Denon PMA-S10III (2000–2002)

The PMA-S10III is a heavyweight integrated amplifier from Denon's flagship S-series, produced from 2000 to 2002 at a launch price of ¥250,000. It weighs 28kg. It sits at the end of a lineage that runs PMA-S10 (1995-97) → PMA-S10II (1997-2000) → PMA-S10III (2000-02). The III keeps the basic configuration of the S10II but adds more material for better sound, so the build is somewhat heavier. It still weighs less than the S10II, though, because that model used two ordinary transformers and the III uses a single thick toroidal unit.

The output stage uses Denon's UHC-MOS high-current MOSFETs, rated at a peak current of 120A, in a single push-pull circuit. The power transformer is a toroidal type in an aluminum sand mold case, held with Denon's S.B. (Stable Based) fixing method. It has independent windings for the voltage amplification stage, the phono equalizer and the control circuits, so they don't interfere with each other. The rectifier uses Schottky barrier diodes in parallel, a first for the power supply of a mass-production amplifier. The internal wiring from transformer to output stage is very thick OFC copper. The power amplifier blocks are laid out twin-monaural, and the chassis is divided into six shielded blocks that separate circuits of different signal levels.

Rated output is 100W + 100W into 8Ω (20Hz-20kHz, 0.07% THD) and 200W + 200W into 4Ω (1kHz, 0.7% THD). Frequency response extends to 100kHz, and line input signal-to-noise ratio is a claimed 110dB. The phono stage switches between MM (2.5mV/47kΩ) and MC (0.2mV/100Ω), with RIAA deviation of ±0.5dB. The rest of the parts list: a 40-inch 4-channel volume control, gold-plated machined pin jacks, inert gas-filled relays, Silmic II electrolytic capacitors and a detachable thick power cord. The speaker terminals have enlarged 6mm clamp holes to take very thick cable, and they support bi-wiring. The chassis is 1.6mm steel plate, and the sintered alloy insulators are designed to convert vibration into heat.

Documentation on this model is thin. No official manual has surfaced, and most of what's known comes from a single Japanese spec database plus forum discussion. One Russian-language forum source claims the PMA-SA11 is essentially the same amplifier, and the claim is repeated in a couple of places. An owner comparison posted on DA Stereo found a PMA-SA1 more refined and transparent than the S10III Limited, using Yamaha NS-2000 speakers for academic music, jazz, blues and classical rock. Another listener called the S10III more dynamic and stiffer than the SA11, which was softer and smoother with better treble. Some also felt the first S10 had "music" in it while the later versions didn't.

A used unit was listed in Singapore at SGD$1,100 in condition 7/10. A "Limited" variant is mentioned in at least one source.

Known specifications:

- 100W + 100W (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.07% THD); 200W + 200W (4Ω, 1kHz, 0.7% THD)

- Frequency response: 5Hz–100kHz (+0/-3dB)

- S/N ratio: 110dB (line, A-network); 91dB (MM); 76dB (MC)

- Phono: MM 2.5mV/47kΩ; MC 0.2mV/100Ω

- Dimensions: 434 × 181 × 485 mm; weight 28kg

- Power consumption: 300W

- Launch price: ¥250,000 (2000)