LondonMuso
New Member
Hi all. I'm in a quandary over whether to get a mid-80s Denon PMA 900v or one of the early 90s Denon PMA 860, 1060 or 1080r amplifiers.
I think in terms of power and specs these will all drive the speakers I'm likely to be using comfortably so this is really about the "character" or sonic signature and quality of the amps.
I understand that the early 90s vintage amps adopt an optical sensor approach to biasing into class A operation at low power demands. I don't know whether the PMA 900v operates similarly or if not, does that mean it consequently offers somewhat less warmth and smoothness in character, and may sound somewhat brighter and edgier comparatively? And do the additional video and processor inputs that I won't need in the 900v just introduce additional noise and hash to the sound?
Ultimately I'm wanting a dynamic, transparent and coherent amp that delivers good PRAT, stages very well and has sparkle without being edgy. Something with some refinement as well as guts and slam.
The other concern or consideration is the age and build quality. All these units do seem to be well put together though I do wonder if the 90s amps are more heavily utilising ICs rather than fully discrete components compared to the PMA 900v? Is that the case? Thoughts on comparative quality of build and components would be appreciated.
In all cases I'm aware I'll need to be getting the amp sent for a full service and likely full electrolytic cap renewal.
Look forward to any thoughts.
I think in terms of power and specs these will all drive the speakers I'm likely to be using comfortably so this is really about the "character" or sonic signature and quality of the amps.
I understand that the early 90s vintage amps adopt an optical sensor approach to biasing into class A operation at low power demands. I don't know whether the PMA 900v operates similarly or if not, does that mean it consequently offers somewhat less warmth and smoothness in character, and may sound somewhat brighter and edgier comparatively? And do the additional video and processor inputs that I won't need in the 900v just introduce additional noise and hash to the sound?
Ultimately I'm wanting a dynamic, transparent and coherent amp that delivers good PRAT, stages very well and has sparkle without being edgy. Something with some refinement as well as guts and slam.
The other concern or consideration is the age and build quality. All these units do seem to be well put together though I do wonder if the 90s amps are more heavily utilising ICs rather than fully discrete components compared to the PMA 900v? Is that the case? Thoughts on comparative quality of build and components would be appreciated.
In all cases I'm aware I'll need to be getting the amp sent for a full service and likely full electrolytic cap renewal.
Look forward to any thoughts.