Denon PMA-600NE vs Cambridge Audio AXA35

If you like crisp, clear instrument separation and prefer the Bass to be pushed back then there is something you will probably find good in the Denon at this price point, but if you like a warmer more up-front sound with a richly toned Bass then you may be sadly disappointed with this amp.

The amp is also musical, with great imaging and decent soundstage, and great slim design. The only cons are minor: no source direct button, no volume indication at all times (only when changing volume), barely-ok speaker binding posts. If a USB DAC is needed for direct computer connection, I recommend the Topping D10. https://amzn

My problem is that I was using a Denon PMA-600NE amplifer to drive them (outputs 70W per channel at 4 ohms, can output to speakers between 4 and 16 ohms) - it was wayyy too loud. Like, with the volume knob starting at 7 o'clock, by 8 o'clock it was comfortable listening volume. 9 o'clock was far too loud. The main issue with this was that before 9 o'clock on the dial, there was some serious channel imabalance

It is a monster on the power front- I can’t imagine anyone turning it up past 50% in a very large room- but because the soundstage is what it is, despite the extra volume it never sounds like it ever comes “alive”. Maybe it’s a bad pairing with my Paradigms, but I’ve heard these speakers with a similarly powered Marantz and they sounded better there. For $350 if there is a better stereo amplifier out there- I’ve not seen or heard it. To add the digital streaming/connectivity to bring it on par with the other 2 makes the price the same, but provides superior sound quality, and flexibility

For the price, I got the features I needed most and it has plenty of functions. The remote works fine to switch between Bluetooth and the optical cable that I attached from the back of the amp to my QLed TCL TV. I’ve read reviews that the phono input is great for vinyl and there is a denon single disc CD player I might add to sample different media. But if you just want to stream music the ease of use the Bluetooth pairs immediately to my iPhone and works well with great sound quality

Warm, with great clarity, detail at low volume. Does not have Bluetooth but got a small Bluetooth receiver for next to nothing. Sounds excellent with my records!

I'll have to live with this a bit to decide if the sound is worth putting up with the remote.

Admittedly this is my first Integrated Amplifier. I've as recently as last November started getting into vinyl records and back into my old CDs and I was in the market for an amplifier but, didn't want to spend more than $500. This is perfect. This pairs very well (to my ears) with my Klipsch R-51M speakers and works well with my Yamaha subwoofer (yes you can plug your sub into the Rec Out output and it'll work WELL) and I love that it's an Integrated Amplifier because if I ever wanted to upgrade my turntable I don't have to worry about getting a preamp or making sure the turntable comes with one