The Denon PMA-1700NE integrated amplifier is a slightly improved version of the previous model, with similar functionality. The device has a recognizable design with a curved aluminum front panel, in the center of which there is a large volume control knob, and to the left of it are tone controls in the bass and treble areas, as well as stereo balance.
The functional diagram is divided into six separate blocks – to best eliminate their influence on each other, and therefore the associated sound distortion. Accordingly, the chassis is made of 1 mm steel plates. They protect electrical circuits from vibration and eliminate mutual interference between individual functional blocks. The fastenings of the power transformer, radiators and block walls are made of acoustically inert ABS plastic. The power supply uses two separate network transformers (W-shaped). The final amplifiers are made of discrete elements. The output stage is assembled using a push-pull circuit using high-current output UHC MOS transistors. Groups of transistors of the “left” and “right” channels are mounted on separate radiator pads.
The PMA-1700NE amplifier has three line inputs and one output to which you can connect a recording device. The device also has a built-in high-quality phono stage for MM/MC pickups, as well as a digital-to-analog converter with support for the latest HD formats. The latter is equipped with USB (for PC), two optical and coaxial inputs, while via USB it is possible to receive a PCM signal (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD up to 11.2 MHz). The DAC is made using DAC Master Clock Design jitter-reducing technology, and to protect against noise that can be generated by a connected PC, a special isolation circuit is provided for the USB input. The luminescent indicator on the front panel of the amplifier shows the selected input, as well as the parameters of the digital input signal.
Another “feature” – a built-in MM/MC pickup – is dedicated to vinyl fans. Special respect to the developers for the option to supply a signal bypassing the timbre block, as well as the Analog Mode function for completely disabling all digital circuits (when working with an analog source). These “audiophile” modes are activated by separate buttons.
To control external devices, the rear panel of the PMA-1700NE has an IR input and output, and the acoustics are connected to custom screw terminals, spaced apart for ease of connection over a considerable distance. The amplifier provides functions for direct signal supply, bypassing additional circuits, as well as switching to analog operating mode to disable all digital circuits. The PMA-1700NE delivers up to 140 W per channel into a 4 ohm load and is capable of forming the basis of a high-end Hi-Fi system with a wide variety of signal sources.
Denon PMA-1700NE specifications:
Output power 2 x 70 W (8 Ohms), 2 x 140 W (4 Ohms)
Frequency range 10 Hz – 70000 Hz
Signal-to-noise ratio 108 dB (line input), 74 dB (MS), 89 dB (MM)
Harmonic distortion less than 0.01% (power amplifier)
Tone control +/- 8 dB (100 Hz, 10 kHz)
Inputs MM/MC pickup, 3 line, USB-B, 2 optical, coaxial, IR
Options USB PCM (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz), DSD (up to 11.2 MHz)
Outputs for recording, headphones, 2 speakers, remote
Technologies Advanced AL32 Processing Plus, DAC Master Clock Design
Direct signal supply yes
Ability to disable digital circuits yes
Tone control +/- 8 dB (100 Hz, 10 kHz)
MC input sensitivity/impedance 0.2 mV / 100 Ohm
MM input sensitivity/impedance 2 mV / 47 kOhm
Line input sensitivity/impedance 125 mV / 45 kOhm
Power consumption 295 W / 0.2 W (Standby)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 434 x 135 x 410 mm
Weight 17.6 kg
