Denon today announced a $600 stereo amplifier for serious hi-fi listeners looking for a compact and high quality design that meets their lifestyle. The new PMA-50 Stereo Amplifier features next generation music playback options by offering a unique range of digital inputs, including optical, coaxial, USB-B, and even wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
The PMA-50 features Denon’s original sound technologies such as Advanced AL32 Processing and DAC Master Clock design developed for premium Hi-Fi components, to dramatically enhance the music listening experience. The amplifier section incorporates DDFA technology from CSR. The output stage circuit has a discrete construction, which realizes higher signal-to-noise-ratio, and lower distortion compared to conventional class D amplifiers. This advanced amplifier system delivers superior audio fidelity along with high amplifier efficiency at 50-watts into 4 ohms. A subwoofer pre-out is at hand for adding even more bass to the sound.
There are multiple digital inputs (2 optical and 1 coaxial) for compatibility with digital audio sources, along with an analog stereo input for legacy analog sources. And notably, music lovers can enjoy superior audio fidelity with the latest high-resolution audio sources thanks to a USB-B connection to a PC or Mac to play high-res PCM and DSD audio tracks. PCM tracks up to 24-bits/192-kHz and 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz DSD tracks are supported. To eliminate PC-induced digital noise via the USB input, the PMA-50 features a dedicated noise isolation block prior to the digital amplifier.
Moreover, favorite audio tracks can be played from portable devices via the PMA-50’s Bluetooth connectivity, which features quick and easy pairing via the Bluetooth button on the front panel. For even faster pairing, the PMA-50 features NFC (Near Field Communication). By activating an NFC-enabled Bluetooth device and placing it next to the N mark on the PMA-50 (located on the side panel), it’s instantly paired with no need for manual passcode entry. For CD-quality audio playback, the PMA-50 features the latest generation CSR aptX Low Latency decoding, which provides optimum time synchronization when playing back audio from video sources with no lip sync issues.
The PMA-50 is equipped with a dedicated headphone amplifier circuit that features a high speed ultra-low distortion wideband op amp that’s paired with a fully discrete final output stage. In order to accommodate the widest range of headphone types, the PMA-50 features an adjustable headphone impedance control, with three settings for low, medium, and high impedance headphones. These provide proper matching of headphone impedance and amplifier gain.
The stylish and elegant compact chassis features deluxe finishes including soft aluminum matte with bright silver tone accents and glossy and matte black surfaces. It is sized to fit just about anywhere, including home and office desktops, home studios, and it can be positioned horizontally as well as vertically. Removable feet and screw caps make re-configuring a breeze. For total convenience, the supplied remote control features an ergonomically-designed layout that includes a cursor keypad, source select and volume controls, setup menu and back buttons, a Bluetooth button and a display dimmer button.
Price and Availability
The Denon PMA-50 is expected to be available January 2015 in black/silver for $599.
Features
- 50-watt into 4 ohms full digital power amplifier for powerful and detailed sound
- Advanced AL32 Processing and DAC Master Clock Design
- 2x optical, coaxial and USB type B digital inputs capable of 192kHz/24bit High Resolution Audio
- USB-B Input supports DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz High Resolution Audio
- Computer noise isolation block
- Bluetooth built in, with aptX Low Latency and NFC
- High quality headphone output with gain control to support a wide range of headphones
- Subwoofer pre-out
- Horizontal or vertical placement
- Clear view OLED – shows input source indication – rotates automatically with horizontal or vertical positioning of unit
