Denon PMA-600NE
Entry-class Class AB integrated with Bluetooth, 192 kHz/24-bit DAC and MM phono. Third-party measurements place SINAD around the mid-60s to ~70 dB; cheaper setups can match its functions for less.
Overview
The Denon PMA-600NE is a 2-channel integrated amplifier rated at 45 W/ch into 8 Ω (20 Hz–20 kHz, THD 0.07%) and 70 W/ch into 4 Ω (1 kHz, THD 0.7%). It includes two optical and one coaxial digital inputs feeding a 192 kHz/24-bit DAC, Bluetooth reception (SBC/AAC), an MM phono stage, headphone jack, subwoofer out, and an Analog Mode that disables digital circuitry. It targets first-system users who want TV/BT, DAC, and phono in one box. [2][3][4]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Independent benches report SINAD in the mid-60s to ~70 dB on the line-in path depending on settings, below common transparency targets for electronics (≈90 dB). Manufacturer specs show THD 0.02%, S/N (line) 105 dB, and S/N (phono) 84 dB; power delivery matches catalog ratings (45 W/8 Ω, 70 W/4 Ω). Overall fidelity is modest but serviceable, warranting a midpoint score. [1][2][4]
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Conventional Class AB with Denon’s AHC single push-pull output stage, micro-processor stop/Analog Mode, and a TI PCM5141 DAC. Bluetooth covers SBC/AAC. I/O is complete for its tier, but measured results lag current top performers. [2][3]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Typical US price is 599 USD. A cheaper, function-equivalent route is SMSL AO300 (integrated DAC/BT/headphone/sub-out/remote) plus Fosi BOX X1 (MM phono). Current street totals about 328.99 USD (AO300 289 USD, BOX X1 39.99 USD). This combo preserves the same user-visible features and—per maker specs and available reviews—does not undercut the PMA-600NE’s measured headroom. Hence a middle CP score. [2][5][6][7]
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Broad distribution and service coverage; a major US retailer lists 3-year parts/labor warranty for this model. No systemic failure patterns are widely reported. [8]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]Denon emphasizes traditional analog niceties (AHC, Analog Mode), yet end-to-end measured fidelity sits well below transparent targets while multiple lower-cost paths offer equal functions. The design is coherent, but not compelling on metrics-first grounds. [1][2]
Advice
If you value measurements and wallet efficiency, AO300 + BOX X1 is the sensible buy. Prefer a single-brand chassis with built-in DAC/phono from a mainstream name? Yamaha A-S301 is a practical alternate (Bluetooth can be added via a small receiver). If you specifically want Denon ergonomics and aesthetics, the PMA-600NE is usable, but it is not the technical pick in 2025. [5][7][9]
References
[1] Audio Science Review – “Denon PMA-600NE Integrated Amplifier Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/denon-pma-600ne-integrated-amplifier-review.49510/
[2] Denon (US) product page – PMA-600NE (specs incl. PCM5141, price), https://www.denon.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/pma-600ne/137281-new.html
[3] Denon WEB Manual (EU) – PMA-600NE Specifications (Bluetooth SBC/AAC listed), https://manuals.denon.com/PMA600NE/EU/EN/OBAOSYxljoeltq.php
[4] Denon Owner’s Manual (EN PDF), https://www.denon.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-denon_northamerica_shared/default/dwe3954be2/downloads/pma-600ne-owners-manual-en.pdf
[5] AOSHIDA (US) – SMSL AO300 price/availability, https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-ao300
[6] SMSL (official) – AO300 product page, https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/848.html
[7] Fosi Audio (official) – BOX X1 product page (price), https://fosiaudio.com/products/fosi-audio-box-x1-phono-preamp-mm-turntable-preamplifer-with-3-5mm-aux-rca-output
[8] Crutchfield – PMA-600NE page (lists 3-year warranty), https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033PMA600/Denon-PMA-600NE.html
[9] B&H – Yamaha A-S301 product page (typical price reference), https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1079920-REG/yamaha_a_s301bl_integrated_amplifier_black.html
(2025.8.16)