Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier Review (2023)

Integrated amps are the best choice if you want your 2-channel system to have quality performance. These amps are available in different classes and also perform different functions like a tone control, input switching, critical volume control, and balance control. 

Every amp needs a pre-amp stage and a power stage that will help to amplify the signal to a point where you can hear it. If these two things are in one box, you have an integrated amp. The best thing about having these two components in one housing is that it’s cheaper and convenient to install. The Denon PMA-600NE is an integrated amp with great compatibility with different types of speaker models and impedances for operational stability.

Denon Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier Review and Breakdown

The Denon PMA-600NE is an affordable high quality integrated amp with a slim design and can power a wide range of speakers and produce audio with high-quality sound. It can easily power your loudspeakers to deliver 70W of power per channel and it features an analog mode that allows you to operate the amp as a purely analog amp and this disables digital input and Bluetooth circuitry preventing any high-frequency interference with the analog mode.

You can also pair your smart devices with the amp via Bluetooth and listen to your music wirelessly. The PMA-600NE comes with a phono equalizer that will allow you to play music from sources with an MM cartilage. This amp also features one coaxial input and two optical inputs and it also supports PCM signals up to 192 kHz/ 24 bit. This entry-level amp is engineered with Denon’s Advanced High Current (AHC) single push-pull circuit power amplification technology.

What we liked
  • Well balanced sound
  • Nice minimalist dials and a simple look
  • A very versatile amp
  • Lots of power
What we didn’t like
  • Bluetooth can have glitches at times
  • Not easy to control the volume using the remote

View price here

 

Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier Specifications

FeaturesSpecs
Weight15 pounds
Channels2
Power per channel70W
Wireless technologyBluetooth support and digital connectivity
Inputs1 coaxial input and 2 optical inputs
PCM signalUp to 192 kHz/24 bit
Speaker impedance4-16 ohms
Phono equalizerMM cartilage
S/N ratio105 dB
AvailabilityCheck Price Here

Features of Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier

Design and build

The PMA-600NE has a simple yet sleek design with rounded edges at the front, a large volume button at the center, and the bottom are control knobs for the EQ function which provides everything you need for setting your sound. The new high gain EQ function has 5 analog inputs and an MM phono digital input that are included in the 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input. It also has knobs for bass, treble, balance, power button, a jack for your phone, and buttons for Bluetooth pairing and analog mode. This amp has a 192 kHz/24 bit digital to analog converter.

Analog mode

This amp comes with an analog mode that allows you to turn it on and all the CD player digital functions and Bluetooth receiver are disabled so you can use the amp purely as an analog device. This will also allow you to listen to an analog source without digital interference. This mode cuts power to the dedicated digital power source which helps to prevent high-frequency influence for enhanced detail and clarity. Also, the source direct function can use the short signal paths to deliver augmented sound purity.

Advanced technology

The PMA-600NE comes with Bluetooth support and digital connectivity that allows you to pair the amp with any smart device or computer using Bluetooth with the built-in DAC so you can listen to music wirelessly. You can also use the coaxial and optical inputs to connect your amp to your computer, TV, media player, and any other digital source for great audio performance.

MM phono equalizer

This amp has a phono equalizer that allows you to play music from sources that use MM cartilage. This equalizer is designed for high gain with a simple straightforward design to significantly improve the sound quality and prevent loops in the circuit board pattern that can affect the sound quality.

Micro-processor stop mode

The microprocessor in the PMA-600NE has a stop mode that will automatically stop all its operations when it’s not needed for playback. When you’re listening to music, the oscillator in the microprocessor clock stops which protects the audio signal from any external noise for better quality sound.

AHC single push-pull circuit

The PMA-600NE has AHC transistors with about 3 times the electrical current supply capacity of conventional audio power transistors to deliver nice, crisp sound that’s accurate and detailed. With this new circuit technology, the amp can produce powerful sound.

Who is it best suited for?

The PMA-600NE is a great amp for beginners and advanced listeners looking for an amp with more features and something more substantial with good power sounds. Its smartphone or tablet connectivity via Bluetooth isn’t something you’ll find in many amps at its price range. its high current push-pull circuit technology is new in the market and its analog mode ensures you get quality analog sound without digital interference.

Are there alternatives to Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier?

ModelMOON 240iYamaha A-S801SL
Output power50 watts per channel100 watts per channel
S/N ratio100 dB100 dB
Frequency response10 Hz – 80 kHz +0/-3 dB10 Hz  100 kHz +/-1.0 dB
AvailabilityCheck Price HereCheck Price Here

So, should you buy the Denon PMA-600NE Amplifier?

Yes, you should. It’s a great amp that will produce great quality sounds and it offers everything you need.  You’ll also be well equipped for any future upgrades thanks to its built-in Bluetooth, subwoofer connections, DAC, and turntable. It has a nice and simple design, is very easy to use and install, and has lots of power that can drive subwoofers and loudspeakers for a clear more deep sound.

FAQ

Do I need an integrated amp?

If you want to connect all your music sources to a dedicated 2-channel amp using one component, an integrated amp is your best option. You can also use the amp to connect to stream your favorite music wirelessly. 

Do integrated amps need pre-amps?

To help boost your audio signal, you can use an external pre-amp which will then send that signal through the power amp in the integrated amp so the audio will sound much better. 

Andrew
Andrew Gibbons

According to Andrew Gibbons, playing the guitar is fun but it will take a few months before you can come up with a creative expression. Gibbons is a guitar instructor and has been teaching University music programs for over a decade, when it comes to playing the guitar a lot of factors come into play that determines the type of sounds produced. The guitarist must consider the guitar's neck and body shape, weight, and string type, the amp is also a primary determinant of the sounds produced and that is why Gibbons has created extensive excerpts detailing on the delicate topic. Guitarists must also pick a pose, be it the pro, wizard, hipster, or the old master.