought this amplifier, and it sounds much better than my old Yamaha A-S700 integrated amplifier. You can immediately hear better instrument separation using the Denon. The only downside of this amp is that you can't place it in a tight space. I originally placed it in my audio rack's middle shelf which is about 9 inch tall. The top panel of the amp became super hot after just running for like an hour. I then move it to the top of the audio rack, and the overheating problem has never occurred again. In addition, I wish I could afford the matching CD player, but it's just too expensive.

I have a decent HT set up. Now a days I am more into music than blasting movies. In order to get into a real good 2 ch set up, I pretty much needed 2 systems. That wasn't practical. So I sold my Yamaha RX A3080 (used as a pre), Paradigm Prestige's and bought a NAD M17v2i pre pro and some Legacy Classic HD speakers and the matching center with 2 SVS SB4000 subs. (5.4.2) The NAD is truly amazing, being part of the Masters series, BluOs streaming, Dirac, fully balanced outputs ect. 2ch listening now is next level and absolutely addicting, the theater aspect has also improved dramatically. I have had 2 Denon integrated amplifiers over the years, as well as Yamaha, and back in the late 70's a killer Kenwood and loved every one of them!. I think I have a "best of both worlds" set up now. Any thoughts?

I have a question , ive got a Samsung HTS-J4500 and it has small speakers with 3 ohms and 80W , ive seen speakers that are rated at 6ohms but much bigger diameter (biikshelf) and i was asking if i can just use them as replacement for my tiny 3 ohms ones???

Good review. I have the 70 watt / channel Denon PMA 1600ne integrated amp. I'm using Rel subs, which work fine on the speaker output post's Im happy with it, I find not using the analog and source direct modes there is more detail in the sound.

Looks like a very impressive amp, i had demo 2500ne witch seem to have good amounts of power. How did this denon handled the 704 for bass controll, i have the 702 s2 wounder if it would handle those speakers on higher volumes, drives mine with a Hegel h190 and might get a stronger amp down the line for even more controll in the bass

Hi Sir, Thanks for the great review on Denon PMA-A110. I have started looking at integrated amp. Please let us know the actual (not perceived) difference between Denon PMA-A110 and Accuphase E-480 or similar high class Integrated Amp. For us, we don't get access to this high end products and we buy based on review by fellow audio enthusiastic and perhaps marketing myths rather than understanding of the product which give best return to hard earned money.

The way Gene moves his arms reminds me of uncle Leo from Seinfeld. "Hello!!"

Hello I’m in the market for an AV receiver. I have a 7.1.2 configuration with focal aria 936 fronts and surrounds of the same series. I’m currently looking out for a marantz sr6015 and not really want to go down the separates and amplifiers path. So I was wondering whether the sr6015 can power my setup comfortably or do I need to get a power amp to help it out? Thank you.

I have the denon a 110 amp and the 110 sacd player .am hearing sounds in music I've never heard befor..on martin logan 60 xti tower speakers.i.have a sub speaker on my home theater also supported by denon too. the martin 60xti I feel produce enough bass, not sure you need a sub out put. but that's me. what do u think about the martin 6o xti speakers .note love the ribbon tweeters also thinking about up grading my home theater speakers older jbl,s to the 60 xti .what do u think

Having a pair of 704s2's , I find this a very interesting review. Thanx

I have a Cambridge CXA80 and love it. It drives Vandersteen Model 1b's I bought many years ago. The CXA80 is the core of my office system (I have the CXC and CXN as sources). I have a 2-channel room at home I will be adding an integrated to in the next year and the Denon is on the shortlist with the Marantz Model 30 or Ruby or a Luxman integrated.

Agree that some integrated can be surprisingly good even vs. separates. Guessing not many mac supporters here but very happy with my mcintosh Ma12000 (paired w Wilson Sabrinas), would be great to see reviews of high end amps.

Is the home theater bypass easy to switch back & forth? I’m thinking of a way to integrate it with my Denon 6700h. Can I use the A110 for 2ch and 6700 for home theater easily with an input change from the A110? And if so, would there be issues with the volume control work if I have a volume dial on both 6700 & A110?

I use the Denon PMA-SX11, a model sold in Japan. 120W into 8ohms and 240W into 4ohms. Drives Magnepans very well. Best sound I have ever owned.

Does the integrated phono preamp work fine with a low output MC cartridge ( Audio Technica AT 33 PTG-2)?

What's the difference between a PA power amplifier vs lower powered amps used in homes? Are the PA amps just loud and not as clear sounding and the home amps cleaner sounding but not as loud?

i settled with a denon PMA 2010ae (made in japan) and a denon A100 sacd player(made in japan), after using everything else out there. they drive my q acoustics concept 500 using the Kimber kable 12TC and kimber interconnectes, very well.. super satisfied with that combo.

Thinking about doing an integrated in the Fall, a Parasound Hint 6.

I’ve always found the PMA line to be very stylish, I find the + and - transformers to be quite interesting. I wonder how they handle DC offset.

How does it sound with music to a comparable Marantz integrated?

I have a semi-unrelated question. Since you were 2-channel in this room for a while and then switched to a multi-channel system, I’m curious what you thought about a phantom center channel vs. discrete center channel. Not for a dedicated home theater system, but for a secondary system where theres no critical listening.

I like to see a review of the Yamaha A-S2200, I would love you to review it and compare it with the PMA-110.

A refurbished NAD 2200 is a good one. Might not look great with that grey NAD look but boy does it kick out some serious power.

How does it compare to the Reference Marantz PM 11S3 integrated which you reviewed a while back, which I bought and am happy with; (driving Martin Logan 13A)?

Spot on Gene. Though I am happy Denon built this at all. Would have love Toroid transformers more. And Subwoofer output. Pre-outs are a miss too. It is nice to see the best they can still do. Made in their best facility where the greats came from. This is expensive due to economies of scale. Maybe also what makes it special too. The price though is in there with other favorites of mine. So for me this Denon as nice as it is doesn't make me forget about my other favorites. Maybe it is not supposed too. I think they are saying, "Hey we still can make special happen. " I guess I is up to us to figure just how special this Denon is to us.

I have the PMA a100 and DCD a100 purchased used for about 3 K. One thing that makes CDs sound much better is to switch the display off. Don’t know why but it’s not a small difference. I’ve never streamed or downloaded music, just CDs and LPs with a Technics 1500c, Nagaoka mp200 or Denon 301 mk2. I think albums sound a little more involving if you have older pressings, newer pressings generally don’t but CDs sound great also. Speakers are Canton Vento reference 7. I also use a Doge 10 tube integrated that really sounds better in every regard but is a space heater more for seasons other than summer.

Gene… PMA 1510 AE Owner … 70 watts per channel integrated doubles into 140@4 ohms! Drives a pair of Polk Lsim 707 towers with authority!! Satisfied! Guess the A110 would definitely be a satisfying upgrade for sure! Great channel sir! Appreciate your time and hard work! God bless 🍻

Intergraded amps with a sub out are my favorite.

Beast !! The Transformer and drivers outputstage is so good Denon didn't need big filter caps Fact ! Do You agree Gene the audio Machine?

10+ but how in the heck do we connect subwoofers? Looking for the Deep Tech!

You can try Luxman and Accuphase amplifier

My Cambridge int amp has auto off but I disabled it.

My favorite would be the early 2000's receivers. Especially Yamaha. I have an HTR 5250 that sounds amazing, effortless to hit lows and highs. Built how it should be with an extruded aluminum heat sink, none of this folded sheet garbage. I don't use it now since it doesn't support the new formats, I just wish they still made them like this. I just got my hands on an ex display model Yamaha RX V1. It's gonna run a pet project of used audiophile (we believe in magic cables) equipment to see if I can do this on a budget. Right now it's looking real good.

Thanks for your review, I look at this product when it first released. I must say that I’m glad I didn’t bite on this one, I went with the Naim Uniti Atom and won’t look back. I’m sure their will be plenty of people who will enjoy this amp very much.

I have really enjoyed my Peachtree Nova 300 paired with Vienna Acoustics Grand Mozart's. A clean, rich 300 watts.

Thanks for the review. As an owner of the Denon DCD A110 I was curious how this product would stack up. I too am a big fan of integrated amps. I've been running a Bryston B-60 R for almost 2 decades now, and it is still going strong. Very simple unit, but like the Denon, capable of driving difficult loads, and despite a conservative 60 watt per channel rating, able to put out quite a bit more into less than 8 ohm loads, and plenty of volume for the listening I do (speaker set up are B&W 805s and a powered subwoofer to fill in the lower octaves). I know you rave about the Denon build quality....the Bryston is built well also (dual mono, all discrete components and a strong power supply), as befits a 20 year warranty. So while my amp is going strong, I have begun to think about what eventually replaces it. Do you think the PMA A110 is a worthy successor, and how any thoughts on how it would compare to the Bryston 135 cubed?

Has anyone pair it with the Focals? Especially the Aria 948. 🙏

In a reply to a comment you said you had the Anthem and Demon amps. How does the Demon amp compare to the Anthem amp?

I have this amp too. The quality is off the scale

@Audioholics: Great review! There is a solution to your auto-off issue. In their user manual page 41, it went over how to setup the amplifier to auto turn off if the machine has been idling for 30 mins. Wish Denon would import the 2500 NE series. This one "can be hacked" for subwoofer output by using the 2nd set of the binding posts.

Glad you listened to Porcupine Tree👍🏼

Gene, this will be a stupid question but, can any Denon AVR really compete with this?

Why not just use the only pre outs for a sub or two? Or perhaps a Y connector? Seems easy enough. PS my favorite type of gear is the venerable stereo preamplifier. I always enjoy the challenge of matching the actual inputs solely to the components in my rack at the time. So now the ideal preamp would have: ~PHONO W/GROUND TERMINAL ~CD ~TAPE 1 ~TAPE 2 ...in order to match the: ~FLUANCE RT85 ~SONY SACD PLAYER ~TECHNICS DUAL TAPE DECK piping the line output to the two Schiit Vidar power amplifiers. But no, I'm stuck with an "AUX" input and I've lost so much sleep! 😏 #audiophile_issues 😄

Would like a comparison between PME-110 and PME-2500

Looking at the online manual it says there is AUTO OFF. You press hold the power button for 5 seconds to enable and disable it. It shows the remote being used to do this. It looks a great amp and those tone controls win me over. Never again will I buy a high end amp with no tone controls.

So this or the Marantz PM-KI Ruby... for roughly the same price...?

Ok going to offer a descending opinion. I purchased the 110 with great expectations given Jeans enthusiasm. It’s a lovely piece w looks to kill. Quality is top notch w best binding posts I’ve ever seen. I was just underwhelmed with its power output. Thought the DAC had too much digital glare and the phono stage on my MM ortofan black wasn’t anything to write home about. The final straw is the plastic volume knob that had more play than a 1982 Ford Bronco. Really wanted this to be a keeper as it cost me $200 to return. Sorry to poo poo the unit to those that love it. Just sharing hands on experience using it for a month. Speakers are Pure Audio Project Quintet 10 and POLK LSIM 705. She’s a looker no doubt

Monster receivers. All those buttons, vu-meters and buttons.

My favourite will be active speakers

I agree nice amp but with no subwoofer out I'll pass. If any manufacturers see this a subwoofer pre out should be pretty much standard AND I'd like to see LFE control as well on stereos as well for better sub intergration. Until then I'm sticking with my MiniDSP.

I think I will end up with this one or maybe a PS Audio Stellar Strata, that Class-A/Class-D combi sounds really interesting. The rest of the specs are in a same league is guess. If you want Vinyl than I would pick Denon, it Network/Streaming Features PS Audio Really wonder how that Class A/B sounds against A/D hybrid

I got this amp recently. The build quality alone is amazing but it sounds great too. Unlike you i don't have any problems with the turn on/off feature. The amp never turns on on its own unless i turn my tv on first and always turns off after some time of inactivity. The internal dac is by far the best i have heard in an integrated amp. Even if this is an anniversary product and attention to detail is to be expected to a certain degree it really makes some similarly priced amps look like poor relatives.

interlaced video?

it really makes me sad that something this expensive doesn't have Dirac (or some sort of room correction) in 2021.

What’s a Geneerizm you ask? Well it’s Just “Looking” at Her & He knew She would sound Good🤣🤣 Gene doesn’t care about taste or flavor factors, He “looks” at Face Value 1st. 👍👍 Love it❤️

Ive got the pma 2500NE and it sounds superior 👍 -Thomas

cool

👏👏👏

Hi Gene. I have just a question out of curiosity. I have a PMA 2500NE which has a mechanical volume control just as PMA SX11. When i increase the volume from remote control, with just one short push-up button press, the 2500NE just as SX11, it raises the volume into too large of an increment. Finer increments adjustment is possible only from the volume knob. The A110 has a digital volume control, can you please tell me if with a short button press on the remote, the A110 adjusts the volume in fine small increments? For visual comparison, i leave a link with PMA SX11, please watch from minute 7:18: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b8BjlcyClpmqk5c.html

Just use an REL sub with high level connection..the best way to integrate a sub anyway so no issue really!

Using a PMA-A110 with a pair of JBL HDI-3800 - terrific combo. I've used subs in the past wanted to move to a true stereo setup solely for music. After experiencing what this combo can do I can safely say you won't miss the sub output if you're using hefty enough speakers. If you're using this for TV/movie duty too you may want a sub, but for music it's more than enough unless you're consistently listening to those select organ pieces with bowel-loosening low notes.

Even the pma 800ne punches well above its weight.

To use a sub, you will have to run a high level connection.

why do u need a subwoofer output on that awesome machine. if u have a good pair of speakers. u dont need a subwoofer. u need to listen to music through 2 speakers not with a extended subwoofer. thats my oppinion. love the a110

Must be quite an amplifier if it can make Phil Collins sound good. 🙉

Anthem over Denon all day, every day

Very Saaaatisfieeeeed 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Is there anyway to stop getting these stupid emotiva commercials???!!! lol

I quit sound and vision for your channel.

Almost $4000 and no sub out? Overpriced "Anniversary" crap. Might not sound like crap, but you could have done better for less money.

80 wats per channel its suks at least should be 130 per channel and sub output

i remember when denon made good gear; so sad they produce such rubbish these days

Terrible review. Thanks for nothing Gene. How chocolatey was it? Did you even use audio quest cables?!? Please be sure not to waste KZfaq's bandwidth in the future. Thanks.