I set out to buy some hi fi on a budget of £300, and was expecting to take home an reasonable integrated ‘mini’ type system. People I had spoken to always raved about the super sound quality of ‘separates,’ but everything I had seen in so far had one too many 0’s on the price tag for the full set up. I bought a magazine (What hi fi) to check out what I was up against, and was pleasantly shocked when I turned to the new ‘New Year’s sale’ page of one of the retailers. The prices were better than reasonable, and it meant that I could now afford to go for separates. I knew that Denon were pretty prestigious, and the PMA 250 amp was still affordable. I visited the local retailer, where I was able to take some of my CDs along and put the amp through its paces without neighbours banging on the wall. Having tried the amp with numerous other combinations of CD units, speakers and radio tuners in the shop I can honestly say that this amp goes well with anything, and that it seems to ‘bring the best’ out of any component. I ended up getting the base model Technics CD player (again more than adequate) and the Denon TU 260 Mk II tuner. As far as speakers go I scored a pair of Eltax C205 floorstanders (separate review) for £59. This bundle, including some half decent speaker cable came to £320. Roughly the price of a mid range mini system. But it is easily upgradeable and sounds (not to mention) looks so much better. Don’t be put off by the fact that it only produces 35 watts per channel. In my opinion, 35 watts of this amp is like 100 of some others. The bass notes produced are distinctive and can be painful if you want! I have never been able to withstand more than half full volume. Also the bass and treble are infinitely adjustable unlike mini systems where you have three pre set bass levels if you are lucky. There is also a ‘source direct’ button, which bypasses some of the circuitry for the ultimate sound. Last, but by no means least, this amp really looks the part. The matt black anodised metal front panel is the definition of class, and makes this amp look like it cost more than it did: Just £129 brand new.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
A good op to convince people out there of the benefits of separates. Ultimately, now you can upgrade forever. First, you can look at better cables, then the next time you get a few quid spare, maybe a better CD player and so on. I find it a lifelong thrill and, all the time, I'm listening to music of a quality that mini system folk don't understand. Smug? - you bet!
johnstevens 16.06.2001 14:05
hi welcome to ciao fab op and very informative. john
Michael-S 15.06.2001 22:10
Great first op. Welcome to Ciao. Take care, Michael.
very helpful by (100%):
