Denon PMA-2000III (2000)
The Denon PMA-2000III is a pre-main (integrated) amplifier released in Japan in January 2000 at ¥100,000. It was the third version of Denon's PMA-2000 line. Period sources describe it as a refinement of the PMA-2000 II aimed at "next-generation audio." Three independent sources corroborate the model name, but detailed documentation is thin.
What the record shows is a thoroughly engineered UHC-MOS amplifier. The output stage uses UHC-MOS (Ultra High Current MOS) transistors in a single push-pull configuration. That follows a Denon design idea that headroom in output current is always good. The power amplifier blocks are twin-monaural, with independent left and right sections. The chassis is divided into six shielded blocks that separate circuits by signal level. The power supply uses twin transformers mounted with a leakage-canceling method, Schottky barrier diodes for high-frequency rectification, and a Precision Signal Ground circuit to reduce noise current. A Precision Mechanical Ground structure mounts the heatsink close to the feet to suppress vibration interference.
Rated output is 80W + 80W into 8 ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.07% THD) and 160W + 160W into 4 ohms (1 kHz, 0.7% THD). Frequency response runs from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB), and line-level signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 110 dB. The phono stage handles both MM (2.5mV/47kΩ) and MC (0.2mV/100Ω) cartridges through a front switch. It uses a discrete first-stage FET circuit with a dedicated stabilizing power supply. The speaker terminals are gold-plated brass with 6mm clamp holes. They support bi-wiring and 4-16Ω loads depending on configuration. A pre-out is included. The unit weighs 22.0 kg and consumes 275W.
One Russian source, writing on a forum, places the PMA-2000III within a long series of what it calls "clones" - amplifiers with identical parameters, weight, size, and even design - running from the 1994 PMA-2000 through the 2018 PMA-2500NE. The same source calls the PMA-1500/2000 line a cost-reduced version of the UHC-MOS concept, in contrast to the uncompromising POA-S1. It concedes that reviews are quite favorable except for the earliest models, and says "a bad circuit and idea cannot stay on the market for almost 30 years." The source claims the circuit survives with minor changes to this day, down to component values matching the 1994 PMA-2000R schematic.
Owner comments gathered from listings are consistently positive. One Russian seller describes "gorgeous sound, dynamic, beautiful, with a velvety melodious midrange, bass is superb," and a Japanese page notes the tone is "generally warm" with "startling reality." A used example sold on eBay in March 2025 for $1,120. Beyond this, little is documented. The available record has no service manual, no official Denon literature, and no detailed breakdown of the circuit topology specific to the III.
Known Specifications
- Rated output: 80W + 80W (8Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.07% THD); 160W + 160W (4Ω, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD)
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB (line, A-weighted)
- Phono MM: 2.5mV/47kΩ; Phono MC: 0.2mV/100Ω
- RIAA deviation: ±0.5 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
- Tone control: Bass ±8 dB (100 Hz); Treble ±8 dB (10 kHz)
- Dimensions: 434 × 180 × 478 mm (W×H×D); Weight: 22.0 kg
- Power consumption: 275W; detachable power cord
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