Denon PMA-890DG (1989)
The PMA-890DG is a late-1980s Denon integrated amplifier, a Japan-market "Special Limited Edition" that combined serious analog amplification with the company's early digital converter work. It was introduced in 1989 at ¥93,800. It never got the international recognition of some of Denon's other models, but it has a cult following among those who know it.
The PMA-890DG is built around Denon's P.B.S. (Penta Block Separated) chassis. That layout physically isolates the power supply, digital circuitry, display, and audio stages into dedicated sections to minimize interference. The power amplifier uses Denon's Optical Class A circuit, which separates bias control from the audio path through optical transmission. It's an unusual approach, aimed at lowering distortion. A multi-stage differential amplifier with ultra-low-noise FETs drives a high-speed parallel push-pull output stage. The whole thing runs off a 6.3 kg shielded transformer.
The "DG" is what sets this model apart. It has a real 20-bit Super Linear Converter (S.L.C.) with independent left and right D/A converters, processing 20-bit 8x oversampled digital signals. An intelligent digital interface automatically recognizes the sampling frequencies of CD, DAT, and satellite digital broadcasts, and a dual-PLL clock system suppresses jitter. That makes it an integrated amplifier with a serious built-in DAC at a time when that was still unusual.
Rated output is 110W per channel into 8 ohms with THD of 0.004% (20Hz - 20kHz), and frequency response runs from 4Hz to 150kHz. The unit measures 470×181×420mm and weighs 19.4kg. It has a high-quality MC/MM phono stage with DC servo circuitry, Source Direct mode, broadband tone controls, and speaker relay switching. It came in a gold finish with real wood side panels, or in classic black.
Documentation on this model is thin. The record relies heavily on a single Japanese source. A forum user who contacted Denon directly was told the manuals only exist in Japanese, which fits its Japan-market status. A forum thread also refers to it as a "Special Limited Edition," though Denon's own marketing materials for that claim haven't surfaced.
Known specs:
- 2×110W (8Ω), 0.004% THD (20Hz–20kHz)
- Frequency response: 4Hz–150kHz
- 20-bit Super Linear Converter, independent L/R D/A converters
- Optical Class A amplifier circuit
- P.B.S. (Penta Block Separated) chassis
- 6.3 kg shielded power transformer
- MC/MM phono stage with DC servo
- 470×181×420mm, 19.4kg
- Introduced 1989 at ¥93,800 in Japan
Surviving units show up on the used market from time to time. One recent eBay listing noted a non-working mute function and general wear. Service manuals exist in PDF form, though the available scans are reportedly poor.
eBay Listings
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