Denon PMA-3000NE silver

Denon PMA-3000NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The PMA-3000NE features a design that is both classic and modern, staying true to Denon’s aesthetic. Its robust aluminum chassis, with an impressive thickness, ensures excellent rigidity and minimizes unwanted vibrations. The brushed aluminum front panel, available in black or silver finish, is understated and elegant. The main controls, such as the source selector and volume knob, are crafted from machined metal, providing a sense of quality and precision with every interaction.

The interior of the device reveals equally meticulous construction. Components are optimally arranged to minimize interference. Notable are the two oversized toroidal transformers, ensuring stable and ample power supply. The printed circuit board tracks are made of thick copper to guarantee maximum conductivity. Every detail has been carefully considered to deliver the best possible sound performance.

Generous Power for All Speakers

At the heart of the PMA-3000NE is its amplification stage, capable of delivering 80 W per channel at 8 Ω and 160 W at 4 Ω. This generous power allows it to effortlessly drive most speakers, even the most demanding models. The amplifier employs a UHC-MOS (Ultra High Current - Metal Oxide Semiconductor) push-pull topology combined with a two-stage differential circuit. This configuration ensures excellent linearity and precise speaker control.

The PMA-3000NE’s high current capacity allows it to maintain its power even with challenging loads. It can reproduce the most dynamic musical passages without compression or audible distortion. This power reserve translates into a wide soundstage and fast, precise transient reproduction.

High-Performance Digital Section

While analog is at the core of its design, the PMA-3000NE also incorporates a high-quality digital section. Its digital-to-analog converter (DAC) uses Denon’s proprietary Ultra AL32 Processing technology. This sophisticated system performs upsampling and interpolation of audio data to recreate a waveform as close as possible to the original signal.

The DAC supports PCM formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as DSD up to 11.2 MHz. Digital inputs include three optical ports, one coaxial input, and an asynchronous USB-B port. The latter allows direct connection to a computer for uncompromised high-resolution audio playback.

Versatile Phono Preamplifier

Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the PMA-3000NE’s built-in phono preamplifier. Compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, it offers great flexibility. The phono circuit has been carefully designed to extract maximum detail from vinyl grooves while preserving musicality.

The high-gain design and “simple and direct” circuit minimize distortion and background noise. The result is a pure and detailed reproduction of analog recordings, respecting their characteristic warmth and dynamics. Music lovers can rediscover their record collections in a whole new light.

Thoughtful Audiophile Features

The PMA-3000NE includes several features designed to optimize listening quality. The “Analog Mode” completely disables digital circuits when not in use, eliminating any potential interference. The “Source Direct” function bypasses tone controls for the most direct signal path possible.

The amplifier also features a high-precision electronic volume control. While digitally managed, it retains the tactile feel of a traditional analog potentiometer. This approach combines the best of both worlds: digital precision and analog ergonomics.

Comprehensive Connectivity for All Sources

The rear panel of the PMA-3000NE offers extensive connectivity to accommodate numerous sources. In addition to the aforementioned digital inputs, there are three analog line inputs, a phono input, and a dedicated input for an external preamplifier. Two pairs of speaker terminals allow for bi-wiring or the connection of two pairs of speakers.

A preamplifier output enables the PMA-3000NE to be used as a standalone preamp, offering the possibility of future system upgrades. Finally, a front-panel headphone jack completes the setup for individual listening.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Power amplification circuit: new single-stage push-pull UHC-MOS circuit
• Preamplifier circuit
• Bass, treble, midrange, and balance control
• Direct source
• Analog amplification mode (front panel button)

Performance

• Output power:
  • 80 W + 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.07%)
  • 160 W + 160 W (4 Ω, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.01% (rated power: -3 dB), 8 Ω, 1 kHz
• Phono input sensitivity:
  • Moving Magnet (MM): 2.5 mV / 47 kΩ
  • Moving Coil (MC): 200 µV / 100 Ω
• Input sensitivity:
  • CD, line, recorder: 135 mV / 19 kΩ
  • Power amplifier: 0.9 V / 47 kΩ (external preamp)
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • Phono (MM): 89 dB
  • Phono (MC): 74 dB
  • CD: 107 dB

Connectivity

• 4 analog RCA inputs (1 MM/MC)
• 3 optical digital inputs (192 kHz / 24-bit)
• 1 coaxial digital input (192 kHz / 24-bit)
• 1 USB port (type B)
• 1 RCA output (recording)
• 1 preamp input
• 1 infrared (IR) input
• 1 infrared (IR) output
• 1 6.35 mm headphone jack output (front panel)
• Gold-plated speaker terminals

USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (USB DAC)

• USB B port (rear)
• PCM sampling frequency: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit
• DSD audio playback (DoP): up to 11.2 MHz

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 434 × 182 × 443 mm
• Weight: 24.6 kg
• Standby power consumption:
  • 0.2 W (auto TV playback off)
  • 0.4 W (auto TV playback on)
• RC-1249 remote control with bus terminal