Denon PMA-980

The Denon PMA-980 is a stereo amplifier with a thin record and a small identity problem. The two main sources disagree on the name. One lists the PMA-980, the other the PMA-980R, and nothing in the documentation settles it. Both agree it was a serious piece of kit. The German-language record calls it a "semi-professional amplifier."

The documented specs describe a capable, no-nonsense integrated amp. It was rated at 2 x 100 watts into 8 ohms, with a damping factor above 100 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB. Frequency response ran from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (+0 / -1.5 dB at rated output), and distortion was quoted at under 0.005% at 1 kHz. Input sensitivity was 150 mV for rated output. It drew 275 watts from the wall and weighed 10.6 kg, with dimensions of 434 x 139 x 404 mm.

The inputs are where the semi-pro side shows: phono with both MM and MC capability, CD, tuner, two additional line inputs, and two tape loops. Outputs include a preamp out and two record outs, plus two pairs of speaker terminals. The original price in Germany was 1,398 DM. Audio (October 1991, p.144) covered it in an amplifier roundup, though the review is sparse on detail.

Past that, the documentation runs dry. No production years are confirmed, no owner consensus has surfaced, and there's no word on common faults or quirks. How it sounded, who it was aimed at, and where it sat in the Denon range are all unrecorded.

- Output: 2 x 100W (8 ohms)

- Frequency response: 5 - 100,000 Hz (+0 / -1.5 dB)

- Distortion: < 0.005% (1 kHz, rated output)

- Damping factor: > 100 (8 ohms)

- S/N ratio: 105 dB

- Inputs: Phono MM/MC, CD, tuner, line 1, line 2, tape 1, tape 2

- Outputs: Preamp out, 2 record outs, 2 speaker pairs

- Dimensions: 434 x 139 x 404 mm, 10.6 kg