Denon PMA1520 Integrated Amplifier Silver

Advanced Ultra-High Current (UHC)-MOS Single Push-Pull Circuit for balancing Power and Details

The amplifier features Advanced UHC (Ultra High Current)-MOS technology that utilises a minimum number of high-current amplifier elements to balance advanced speaker drive capabilities and improved sound quality. Advanced UHC-MOS is an ideal amplifier whose power supply performance is superior to that of bipolar transistors and incorporates the sound quality advantages of MOS-FETs. The Advanced UHC-MOS is provided in a single pushpull configuration that eliminates deviations in the amplification stage and balances high power with delicate musical details. This circuit masterfully reproduces the full sonic range, from the delicate musical nuances to the powerful climaxes of rich musical expression. A new Dual FET has been adopted for the input stage of the power amp. This feature-rich Dual FET suppresses the adverse influence of heat changes on sound, contributing to stable operation. Also, since a Cascade Bootstrap Circuit has been employed in the first stage of the differential amplifier circuit, superior amplification with negligible misalignment in frequency phase is now possible.

Direct Mechanical Ground Construction to minimise unwanted vibration

The PMA features a construction that thoroughly suppresses the adverse influences of vibration and electrical noise. Compared to previous models, the centre of gravity has been lower where the power amplifier board has been mounted closer to the bottom of the chassis, a construction that protects the circuitry from vibration. A twin monaural configuration with L/R symmetry has been adopted for the power amplifier block. And since circuits with different signal levels have been separated, they are thoroughly protected from mutual interference or noise. These design improvements contribute to a highly transparent, expressive sound.

Leakage-cancelling-mounted twin transformers

Two transformers have been connected in parallel to dramatically improve electrical and magnetic characteristics. The Leakage Cancelling (LC) mounting system, a method of cancelling mutual magnetic influences, has been used to minimise the leaking of magnetic flux, a source of noise inside the amp. The transformers were mounted with a plate between them and the chassis. Unlike conventional models, this plate is dual-layered. A combination of special resins and vibration-resistant materials has also been used to produce a floating effect that prevents adverse influences from affecting sound quality.

High-grade volume control for precise quality management

The high-grade volume control, an element that significantly influences the quality of sound from an amplifier, is the same motordriven volume used in the high-class top model. Denon engineers carefully tested several types of volume controls before deciding that this was the one that best brought out the expressive power of sound in a class of its own.

High-current, dynamic power supply, to support high speed and large current flow

Low-noise Schottky barrier diodes, well known for its superior switching characteristics, have been used in the rectifier circuit. The Schottky barrier diode provides ample current capacity to accommodate ongoing successions of large bursts in sound while preserving its power and stability. Lower impedance has been achieved by doubling the normal thickness of copper foil used in the power supply circuitry, a design that adds stability to the current supply. The use of custom parts for the block capacitor, thoroughly tested for their contribution to high sound quality, further underscores Denon's uncompromising approach to audio technology and impeccable sound.

Minimum signal paths, to protect signal purity

Signal paths have been made thoroughly simple and straight to ensure a pure playback sound. The minimization of signal paths prevents signal degradation between circuits. In the amplifier stage, minimum signal paths reduce noise entering the ground circuit, a fundamental component in signal amplification, and stabilized ground potential. When the operating foundation of the amplifier circuit is clear, the playback sound is also clear.

NEW AND UPGRADED FEATURES

• Advanced Ultra-High Current (UHC)-MOS Single Push-Pull Circuit with new type dual FET transistor for more transparency and details
• Leakage-cancelling-mounted twin transformers
• High-grade volume control for precise adjustment
• High-performance phono equaliser
• Parts strictly selected for high sound quality

STATE-OF-THE-ART DENON SOLUTIONS FOR MAXIMISING CONTENT QUALITY

• 2x 140 W (4ohm)
• Shottky diodes and selected parts
• Solid heat sink, to suppress vibration
• Microprocessor Stop Mode
• Gold-plated speaker terminals
• Vibration-resistant design with Direct Mechanical Ground Construction
• High-current, dynamic power supply, to support high speed and large current flow
• Minimum signal paths, to protect signal purity
• Wide range playback, supporting Super Audio CD and High Resolution Audio as FLAC HD or DSD

EASE-OF-USE

• System remote control unit to control not only the amplifier but also a CD Player and Network Audio Player
• Large size volume control knob for precise adjustment
• Power Amp Direct input for easy integration in a Multichannel AV System
• Auto Standby and low power consumption at stand-by 0.2 W

Power amplifi er section

• Rated output
  70 W + 70 W
  (20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 ohms, T.H.D. 0.07%)
  140 W + 140 W
  (1 kHz, 4 ohms, T.H.D. 0.7%)
• Total harmonic distortion
  0.01% (rated output -3 dB, 8 ohms, 1 kHz)

Preamplifier section 
Input sensitivity / Impedance

• PHONO MC
  0.2 mV/100 ohms
• PHONO MM
  2.5 mV/47 kohms
• LINE
  125 mV/47 kohms (Source Direct: OFF)

Signal-to-noise ratio

• PHONO MC
  74 dB (0.5 mV input)
• PHONO MM
  89 dB (5 mV input)
• LINE
  108 dB
  
  Tone control
• Treble
  ± 8 dB at 10 kHz
• Bass
  ± 8 dB at 100 Hz

General

• Power supply
  AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption
  295 W (Standby: 0.2 W)
• Dimensions (W x H x D)
  434 x 135 x 414 mm
• Weight
  16.1 kg

Port

• IN
  - Phono (MM/MC) x 1 
  - Audio input (incl. Phono) x 6
  - Power Amp Direct x 1
• OUT
  - Pre Out x 1
  - Rec output x 1
  - Speaker out (Bi-wiring) A/B