Denon PMA-3000NE: Uncompromising analog stereo amplifier

The Denon PMA-3000NE designed for dedicated audiophiles, offers exceptional performance for both analog and digital music sources....

Denon PMA-3000NE Integrated amplifier
Denon PMA-3000NE Integrated amplifier

The PMA-3000NE is a robust analog stereo amplifier designed for audiophiles, capable of effortlessly driving even the most challenging speakers with exceptional sound quality. While its specifications of 2 x 80 watts may not seem impressive at first glance, the substantial power reserves allow it to handle a wide range of audio tasks with remarkable finesse. At first glance, the PMA-3000NE bears a resemblance to its predecessor, the PMA-2500NE. However, it incorporates several advanced technical features derived from Denon’s premium anniversary model, the PMA-A110, often in enhanced forms. Notable features include dual transformers, Ultra AL32 Processing, highly accurate digitally controlled volume adjustment, and four integrated audiophile-grade D/A converters, all contributing to the outstanding performance of this exceptional stereo amplifier.

Denon PMA-3000NE
Denon PMA-3000NE

Superb sound from both analogue and digital sound sources

The PMA-3000NE delivers a musical, natural, and rich sound that is essential for many analog aficionados. Additionally, it features several digital audio inputs and offers a level of finesse and detail that rivals many high-end digital and Class D options. For vinyl enthusiasts, there is a high-quality turntable input compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. The front panel is elegantly crafted from aluminum, ensuring that its visual appeal matches its impressive audio performance. For those seeking streaming capabilities or HDMI audio from a television, the Denon DNP-2000NE music streamer is worth considering. This device, housed in a separate cabinet and fully shielded from critical audio circuits, provides all the modern features you may wish to integrate with the PMA-3000NE. The PMA-3000NE includes digital audio inputs via coaxial, optical, and USB, allowing it to function as an exceptional D/A converter (DAC) with 32-bit audio upsampling for all your digital sound sources, such as a CD player or a wireless streaming solution.

Denon’s proprietary HEOS system is an ideal match for the amplifier, offering seamless control and outstanding sound quality. Through the asynchronous USB input, the PMA-3000NE enables crystal-clear digital playback of your music library from a PC or Mac, supporting high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz. In summary, it provides a sound quality from all your digital music sources that exceeds expectations, eliminating the need for an external DAC and its accompanying cables. An advanced and exclusive version of Denon’s renowned UHC-MOS single push-pull circuit endows the PMA-3000NE with remarkable power capabilities. It can deliver peak currents of up to 210 amps without compromising sound quality. You will quickly realize that its 80 watts can produce sound that rivals what others require three-digit power ratings to achieve.

Denon PMA-3000NE
Denon PMA-3000NE

Armed with this impressive power, the PMA-3000NE can be seamlessly paired with a wide range of high-fidelity speakers available today, delivering exceptional sound quality. Even the most challenging and power-hungry models can be driven with remarkable clarity, allowing you the freedom to discover the perfect speaker configuration that aligns with your personal preferences.

Stable structure

In contrast to the more compact Denon amplifiers, the PMA-3000NE boasts a robust construction, weighing nearly 25 kilograms. This substantial weight enhances the stability of its electrical components, resulting in superior sound quality. The strength of this design is evident in the durable aluminum panels flanking the cabinet, along with a larger chassis that accommodates two transformers, each capable of powering a less ambitious amplifier. The top and bottom plates feature a sturdy sandwich design made from 1.6 mm thick steel, while the transformers are suspended in a “floating” manner using various vibration-damping materials to eliminate mechanical disturbances. Additionally, the heat sinks are constructed with varying material thicknesses to effectively suppress any residual resonance.

Completely separated sections for maximum sound quality

The PMA-3000NE features six individually shielded blocks, each equipped with distinct power stages for its two channels. This design minimizes any potential interference among the power supply, pre-amplifier, and power amplifier components. Denon’s innovative LC system (Leakage Cancelling) employs dual transformers and parallel power supplies to effectively cancel out mutual radiation phases. All internal wiring is constructed from OFC copper to ensure optimal performance. The tone controls and the oversized volume control are managed digitally, yet they provide the tactile experience of traditional rotary knobs. Thanks to its high precision and robust construction, the volume control plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistently stable stereo image, ensuring that channel separation and detail remain intact, even at low listening levels. For those using analog music sources, there is an option to disable all digital circuits to prevent any potential high-frequency noise interference (Analog mode). Additionally, the Source Direct feature allows for the audio signal to bypass the tone controls entirely.

Denon PMA-3000NE back panel
Denon PMA-3000NE back panel

Hi-Res Audio

The PMA-3000NE is designed to handle high-resolution audio files, supporting formats up to 24-bit/192kHz through its optical and coaxial inputs, and even reaching 32-bit/384kHz via the USB input located at the rear. Its asynchronous technology enhances the “clock” during USB data transfer from a PC, effectively minimizing jitter noise, which can lead to digital distortion. This feature ensures an exceptional listening experience, whether you are enjoying standard or high-resolution music. Several streaming platforms, such as TIDAL Max, Qobuz, and Roon, already offer music in high-definition quality. The PMA-3000NE allows you to fully capitalize on your high-resolution audio, especially when streamed through a HEOS music streamer.

Denon PMA-3000NE
Denon PMA-3000NE

Ultra AL32 Processing and 32-bit upsampling for outstanding sound quality

The PMA-3000NE features Denon’s proprietary 32-bit Ultra AL32 Processing technology, which up-samples all audio signals to a complete 32-bit resolution prior to further processing. This significant enhancement in resolution results in greatly improved detail and accuracy, extending both within and beyond the audible spectrum. Additionally, the crucial D/A converters operate at 32-bit as well.

For those seeking the highest quality in both stereo and surround sound, the innovative EXT.PRE function, also known as Power Amp Direct, is an excellent option. If your surround receiver features a Pre-Out output, you can connect a cable from it to the PMA-3000NE, allowing it to serve as a power amplifier for your front speakers during surround sound playback. When you switch back to sources like a CD player or music streamer, you will enjoy a premium stereo experience. This setup enables you to maintain a surround system for multi-channel audio when watching films, while still prioritizing high-quality two-channel music.

It’s a straightforward and elegant solution, easily managed with the press of a button. The robust speaker terminals are designed for bi-wiring, accommodating even the most powerful cables, or you can connect an additional pair of speakers. Additionally, you will find a rare, high-quality discrete MM/MC turntable input. The incorporation of low-noise FETs in the initial stage, along with a dedicated power supply, ensures that your record player delivers exceptional sound quality.