Denon have been making hi-fi equipment for over 100 years, having started out as Japan’s first record company back in 1910, initially manufacturing phonographs and gramophones. They have come a long way since then, becoming a staple name in the hi-fi and AV world, with both exceptionally high-end equipment and excellent value-for-money entry-level gear.
The Denon PMA-600NE integrated stereo amp is a great piece of kit that serves as a fundamental component of many kinds of hi-fi systems. In this Denon PMA-600NE review, I’ll explore how the unassuming amplifier punches well above its weight, delivering excellent musical qualities and nuance without breaking the bank.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The PMA-600NE is a straightforward stereo amp that delivers Denon’s classic sound – warm, smooth, and detailed, with a gentle lift in the lower mids. Versatile connectivity includes four RCA inputs, a solid MM phono stage, and two optical inputs to unlock the built-in DAC, supporting 192kHz/24-bit audio.
With 45w of Class A/B power and Advanced High Current circuitry, it handles a range of speakers with ease. All in all, it’s a reliable, flexible workhorse.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible analogue and digital connectivity for easy system building | Traditional design may feel dated to some hi-fi enthusiasts |
| Built-in MM phono stage – perfect for turntable setups | Smooth, neutral sound lacks the excitement and character of other amps |
| 45 watts per channel of Class A/B power for dynamic performance | |
| High-quality DAC supporting 192kHz/24-bit for detailed digital playback | |
| Advanced High Current circuitry delivers greater headroom and sound clarity |
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Denon PMA-600NE review
Design and technology
Denon have clearly put serious thought into the PMA-600NE’s design, blending classic hi-fi aesthetics with smart internal engineering.
At its core is Advanced High Current (AHC) technology, typically found in higher-end models. AHC expands internal bandwidth, giving the amp more headroom to handle detailed signals for a fuller, more open sound.
Having 45 watts per channel (8Ω) might seem modest on paper, but thanks to Denon’s Signal Level Divided Construction (SLDC), the internal layout keeps signal paths clean and isolated, reducing interference and preserving audio integrity.
On the digital side, the PMA-600NE features a high-quality 24-bit/192kHz DAC, seamlessly integrated without compromising its analogue roots. Even small touches – like vibration-resistant chassis design and solid build quality – show Denon’s focus on delivering pure, uncoloured sound in a sleek, understated package.
Plus, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 177,000:1 on line inputs and 16,000:1 on the phono stage, your music comes through 105dB and 84dB louder than any background noise.
Features
The PMA-600NE is packed full of features that give you flexibility and control over your listening experience. There are bass and treble dials that let you fine-tune the sound to match your speakers or personal taste, while Source Direct mode bypasses the tone controls for a cleaner, more transparent signal – ideal when you want to hear your music exactly as it was recorded.
Connectivity-wise, the amp offers a solid mix of analogue and digital inputs, including two optical connections and a coaxial input, making it easy to hook up everything from TVs to streamers.
The built-in 24-bit/192kHz DAC ensures your digital sources sound their best. There’s also Bluetooth for quick and easy streaming. A dedicated subwoofer output and record out give you options to expand your setup or archive your collection.
Sound quality
The PMA-600NE is an amplifier that punches well above its weight, drawing on traditional Class A/B architecture (it fits perfectly with Denon’s long-standing approach to amp design).
This classic setup delivers a warm, soft, and clear sound, with a noticeable lift in the lower mids that adds body and richness without losing detail.
It also handles both analogue and digital sources with ease. Very subtly, it adds depth to analogue inputs through that low-mid presence, while the built-in DAC smooths out any harshness from digital sources, softening the extremes to reduce listening fatigue.
In my experience, the tone controls can be useful, but too much adjustment can detract from the amp’s performance, adding gain and noise to certain frequency bands.
For the cleanest and most natural sound, I’d recommend using Source Direct mode and just letting the amp do its thing. Ultimately, the amp is very smooth and forgiving and has what I would describe as the “typical ’90s Japanese hi-fi sweetness”.
Who is the Denon PMA-600NE suited to?
The PMA-600NE is ideal if you’re looking to get into hi-fi but don’t want to start at the ground floor. Although it’s the entry point in Denon’s range, it offers more than you’d expect – well suited to new hobbyists and long-term enthusiasts alike.
The more advanced Class A/B design really sets it apart from the typical compact amps you’ll find at this level, which often rely on Class D technology. This traditional approach gives it a more natural, fuller sound – something both new listeners and long-time Denon fans will appreciate.
The construction and ethos follow the old-school Denon playbook: simple, versatile, and focused on delivering solid performance without unnecessary extras. It’s an easy amp to live with, offering enough flexibility to grow your system around it, while keeping that classic hi-fi feel.
FAQs
How many watts is the Denon PMA-600NE?
The PMA-600NE offers 70w of power into 4 Ohms and 45w of power into 8 Ohms per channel. It’s more than capable of driving bookshelf speakers, larger stand-mounts, and even some more demanding floorstanders with relative ease.
Does the Denon PMA-600NE have Bluetooth?
The PMA-600NE comes equipped with an onboard Bluetooth module, allowing for direct streaming – ideal for casual listening without needing extra kit.
What class is Denon PMA-600NE?
The PMA-600NE is class A/B, which is a large contributing factor to the overall tonal presence and character of the amplifier. This, coupled with the amp’s DAC offering a 24-bit/192kHz sample rate and an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, results in a well-rounded amplifier.
Final thoughts
The PMA-600NE, for me, is just a very easy amp – one that plays nice with pretty much anything you choose to pair it with. That flexibility is a big part of its charm. Sure, it might come across as a bit too safe at times, especially if you’re after something with a bit more character or flair. But the truth is, this amp gets so much right where it really matters that it’s objectively cool.
Concluding our Denon PMA-600NE review, I ultimately see it as a fantastic platform on which to build your system, allowing your choice of speakers and sources to shape the final sound more dramatically. In a market full of amps trying to stand out with flashy features or bold tuning, the PMA-600NE just focuses on doing its job well, which makes this an amp suited to anyone and everyone.
If you’ve settled on the PMA-600NE and want to add a CD player to the mix, you may find my guide to the best CD players helpful. Alternatively, if you have everything you need and it’s just a question of how to connect things, check out the guides on how to connect a CD player to an amp and how to connect speakers.
