Review! The Denon PMA800NE Integrated Amplifier.

An affordable integrated amp that's all about balance, power, and aural versatility.
Intro Music by: Ten Towers - Lottery
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The Denon PMA800NE Product Page
usa.denon.com/us/product/hifi...
Headphone Output Power: 72mW / 32ohms
DAC Chipset: Burr Brown 192kHz/24 Bit
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Associated Equipment used in the Review
Mistral Audio BOW A-2 (speakers)
Harbeth P3ESR (speakers)
Buchardt Audio S300 (speakers)
ELAC Debut B6.2 (speakers)
Klipsch R51m (speakers)
AMR CD-777 SE (CD-player)
Heed Abacus (DAC)

[@andrewweis5857]

This is a really helpful review particularly the assessment about the balanced sound, thank you.

[@irwanshahabdullah9663]

Keep up the great videos. Really enjoying your reviews.

[@airmangirard]

I have no intention of buying this amp but whoa, I have to thank you Z for introducing me to Ten Towers, the music of the intro. Great guitar piece!!

[@williammay8413]

I like the pros and cons on a review, good job 👍

[@mnyshrpknvs]

I've been a Denon Fan for decades. I sold it, along with Adcom, Rotel, Bryston and Yamaha back in the 90s and early 2000s. I have a Denon PMA 2000R that is running some Dynaudio Audience 72SEs. I have used it to power my Dynaudio Focus 160s as well, with stellar results.

[@DarrenPersad]

Really appreciate this review - plenty of relevant information with some nice, subjective thoughts mixed in to let us understand where it stands for you and in real world use. Super excited to delve into Denon products!

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Great work as usual man! That is a sharp looking unit, and looks like good build. I like the back panel, plenty of inputs, and nice layout. Thanks for the "under the hood" look. I like that isolation for the digital circuitry. I looks like it has some really decent internal components, especially for the price point. I have used Denon AVR's for years, and have always had a great experience with them. Thanks for this video, and have a great one man!

[@cameronkrause4712]

I really like your view on the tone controls-sometimes they just do the trick

[@mauricecanham687]

Great review Sean. I love your channel. I'd be grateful to hear a review of the Denon pma 1600ne (next model up), since it contains within it a USB DAC (handy to connect direct to a laptop) as well as an on board phono stage.

[@THE16THPHANTOM]

gave you thumbs up for actually describing what is meant by balance. now i just need to know what do they mean by warm sound, and what is meant by neutral sound. imaging.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

In my book imagining is the placement of the individual instruments in the sound stage of the speaker. The more defined in space the better. Warm is a full tube like sound. People mistake it with bass. It's not. Neutral has no color added in and is Analytical and is best for the recording studio. This is all my views, after decades of listening to music and it's like describing color...

[@itamarkas]

Thanks for sharing. I like Denon products, great natural sound and always give good fight to competitors.

[@itamarkas]

@Bumble Bee Less birght and warm than others.

[@itamarkas]

​@Bumble Bee Enjoy music men :~D

[@deputy3690]

This Denon matches great with my Klipsch RP-600Ms! Thanks ZF!

[@Whitemoon379]

Might go with set up selling my old onkyo Polk audio set up, thanks to stimulus check!

[@thedirtydutchman9749]

Great review brother I paired it with 8000f sounds great for a newbie audiophile like myself

[@SpikeoutBattleStreet]

Awesome review! The thing you talked about pure mode and poor recordings is what I also have experienced with my Onkyo A9030 amplifier. Your channel deserves more attentions, more views and more subscribers.👍

[@Dankzzz]

Hi Zero, do you think this Denon 50watts is enough for a Mission LX 3 floorstander?

[@pfcoop1]

That unit reminds me of my first small Arcam integrated amp. Love it. Great entry level!

[@NewPSCity]

Wonder if this amp will sound good on a pair of Definitive Technology Demand 9 bookshelf speakers? Thanks for the review!

[@wharrgarblstudios]

I have seen one of these units on sale and I must admit, I’m very tempted to go and give it a listen.

[@krenkson]

I can confirm.. I own Denon PMA-720ae and its a great one. Sound is very balanced and natural comparing to the others.

[@autoaudio2912]

This paired good with my infinity sl-50. Very happy with purchase.

[@draytondavant]

What was the piano music just before the “final thoughts”?

[@Kibwunga]

replaced Onkyo Integra M504 and P304 that were starting to age. Deftech Studiomonitor 350s and Energy C2s with a deftech sub, and I am blown away. It punches above its weight and sounds great.

[@blagoyspasov8266]

Could you please name the model of Denon you've heard, that was not imported in the US?

[@TheHardstyle22]

im curious witch denon eu model u mean that you liked so much . do you mean the denon pma-720ae ? i wanna pear it up with the jamo s803 but i realy wanna maintain the boosted character .will the marantz better for that?

[@4CardsMan]

I have a pair of vintage KLH 17's. Would this be a good match?

[@suncity22001]

with so many rough recordings l, bass and treble controls are invaluable.

[@Edcarpenter67]

Can you please tell me which amp would be a better match with PSB Alpha T20 speakers, the Denon or the Marantz? Thanks.

[@mariocastro2643]

Great video ! Yamaha receiver RS700 ? Came out a few years ago. Any opinion on this one ?

[@iiiiii1449]

Would this have enough power for wharfedale diamond 10.7 towers?

[@Ebbiize]

i am looking for an amplifier for my record player (pro-ject debut carbon esprit dc hg). Would you recommend the Denon PMA800NE?

[@82ivaylo]

Excellent review!

[@mariosupa4027]

Great review as usual Sean UR Da man ! Your boy Ron never got back to me on my questions on the Parasound Intergrated. Obviously I still bought it and I'm enjoying it quite a bit even without the S400s I believe it was a great investment and will match up well once they arrive. Just for anyone interested including you I hooked up my iMac to the Hint 6 via the usb input and the built in ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC ES9018K2M is pretty sweet. It accepts up to 32 bit 384kHz native DSD & DoP I'm loving my digital library. This bit of info no pun intended on the dac hadn't been reviewed to my knowledge. I was not aware of the Dac's performance. I don't believe Ron in his review of the previous model did a critique in the DAC section. Enough of my rambling, have great day kid and I'm so glad you're back on the job all better. Peace yo.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Hey man. I'm glad you're digging on the HINT 6! :D Can't wait for you to pair it up to those S400s. :)

[@rockfella27]

I like Denon sound signature. Distinctive and not harsh.

[@jameslpurdy4852]

Does it have a tape loop monitor so u can hookup a 24 band eq ?

[@adaboy4z]

I have 1981 Bang and Olufsen Beovox S80 would one of these amps be a good match?

[@PauZakArtist]

why the grill part on top is a bit different? what's up with that? a hint please?

[@patricelarochelle7295]

How does it compare to the iotavx integrated amplifier?

[@willmac5642]

The matching streamer dac looks like a steal too. classic BB dac and decent price

[@user-ws4ph9en5f]

Good evening from greece to all of you. To which marantz does this amplifier compare to? Is it Better than 5005 from marantz? Sorry for a silly question

[@tomsandberg2949]

So you say in the video you are going to write the power from headamp in text below, is there somthing i miss, do anybody know the output on the headphone amp?

[@rishoo007]

Hey, I am looking to have ELAC Debut 6.2, and need an integrated amp for it. Eyeing Marantz PM6006 or the Denon PMA 600NE, or any other option under 600USD. I hope you can help, which would be better. I hear a lot of progressive rock and jazz. Thanks

[@antoniobarca8229]

My "pure direct button" on the remote control does not work, does it work for you?

[@zemun755]

How would compare/preferred between Cambridge axr100 vs denon pma 800ne? I have focal chora 826 for music listening only! I would highly appreciate your input!

[@rcpdox11]

In one word, I found the Denon to be Mature. Aged like fine wine. For reasons of conflict I settled for the Avr-x3500h as it sounded very close to 800 in 2 channel pure direct mode. Great review as always. Keep up the great work.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I like the way you put it. Mature. It's not trying to impress anyone because it doesn't have to. It's confident and sure-footed in it's approach to sound reproduction.

[@maxrider2887]

I agree with you

[@McgarickWAstate]

Do you think this would mate well, with the Lsi m703's??

[@sulkeysworld2355]

Looking for an integrated amp to match my brand new Martin Logan motion 20s. Looking to spend around $800. The music source will be Spotify from laptop/phone and a CD player. Any suggestions?

[@user-ws4ph9en5f]

How about a combo of triangle br03 with either marantz or denon? Which one is the best combo in your opinion?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Looks like I totally skipped over the digital section of this integrated amp. Oops. Info can be found in the description box.

[@HarshKumar-ts9mu]

How does it compares to PM5005 ?

[@wiebl5266]

I don't think people noticed, or if they did, it bothered them. so relax. You should not aim for the Marant PM-6006, you should hope for the PM-8006. I was eyeing if for 5 mths.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@HarshKumar-ts9mu Don't know how the digital section compares to one another as I never tested it out. For an overall impression of both pieces however... check out the end of the video.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@wiebl5266 I'm completely relaxed. :) Appreciate the suggestion.

[@musicman8270]

Burr Brown, have one in my P5, extremely musical, a very good DAC indeed, all that is old is new again with this DAC

[@wa2368]

How do these compare to the Yamaha A-S801 homey? What is the primary sonic difference between the Denon and Yamaha? (for someone who's always been a Yamaha man)

[@fhaquuu]

nice amp. it's good to see the wattage compared to some of the lower offerings in integrated amps being released in N.A. these days. seems like all the MFGs are omitting line out, pre out or sub out on most equipment.. Not sure why the engineers don't include these.. Would like to see Onkyo A-9150 review and how it stacks up ..

[@Panslapper]

I know with Denon that matching the amp with a good pair of floorstanders negates the need for a sub but for you guys with bookshelves it can be a pain.

[@meletisstavridis3125]

Hi, beautiful video, analytic review and easy to follow for a common music lover. I would like to ask your opinion, for 500$ what you would u suggest a second hand Rotel RA1520(silver) or brand new denon pm800? (Speakers: b&w 602 s2)...music preference rock metal, mostly. Format vinyl and Cds. Thank you

[@superpeca]

Hi audio freaks, I am looking at treating myself to Klipsch RP600m bookshelves and pondering what stereo amplifier to pair it with... Any suggestions for under 600 USD/EUR ? All options appreciated!

[@tamalika2095]

I have Logitech z906. Will I get significantly better sound from PC if I install this Denon ?

[@Dontdalla]

Hi, can you do a review on the Technics SU - V40 amplifier? I know it's an old amplifier, but I am interested to hear your opinion on it. Thanks.

[@gbuzz1245]

Are you using car Jumper cables for speaker wires into hay intro? Certainly looks like it

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

We should start to see more and more subwoofers (like the svs ones) coming with high level input, so you will get the speaker amps coloring and send it to the subwoofer aswell.

[@tealtonerick6345]

Please explain why warmth in the mid-range from an iron core transformer??

[@Lee.G1]

Hello everyone, I have bought the denon pma-800ne and dcd-800ne a while ago. But i wonder if i can connect the denon pma-800ne (amplifier) to the denon dra-800ne ( AV receiver)? Ps: I have little knowledge of all this

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Thanks for this. Would love your take Dennon's high-end PMA-SX11.

[@nc3419]

I'd be interested in a comparison against an Audiolab 6000A.

[@angelheart7643]

This one, PMA 700AE or Marantz PM 66 KI in terms of sound - together with my Dali Oberon 3 speakers and modded Marantz CD 63 mkii KI Signature CD player. Or are they expected to be both too weak for the KI ? Would not buy a actual Denon because they were sold to a cheapo company. Thanks for your input

[@snobi76]

Hi. Any chance that you (or anyone here) could comment how this pma800 sounds compared to avr-x4400h ?

[@aiCorner]

I am new to the audioholic bar. Just wondering how Marantz would sound with JBL speakers (A170, Studio590...etc.)? Any one have experience and help me to choose the pair?

[@wiebl5266]

The balance and flat sounding description... well that helped me to decide. Many people like warm sounds, but when a person's speaker is warm, that it's going to be a mismatch. What is not clear is the soundstage of this piece as well as the clarity and openness. I'm happy to know that you like tone controls; that's my main criteria for a good preamp of integrated amp. Not all music comes in perfect recording, and if you can't adjust it to your taste after spending $$$ or if you have to get a hernia unplugging and replugging in different speakers and gears... Sigh it's really an anti-climax and frankly very very tedious. And again, thank you Sean so much for doing what you do. You are dangerous, your mention of the Onkyo - well, it's on it's way to my home. One of my trips to the U.S. well, I hope I can route it to your home - one day.

[@ZeroFidelity]

You bring up a good point regarding clarity and openness. This is a very tricky thing for me to navigate because it all hinges on your personal reference points. For example, if you are new to this hobby, then a full-featured integrated like this one may showcase information that you never knew existed! It'll sound ridiculously clear! However, if you're somebody who has owned tons of integrated amps, then you'll likely notice that full-featured integrated amps rarely sound as open and as clear as a more-simple, purpose-built audiophile solution. I outright mentioned that in the review, but I suppose I could have done a better job of adding context. But meh, covering all bases would require scripted videos, and I'm not about that life. :D

[@wiebl5266]

thank sean for explaining. are you referring to the Vista Spark more simple purpose built audiophile solution - for the clarity and openness?

[@jeanpierresnyman652]

@@ZeroFidelity All solid state amps sound exactly the same, as long as it's not being pushed to the point of distortion. This is a widespread misconception that amplifiers have sound characteristics when in reality there is none. Hundreds of blind AB tests have been conducted, and countless measurements. A good few decades ago some amplifiers had different methods of gaining the signal, and as a result some sounded pretty bad. But these days 99% of all solid state amp companies use tried and tested amplifier designs. There's no difference in sound between a $1000 100watt amp and a $100,000 100 watt amp.

[@ZeroFidelity]

​@@jeanpierresnyman652 I wish I could co-sign on that thought. My experiences however, which include numerous true blind A/B/C testing, has always concluded resulted in the opposite of what you just said. That's fine. It's just hi-fi. People are free to enjoy whatever they gear they like and to spend their money as they see fit.

[@jeanpierresnyman652]

@@ZeroFidelity True, everyone can believe in what they want, but that doesn't mean some people won't critisize. Sorry if I sound full of it, but you are in a shrinking community of people who still believe amplifiers have sound signatures. Hopefully youtube won't filter this comment but heres a link to thread I posted. You can read some of the links in the comments: www.reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile/comments/af5xlq/do_entry_level_amps_really_sound_any_different/?

[@gmerwe1048]

Great review! I've had both Pm5005 and Denon720ae. The Marantz sounded thin, to much treble and no warmth. Denon sounds just great, similar to the what is being said about the 800ne

[@dm95422]

The 720AE was a great amp. It had a loudness button. The current 800 does not.

[@manFromPeterborough]

@@dm95422 loudness button is a big NO, it causes midrange bump @65% vol setting

[@filipog4]

@@dm95422 I have Denon PMA-720AE since over 2 years. I love it! It's my best amplifier, but I has so much more expensive. Denon is amazing, I love this amp. Probably I change it for 800NE. It's good idea?

[@bienramos7587]

I have 720AE it's more power than marantz even though same wattage the 9:00 o'clock volume of 720AE is equivalent to 12:00 o'clock on marantz..

[@Deeky76]

@@dm95422 Good amplifiers don't need or use loudness buttons.

[@PeterMilanovski]

Where is it made? And is anything on the face of it made of plastic and feel like it's going to break off when you touch it? Does it have tape inputs? Does it have loop through for a graphic equaliser? Hifi was meant to colour the sound, if it wasn't then all systems would sound the same and we both know that they don't.

[@Gioxtream]

HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE THIS ONE WITH THE MARANTZ 8006????

[@andreassouth1523]

What is the capacitance of the capacitors ??I think it's good to know.

[@elmenomaronido6653]

can you review the new cheaper model ? pma 600 ne $399

[@DW-ue3fs]

I just got the Denon PMA 1600ne which l like alot. I had the Cambridge cxa81 for a week and the treble was too forward for me. This Denon sounds so much better in sound,looks and the DAC is better for connecting TuneIn music from my TV thru the optical port then the Cxa81.

[@cameronkrause4712]

i have had the denon pma 1600ne for about a week- it's not even close to being broken in and it sounds fantastic!

[@awdadwadwad1723]

I had Yama AS2100, Denon PMA1600 and Cambridge 851a, my dad has Marantz 8006 and Denon sounds the nicest! I use it in in my bedroom.

[@twenty4seven368]

Also had the 1600ne. Very rich sounding.

[@stucorbishley]

I went audio shopping with a friend of mine who wanted something nice, but not blow the bank.. We settled on this amp's less featured sibling (same power stage sans the digital input) with the Klipsch RP-600M.. Tbh I didn't know you could get that good a sound for the money.. Great review!

[@clapped_globe2368]

Which one?

[@stucorbishley]

@@clapped_globe2368 it was the Denon PMA-520AE iirc

[@edduffy9366]

Can you connect a subwoofer into this integrated amp? Thanks sir.

[@buttonman1831]

One of the important questions I would want to know about the amplifier comparison is how to they image in respect to each other? Transparency? Tonal characteristics are definitely important, but the comparison is just a bit of an incomplete picture.

[@steviesteve750]

What was the Denon amp you heard in Europe that wasn't imported??? I've just bought a used PMA-725R that's definitely more punchy than the similarly priced NADs of the day eg C340

[@Badassvidsz]

Nice series . i own the DCD-720AE CD player . Denon ....nice brand .

[@flyfisher1649]

Good review....I am waiting on my new PMA 600NE....same Amp...just a little less power...55WPC 6ohms. which I'm going to pair with some ELAC debut 2.0 / 6.2 speakers

[@alessandroparma6297]

i have it, and i'm in love with it. paired to my ELAC 6.2 debut sound really nice . i use also with it my sennheiser HD660s and it sound really warm, precisely and good without any fatigue.

[@siddharthadutta6373]

@@alessandroparma6297 I really wanted to try out the combination you have of Elac 6.2 and Denon PMA 600...I want to use the pair for my turntable....There were some reviews which told that Elac 6.2 needs raw power to get the best output. Is Denon able to drive your Elac's especially in the low range?

[@twenty4seven368]

Had the 1600ne and it matched very well with the Totem Hawks. A+ combination. It really matches well with the speakers compared to my Hegel H160.

[@Panslapper]

I have found that too, Denon being probably one of the easiest brands to match with anything.

[@danieloherrick6332]

Hope you review the Denon PMA-A110 amp . Thanks

[@msgillingham]

I have a monster Denon PMA 1080R its fabulous never thought of upgrading it. It has a great Phono stage MM/MC and sounds wonderful with A Denon 103R, rest of my system Ariston RD11S with an Infinity Black widow tonearm with damping through the Denon cart mentioned a fully restored Denon DCD 1420 Cd, and last but not least, Three way DIY open baffles speakers. All components have dedicated power cords and Furutech iec sockets. Speaker cable Transparent the wave 200. Pure Heaven. Did you try the phono stage on the 800ne? Great vid by the way.

[@kyrobbins8696]

How does it pair with old klipsch?

[@kylekemp4776]

I paired my PMA800NE to a pair of Maggies LRS (with subwoofer). I love the sound in an apartment, but my neighbors may disagree. This is my entry level setup while saving for a "real system". Enjoy the music-- NOT the Gear!

[@Dankzzz]

Hi Zero, do you know if this Denon 50watt is enough for Mission LX3 floorstander on minus plus 12 o clock 0 desibel?

[@dm95422]

From all the reviews I've read...YES !

[@mikegoddard7354]

the question that comes to my mind is how much better or is it worth the jump from the 600, it's twice the price, right?

[@Syregren]

marantz pm6006 has noise on optical ports when volume is above 40%, tons of ppl with same issue.

[@savanpanchal451]

Looking to buy integrated amp. What is your opinion on Peachtree?

[@meutubedou]

“Let’s be Honest here” 😂😂 I hope so... Great thoughts as usual.. Thanks,, love my Denon 5803 & oldie but goody DVD 955 (2950),, especially when the 955 is hooked up to Ray Samuels Raptor & HD 800’s.. The WoW factor 👍 Best2You...

[@IKB2023]

Yamaha as501 or denon pma800ne + Dali zensor 5 ? Thanks

[@dc2prashant]

Can I use this amplifier with KEF R11

[@olaniyi570]

I wish Denon would import its bigger amps to the U.S. Such as the PMA-2500NE and up.

[@michaelboyce3619]

Can you attach a sub to this amp?

[@royaustin5022]

Could you review the new Denon DRA-800H receiver to see how it stacks up to the Denon PMA800NE integrated amp.

[@tomsandberg2949]

Yes be so kind to do so, and i really want to know how god the Dac is as well as the headamp !

[@meikollekschn6470]

I have the amp and it runs with the kef q300 speakers. The sound is fine and the features are all there. I paid 340 € and for the price its a good deal.

[@hello_leandro]

Wonderfully complete and pragmatic review. Thx a lot! I am deciding between this Denon and Yamaha S701 and your channel is being very useful. I couldn’t avoid to ask you, which one would be your personal choice to power a BW 685 bookshelf speaker?

[@brunoklapper]

Very helpful video!! Thanks!! Which of these speakers would you choose to pair with denon pma800? Klipsch RP-600M or KEF Q350

[@dajikbatarang1]

Great review! Did you have anytime to assess the quality of the digital portion this amp?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sadly, I did not. However, I am familiar with the Burr Brown DAC that they use. In short: Much like the sound of the PMA 800 NE, this chipset doesn't give you a whole lot of aural fireworks. What it gives you is a balanced, slightly warm presentation that makes for easy listening.

[@erics.4113]

Heard the little brother pma600 on Polk legend l200 and it was great match if you're into the sound. I'm not sure it's for me, but I have klipsch rp600m and rp280f floorstanders that I'm struggling to pair with a Cambridge and a NAD that are possibly too bright for those speakers. The denon would probably fit perfectly in a lot of respects, I just hope I don't give up too much of the separation in the highs that the klipsch can do well.

[@patrickrutledge8347]

Do you know if there is an USB input? When I checked the specs online for this model it mentioned 1 x USB, but I don't see that here in this review. Any idea?

[@BradReid]

Nope, no USB input.

[@universerc7045]

Denon PMA-800NE or Yamaha as501 ? What better ?

[@moto-rambler]

Thx for the review. Looks like a good little unit but no ethernet jack = deal breaker for me.

[@michaelphillippi4676]

Good review.

[@robertculp9189]

Of the Denon and Marantz integrateds you compared at the end, which would you recommend for a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 220 loudspeakers?

[@tasoss.1385]

I have the older pms-720ae paired with a dad-600ne and the 220. As this reviewer said if you are listening to a good recording on pure analog on the cd side and source direct on the amp side you will be surprised. Great combo. Neutral sound with great mids and highs and adequate bass as we are talking about the 220. Unfortunately there is no sub out unless you are willing to use the subwoofers crossover.In worse productions you will have to play with the tone controls.