I bought this off of Amazon at a no-brainer price. Coming from a Denon PMA-600ne to this magnificent piece of Japanese HiFi joy, the difference(s) are not subtle. A noticeable improvement over what is an already fine amplifier (PMA-600ne) that I was (and still am) thrilled to own. The PMA1700ne has the sound signature I have been searching for that the PMA-600ne just doesn’t have.
The difference in SQ between this PMA-1700ne and the anniversary, top-of-the-line PMA-A110 that is double the cost, is imperceptible to my ears. The PMA-1700ne is literally my end-game integrated amplifier. I paired this integrated with HECO (hey-co) Aurora 700 tower speakers, a WiiM Pro using coax out, and the Denon DCD-900ne CD player using analog out. Also, a Music Hall US-1 turntable with Ortofon 2M Blue cart. This is an outstanding pairing of equipment in my opinion. And the PMA-1700ne is definitely up to the task!
The PMA-1700ne has a signal-sensing feature (for only one input that is assignable) that works incredibly well. I can be anywhere in the house (small but cozy house) well out of remote control range and as I have the input set to COAX, whenever I want music, I start the WiiM Pro, and the PMA-1700ne turns on and will switch inputs! Then, I can use the WiimPro app to adjust the volume, EQ, etc…! Then, after all of that, when I’m finished listening, I literally do nothing! The WiimPro AND the PMA-1700ne will both automatically shut down after no signal input for a period of time (10 minutes I think)!!!
The build quality is beastly, to say the least. The knob feel on this 39lb monster is so fricken silky smooth and responsive. I’d rather get out of my chair to adjust the volume over using the remote, THAT is how nice the feel is (to me). A MASSIVE volume knob is made out of solid aluminum, as is the smaller selector knob.
Low volume, high volume, it makes no difference to this amp. The sound quality is simply phenomenal! The power at 70 watts/ch is surely a very conservative rating as the PMA-1700ne has yet to even come close to breaking a sweat with my usage. Admittedly the loudest I’ve had it was 50% and that was waaay too loud for comfortable, enjoyable listening. Interestingly enough, at that level, the sound was as clear as crystal, it was just too dang loud! Hahaha
The phono stage as well as the built-in DAC are flawless. Absolutely flawless. There is zero to complain about with the built-ins. Should I ever decide to start listening to the highest available sound via my computer, there is no doubt in my mind the PMA-1700ne will dominate that format as well.
Still, at half of the anniversary flagship PMA-A110 cost, yet 3x the cost of the PMA-600ne, the PMA-1700ne is still a pricey investment. There are features I would like that the PMA-1799ne doesn’t have, like, knob markings so I can see across the room what position they are at, but that is being picky. The build quality, the sound signature, and the fact that, for me anyway, this is an heirloom piece that will be handed down after I’m gone, does justify the higher price of admission, but if you are patient, these can be found easily enough for not much over $1500, if not a hair below, the PMA-1700ne is a worthy investment. Oh yeah! A 3-year factory warranty as well (when bought new from an authorized seller)!