Audio T Verdict
The Denon PMA-900HNE combines a capable traditional integrated amplifier with a fully featured network music player, making it an excellent foundation for a modern Hi-Fi system.
Its Advanced High Current amplifier delivers 50W per channel into 8 ohms across the full audible frequency range, rising to a published 85W per channel into 4 ohms under Denon's specified test conditions.
HEOS streaming, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, high-resolution network and USB playback, three optical inputs and one coaxial input provide extensive digital flexibility. A switchable moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage gives vinyl listeners considerably more cartridge choice than most network amplifiers at this level.
Speaker A and B outputs, bi-wiring capability, a recording output, Bluetooth headphone transmission and an active-subwoofer connection complete a versatile amplifier that remains focused on proper two-channel sound.
Denon PMA-900HNE Network Integrated Amplifier
The Denon PMA-900HNE combines stereo amplification, network music streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and phono amplification within one full-width Hi-Fi component.
It can form the heart of a system containing:
- Passive stereo loudspeakers
- A turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge
- A turntable with a compatible moving-coil cartridge
- A CD player or CD transport
- A television with an optical or coaxial output
- Network music services
- Music stored on a computer or NAS drive
- A USB flash drive
- Bluetooth source equipment
- Wired or compatible Bluetooth headphones
- An active subwoofer
- A cassette deck or other recording device
Its principal features include:
- 50W per channel into 8 ohms
- 85W per channel into 4 ohms
- Advanced High Current single push-pull amplifier circuit
- HEOS Built-in network streaming
- AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth reception and headphone transmission
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage
- Three optical digital inputs
- One coaxial digital input
- Front USB high-resolution audio playback
- Speaker A and B terminals
- Bi-wiring capability
- Active-subwoofer output
- Analogue recording output
- Source Direct playback
50W Per Channel Stereo Amplifier
Denon rates the PMA-900HNE at 50W per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz, with both channels driven and total harmonic distortion of 0.07%.
It also delivers a published 85W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz with both channels driven and total harmonic distortion of 0.7%.
The 50W figure is the most representative indication of normal full-range stereo performance. The 85W figure demonstrates the amplifier's increased output into a lower-impedance load under Denon's separate test conditions.
Its ability to drive a particular loudspeaker will also depend on:
- Speaker sensitivity
- Speaker impedance
- Electrical phase characteristics
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Required playback volume
- Speaker positioning
- The dynamic range of the recording
Advanced High Current Amplifier Design
The PMA-900HNE uses Denon's Advanced High Current single push-pull output circuit.
Rather than using several lower-current output devices in parallel, the design uses carefully selected high-current transistors within a single push-pull arrangement.
Denon combines this with:
- Discrete power-amplifier construction
- Darlington output circuitry
- A high-current dynamic power supply
- Solid internal heat sinks
- A variable-gain pre-amplifier circuit
- Carefully selected audio components
The aim is to provide a direct signal path, stable speaker control and sufficient current for realistic musical dynamics.
Speaker Compatibility
When one pair of loudspeakers is connected to either Speaker A or Speaker B, Denon specifies compatibility with speakers presenting an impedance between 4 and 16 ohms.
When two pairs are used simultaneously through Speaker A and B, each speaker should present an impedance between 8 and 16 ohms.
The PMA-900HNE can be considered for:
- Compact standmount speakers
- Larger standmount speakers
- Efficient floorstanding speakers
- Wall-mounted passive speakers
- A second pair of speakers in the same listening area
- Compatible bi-wireable speakers
Browse stereo speakers at Audio T or contact your local store for a demonstration with suitable alternatives.
Speaker A and B Connections
Two sets of speaker terminals allow one or two pairs of passive speakers to be connected.
The front-panel Speaker button can select:
- Speaker A
- Speaker B
- Speaker A and B together
- Both speaker outputs off
Speaker A and Speaker B receive the same source and volume setting. They do not provide independent zones or separately controlled rooms.
Check Speaker Impedance When Using A and B Together
One pair of speakers connected to Speaker A or Speaker B may present an impedance between 4 and 16 ohms.
If Speaker A and Speaker B are used simultaneously with two separate pairs, Denon specifies speakers rated between 8 and 16 ohms for each output.
Bi-Wiring Compatible Loudspeakers
The Speaker A and B outputs can be used to bi-wire one compatible pair of loudspeakers.
In a bi-wired arrangement:
- Speaker A feeds one pair of terminals on each loudspeaker
- Speaker B feeds the second pair of terminals
- The loudspeaker's metal terminal links must be removed
- Speaker A and B must both be selected
Bi-wiring does not turn the PMA-900HNE into a four-channel amplifier. Both cable runs remain powered by the same left and right amplifier channels.
Audio T can provide suitable speaker cable, termination and setup advice.
HEOS Built-In Music Streaming
HEOS Built-in provides access to network music, internet radio, compatible streaming services and multiroom playback.
The HEOS app can be used to:
- Select compatible music services
- Browse internet radio
- Play music stored on a computer or NAS drive
- Play compatible files from a USB flash drive
- Control playback and volume
- Save HEOS favourites
- Group compatible HEOS products
- Play the same music in several rooms
- Play different music through compatible products in different rooms
Streaming-service availability varies according to region, subscription, firmware version and future third-party support.
Streaming Services
Depending on current UK availability and subscription requirements, compatible services and control options may include:
- Spotify Connect
- Amazon Music
- TIDAL through HEOS
- Deezer
- TuneIn internet radio
- Music stored on a compatible local network
Denon lists the PMA-900HNE as Roon Tested rather than Roon Ready.
Roon Tested means Roon has tested recognised connection methods for the product. It does not mean the amplifier contains a fully integrated Roon Ready network endpoint.
AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows audio to be sent from a compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac over the home network.
It can be used for:
- Apple Music
- Podcasts
- Internet radio
- Audio from compatible applications
- Apple multiroom playback
Compatible AirPlay 2 devices can also be grouped through Apple's Home app.
Bluetooth Music Playback
Bluetooth provides a quick wireless connection for a compatible phone, tablet or computer.
It is useful for guests, occasional listening and applications that are not integrated directly into HEOS or AirPlay 2.
Network streaming will normally provide greater range, stability and potential sound quality than Bluetooth, but Bluetooth remains a convenient universal option.
Bluetooth Headphone Transmission
The PMA-900HNE can also transmit audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones or an A2DP-compatible Bluetooth speaker.
The speaker-output control can be configured for:
- Bluetooth headphones and Speaker A
- Bluetooth headphones and Speaker B
- Bluetooth headphones and Speaker A plus B
- Bluetooth headphones only
The volume of Bluetooth headphones must be adjusted on the headphones themselves. The PMA-900HNE's bass, treble, balance and Source Direct settings are not applied to the Bluetooth output.
Bluetooth transmission introduces some delay, so wired headphones remain preferable where precise lip synchronisation or the highest sound quality is required.
Bluetooth Transmission Has Some Limitations
The amplifier cannot receive Bluetooth music and transmit to Bluetooth headphones at the same time.
AirPlay audio cannot be sent to Bluetooth headphones, and Bluetooth headphone transmission may be unavailable during certain HEOS multiroom arrangements.
High-Resolution Network and USB Audio
The PMA-900HNE supports compatible high-resolution music files from a network server or USB flash drive.
Supported lossless formats include:
- FLAC up to 24-bit/192kHz
- WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Apple Lossless up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz
Compatible lossy formats include:
Gapless playback is available for compatible lossless albums and file formats.
USB Music Playback
The rear USB Type-A connection allows compatible music files to be played from a USB flash drive or mass-storage device.
The amplifier can recognise compatible folder structures containing up to:
- Eight folder levels
- 500 folders
- 5,000 files
The USB Port Is Not a Computer Audio Input
The USB connection is designed for compatible storage devices. It cannot be used as a direct USB DAC connection from a Windows computer or Mac.
USB hubs are not supported. Connect a compatible storage device directly to the amplifier.
Three Optical and One Coaxial Digital Input
The PMA-900HNE includes three optical digital inputs and one coaxial digital input.
These can accommodate suitable equipment including:
- Televisions
- CD players and transports
- Digital radio tuners
- Media streamers
- Games consoles
- Satellite and cable receivers
The digital inputs accept compatible two-channel linear PCM signals at sampling frequencies from 32kHz to 192kHz and bit depths of 16 or 24 bits.
Set Digital Sources to Stereo PCM
The optical and coaxial inputs do not accept Dolby Digital, DTS, AAC or other compressed multichannel bitstreams.
Set a connected television, Blu-ray player, games console or streaming box to PCM, linear PCM or stereo PCM. Sending an unsupported bitstream may produce noise and could damage the loudspeakers.
Automatic Television Playback
A selected optical or coaxial connection can be assigned as the television input.
With Auto-Play enabled, the amplifier can automatically switch on and select the assigned digital input when compatible television audio is detected.
This creates a more convenient everyday television system without requiring HDMI ARC.
Operation depends on the television and the digital signal it supplies. The television must be configured to output compatible two-channel PCM.
Moving-Magnet and Moving-Coil Phono Stage
The PMA-900HNE contains a phono stage for both moving-magnet and compatible low-output moving-coil cartridges.
A dedicated button on the front panel switches between:
- MM: Moving-magnet cartridges and compatible moving-iron designs
- MC: Compatible low-output moving-coil cartridges
The front indicator illuminates green when MC mode is selected. It remains off in MM mode.
Denon's published input specifications are:
- Moving magnet: 2.5mV sensitivity and 47-kohm input impedance
- Moving coil: 220µV sensitivity and 100-ohm input impedance
Select the Correct Cartridge Type Before Playing a Record
Using MC mode with a moving-magnet cartridge may produce an excessively high input level and distortion.
Using MM mode with a low-output moving-coil cartridge will normally produce sound that is much too quiet.
Check the cartridge manufacturer's recommended gain and loading before connecting it directly to the amplifier.
Turntable Ground Connection
A signal-ground terminal is provided for a suitable turntable earth wire.
Connecting the earth wire can reduce hum in many systems, although Denon notes that some turntables may produce less noise when it is left disconnected.
The ground terminal is for signal grounding rather than electrical safety grounding.
Explore the Denon DP-450USB Turntable for a matching belt-drive vinyl source.
Four Analogue Line Inputs
Four stereo RCA line inputs are provided for conventional analogue source equipment.
The labelled connections are:
- CD
- Network
- Auxiliary
- Recorder
Suitable sources may include:
- CD and SACD players
- Network transports and streamers
- Cassette decks
- External digital-to-analogue converters
- External phono stages
- Portable music players
- Radio tuners
The Denon DCD-900NE CD Player is the natural matching disc source.
Analogue Recording Output
A fixed-level stereo Recorder output allows the selected analogue input to be sent to a compatible recording device.
Suitable equipment may include:
- Cassette decks
- Open-reel recorders
- Standalone digital recorders
- Compatible analogue-to-digital converters
The recording output is not a variable pre-amplifier output and does not follow the main volume control.
No Main Stereo Pre-Amplifier Output
The PMA-900HNE does not provide a full-range variable stereo output for connecting an external power amplifier.
Its rear pre-output is intended specifically for a compatible active subwoofer.
Active-Subwoofer Output
A dedicated RCA output allows a compatible active subwoofer to be connected.
A carefully adjusted subwoofer can provide:
- Deeper bass extension
- Greater scale
- More weight from drums and bass instruments
- Improved low-volume listening
- Greater flexibility with compact speakers
The subwoofer must contain its own amplifier. The PMA-900HNE cannot directly power a passive subwoofer.
The subwoofer level follows the Speaker A volume. No subwoofer signal is produced when the amplifier is set to Speaker B only.
Browse active subwoofers at Audio T or ask your local store for advice on positioning, crossover, level and phase.
Front Wired-Headphone Output
A front-panel headphone socket provides private wired listening.
The Speaker button should be used to switch off the loudspeaker outputs when listening through wired headphones.
Begin with the volume at a low setting and increase it gradually to protect hearing and avoid damaging sensitive headphones.
Source Direct Playback
Source Direct bypasses the bass, treble and balance adjustment circuitry.
This provides a more direct signal path for listeners who prefer reproduction without tone adjustment.
When Source Direct is active:
- Bass adjustment is bypassed
- Treble adjustment is bypassed
- Left and right balance adjustment is bypassed
- The Source Direct indicator illuminates
Reducing Digital and Wireless Activity
The PMA-900HNE allows selected digital and wireless functions to be switched off when they are not required.
Available settings include:
- Network and USB playback off
- Wi-Fi off
- Bluetooth off
- Front display dimmed or switched off
- Source Direct playback
This can be useful when listening to a CD player, turntable or another physical source and network functionality is not required.
Disabling Network and USB causes the amplifier to restart. Network streaming and USB playback remain unavailable until the setting is switched back on.
Bass, Treble and Balance Controls
Front-panel controls provide direct adjustment of:
- Bass by plus or minus 8dB at 100Hz
- Treble by plus or minus 8dB at 10kHz
- Left and right channel balance
Begin with neutral settings and make only small changes after the speakers and subwoofer have been positioned correctly.
Sleep Timer and Automatic Standby
The sleep timer can switch the amplifier into standby automatically after the selected period.
An automatic-standby function is also provided to reduce unnecessary power consumption when the amplifier has not been used for an extended period.
Network Control can remain enabled in standby when operation through HEOS, AirPlay or compatible network control is required.
Remote Control and Denon CD Player Operation
The supplied RC-1246 remote controls the PMA-900HNE and compatible Denon CD players.
Amplifier functions include:
- Power and standby
- Input selection
- Volume and mute
- Source Direct
- Network and USB playback controls
- Menu navigation
- Sleep timer
- Display brightness
Compatible Denon CD-player functions include:
- Power
- Play and pause
- Stop
- Track selection
- Random and repeat playback
- Programmed playback
- Pure Direct
- Display control
PMA-900HNE or DRA-900H?
Choose the PMA-900HNE When
- Music reproduction is the main priority
- MM and MC phono compatibility is important
- HDMI connections are not required
- Three optical inputs provide enough television connectivity
- A conventional integrated-amplifier layout is preferred
- The matching DCD-900NE CD player will be used
Consider the DRA-900H When
- HDMI ARC or eARC is required
- Several HDMI video sources will be connected
- 8K or 4K/120Hz video pass-through is useful
- More amplifier power is required
- Two subwoofer outputs are preferred
- DAB and FM radio are important
Explore the Denon DRA-900H Network Stereo Receiver to compare the HDMI-equipped alternative.
Black and Premium Silver Finishes
The PMA-900HNE is available in black or premium silver.
Both options share the same aluminium front panel, internal circuitry, connections and published performance.
Placement and Ventilation
Place the amplifier on a strong, level and well-ventilated equipment support.
Avoid:
- Covering its ventilation openings
- Installing it inside a tightly sealed cabinet
- Placing another heat-producing product directly on top
- Positioning it beside a radiator
- Exposing it to direct sunlight
- Allowing moisture or liquids near the amplifier
- Running speaker cables where exposed conductors could touch
Leave enough rear space for speaker, subwoofer, analogue, digital, network, antenna and mains connections.
Key Features
- Two-channel network integrated amplifier
- 50W per channel into 8 ohms
- 85W per channel into 4 ohms
- Advanced High Current amplifier design
- Single push-pull output stage
- Darlington output transistors
- Discrete power-amplifier construction
- High-current dynamic power supply
- Variable-gain pre-amplifier circuit
- Solid internal heat sinks
- Speaker A and B outputs
- Bi-wiring support
- 4 to 16-ohm single-pair speaker compatibility
- 8 to 16-ohm compatibility with two speaker pairs
- HEOS Built-in
- Network music streaming
- Compatible multiroom playback
- Spotify Connect
- Amazon Music support through HEOS
- TIDAL support through HEOS
- Deezer support through HEOS
- TuneIn internet radio
- Roon Tested
- AirPlay 2
- Bluetooth music reception
- Bluetooth headphone transmission
- High-resolution network playback
- High-resolution USB playback
- FLAC up to 24-bit/192kHz
- WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Apple Lossless up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz
- MP3 playback
- WMA playback
- MPEG-4 AAC playback
- Gapless playback with compatible formats
- Rear USB Type-A connection
- Three optical digital inputs
- One coaxial digital input
- Two-channel PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Automatic television input selection
- Moving-magnet phono stage
- Moving-coil phono stage
- Front-panel MM and MC selector
- Turntable signal-ground terminal
- Four analogue RCA line inputs
- Analogue recording output
- Active-subwoofer output
- Front wired-headphone output
- Source Direct mode
- Switchable network and USB circuitry
- Switchable Wi-Fi
- Switchable Bluetooth
- Bass and treble controls
- Balance adjustment
- Volume limit
- Sleep timer
- Automatic standby
- Low-noise OLED display
- Adjustable display brightness
- Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- RC-1246 system remote control
- Black and premium silver finishes
- Aluminium front panel
- Detachable mains cable
- 434mm cabinet width
- Approximately 8.3kg weight
- Two-year Denon manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is the Denon PMA-900HNE?
Denon specifies 50W per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with both channels driven at 0.07% distortion.
Where does the 85W figure come from?
Denon specifies 85W per channel into 4 ohms at 1kHz with both channels driven at 0.7% distortion.
Which power figure should I use when comparing amplifiers?
The 50W full-range, 8-ohm specification provides the more representative comparison with other conventional stereo-amplifier ratings.
Which speaker impedances are supported?
One pair connected to Speaker A or B may present an impedance between 4 and 16 ohms. When two separate pairs are used together, each should be rated between 8 and 16 ohms.
Can two pairs of speakers be connected?
Yes. Speaker A and B terminals are provided.
Can Speaker A and B play different sources?
No. Both outputs receive the same source and volume setting.
Can compatible speakers be bi-wired?
Yes. Speaker A and B can feed the separate high and low-frequency terminals of a compatible loudspeaker after its terminal links have been removed.
Does bi-wiring provide four amplifier channels?
No. The amplifier still contains two power-amplifier channels.
Does it include built-in music streaming?
Yes. HEOS Built-in provides network streaming, internet radio and compatible multiroom playback.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
Yes.
Is it Roon Ready?
Denon lists the PMA-900HNE as Roon Tested rather than Roon Ready.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. It can receive music from a compatible phone, tablet or computer.
Can it send sound to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Compatible Bluetooth headphones or an A2DP Bluetooth speaker can receive audio from the amplifier.
Can Bluetooth headphones and the main speakers play together?
Yes. The speaker-output setting can provide Bluetooth audio alongside Speaker A, Speaker B or Speaker A and B.
Can the amplifier control Bluetooth-headphone volume?
No. Bluetooth-headphone volume must be adjusted using the headphones themselves.
Does Bluetooth introduce delay?
Yes. Some delay may be noticeable when watching television or video.
Does it support high-resolution audio?
Yes. Compatible FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless files can be played at up to 24-bit/192kHz, with DSD support at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. A rear USB Type-A connection is provided for compatible flash drives and mass-storage devices.
Can it connect directly to a computer by USB?
No. It does not contain a USB-B computer-audio input.
How many optical inputs are included?
Three.
Does it have a coaxial digital input?
Yes. One coaxial input is provided.
Can it connect to a television?
Yes. Use a compatible optical or coaxial digital output from the television.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. Consider the Denon DRA-900H if HDMI ARC and eARC are required.
Which format should the television output?
Set it to two-channel PCM, linear PCM or stereo PCM.
Does it decode Dolby Digital or DTS?
No. Unsupported bitstreams must not be sent to the digital inputs.
Can it switch on automatically with the television?
Yes, when a compatible optical or coaxial input is assigned as the television input and Auto-Play is enabled.
Does it have a moving-magnet phono stage?
Yes.
Does it have a moving-coil phono stage?
Yes. It supports compatible low-output moving-coil cartridges through its dedicated MC setting.
How is MM or MC selected?
Use the dedicated MC/MM button on the front panel. The indicator illuminates green when MC mode is selected.
Can any moving-coil cartridge be connected?
Not necessarily. Check that the cartridge's output and recommended loading are suitable for the amplifier's 220µV sensitivity and 100-ohm MC input.
How many analogue line inputs are included?
Four, labelled CD, Network, Auxiliary and Recorder.
Does it have an analogue recording output?
Yes. A fixed-level stereo Recorder output is provided.
Can an external power amplifier be connected?
Not through a variable full-range pre-amplifier output. The rear pre-output is for an active subwoofer.
Can an active subwoofer be connected?
Yes. One dedicated line-level subwoofer output is provided.
Can it power a passive subwoofer?
No. The subwoofer must contain its own amplifier or use a suitable external subwoofer amplifier.
Does the subwoofer work with Speaker B?
The subwoofer output follows Speaker A. It does not produce output when Speaker B alone is selected.
Does it have a wired-headphone output?
Yes. A headphone socket is located on the front panel.
What does Source Direct do?
It bypasses the bass, treble and balance adjustment circuitry.
Can the network circuitry be switched off?
Yes. Network and USB playback, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be disabled when they are not required.
Can it control the matching DCD-900NE CD player?
Yes. The supplied system remote includes controls for compatible Denon CD players.
Which colours are available?
Black and premium silver.
What are the dimensions?
Approximately 434 x 131 x 376mm (W x H x D).
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 8.3kg.
What warranty is included?
Denon provides a two-year manufacturer warranty through an authorised retailer, subject to its full terms and proof of purchase.
Related Denon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Denon PMA-900HNE demonstrations
- Stereo speaker matching
- Comparisons with the Denon DRA-900H
- Denon DCD-900NE system matching
- HEOS and network-streaming setup
- AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth configuration
- Bluetooth-headphone setup
- High-resolution USB and network playback guidance
- Television optical and coaxial setup
- Stereo PCM configuration
- Moving-magnet cartridge advice
- Moving-coil cartridge and loading advice
- Turntable grounding and hum assistance
- Speaker A and B configuration
- Bi-wiring advice
- Active-subwoofer integration
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- Room-positioning advice
- Denon manufacturer-warranty guidance
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss speakers, streaming, television sound, turntables, cartridges, subwoofers and system matching for the Denon PMA-900HNE.