Balancing dynamic power and delicate details in sound, the fruit of many years of DENON audio technology and experience.
The "S1 Series" that appeared in 1993 was a reference-class audio series designed to please the most discerning of all audiophiles. The primary objective of the S1 Series was to reproduce "reality"---- a deeper, more natural sound. Continuing the same quest for high-quality sound reproduction that the S1 Series had been pursuing, the PMA-SA1 combines the latest audio technologies with the reliability that DENON's amplifiers have earned over the past 10 years. From the external design to the details on the inside, the PMA-SA1 has been developed as a member of the new SA Series embodying the essence of DENON's advanced audio technologies. With new advances in audio formats and the ability now of many households to enjoy multi-channel sound in their own home theatres, "authentic sound" is in even greater demand.
The SA Series represents DENON's latest offering of possibilities in pure 2-channel audio for today's most dedicated music lovers.
UHC-MOS, the ideal large-current amplifier
The ideal amplifier uses a minimum number of amplifier elements to control output current. Obtaining large output from simple circuitry, however, requires elements capable of handling incredibly large current. Since its development of the POA-S1, DENON has been employing the UHC-MOS large-current amplifier element in its amplifiers. DENON's UHC-MOS uses single push-pull technology to configure the ideal circuit for a large-output amp. The UHC-MOS has a gain that is even higher than that of bipolar transistors; with a single element, the UHC-MOS achieves the current linearity of 35 MOS-FETs and 3 bipolars. The UHC-MOS incorporates the capability of MOS-FETs to reproduce the delicate nuances of music and thus masterfully reproduces the full sonic range, from the sound of a violin solo that gradually tapers off into the acoustics of the hall, to the dramatic climax of a full orchestra that causes heaven and earth to tremble.
Simple amplifier stage configuration
The cascode boostrap circuitry in the PMA-SA1 achieves ideal characteristics at the power amplification stage and ensures stable operation. This solution simplifies the configuration of the power amplification stage and allows the amplifier to reproduce music with total purity. The stable operation and drive capabilities of the UHC-MOS also help eliminate sources of resistance that degrade the quality of the musical signal. This produces a circuit configuration in which the output stage, equipped with powerful drive capabilities, is directly connected to the speakers.
European Sound Tune
In the selection of parts for the PMA-SA1, primary emphasis was placed on the texture and atmosphere created by the sound, since most Europeans come into contact with live performances in all genres of music on a daily basis and naturally expect this quality of sound from their sound system at home. Amps that handle delicate, low-level input signals are particularly subject to both internal and external vibrations
that adversely affect the sound's transparency over the entire audible spectrum. To avoid these difficulties, DENON has devised their own unique method of combining a variety of vibration-resistant materials that ensure an ideal level of silence within the PMA-SA1. Together with its UHC-MOS single push-pull circuitry and robust power supply, the PMA-SA1 reproduces a remarkable musical balance, from the finest pianissimos to the most powerful fortissimos.
