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Denon integrated amps

pecata35

pecata35

New Member
Hi, I have an option to take one of those Denon amps. Do they sound good like maybe ( Marantz, Pioneer or Sansui ) And is it worth buying one of those amps. And which amp is better sounding and better build?

PMA 770
PMA-920
PMA 700v
 
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Havent heard those particular units but have had a few Denon receivers built at same time as the 920 and 700v, I think they compare well to the other brands during that time and enjoyed them more than the Marantz and Pioneer built in the late 80s. The only one I would avoid is the PMA750 series as I recall the switches and controls on that series giving me fits but sounded great and a little more lively than the other series when it wasnt acting up. Its possible the 750 series controls may have carried over to 770 series but not sure. . The denons I tried from the mid 90s and up never did much for me except for one of their monster surround receivers.
 
I picked up a Denon PMA 750 integrated amp and found it to sound very good to my ear. Mine has a warmer sound which I think is a Denon trademark of sorts.
 
I've got both the PMA750 and the PMA-770. Both obtained from thrift shops.

I currently have a wealth of equipment but the 750 has been in my bedroom system for about 4 years. Been very happy with its performance, great sound!

An issue both have is the input display. The display has bled so I can't tell Tuner/AUX/etc. So I end up double checking pressing on input switches.

I've done normal maintenance, deoxit on switches but no operational issue.

VERY satisfied. And if someone ask why I'm not using the 770, the 750 got installed first!
 
I've owned a PMA 920 for several years, and keep it as a back up, for my back up. It's not really a bad amp, and does put out plenty of power, but it's not quite as detailed as others I have owned. It would work well for rock. Not so much for jazz/classical (which is what I mainly listen to).
 
I bought a 700v in 1991 and still have it although it is not currently in rotation. It is very well made and has required no repairs. The phono selector which activates a slider on the phono board (I guess) does require periodic deoxit.

I agree with Rickb that the sound is not the most detailed but this could be dependent on turntable, speakers etc.
 
The only Denon I have ever owned was a PMA-700ae, it was a nice amp but after that purchased Marantz PM 7003 and it was more detailed. Now I have a Pioneer A-717 and I want a vintage Pioneer and maybe one of these Denons because overall my experience with the little Denon amp wasn't bad and everyone tells me that I need power for my HPM-700 speakers.
 
I had the 700Vs big brother the 900V and it's little brother the 500V, Both well built, good sounding amps The 900v was an absolute beast. I actually ran it for a while on a 2.4 Ohm load. It took it in stride and never complained. I run a 757 in my workshop, great sounding amp.
 
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I knew a guy who had plenty of choices that used a Denon integrated in his best system. I don't know the model but it looked early '90s to me. He preferred it over over a recapped Sansui G-9000 and the C-80/M-80 Yamaha stack he kept in reserve.
 
For now, I'm thinking for a Pioneer SA 606 or 608 combo with a deck or tuner. And for the other amp I think I want the PMA 700v. I can find a 900v too but the 700v is around 150 Euro and the 900v is 250 euro. And I think that 20 watts doesn't worth 100 euro more :)
 
I have a Denon pma920, honestly I find it plenty detailed, neutral and plenty powerful. It's well built and is dead quiet. I couldn't recommend it enough to be honest but I'm prob a little biased. Mine is fully restored with additional heatsinking new relays updated filter caps etc
 
Old thread. Running a 980 R for two years now with Totem Mani 2's. Sounds great to me.....the phono stage is fine.

And it sounds great with Jazz or Classical.
 
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