Denon PRA-S1
The Denon PRA-S1 is a two-channel stereo preamplifier. Multiple sources confirm that, including Denon's own regional pages. Past that, the documented record is thin. Most of what survives comes from a single listing on a vintage audio classifieds site, and it has the most complete set of specs available.
That listing describes the PRA-S1 as a straightforward analog preamp with phono (MM) and three line-level inputs. The phono stage is MM only. No MC support is documented. The measured numbers are respectable for the era: frequency response of 5Hz-100kHz (+0, -1dB), distortion of 0.02%, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB (IHF A network). Maximum output voltage is listed at 8V. Dimensions are 434 × 87 × 336mm, and it weighs 7.6kg. One oddity: the same source lists 150mV for both line input sensitivity and output voltage, which may be a transcription error. The 150mV line input sensitivity is the more plausible of the two.
Denon's India and Philippines product pages confirm the model name and type but add no further spec detail. A "Total Musical Power" rating of 110W appears on the India page. It's unclear whether that means power consumption or some other rating. A preamp has no power output stage, so don't read it as an amplifier wattage.
Audio magazine (October 1995, p.142) listed the PRA-S1 among preamplifiers in its annual equipment directory, noting a phono stage sensitivity of 2.5mV and a line stage sensitivity of 2.5mV, confirming its availability in the mid-1990s. The 1996 edition (October 1996, p.122) also included the PRA-S1 in its preamplifier listing.
No production years, original price, or owner reviews have surfaced in research. If you have documentation, a manual, or firsthand experience with the PRA-S1, the archive would welcome the contribution.
Known specs
- Two-channel stereo preamplifier
- Inputs: Phono (MM), Line 1, Line 2, Line 3
- Frequency response: 5Hz–100kHz (+0, −1dB)
- Distortion: 0.02%
- Signal-to-noise: 100dB (IHF A)
- Max output: 8V
- Dimensions: 434 × 87 × 336mm
- Weight: 7.6kg
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