for more info on our Reviewer info, patreon, and personal interest in our reviews: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/ Also check out a video about... A look inside ! What makes Hegel amplifiers sound so good? Hegel H120 & Hegel H190 amplifier review: ua-cam.com/video/BmCYGsH4yBM/v-deo.html
Finally someone gives DENON the respect it deserves! Thanks Jay👍 Been following your channel since the beginning and appreciate the work you put into it. Respect from Mumbai India 🍻
Like you I believe that a CD/SACD played on a premium/high-end Japanese machine is always such a rewarding experience. Great video! I like you super professional work because you are not following trends but believe in your own and extensive experience, this is the way.
@@dontcare563 Just because vinyl out sells cd doesn't mean cd is going out of style. They have been saying that for the last 20 years. Trust me cd is not going anywhere. It's just the less popular of media formats now
@@charlesludwig9173 It was just in the news recently and in fact I think I saw it in my Stereophile Magazine. Use Google and look it up yourself. Its a fact!
@@thunderbird66613 OK, if you say so. Streaming will completely overtake it and at some point it won't be worth it to the companies to make CD players or CD's because it won't be profitable! Believe what you want!
Great review. You keep getting better. Now get you hands on a PMA-SX11 or SX1. ; ) These Denons are Luxman and Accuphase killers at half the cost - and direct competitors in Japan I believe.
I used to want a lush, syrupy smooth sound, but I've realized I prefer a spacious, detailed, almost grainy sound (like film grain)...but not cold or thin. I discovered that rolling tubes.
I have had mine for about 10 days now. Still looking for a streamer to go with it. I echo your views on the beauty of these components. And wow they are solid (read heavy). Have not listened to any records yet, just CDs. I love it. Highly recommended.
@@Skyshakerrrr they got some amazing measurements posted on a review site online... Super Low Distortion across the audio band. And the DAC had -120db sinad rating.
I just got my 110th integrated today, I get my dcd 110th anniversary tomorrow and my dynaudio 40's speakers tomorrow 🙌 . I hope for good articulated and wide sound with details highs .
@@Skyshakerrrr I don't think you will be disappointed, post the last 4 digits of your serial number, i am number 6. I have the special 40s as well, but not hooked up to the 110 amp. They sound great for the money, hard to beat. Good luck and enjoy!
Trevor Cook im not posting my serial numbers but, but what I will say it's wow I got my money's worth it sounds 7500 or 8000 perhaps for 6500 no complaints here. Specially those special 40's are delivering 👌.
Great review, Jay, thanks. If I ever change my amp or CD player, these will be on my shortlist. The principles are very similar to the Musical Fidelity gear I use now, that is to say, no added artificial effects to the sound, short signal paths, huge current capability. However, the component choice and build quality is even higher. Long live the CD!
While I'm sure I can't afford the new Denon this review will have me searching the vintage stores for some of the older products to give me a taste of what the brand can offer . Thanks for that review.
I bought a well-refurbished 1990s Denon PMA-1060 amplifier to drive my new Wharfedale Lintons. Got amplifier + Lintons + stands for just 1350 euros. Marvelous sound. Completely rediscovering my CD collection.
I have the Denon PMA-2000R with the matching CD player DCD-1450AR. This set is no joke and easy beat modern setups. Find that combination and you will be happy - I am sure of that !.
Those options sound exciting. I'm running several amp set ups mostly 60s gear. Scott208 w/ a Mitsubishi Pre. Sony TA1150D. Kenwood Ka6000. Have mostly home brew open baffles. And have some nice yamaha TTs. My CD gear is lacking. Just running some near generic CD players. These Denon options sound like they'll do the trick! Thanks!
Hi Jay. Thanks for reviewing . I run two systems in my room . I was tempted by this Denon amplifier myself but I knew I would want the Cd player as well and out of my price range. Also I still have my Denon Pma 1510 Amplifier & Cd Player ( In Black) and still performs very well. The Denon took a long time to burn in . For my money I recently purchased Leak Stereo 130 Amplifier Cdt Transport with Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers which all in is still £1000 less than the Denon amplifier itself . Still burning in but already sounding good. I wouldn't be surprised if you keep it. I salute anyone who buys it & I just know its one of the few items you could buy without audtioning.
I have an old PMA-2000R and midrange tonallity is spot on. It has a very nice flow and homogenous feel in its precentation. I have not tested but I have a feeling it will improve with better cables. It is not as well isolated internally as other brands.
I just love the classic looks of amps like this. in contrast to more modern looking amps like Naim or Hegel, this will never go out of fashion; And i'm actually looking for a used Denon integrated to go with my LS50 right now, the high current circuitry should be a very nice match.
Seeing a lot more passionate expression in this one. Interesting review / perspective. I feel the idea of heritage and longevity of a successful brand like Denon ..and their level of dedication to performance. Would be fantastic to hear what you hear .. =)
Since it is an SACD player, you need to play some. This will take the sound to a different level. Since you seem to like Dire Straits, try their JDM (SACD layer only, green disc for better sound quality) albums. Roughly 60 bucks each. Very well worth it.
There’s a reason a company stays with something for many years. Denons AL system really works! It’s good! Even back when it came out. It makes cds sound analog and brings out details.
Damn it Jay, you just stepped up your guys videography again....I love the shot progressions after your intro, really nicely done. CD's are not going away anytime soon with great videos like this. I fell in love with my Denon DVD3930CI. Cheers man, keep it up!
Refreshing to see an honest and excellent review of a proper CD player. Thanks from London. We are tired of streaming low quality sound. We prefer CD and SACD. Thanks 👌 The sound is better and you know that.
Jay never answered questions about how this Denon compares to Hegel H190 (we know that he knows Hegel amplifiers well). This again may mean that there is a significant difference between them, but it is not appropriate to state it.
Our first CD player was a Denon (sorry, the model number is lost in the depths of time and glitchy memory). We bought it in 1989 (when Denon was 'only' a 79-year-old company). We had auditioned 5 different players in our $400 - $500 price range in brick and mortar shops in our area, we agreed that it was the 'nicest' sounding unit of the lot, which also included NAD, Phillips, Sony, and Pioneer (or Kenwood?, see above). My wife was not an audiophile, but her trained ears as a professional speech/language pathologist as well as being an amateur pianist were more golden than mine.
Jay, that was a great review. I purchased the PMA-A110 based mainly on your review. That sound it generates is extremely clean and lively. I also agreed with your comment about playing music from a CD vs a PC. I ripped the same CD using dBPoweramp to a FLAC file. When I played back the same CD using my DCD-1600NE through the digital coaxial to the PMA-A110, the music sounded much fuller than the same song streaming from the PC. Can you explain why?
cdp has less noise in most cases compare to pc. less noise create fuller sound. and every cdp sounds different even they are played through digital out due to pickups and internal power managements and etc...
I have the 100 year anniversary combo. Not as good as this combo im sure but still very very good. Denon has the longest break in period of any japanese brand I've ever owned. However, once its broken in, it sounds amazing. Wish I had the bread to buy this combo.
CDs are amazing. I just bought “Classic Hauser” on CD, FLAC, LP, and Apple Music download. The CD is indistinguishable from the 24/96 FLAC download but a lot less expensive plus it does not load up my hard drive.
I guess that with CDs (and vinyl) one actually OWNS the music, and putting it in the player is a bit of a ritual. This is certainly a factor. I use streaming to find new material, and if I really like something, I still buy the CD.
I've never liked how FLAC sounds when played back in real time..... I've noticed "timing artifacts" (correlated jitter?) that has strange effects, such as attenuation of a singer's or musician's "vibrato"..... (If you play back FLAC, convert it to WAV first, then play it back.)
I recently bought a Denon pma2020, the last model without Dac. Dac was installed in the Cd Player. From what I read and told on the denon group pl. Models from Dac. I recommend checking it out.
Denon have a SACD/CD above this unit called the DCD-SX1 using even more refined parts and I am trying to work out how I can buy one as I’m located in the UK and only sold in Japan. This unit also has a USB and digital inputs so it can be used as a DAC if you have PCM and DSD files on a hard drive.
At this moment I use the predesessor, the PMA-2000IV with the ATC SCM 19's. They are a beautifull match. In the past I used the KEF LS50 with and they were a good match also.
I have always loved Denon products from when I was a Denon Dealer in London. Sadly it's beyond my budget now or I would buy the Amp & SACD player and a pair of AH-D9200 headphones to go with it. Perhaps Denon should have made a pair of 110 edition headphones and a cabinet to house it all.
' Denon' - "Nippon Columbia" once the Columbia Record Company's division and distributor of Columbia Records in Japan. Like "the former" JVC - Japan Victor Company; did the same for RCA Records. The more important similarities for "us". They BOTH had some of the Biggest & Best R & D divisions in All of Audio ! Now the JVC , is at best; just a shadow of It's former self. Only Luxman & Denon, have survived, to Carry On.
I was supposed to buy the 2500 but now with the anniversary edition, confused which to get. Great review on dcd btw. Its so hard to get a good review on both of these amp. Really glad with this review, my decision now is final on the denon. I am more into streaming. Need just a quick advice should I go for the 2500NE since not into CD. More power to your channel bro.
I own the 2500NE and have used it since 2016. I love the presentation, it is lush, big and musical. The dac inside is good as well. First I had a Chord Hugo 2 connected to the 2500NE but the internal dac is good enough so that i really dont miss the Hugo 2 after I sold it. I think Jay is right in this review, Denon integrates there DACs well with the there amplifiers.
@@johnlg2209 Hi John, may I ask which speakers you have paired with your system? I’m considering purchasing the 2500NE as I can get it at a very good price. Thanks
@@connoisseurm103 Right now I use it with Buchardt s300 mk2 SE but I have also used it with Dali rubicon 5. Both times the result was really good. The presentation is romantic but not overly so. Its Big, bold and beautiful. What speakers will you use with it?
@@johnlg2209 Thanks for your reply. I was considering Focal Aria 948. How would you describe the sound when paired with the Ribicon's? Also, what made you settle on the Buchardt speakers? I was seriously considering the A500 recently.
@@connoisseurm103 The sound of the rubicon and s300 are both warm in character with a large soundstage but overall the buchardts are better in every way. It was a gamble, I switched the rubicon for the s300 with a guy (with some money inbetween). I wanted to try a pair of buchardts to see if they were as good as people say they are. I am glad I did and they are a great pairing with the denon!
Hey Jay congratulations! You found something more expensive than audio equipment!!! I play violin I picked it up again a few years back after 38 years I played all through high school and college. Wait till your girlfriend starts looking at better instruments and better bows I feel for you man. Your audio buying days are over. And I agree, once you know what a violin sounds like it's difficult buying audio equipment. It's terribly difficult to find something that sounds good/real at soft volume levels. In order to do that I find I must blast my wife out of the room when the orchestra gets loud again. One other point, this past summer I replaced my Denon PMA750 (80wpc integrated amp from 1983 it still worked fine I "Deoxit" every so often) with a Naim Nait XS3. I do have a soft spot for Denon.
@@urbz6712 I do it often. I put the model I am interested in on Hifi Shark and wait...just bought a pair of Alta Audio IO speakers at half their going price - awesome speakers.
Jay, in 1982 or 83 I was an early adopter for the CD format. Pure magic. The Sony/Philips CDP-101 was HEAVY and EXPENSIVE. I borrowed money to buy the thing. Did I mention pure magic? It still works and still lives in my home. I stream but I find streaming frustrating because there is so much low quality content available; much of it unlistenable.
Superb review as usual. It's annoying you have to buy the DAC twice if you go for this combo. It's hard to imagine anyone going for the CD without the amp though of course v/s is true so the DAC belongs in the amp. I wonder whether they considered a transport only? (Note this is the route Leak have taken with their new combo) In fact - given both the popularity and necessity of separate DAC's, plus the plethora of DAC's in amps I wonder whether we might even see a resurgence of transports?
I do stream but I will never give up vinyl and cd because they spund great and this is the only way our kids can learn something about the music. My collection stays with my kids.
Hello Jason I bought a Denon pma1600ne ,connected with smsl do200 dac but can’t sound good . No bass sound like flat ( like led tv speakers sounds. No bass mean 20-100hz no punch can’t heair speakers Polk signature s60.
The A110 looks surprisingly similar to my PMA 2000AE internally, even though the devil is obviously in the details. By the way, when Sony and Philips were working together on creating the CD format Philips opted for a 60 minutes long disc. Norio Ohga, president of Sony at the time, realized that a 60 minutes disc would not be enough for the longest known recording of the Beethoven Ninth Symphony, which was 74 minutes, and the rest is history. I still have my CD collection even though i am using an external hard drive to play music now.
@@babagandu I don't agree. I own the PMA-1600NE and bought it hearing online that people weren't impressed with the DAC. I've got a Schiit Bifrost 2 and A/Bing between the on board DAC and the Schiit, I barely hear a difference. Do you actually own the amp or are you just relaying opinions you've heard online?
@@2791dles I own it, PMA-2010AE, POA-A1 also. I used the DVD-A1UD playing WAVs from SD card, using DragonFly 1.2, and USB & optical into the PMA-1600NE. The DVD-A1UD sounded the best, then the DragonFly 1.2.
@@babagandu how are you connecting the DVD-A1UD to amp? Just with RCA interconnect? And how are you connecting the Dragonfly to the amp out of curiosity
@@2791dles yes using L+R RCA out from DVD-A1UD and the amp in Analog Amp Mode. Using Chord RCA. Also using Pure Direct mode on DVD-A1UD. From the DrognFly using AudioQuest 3.5-->RCA. Amp also in Analog Amp mode.
great review, young connoisseur of sound or simply Bruce Lee of audio world, thinking to upgrade my yamaha as801 to denon pma1600ne or denon pma2500n for wharfedale evo4.4 and kef r300, will it be a good choice
Prasad you will not regret the upgrade. I switched from the A S801 to a Denon PMA 1510 AE.... it was a revelation! Miles ahead of the Yamaha sound. I had bought the Yamaha brand new but was always missing something..... sold it for a second hand Denon and I don’t regret it one bit. I still remember the huge grin on my face when I played the first track on the Denon ! The difference was night and day for me! Go ahead and pull the trigger.... join the club🍻
@@Xanadu1510AE Also all Denon PMA amps have a single pair output device only .As constantly emphasized Denon Japan website this is valuable to deliver good sound
Great job, the best! I’ve been waiting for this one. I bought the pma a100 and dcd a100 used less than a year ago for 3k. Similar but this newer model is more beautiful w/o a doubt. I only listen to LPs and CDs because that’s what I own a lot of from more than 40 years of buying music. I use it with a Technics 1500c and Denon 301mk2 MC cartridge and a Nagaoka MP200 MM cartridge both excellent, the Denon is more real sounding but the Nagaoka has noticeably clearer bass. MC once heard hard to go back. Give away the Ortofon Red it comes with, only good at reproducing surface noise. The same remote on both units is awesome as you say. I leave them on standby .3 watts. Speakers are the Canton Vento reference 7. One thing that makes a huge positive difference is to switch off the lights and digital out on the CD player. It still briefly shows the track# if you switch tracks. I don’t like the loss of transparency with the tone controls so I never use them. Easier to move my short backed chair up a little or back to balance the sound. They definitely are well crafted and built for the long haul and give pride of ownership if you don’t mind the size and weight. Hard to go wrong with high end Japanese equipment. Keep up the informative well done reviews and thank you.
In my “nothing but vinyl” days of the early 70s, we would call that pamphlet info the “liner notes.” I’m glad to read their equivalent on Qobuz streaming. But while I was thrilled to dump my mid-fi vinyl for mid-fi CD, and I’m convinced I can differentiate AAC from CD quality, I’m less sure about the benefit of higher Rez. So a $ grand for a CD player is starting to look reasonable to me as I tiptoe towards hi-end audio gear.
Looks nice man, i just bought a denon dcd600ne cd player running through a quality hand built amp and it sounds absolutely amazing , what do you think of this model Jay, Regards Colin
@Jayiyagi I am currently on the cross road between buying pma-a110 (pre-owned) or Primare i25(new) which come to about the same price. Based on your experience, would you lean towards the a110 or rather the Primare? Ultimately, is the Denon pma-a110 something you keep/would keep for yourself? Thank you in advance!
That Brothers in arms CD is an insanely high quality recording. Mark Knopfler really cares about audio quality. It was the first thing I reached for to hear my new speakers. All the way back in the early 80s we got better quality than all this compressed mush they dish out these days.
Hi Jay! At the end of the video you said that there may be other budget alternatives that can compete at this sound. Would you mind sharing what these would be?
Hi! Thank you for the review. I have the preamp/power amp combo Pioneer c73/m73 from the Urushi series in the 90s. I was wondering if the a110 or the 2500ne will drive and sound better with my Focal Aria 948 and one svs sb-1000 pro sub. Moderate auditions. I also have the Pioneer PD-73 cd player and I’m tempted to change it with the dcd-110, mostly for the sacd part. Does the dcd-110 sounds better than the PD-73 when it comes to cds? Or the 2500ne? Or should I stick with what I have a go for hybrid sacds? Thank you!
Love them capacitors I love that brand name capacitor Nichicon. I use that brand to rebuild a 2270 Marantz it was expensive but it was worth it also have a Yamaha DSPA1 I changed two main capacitors it look like beer cans laying sideways you really can’t see how big those aren’t you get inside and it had that same brand name and it was expensive to replace those I could use blue capacitors but that brand just is worth the extra money .
Ok. I get that you’re young, but I have to chuckle at the veneration for CDs. 🤣 I reverted back to vinyl LPs, and have that same feeling for records. I only stream for casual listening. Thank you for the review. I can’t justify $3k for a CD player, but the $3.5k for an amp might be feasible.
Can you tell me what the bookshelf speaker is on your right? Did you review it? It looks very interesting. If you want to blow your mind, listen to Storm Warning from Bob James Restless CD. I only have this on CD and I am still amazed how clear and dynamic it sounds.
for more info on our Reviewer info, patreon, and personal interest in our reviews: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/
Also check out a video about...
A look inside ! What makes Hegel amplifiers sound so good? Hegel H120 & Hegel H190 amplifier review:
ua-cam.com/video/BmCYGsH4yBM/v-deo.html
Would this have enough juice to drive the Gershman Studios you reviewed?
Hi Jay, love the review on this amp, question how would it go with the tekton 2 ohm Pendragon???
Finally someone gives DENON the respect it deserves! Thanks Jay👍
Been following your channel since the beginning and appreciate the work you put into it. Respect from Mumbai India 🍻
Like you I believe that a CD/SACD played on a premium/high-end Japanese machine is always such a rewarding experience. Great video! I like you super professional work because you are not following trends but believe in your own and extensive experience, this is the way.
I trust nbts reviews highly regarded for sure.
I love Denon products. That remote, so beautiful....
That’s the nicest remote I’ve ever seen.
Great review, as always.
The fact that these audio companies are still making cd players tells me that the cd is still alive and in demand
Actually no! This year the demand for Vinyl exceeded the demand for CD's. CD's are going away I guarantee!
@@dontcare563 Just because vinyl out sells cd doesn't mean cd is going out of style. They have been saying that for the last 20 years. Trust me cd is not going anywhere. It's just the less popular of media formats now
@@dontcare563 let’s see that stat.
@@charlesludwig9173 It was just in the news recently and in fact I think I saw it in my Stereophile Magazine. Use Google and look it up yourself. Its a fact!
@@thunderbird66613 OK, if you say so. Streaming will completely overtake it and at some point it won't be worth it to the companies to make CD players or CD's because it won't be profitable! Believe what you want!
that's the most powerful review I ever heard,Salute!
The like is for your passion and story telling.... oh and the production quality! Nice hard work!
I'd have expected bit more juice from the amp but have fond memories of the Denon integrated I had in the 90s. Always been good value for the $.
Great review. You keep getting better. Now get you hands on a PMA-SX11 or SX1. ; ) These Denons are Luxman and Accuphase killers at half the cost - and direct competitors in Japan I believe.
Your into and music were some of the best b-roll I've ever seen! Good job with this video!
I used to want a lush, syrupy smooth sound, but I've realized I prefer a spacious, detailed, almost grainy sound (like film grain)...but not cold or thin. I discovered that rolling tubes.
I have had mine for about 10 days now. Still looking for a streamer to go with it. I echo your views on the beauty of these components. And wow they are solid (read heavy). Have not listened to any records yet, just CDs. I love it. Highly recommended.
Those 110th cd and integrated are built like a tank or Armor vehicle quality for 👍 👍 sure.
@@Skyshakerrrr they got some amazing measurements posted on a review site online... Super Low Distortion across the audio band. And the DAC had -120db sinad rating.
I just got my 110th integrated today,
I get my dcd 110th anniversary tomorrow and my dynaudio 40's speakers tomorrow 🙌 . I hope for good articulated and wide sound with details highs .
@@Skyshakerrrr I don't think you will be disappointed, post the last 4 digits of your serial number, i am number 6. I have the special 40s as well, but not hooked up to the 110 amp. They sound great for the money, hard to beat. Good luck and enjoy!
Trevor Cook im not posting my serial numbers but, but what I will say it's wow I got my money's worth it sounds 7500 or 8000 perhaps for 6500 no complaints here. Specially those special 40's are delivering 👌.
Great review, Jay, thanks. If I ever change my amp or CD player, these will be on my shortlist. The principles are very similar to the Musical Fidelity gear I use now, that is to say, no added artificial effects to the sound, short signal paths, huge current capability. However, the component choice and build quality is even higher. Long live the CD!
Been a fan of Denon since their AVR-3300 and 5700.
This pair of components makes me drool. Gorgeous.
While I'm sure I can't afford the new Denon this review will have me searching the vintage stores for some of the older products to give me a taste of what the brand can offer . Thanks for that review.
If you want a very good Denon SACD/CD player you can buy a 3910 very cheap today.
@@VinceWatches will check that out! Thanks!
I bought a well-refurbished 1990s Denon PMA-1060 amplifier to drive my new Wharfedale Lintons. Got amplifier + Lintons + stands for just 1350 euros. Marvelous sound. Completely rediscovering my CD collection.
I have the Denon PMA-2000R with the matching CD player DCD-1450AR. This set is no joke and easy beat modern setups. Find that combination and you will be happy - I am sure of that !.
Those options sound exciting. I'm running several amp set ups mostly 60s gear. Scott208 w/ a Mitsubishi Pre. Sony TA1150D. Kenwood Ka6000. Have mostly home brew open baffles. And have some nice yamaha TTs. My CD gear is lacking. Just running some near generic CD players. These Denon options sound like they'll do the trick! Thanks!
Great review Jay, you're really pumping out content and we love it! Hope it's not too hectic for you. Cheers
I love all my over 10.000 CDs and there sounds better than streaming (...with my gear!).
Strongly agree...me too love my collections..specially hi-bit, said, dsd recordings...sweet...😊
Hi Jay. Thanks for reviewing . I run two systems in my room . I was tempted by this Denon amplifier myself but I knew I would want the Cd player as well and out of my price range. Also I still have my Denon Pma 1510 Amplifier & Cd Player ( In Black) and still performs very well. The Denon took a long time to burn in . For my money I recently purchased Leak Stereo 130 Amplifier Cdt Transport with Wharfdale Linton Heritage speakers which all in is still £1000 less than the Denon amplifier itself . Still burning in but already sounding good. I wouldn't be surprised if you keep it. I salute anyone who buys it & I just know its one of the few items you could buy without audtioning.
I bought it a few years ago
And it's robust sounding.
I have an old PMA-2000R and midrange tonallity is spot on. It has a very nice flow and homogenous feel in its precentation.
I have not tested but I have a feeling it will improve with better cables. It is not as well isolated internally as other brands.
just bought pma-a110.. this is a real high-end amplifier. WoW!!!!!
Me too very happy camper.
Nice! I just ordered one. How would you describe the sound?
Holographic, detailed, and crisp.
I need more cd player review from you... thx for all the videos
I just love the classic looks of amps like this. in contrast to more modern looking amps like Naim or Hegel, this will never go out of fashion;
And i'm actually looking for a used Denon integrated to go with my LS50 right now, the high current circuitry should be a very nice match.
Great work! The 4K video looks really smooth!
This is a strong review! Not that surprising given Denons know how and history but surprising given the price point of that Integrated!
Seeing a lot more passionate expression in this one. Interesting review / perspective. I feel the idea of heritage and longevity of a successful brand like Denon ..and their level of dedication to performance. Would be fantastic to hear what you hear .. =)
The review that I was waiting for
Nice videography on the review. Nice little story at the start as well.
Since it is an SACD player, you need to play some. This will take the sound to a different level. Since you seem to like Dire Straits, try their JDM (SACD layer only, green disc for better sound quality) albums. Roughly 60 bucks each. Very well worth it.
Good video you Are becoming better at these videos. Your english is also easy to understand now.
There’s a reason a company stays with something for many years. Denons AL system really works! It’s good! Even back when it came out. It makes cds sound analog and brings out details.
An amplifier that Isn't an empty box, has a nice Dac bult in, and is made in Japan! Where do i sign up.
Damn it Jay, you just stepped up your guys videography again....I love the shot progressions after your intro, really nicely done. CD's are not going away anytime soon with great videos like this. I fell in love with my Denon DVD3930CI. Cheers man, keep it up!
These two units are definitely on my list.
Get them. They don't disappoint.
Refreshing to see an honest and excellent review of a proper CD player.
Thanks from London.
We are tired of streaming low quality sound. We prefer CD and SACD.
Thanks 👌
The sound is better and you know that.
Cd player is too bright
Jay never answered questions about how this Denon compares to Hegel H190 (we know that he knows Hegel amplifiers well). This again may mean that there is a significant difference between them, but it is not appropriate to state it.
Our first CD player was a Denon (sorry, the model number is lost in the depths of time and glitchy memory). We bought it in 1989 (when Denon was 'only' a 79-year-old company). We had auditioned 5 different players in our $400 - $500 price range in brick and mortar shops in our area, we agreed that it was the 'nicest' sounding unit of the lot, which also included NAD, Phillips, Sony, and Pioneer (or Kenwood?, see above). My wife was not an audiophile, but her trained ears as a professional speech/language pathologist as well as being an amateur pianist were more golden than mine.
your very best review- you almost look as if you are in shock. This must really be a great amp.
Jay, that was a great review. I purchased the PMA-A110 based mainly on your review. That sound it generates is extremely clean and lively. I also agreed with your comment about playing music from a CD vs a PC. I ripped the same CD using dBPoweramp to a FLAC file. When I played back the same CD using my DCD-1600NE through the digital coaxial to the PMA-A110, the music sounded much fuller than the same song streaming from the PC. Can you explain why?
cdp has less noise in most cases compare to pc. less noise create fuller sound. and every cdp sounds different even they are played through digital out due to pickups and internal power managements and etc...
Did you manage to integrate a sub without preamp out?
@@AlexDavidChristian Yes I did. I connected the sub to the speaker outputs. Many people said that is a better option than using LFE line.
Clean, yes, but analytical and too bright. It’s only good for dark sounding speakers. My ears were hurting from listening to this pos cd player
That improved sound likely caused by amp's high end quad DACs.
I love mine too!
Wished we could get the high end models in the west, great review.
I have the 100 year anniversary combo. Not as good as this combo im sure but still very very good. Denon has the longest break in period of any japanese brand I've ever owned. However, once its broken in, it sounds amazing. Wish I had the bread to buy this combo.
CDs are amazing. I just bought “Classic Hauser” on CD, FLAC, LP, and Apple Music download. The CD is indistinguishable from the 24/96 FLAC download but a lot less expensive plus it does not load up my hard drive.
I guess that with CDs (and vinyl) one actually OWNS the music, and putting it in the player is a bit of a ritual. This is certainly a factor. I use streaming to find new material, and if I really like something, I still buy the CD.
I've never liked how FLAC sounds when played back in real time..... I've noticed "timing artifacts" (correlated jitter?) that has strange effects, such as attenuation of a singer's or musician's "vibrato"..... (If you play back FLAC, convert it to WAV first, then play it back.)
I recently bought a Denon pma2020, the last model without Dac. Dac was installed in the Cd Player. From what I read and told on the denon group pl. Models from Dac. I recommend checking it out.
Denon have a SACD/CD above this unit called the DCD-SX1 using even more refined parts and I am trying to work out how I can buy one as I’m located in the UK and only sold in Japan. This unit also has a USB and digital inputs so it can be used as a DAC if you have PCM and DSD files on a hard drive.
Same here, if I could buy DCD and PMA premium, I would do it right away...
I don't get it why won't export it...such a shame
It’s a legendary status amp. Majorly underrated and limited run on them too
Due to your review, I bought the amp. I am very pleased. Better than my Marantz 40n Amp. Holographic sound.
Now I bought that CD player also!😆
@@DesertbikerAZlucky you😊what speakers?
Denon builds top notch equipment!
just found this looking at amplifiers..Your nostalgia for CD's is similar to mine for Vinyl.
At this moment I use the predesessor, the PMA-2000IV with the ATC SCM 19's. They are a beautifull match. In the past I used the KEF LS50 with and they were a good match also.
Is really the powe enough for the atc's $
I have always loved Denon products from when I was a Denon Dealer in London.
Sadly it's beyond my budget now or I would buy the Amp & SACD player and a pair of AH-D9200 headphones to go with it.
Perhaps Denon should have made a pair of 110 edition headphones and a cabinet to house it all.
' Denon' - "Nippon Columbia" once the Columbia Record Company's division and distributor of Columbia Records in Japan. Like "the former" JVC - Japan Victor Company; did the same for RCA Records. The more important similarities for "us". They BOTH had some of the Biggest & Best R & D divisions in All of Audio ! Now the JVC , is at best; just a shadow of It's former self. Only Luxman & Denon, have survived, to Carry On.
I was supposed to buy the 2500 but now with the anniversary edition, confused which to get. Great review on dcd btw. Its so hard to get a good review on both of these amp. Really glad with this review, my decision now is final on the denon. I am more into streaming. Need just a quick advice should I go for the 2500NE since not into CD. More power to your channel bro.
I own the 2500NE and have used it since 2016. I love the presentation, it is lush, big and musical. The dac inside is good as well. First I had a Chord Hugo 2 connected to the 2500NE but the internal dac is good enough so that i really dont miss the Hugo 2 after I sold it. I think Jay is right in this review, Denon integrates there DACs well with the there amplifiers.
@@johnlg2209 Hi John, may I ask which speakers you have paired with your system? I’m considering purchasing the 2500NE as I can get it at a very good price. Thanks
@@connoisseurm103 Right now I use it with Buchardt s300 mk2 SE but I have also used it with Dali rubicon 5. Both times the result was really good. The presentation is romantic but not overly so. Its Big, bold and beautiful. What speakers will you use with it?
@@johnlg2209 Thanks for your reply. I was considering Focal Aria 948. How would you describe the sound when paired with the Ribicon's? Also, what made you settle on the Buchardt speakers? I was seriously considering the A500 recently.
@@connoisseurm103 The sound of the rubicon and s300 are both warm in character with a large soundstage but overall the buchardts are better in every way. It was a gamble, I switched the rubicon for the s300 with a guy (with some money inbetween). I wanted to try a pair of buchardts to see if they were as good as people say they are. I am glad I did and they are a great pairing with the denon!
Hey Jay congratulations! You found something more expensive than audio equipment!!! I play violin I picked it up again a few years back after 38 years I played all through high school and college.
Wait till your girlfriend starts looking at better instruments and better bows I feel for you man. Your audio buying days are over. And I agree, once you know what a violin sounds like it's difficult buying audio equipment. It's terribly difficult to find something that sounds good/real at soft volume levels. In order to do that I find I must blast my wife out of the room when the orchestra gets loud again.
One other point, this past summer I replaced my Denon PMA750 (80wpc integrated amp from 1983 it still worked fine I "Deoxit" every so often) with a Naim Nait XS3. I do have a soft spot for Denon.
What a Denon!
AL32 💿👌
Highly recommend you try the mofi Dire Straits SACDs. All of them are phenomenal and are the best versions of the albums hands down.
I want to live in a world where $7500 for an integrated amp and CD player is not unreasonable.
Just give it some time and you can pick these up in a few years for 50% or less than original retail. If that's what you want.
@@2ChannelListening how and where?
@@urbz6712 I do it often. I put the model I am interested in on Hifi Shark and wait...just bought a pair of Alta Audio IO speakers at half their going price - awesome speakers.
I can get a New Denon PMA-A110 for $2,200. Looking to upgrade from a Arcam SA30. Is this a good deal?
Great review! Keep up the good work. What’s this you helped master music?
used to work in multiple studios
Jay, in 1982 or 83 I was an early adopter for the CD format. Pure magic. The Sony/Philips CDP-101 was HEAVY and EXPENSIVE. I borrowed money to buy the thing.
Did I mention pure magic? It still works and still lives in my home.
I stream but I find streaming frustrating because there is so much low quality content available; much of it unlistenable.
Superb review as usual.
It's annoying you have to buy the DAC twice if you go for this combo. It's hard to imagine anyone going for the CD without the amp though of course v/s is true so the DAC belongs in the amp. I wonder whether they considered a transport only? (Note this is the route Leak have taken with their new combo)
In fact - given both the popularity and necessity of separate DAC's, plus the plethora of DAC's in amps I wonder whether we might even see a resurgence of transports?
I do stream but I will never give up vinyl and cd because they spund great and this is the only way our kids can learn something about the music. My collection stays with my kids.
Ok....you got a believer out of me.
In My option. Cds sound way better then Any streaming i ever heard. Plus I own 3500 cds and 800+ LPs
The pma1600ne 1600cd is superb so can only imagine how good these are
Hello Jason
I bought a Denon pma1600ne ,connected with smsl do200 dac but can’t sound good . No bass sound like flat ( like led tv speakers sounds. No bass mean 20-100hz no punch can’t heair speakers Polk signature s60.
The A110 looks surprisingly similar to my PMA 2000AE internally, even though the devil is obviously in the details.
By the way, when Sony and Philips were working together on creating the CD format Philips opted for a 60 minutes long disc. Norio Ohga, president of Sony at the time, realized that a 60 minutes disc would not be enough for the longest known recording of the Beethoven Ninth Symphony, which was 74 minutes, and the rest is history. I still have my CD collection even though i am using an external hard drive to play music now.
Denon PMA1600NE is half price and a great piece of Japanese amp too. I listened to it and just "WANTED" it!
DAC is it's weakness ...
@@babagandu I don't agree. I own the PMA-1600NE and bought it hearing online that people weren't impressed with the DAC. I've got a Schiit Bifrost 2 and A/Bing between the on board DAC and the Schiit, I barely hear a difference. Do you actually own the amp or are you just relaying opinions you've heard online?
@@2791dles I own it, PMA-2010AE, POA-A1 also. I used the DVD-A1UD playing WAVs from SD card, using DragonFly 1.2, and USB & optical into the PMA-1600NE. The DVD-A1UD sounded the best, then the DragonFly 1.2.
@@babagandu how are you connecting the DVD-A1UD to amp? Just with RCA interconnect? And how are you connecting the Dragonfly to the amp out of curiosity
@@2791dles yes using L+R RCA out from DVD-A1UD and the amp in Analog Amp Mode. Using Chord RCA. Also using Pure Direct mode on DVD-A1UD. From the DrognFly using AudioQuest 3.5-->RCA. Amp also in Analog Amp mode.
Thank you for your review. Please compare Denon PMA-110 and Hegel H190/H390 sound signature and DAC's of these amps. Thank you.
Hi Jay, do you think that sounds better than a Mcintosh MA252? It is for my Martin Logan ESL X
great review, young connoisseur of sound or simply Bruce Lee of audio world, thinking to upgrade my yamaha as801 to denon pma1600ne or denon pma2500n for wharfedale evo4.4 and kef r300, will it be a good choice
Prasad you will not regret the upgrade. I switched from the A S801 to a Denon PMA 1510 AE.... it was a revelation! Miles ahead of the Yamaha sound. I had bought the Yamaha brand new but was always missing something..... sold it for a second hand Denon and I don’t regret it one bit. I still remember the huge grin on my face when I played the first track on the Denon ! The difference was night and day for me! Go ahead and pull the trigger.... join the club🍻
@@Xanadu1510AE Also all Denon PMA amps have a single pair output device only .As constantly emphasized Denon Japan website this is valuable to deliver good sound
I just purchased this wish me luck.
Great job, the best! I’ve been waiting for this one. I bought the pma a100 and dcd a100 used less than a year ago for 3k. Similar but this newer model is more beautiful w/o a doubt. I only listen to LPs and CDs because that’s what I own a lot of from more than 40 years of buying music. I use it with a Technics 1500c and Denon 301mk2 MC cartridge and a Nagaoka MP200 MM cartridge both excellent, the Denon is more real sounding but the Nagaoka has noticeably clearer bass. MC once heard hard to go back. Give away the Ortofon Red it comes with, only good at reproducing surface noise. The same remote on both units is awesome as you say. I leave them on standby .3 watts. Speakers are the Canton Vento reference 7. One thing that makes a huge positive difference is to switch off the lights and digital out on the CD player. It still briefly shows the track# if you switch tracks. I don’t like the loss of transparency with the tone controls so I never use them. Easier to move my short backed chair up a little or back to balance the sound. They definitely are well crafted and built for the long haul and give pride of ownership if you don’t mind the size and weight. Hard to go wrong with high end Japanese equipment. Keep up the informative well done reviews and thank you.
Do you think it is a great combination with the dnp2000ne streamer as wel? I just ordered the a110 and dnp2000ne instead of the cdplayer.
Great review. I’m very tempted by the amplifier but was considering the 2500NE initially, so am now a little conflicted.
Tone controls 👍🏼
Hi Jay. Would you recommend this pairing with the Buchardt S400 MKIIs?
Felice possessore!! PMA-A110
In my “nothing but vinyl” days of the early 70s, we would call that pamphlet info the “liner notes.” I’m glad to read their equivalent on Qobuz streaming. But while I was thrilled to dump my mid-fi vinyl for mid-fi CD, and I’m convinced I can differentiate AAC from CD quality, I’m less sure about the benefit of higher Rez. So a $ grand for a CD player is starting to look reasonable to me as I tiptoe towards hi-end audio gear.
It would be amazing if you upload the playback on an alternate website so we could hear how it sounds.
I agree with you 100%
Greate presentation. :)
Looks nice man, i just bought a denon dcd600ne cd player running through a quality hand built amp and it sounds absolutely amazing , what do you think of this model Jay, Regards
Colin
Hi, thank you for this test, which speakers do you recommend?
KR
Phil
hi how does Denon PMA-A110 compare to the Hegel H190?
I own both. Denon sounds more holographic to me.
Jay can you help me? Between this Denon and the Yamaha AS-2200/3200 which one is brighter or more fatiguing? Thanks
Yamaha is a more brighter sound to my ears
@@Jayiyagi thanks a lot Jay
I enjoyed watching this review.
Stupid question! Did you use the combo with the player on top of the amp? I’m curious about the heat from the amp;)
@Jayiyagi I am currently on the cross road between buying pma-a110 (pre-owned) or Primare i25(new) which come to about the same price. Based on your experience, would you lean towards the a110 or rather the Primare? Ultimately, is the Denon pma-a110 something you keep/would keep for yourself?
Thank you in advance!
Thanks! Looks gorgeous !! What type
Of speakers would be ideal for it?
its funny that when playing cd's you always reach for dire straits
That Brothers in arms CD is an insanely high quality recording. Mark Knopfler really cares about audio quality. It was the first thing I reached for to hear my new speakers. All the way back in the early 80s we got better quality than all this compressed mush they dish out these days.
THANKS GREAT REVIEW
Oh! Snap, you finally hit God mode. This amp is end game from what I hear. Price seems like Value
I believe this could be end game for a lot people. I know its for me.
@@Skyshakerrrr yea. It is unless you have the proclivity for all things electronic. It's the new world order baby.
Hi Jay! At the end of the video you said that there may be other budget alternatives that can compete at this sound. Would you mind sharing what these would be?
Hi! Thank you for the review. I have the preamp/power amp combo Pioneer c73/m73 from the Urushi series in the 90s. I was wondering if the a110 or the 2500ne will drive and sound better with my Focal Aria 948 and one svs sb-1000 pro sub. Moderate auditions. I also have the Pioneer PD-73 cd player and I’m tempted to change it with the dcd-110, mostly for the sacd part. Does the dcd-110 sounds better than the PD-73 when it comes to cds? Or the 2500ne? Or should I stick with what I have a go for hybrid sacds? Thank you!
Awesome review! What are those speakers? 🙀
Love them capacitors I love that brand name capacitor Nichicon. I use that brand to rebuild a 2270 Marantz it was expensive but it was worth it also have a Yamaha DSPA1 I changed two main capacitors it look like beer cans laying sideways you really can’t see how big those aren’t you get inside and it had that same brand name and it was expensive to replace those I could use blue capacitors but that brand just is worth the extra money .
Ok. I get that you’re young, but I have to chuckle at the veneration for CDs. 🤣 I reverted back to vinyl LPs, and have that same feeling for records. I only stream for casual listening. Thank you for the review. I can’t justify $3k for a CD player, but the $3.5k for an amp might be feasible.
HI JAY, how would you compare these to the MARANTZ KI RUBY setup? I am only a couple of days away to make the purchase. Help me please.
Yes, that is a comparison I would like to hear as well!
Can you tell me what the bookshelf speaker is on your right? Did you review it? It looks very interesting. If you want to blow your mind, listen to Storm Warning from Bob James Restless CD. I only have this on CD and I am still amazed how clear and dynamic it sounds.
So how does the amplifier compare to the similarly priced Hegel 190 ?
I have owned that Hegel. I currently own this Denon. Denon blows Hegel away!