Some know I never do reviews. But I will for this.
Meet the Denon PMA A110 110th anniversary integrated amp, quite possibly one of the greatest amps I've ever heard in its price range.
something almost no one ever talks about is this beats source direct and ultra Al32 processing. I learnt about AL32 type DSP processing while doing postgraduate audio study, it's actual an adaptive filter that attempts to re-create a more natural waveform as they are in the analog realm by employing time based interpolation Those familiar with MARK LEVINSON, it's similar to what his new and amazing " Daniel hertz master class" software does not the same but they have similarities in tone and processing philosophy. If you don't have masterclass and you play digital files you need it, now too lol.
Absolutely beautiful amp, amazing build quality, holds its own with authority and surprisingly the internal Burr brown 1795 DAC in parallel (maybe differential) really sounds great, like really nice. People that aren't music lovers, have heard this and they always say it's sound natural clear and easy to listen to, they become music lovers.
Now the technical
There's lot of digital info here however I also use this via balanced XLR (for higher level and lower noise floor into the Denon in analog mode 1/2 and this amp powers on with authority and really shines.
Digital Listening done via coaxial and HDMI via i2s
* This amp has a quality very akin to vinyl (warm bottom end, punch kind of a velvety tonality but with all the shimmer detail and clarity. However when you switch analog mode 1/2 it fully disengages the digital circuitry, screens and AL32. Super cool feature so you can isolate it to use as a total analog power amp.
* Source direct is different in this beast. The e.q activated adds a kind of velvety shimmer but disengage it and as Gene said it the review you get better THD + n measurement but that translates to a clearer sound and the tone subtracted, great for albums that sound a little dull).
* Both these together enables me to A/b between different converters I have in my highly modified oppo 205 and do a great job of isolating each one (there other routing and bitstream changes for digital / analog, not going into it now)l but it takes 3 clicks on remote of both, convenient enough
* Have not tested to much vinyl and the associated MC/MG settings but I'm have no issues believing it really nice. Will report back on this later.
Conclusion
Being a full quad differential amp with dual transformers for left and right channels, massive heat sinks with nice construction it's not cheap but Denon I feel went above and beyond for this. To top it off on the certificate of authenticity and on the Denon factory tour says only 5 sets of skilled hands assemble these, quality control and skill demands a price and a high price it is but I really love it.
Shout out to Gene and the team for first putting me onto it and taking the time to discuss and review. Although I was already a higher end Denon user he wasn't trying to sell this at all, this thing does all the selling itself.
Happy listening everyone.
