Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Denon PMA-2000 R Integrated Amplifier (SS) by MarkgM

Model:	PMA-2000 R
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	Integrated Amp
Manufacturer URL:	Denon
Model Picture:	View

Review by MarkgM ( A ) on November 30, 2003 at 17:34:52
IP Address: 68.221.43.80

Add Your Review
for the PMA-2000 R

This is a follow-up to my first review .
I had to come back and add this follow-up because of a silly note I put in there the last time around ("Late notes - phono stage"). Well, that was the first impression with the vinyl, but that was the first time I had used the phono stage of the Denon - maybe it needed an hour or two of break-in, but if memory serves me right, I still had the memory of the sound of records with the electronics listed below in my head. I mean I know the two sound different, but I didn't translate it to that other experience. It had been a while since I played records (TT problems).
The truth is that the phono sounds really sweet, and that's just characteristic of the unit with any source. I'm really digging the vinyl with this. It's bringing out the warmth and sweetness of the tones. The other phono setup (Stratos/ACA) had detail at least as good, but with a more extended, and characteristically brighter sound.
For any other change to the former review - hadn't really said it, but it is boomy on low bass when compared to a well-extended sounding setup. In the old comparison with the C370, I forgot to mention: one or two details were not there that the Denon revealed. One other thing I should have noted. After more time has passed since returning to the Denon, it doesn't layer large amounts of detail on the level of the Stratos/ACA gear either. I find it interesting in the Denon that it captures as much of the details as it does.
And I had said compared to the Denon, the Stratos sounds laid back. Well, you know, compared the other way, the Denon sounds forward. They're putting the images in the same places, so a bit at odds, perhaps. I characterised the Denon as more immediate for this, perhaps an adjustment of terminology - perhaps to better serve the reader and his/her tastes.

Product Weakness: Not full in extension, very rough sounding out of the box
Product Strengths: Musical, dynamic, sweet-sounding

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Odyssey Stratos
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Norh ACA 1
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Meridian 500/566 Dual 506
Speakers:	Fuselier basic 8s, NCMS Borealis
Cables/Interconnects:	Transparent
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	mostly rock
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not full in extension, very rough sounding out of the box
Product Strengths:	Musical, dynamic, sweet-sounding