Denon PMA-900HNE Integrated Network Player with HEOS - Black

Denon Put HEOS in a Real Hi-Fi Amplifier

Denon has built HEOS into receivers and speakers for years. The PMA-900HNE is the first time it went into what Denon calls a pure hi-fi amplifier. The result looks like a traditional integrated, in black, and streams like a network player.

Power is 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 85 watts into 4. HEOS brings Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, iHeartRadio and TuneIn. AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.4 cover casting from a phone.

Your Turntable Plugs In, Whatever Cartridge It Wears

The phono input switches between moving magnet and moving coil from a button on the front panel. Three RCA line inputs handle everything else analog. On the digital side there are three optical inputs, one coaxial, and a USB-A slot.

That USB slot plays MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless to 24-bit/192kHz, plus DSD to 5.6MHz. Two sets of speaker terminals allow bi-wiring. A mono subwoofer output is filtered at 150Hz. Wi-Fi and Ethernet both work.

Where the Numbers Come From

Denon builds this around what it calls an Advanced High Current design, using a single push-pull output circuit. Total harmonic distortion measures 0.01% at 1kHz into 8 ohms, three decibels below rated output. Frequency response runs from 5Hz to 100kHz.

The phono stage takes 2.5mV at 47 kilohms for moving magnet, and 220 microvolts at 100 ohms for moving coil. RIAA deviation stays within 1dB. Signal-to-noise measures 86dB on moving magnet and 105dB on line inputs.

Small Details That Save You Power

Speaker terminals are rated 4 to 16 ohms with one pair connected, or 8 to 16 with both. Tone controls give 8dB either way at 100Hz and 10kHz, and a source direct button takes them out. Standby draw is 0.2 watts.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Jez Ford reviewed it for Sound+Image on October 18, 2022. His verdict: Denon "makes its first move on the smart amplifier market, adding the HEOS streaming platform to a traditional-looking hi-fi integrated amp. It’s a successful formula."

Andrew Everard covered it for Sound Advice on August 10, 2022. He heard a "smooth, rich and controlled" presentation "with impressive levels of detail and fine presence," and called the amplifier "beautifully put together and finished."

Three Things Ford Would Change

Ford listed three drawbacks: a "Tiny front display," "Tapered knobs" he found "relatively hard to grasp," and the fact that "Bluetooth is SBC only." There is no aptX and no AAC, so iPhone owners are better served by AirPlay 2.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You want streaming without a separate box — HEOS, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth are all built in, over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• You play records — the phono stage switches between moving magnet and moving coil from the front panel.
• You already own Denon or Marantz gear — HEOS links them into one multi-room system.
• You want conventional hi-fi controls — tone controls, a source direct button, speaker A/B switching and a full-size remote.
• You want your TV on HDMI — there is no HDMI input here, only optical. The Marantz MODEL M1 has HDMI eARC instead.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the A or B terminals, or both together for bi-wiring. Note that the subwoofer output only works with Speakers A. A turntable takes the phono input, then set the MM or MC button to match your cartridge.

A TV connects to the optical input marked TV, which senses a signal and wakes the amplifier. Ethernet or Wi-Fi brings HEOS online. Two small antennas handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Then the HEOS app takes over.

Pairs Well With

Building around the PMA-900HNE? Start here:

• Speakers: 50 watts drives a capable pair — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Turntable: MM or MC, both are covered — see our Turntables.
• Subwoofer: the filtered mono output is ready — see our Subwoofers.
• Cables: bi-wiring needs two runs — see our Speaker Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the Denon PMA-900HNE make?

50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 85 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

Does it support moving-coil cartridges?

Yes. A front-panel button switches the phono stage between moving magnet and moving coil.

Can I connect a computer over USB?

The USB-A slot reads storage devices only. There is no USB-B input for a computer.

Which Bluetooth codecs does it use?

SBC only, over Bluetooth 5.4. For better wireless quality, use AirPlay 2 or the HEOS app.

Does it have an HDMI input for my TV?

Connect a TV to the optical input labeled TV, which wakes the amplifier when it detects a signal.

Can it join a multi-room system?

Yes. HEOS Built-in links it with other HEOS-enabled Denon and Marantz components.

See It in Action

Aire Theater Designs walks through the HEOS app itself — the software you would use to run this amplifier, rather than a review of the PMA-900HNE:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about network amplifiers, HEOS multi-room audio, or moving-coil phono stages? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.