Denon - PMA-S10II Solid state integrated amplifier

Denon PMA-S10II

Description:

Denon PMA-S10 II – Hi-Fi Integrated Amplifier with UHC-MOS

The Denon PMA-S10 II is a reference integrated amplifier produced in Japan between 1997 and 2001, positioned at the top of Denon's consumer range of the era. Intended for high-end audiophile listening, it represents one of the most successful examples of applying UHC-MOS technology in a compact and versatile design.

The heart of the device is the UHC single push-pull circuit, which uses UHC-MOS transistors (Ultra High Current MOS-FET) developed to combine the current-driving capability typical of bipolar transistors with the natural tonal characteristics of MOS-FET devices. This allows the amplifier to handle difficult loads — such as low-impedance speakers — without sacrificing signal quality in the most delicate dynamic nuances.

The internal layout uses a twin-monaural configuration with fully separate amplification blocks for left and right channels, and a six-block shielded layout to isolate circuits at different signal levels. The main power transformer is mounted on a multi-material laminated structure with high vibration-damping capacity, minimizing the transfer of mechanical resonances to the active circuits. The isolating feet, made of sintered alloy, convert residual vibrations into heat rather than propagating them to the chassis.

The power section employs high-current fast-recovery diodes in parallel, paired with low-impedance electrolytic capacitors and film capacitors with complementary frequency characteristics. Internal wiring from the transformer to the output stages is done in large-section OFC to minimize energy losses. Rated output is 100W + 100W into 8 Ω and 200W + 200W into 4 Ω.

The phono stage supports MM and MC cartridges with a discrete first-stage FET low-noise circuit, powered by a dedicated and independent stabilization section. The signal-to-noise ratio reaches 91 dB for MM and 78 dB for MC, impressive values for an integrated amplifier of this generation. For those wondering what the best vintage integrated amplifier for low-output MC cartridges is, the PMA-S10 II still represents a solid reference today.

The speaker output terminals are machined brass with gold plating, featuring a 6 mm widened binding post hole to accommodate thick speaker cables. The RCA inputs, also large with gold plating, and the internal OFC wiring complete a build quality consistent with the product’s positioning. The rear panel offers two switching outputs and one unswitched output, with remote control included.

Weighting 30 kg and a 1.6 mm steel chassis with a “separate” level finish, the PMA-S10 II belongs to that category of uncompromising Japanese integrated amplifiers of the 1990s. On the used and quality vintage hi-fi market, it is regarded as a rare piece — production was extremely limited — and it continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts seeking performance difficult to replicate at equivalent prices with new equipment.

Specifications:

Dimensions (L x H x D): 434 x 181 x 485 mm
Weight: 30.0 kg
Finish: Champagne Gold
Country of origin: Japan
RMS power per channel: 100 W
Reference load: 8 ohm
Amplification type: Class AB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.01 %
S/N Ratio: 110 dB
Analog inputs: Line, Phono MM, Phono MC
Phono stage: MM+MC
Line input sensitivity: 150 mV
Input impedance: 47 kΩ
Phono input impedance: 47 Ω
Year of manufacture: 1997-2001
Power consumption: 300 W
Remote control
Note: The photos are part of the description
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