Denon PMA-1700NE silver

The PMA-1700NE represents the culmination of 110 years of audio expertise at Denon. This 70-watt-per-channel integrated amplifier combines a UHC-MOS transistor architecture, a high-resolution converter, and a compartmentalized construction in six distinct blocks. Designed for music lovers seeking natural and detailed sound reproduction, it incorporates cutting-edge technologies while maintaining an analog approach to control and listening.

Architecture and Design: Six Blocks for Maximum Purity

The chassis features a modular construction with six independent blocks: input circuits, phono equalizer, volume control, digital-to-analog converter, amplification circuits, and power supply. This physical segmentation drastically limits electromagnetic interference.

The unit measures 434 × 135 × 410 mm and weighs 17.6 kg. The brushed gray aluminum chassis sports a minimalist design, dominated by large rotary knobs. An OLED display shows essential information, while LEDs indicate the status of main functions. High-density ABS resin feet contribute to mechanical isolation, absorbing external vibrations while preventing the transmission of internal vibrations from the transformers.

UHC-MOS Technology: Power and Finesse Reconciled

The amplification circuit uses UHC-MOS (Ultra High Current) transistors in a single push-pull configuration. These transistors offer two to three times the current capacity of conventional transistors, with instantaneous current reaching 120 amperes.

This architecture ensures a total harmonic distortion of only 0.01% at rated power. The bandwidth extends up to 100 kHz, allowing faithful reproduction of upper harmonics. The single push-pull circuit eliminates amplification variations, with each channel having its own independent circuit. Matched FET transistors at the input automatically compensate for temperature variations, maintaining consistent performance.

Digital Conversion and AL32 Processing: Mastering High Resolution

The Texas Instruments PCM1795 converter supports PCM signals up to 32 bits/384 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. The proprietary Advanced AL32 Processing Plus converts all data to 32 bits, then applies a sophisticated interpolation algorithm that reconstructs information lost during sampling.

The dedicated master clock ensures temporally precise conversion. The asynchronous USB mode decouples the DAC’s clock from that of the source computer, eliminating jitter. A full isolator on the USB-B input suppresses any electrical noise.

Connectivity and Versatility: All Sources Within Reach

Four analog RCA inputs include a switchable MM/MC phono input (2.5 mV/47 kΩ for MM, 200 μV/100 Ω for MC). The digital section includes two optical and one coaxial input (192 kHz/24 bits), plus a USB-B input for computers.

The Pre Ext input allows the PMA-1700NE to be used as a pure power amplifier. Outputs include two pairs of gold-plated binding posts allowing bi-wiring. A front-panel headphone output automatically mutes the speakers. A REC output enables analog recording.

Analog Mode and Controls: The Best of Both Worlds

Analog mode offers two levels: mode 1 disables the digital circuits, while mode 2 also turns off the OLED display for maximum isolation. Controls use electronic circuits (Muses 72323 potentiometer for volume) while retaining the traditional mechanical feel.

Tone controls (bass at 100 Hz ±8 dB, treble at 10 kHz ±8 dB) can be bypassed via the Source Direct function. The RC-1249 remote controls all functions, including those of compatible Denon players. The TV Auto-play function automatically detects an incoming digital signal.

Evolution and Improvements: From PMA-1600NE to PMA-1700NE

The PMA-1700NE improves on its predecessor with an optimized UHC-MOS circuit and a completely redesigned digital section. The new model reaches 384 kHz/32 bits via USB (compared to 192 kHz/24 bits) and adds native DSD support. The PCM1795 DAC replaces the previous converter.

The addition of the Power Amp Direct input increases versatility. Critical audio components are sourced from the anniversary models PMA-A110 and PMA-SX1 Limited Edition, ensuring an audible improvement in transparency and dynamics.

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

• Output Power
  • 70 W + 70 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.07%)
  • 140 W + 140 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01% (rated output: -3 dB), 8 Ω, 1 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio
  • PHONO (MM): 89 dB
  • PHONO (MC): 74 dB
  • CD: 107 dB

Input Sensitivities

• Phono
  • MM: 2.5 mV, 47 kΩ
  • MC: 200 μV, 100 Ω
• CD, LINE, RECORDER: 125 mV, 19 kΩ
• Power Amplifier: 0.85 V, 47 kΩ (PRE. EXT.)

Analog Audio Circuit

• Amplification Circuit: new simple UHC-MOS push-pull circuit
• Variable gain preamplifier (operational amplifier)
• Bass, treble, and balance controls
• Source direct
• Analog amplifier mode

Digital Section

• Digital-to-Analog Converter: PCM1795
• Digital Processing: Advanced AL32 Processing Plus
• Master clock design for digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
• Asynchronous mode (USB-B input)
• USB Compatibility
  • PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 bits
  • DSD audio stream (DoP) up to 11.2 MHz

Connectivity

• 1 phono input (MM / MC)
• 4 analog inputs (including phono)
• 1 recording output (RCA)
• 2 optical inputs (up to 192 kHz / 24 bits)
• 1 coaxial input (up to 192 kHz / 24 bits)
• 1 headphone output
• Gold-plated speaker terminals
• USB B (USB digital-to-analog converter) 1 (rear)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 434 × 135 × 410 mm
• Weight: 17.6 kg
• RC-1249 remote control with control port