About this deal
Bought this for a neighbour who has asked me to help set up an affordable strereo. Presently testing it in my system in place of an Exposure 21/18S combination. Long & short is, you've got to figure out WHICH part is mis-operating, 'cause you only need to replace THAT one (& replacing any other of course won't fix it!). It certainly conveys music across the whole spectrum, when first switched on it sounded a little 'spitty' on cymbals and a little grainy overall, after a few hours listening it sounds smoother now - maybe it has warmed up or maybe I've adjusted to it. There's a USB-A port on the front panel for iOS devices or USB memory, and three digital ins – coaxial, optical and USB-B – on the rear.
It has strong dynamics that help bring the music alive though at times loud busy passages can sound a little cong ested and 'shouty'. It creates a reasonably good sound stage too.
Often compared with Denon PMA-520AE
The 720 retains that surefooted sense of timing that we praised in the 710, with the added benefit of a tauter, more controlled bass. The current Marantz mainstream amps and players will continue, but will be joined next month by the SA11-S3 and PM-11S3 SACD player and amp, which we first spotted at last months' High End 2012 show in Munich. The Denon is excellent value second hand, it has now warmed up and to my ears sounds best with the tone controls defeated. It seems to have a fairly neutral tonal balance, perhaps slightly favouring lower midrange or maybe that's the KEF 104/2s it's playing through? We heard the SA-11S3 and PM-11S3 running into Boston Acoustics m350 speakers at a demonstration during the D+M Group's European event this week – for more on that, see my main report from the event. And when the NA-11S1 finally does arrive, it'll be possible to drive a complete '11' system using the Marantz Control app on iPod/iPad/iPhone and the standard RC-5 remote control protocol.
We paired the Denon PMA-520AE Integrated Amplifier with a pair of Q Acoustics 3020 and it was perfect. Both the speakers and the amplifier. Then we paired the same amplifier with a pair of Denon-branded but Mission-designed SC-MK5 bookshelf speakers and again, it was perfect. Goes to show that this Denon Amplifiers works very well with any compatible speakers. And the sound quality? It’s good. May not be the best, but it’s really good. And for its price, it is something hard to beat. For the audiophile beginner on a budget, this entry-level integrated amplifier from Denon is definitely for you. Straight away the Denon sounds strong and confident, with good levels of clear detail. We’d definitely keep the Source Direct button on – it bypasses the tone and balance controls for a more subtle and purer sound.The PMA-720AE is a stubborn and uncompromising performer, with a determined sound that won’t allow itself to loosen up. That doesn’t mean there’s any enjoyment lost, but such a particular presentation means the Denon will favour certain styles of music over others.