New under $400 Denon 2 channel integrated amp and CD player

Just in case you are interested in building a budget system....



Denon Unveils $400 Integrated Amp, $300 CD Player

 

Looks nice...45@8 ohms, 70@4 ohms, not bad. Ah, doesn't seem to be available in America? I do see this
Denon PMA-800NE
which looks similar with a smidge more power and of course more $$$. Oh, I just realized this is a wide chassis, I thought it was mini.
P.S. Also oh, I just realized you are not far from my brother who is in Livermore...if I ever get a spare minute up there, buy you a beer if you're up for it.

 

This has been a very nice year for the <$500 integrated category. Good new all around, except maybe for NAD, whose C316BEEv2 has been found wanting in comparison to these two.

Zero Fidelity gave a super rave review to this IotaVX SA3:



Steve Guttenberg did likewise for the new Cambridge AXA35.

 

I think these two components were just announced, therefore not available on the market yet. They have been added to Denon's US website:

PMA-600NE

DCD-600NE

Thanks for the offer of the beer....I don't drink though Coffee?

 

That's funny, because actually I'm not really a beer drinker, and even though my dad is from Colombia I don't drink coffee.* Maybe milk shakes or something...it does remind me I should shop these Southwest fare sales and see when there is a good concert up there to go visit. We'll figure something out!

*but here's a cool and rare clip anyway:

 

Ordered both to try out in the office. The CD player was DOA due to what appears to be shipping damage. Waiting on a replacement now. Have to say I really like the amp, although I could use a bit more warmth. Have it connected to a pair of Klipsch Hersey II speakers and it will certainly get your attention. Not bad for $399 US.

 

I like that the integrated has a sub out and tone controls. Too bad the step-up model 800 doesn't have the sub out jack for some reason. This would be a great piece for someone just getting into Hi-Fi.

 

I used to own a Denon integrated with the same rated output purchased new a few years ago. It retailed for €200, so this seems less positive in that regard. The amp was nice though, with a decent and very quiet phono stage. I used it to drive a pair of magnepans with good results for about a year.

 

I have PMA-A100. The integrated amp they released as a statement product as part of the 100 year anniversary celebration. It is a wonderful sounding unit.

 

Oxymoron ?