The timbre in the voice of the Denon is much more realistic the Accuphase completely glazes over the deeper notes especially on the "come on lets walk around" 👌🏾
I wasn't thinking about getting Denon, but you really tickled my thoughts about getting one. I purchased PMA1700NE, and now I am over the moon about how it turned out well. I also have B&W 706 S2, and in my opinion, it's just a pure joy listening to the music. Not less important, it looks beautiful (silver), even more in real. Cheers!
I honestly didn't expect Denon to ever beat Accuphase, but it seems I was sorely mistaken. Accuphase, on the other hand, sounds good on 4 ohm speakers. Anyway, it is good to know that from Denon there are only 2-3 models that sound like an amplifier should really sound, and here I mean from this model up to the SX1 Limited Edition.
Such huge difference! The Accu has much more of a honky and offset tone on the voices which is really strange. I strongly suspect an impedance mismatch in the phonostage(s) or different RIAA curves are used in the accu and the denon. Ideally, when comparing integrateds you'd want to use a dedicated phonostage that is correctly matched for your MC cart impedance and feed the line input of the amp(s) you're comparing. Otherwise, you're just comparing phono stages.
Accuphase is so smoooooth! Denon sounds nice, there is a warm bloom from it on these speakers. Accuphase while being more accurate is still smooth and easy to listen to.
Blind test here - I like the first demo more. There is a better optimal balance between deepness and richness of the music. The second one has deeper sound аnd better HF but there is a gap between the HF and the overal music for me,there's something i'm missing. Maybe it depends on the acoustic of the room by the record or my barbarian ears don't now. Happy listening 😊
From bar 1, the Accuphase has better detail, then the voice has far more emotion, with a more coherent soundstage. Denon’s good, the Accuphase legendary for good reason. Thx for the video.
Accuphase is really, really good but it's not extremely good (like the best transistor brands like Nagra, Spectral, Boulder) Funny thing is that Spectral is the cheapest of those three but sits alone at the top in performance.
The Accuphase looks nice to me. Would never have thought to compare it to a Denon. A Luxman seems a more appropriate comparison. You repeatedly mentioned the Denon's built in phono preamp, but a phono pre appropriate for your beautiful turntable would not cost much (a Gold Note PH10 would be overkill, but even that only costs $1,500). Thanks for sharing.
Both are very good Japanese amplifiers. Generally, Accuphase is a more High end brand than Denon (in terms of price), but for the sound it is really subject to personal taste. I think JBL has better matching with Denon with more engaging vocals while Accuphase is a bit too gentle
Listened through my BW P7 wired. It's surprising how the sound of the intro guitar is so different from one amp to the other. After several times going back and forth, I think the Acc is more "hifi", in the sense that there are details that seem to be missing with the Denon. From a strictly musicality perspective, I think they're both equally enjoyable, although I think people who like details may be more satisfied with the Acc.
Denon more musical mids slight roll off highs. It has subtlety. Accu more lively, 3d, inner detail,more sparkle, air. It will depend on price and preference. Denon seem to be more bang for the buck.
Flawless comparison. Very focused and precise. I tend to lean towards the Denon. That accuphase is great. I’ve seen other reviews but that price is too much for the accuphase. Yes the laws of diminishing apply to it. I myself prefer detail so the accuphase would be my choice if money was not an issue . That’s why I usually overall prefer Yamaha’s integrated. They are very detailed, natural/flat sounding without much coloration.
You came to your conclusions through google lossy audio compression and his phone microphone? Was sufficient he moved himself in the room to change the sound acoustically more than any electronics would
@@TharbamarWe have all made mistakes like this in hifi, but, you have made a purchase mistake with the Accuphase since you already had this masterpiece bang 4 buck Denon. If you didn't have this Denon, it's a different story. As many others have pointed out repeatedly on your comments, the Accuphase sounds worse at twice the price. Whomever designed this Denon is a genius. If you care more about looks, yes, the Accuphase wins, no question there.
@@cosdeep9934 That is what you think but not me, are they commenting based on personal experience? probably no one listen to them back to back in their system like I have, I don't made mistakes nor care of what others think since I clearly know what I like. I also don't appreciate your opinion since you don't even listen to what I said in the video because I clearly stated I like the look of SX-11, never care for the meters.
Thanks for the recordings, to me the Accuphase has a sweeter midrange with more vocal weight, and a little more shimmer in the treble. Denon by comparison feels a little drier and more flat. Accuphase gets my vote.
the drier sound you mention to me is the air like tube sound and I love it!! Denon PMA SX11 is the best amp Denon ever made...and only to Japan 😮...its a GEM to me...something not many in the rest of the world outside Japan even has! collectible...I've seen a couple left In Japan + shipping...air = tube sound Class A over just A/B of the Accuphase😂
thanks @@briancampbell7712 i think the name of the game here is you can’t go wrong with well made Japanese gear as the build quality inspires pride of ownership, and as you imply buying from Japan offers better selection and often lower prices. I was talking to a repair tech who said Accuphase is good for 40 years, that’s nuts! While your Panasonic VCR, Apple iic, and NES from 1985 decompose in a landfill, the Accuphase and Denon integrateds are soldiering on.
I don’t know if the microphones are a bit overloaded by the Accuphase, but the Accuphase sound is a bit chesty, raspy and the mids are a bit deflated like there’s a small loss of meat in the mids compared to Denon. Also the highs are a bit too metallic with the Accuphase. Denon sounds more organic from top to bottom. For me Denon is a better sound signature! Great review !!!! 😊
I like the air from the Denon...that amp is a collectable...very hard to obtain these days unless you're lucky to find one in Japan and have shipped...I'd never get rid of it!!! wow😮...Class A sounds so smooth...the Accuphase class A/B isn't even close to the airy, tube like sound from the Denon...OMG...your ears are failing you if you think the Accphase is better🤪the SX-11 sounds beautiful with any! speakers🎶🎶If I didn't already have the Vincent SV-737 hybrid class A- A/B 4ohm 2x300 I'd be glad to buy your Denon and have it shipped to me...I think It's the one of the BEST intigrated Amps available...Japan was only keeping this for there country and not sold anywhere else...that's why the power input was only designed for Japan...although like you a transformer can be easily purched...Don't do this...I'll be sad to watch your videos without this amp! amazing how at or under half the price, the Denon PMA SX11 is far superior in sound quality over the Accuphase...I get Ear fatigue with just this video of the Accuphase...
Hi Tharbamar... thanks for this review...I went with mostly a vintage setup...Denon dcd sacd/dac xlr out to Klimax pre amp to vintage onkyo e30 EQ to vintage Yamaha m2 amp to vintage spendor s100...sounds much better and cost less than much of todays gear...some associated risk with vintage gear but it's worth keeping it operating....and more pleasing to my ears...the Klimax pre amp works better with my vintage setup so I'm selling the Denon SX1 limited...bigger brother to your SX11 here...it has fully balanced Class A...
LOL! Much better?? Comparisons like these are very subjective. Being both of these amplifiers are nothing more than overpriced eye candy garbage from Japan, I would be very surprised if they didn't use the same output devices and similar topology internally. Of course, most people here on CZcams have no idea what an output device is nor do they care. But wait...since the Accuphase has that funky gold color case and pretty meters on the front panel, it HAS to sound better, right? I don't care for so-called "high end" Japanese garbage like Accuphase, Denon, Yamah, etc.. But these companies have many suckers fooled into thinking that their amplifiers are just as good now as they were 50 years ago. Finally, having listened to these sound demos many times, I conclude that the Denon sounds better for less money than that gold box with pretty meters, Class AB wonder.
@@JamesBrown-jy5sy I am in the process of getting a new intergrated amp, what do you suggest i should look for? I am replacing my Marantz PM8005 that dosent do it for my triangle magellan duettos v2.
@@JamesBrown-jy5sy When I was a kid, I liked the smell coming out the new receivers, not so much appreciative of the sound. In fact I liked the tube type flip top record player for the musicality. Well, then the 8-Track tapes were easier to deal with and sounded OK.
The sound of the Denon is more to my liking. The use of an external phono stage in this test would have been better in favour of a more objective comparison between those two amplifiers. (???)
Assuming that both system is operated at the same volume,I like the matching of Denon and Tad’s, there is a little more weight to the sound esp.the vocals( listener’s perception). I like the Accuphase too, the way it looks with meters moving , makes the experience more enjoyable.Otherwise if not listening keenly, you would not know the difference.Peace!
Hello, sorry to say I prefer the Denon: Fluid, natural, vivid, foot taping, extended trebles. Accuphage is too much in the control, too school, less extended in term of bandwith. Having said that this is though youtube and both sounds great anyway. Very nice video, thanks for that 😉
I have the SX-11. I listen to it through Aerial Acoustics 7B speakers and am VERY happy with its performance. I like its ability to control bass and deliver it with authority and ample headroom. The Aerial Acoustics 7B's are 4 ohm speakers and the SX-11 drives them to the fullest of their ability without any problem. I had an Accuphase E-408 before and the SX-11 is noticeably better and more dynamic. Of course the E-408 is several generations behind the E4000. The phono section is excellent too on the SX-11. When you factor in the price differences, it's a no brainer for me to go with the SX-11.
Exactly I would like to know too; what is the suggested retail price? I have the Marantz Reference Integrated PM 11S3 and the phono stage is great; I use it with the Martin Logan 13A ESL would the Denon be an improvement?
@@mahasidha9 I honestly do not know what the Japan retail price is. I had to pay close to $4,000 for mine which was new in the factory sealed packging.. I also cannot offer an opinion as it pertains to comparing the Marantz PM-11S3 as I have never owned one.
Denon makes you feel more original voice, Accuphase on the other hand is brighter and feels like it did some tweaking and made the voice and music lil artificial. But it all depends upon choice and liking and yes every amp has its own circuitry so different voice all together
I don't like these kind of comparisons because what I hear is very different than what you hear. So after traveling the internet to my PC and playing back through my Audio Engine A2's and a Mojo Dac I thought that the Accuphase had a better, brighter, more detailed sound than the somewhat muffled sound of the Denon. I have to say that I spent an evening at a get-together where some of the best Japanese components were being displayed and hooked up in all sorts of setups. Luxman, Accuphase, Esoteric Audio, and some Spectral Audio components were on hand. It was a fascinating evening of music, craft beers, and food plus people's perceptions on equipment. Oh, and some of the best built stuff that I have ever seen.
Accuphase E-4000 the timbre is more natural and rounded, the middle is natural and detailed, at the edges of the range there is enough everywhere with clear proportions. 11 the model is not bad in itself, but there is some kind of artificiality and synthetics, the Japanese all sin this and Yamaha and Teac. This is my personal opinion. With respect.
To my ears, there is more realism and palpability from the Denon. It’s also more forward and the notes are more distinct. Accuphase seems to have a warmer tone, but loses the realism.
The music does not need a sweet color (Accuphase) it is beautiful on its own. The correct one is what is in the original writing😉My vote goes to Denon😋😎
Have you ever tried Hegel integrated amplifiers in your comparisons? High current, high damping factor with good DAC on board. They have been my favorites over Luxman, McIntosh, and others. Thanks for the accuphase and denon comparisons. Denon doesn’t get enough love in Hifi.
Please see my other comment about Hegel, I had Hegel H590 a few years back before Denon PMA-SX11. Honestly Hegel doesn’t hold a candle to Denon in build quality alone because sound is subjective, thanks
The brain loves novelty, sometime a change just seems better. The Accuphase is smoking in the looks department. It’s not better looking than the Denon , just a different look. The Accuphase is a heirloom product.
I didn't understand if you are using the TAD or the JBL speakers for this demo ? Anyway the Accuphace sounds much better ; refined, accurate and lively the Dennon is little bit blurry and lacks the musicality of the Accuphace.
@@Tharbamar I enjoy your reviews. I did not believe in cable burn-in and such until I watched one of your videos with a before-and-after sound sample. I could clearly hear the sound difference through my phone via CZcams! I still have a lot to learn. I understand speakers and phono cartridges needing break-in because of their physical structure but I remain mystified with cables. Danny at g&r research explained it to me but I don't remember his exact explanation and probably wrote it off as snake oil salesman propaganda. Apparently I was wrong and should have paid more attention!
please for your sake keep the Denon SX11...please do a review using the better and more powerful amp Vincent Amp SV-11 hybrid 4ohm 2x300...it's awesome...but your Denon PMA SX11 sounds perhaps better...those two would be great for side by side review
accuphase is thicker more mature/older/warmer feeling, the denon is more lively or cleaner, i guess the treble in the denon is more extended. I understand why you said when you paired with warm speaker would get boring
Denon sounds better with vocals and has more body and soundstage also slightly better. And for half the price come on bro Denon has got to be the winner by miles...
If damping factor is so important to you maybe you should try Hegel amplifiers where damping factor starts from 2000!! Hegel h590 has 4000 damping factor
Great review. Quick question please. What power supply did you use in the review??? I noticed the cord was red in your video. I’m debating on getting a cheap linear power supply or the ifi power X for my Wiim.
Thx for the mini shootout. There is obviously a difference between the 2 amps but nothing you can make an opinion about who's sounding the best, at least for me. I would like to know you're recording setup, as this has also to be taken in account to what we can here. I'm using Audio Technica BP4025 stereo mic for that purpose, it's fine but it doesn't really reflect the whole story :)
Este tipo de comparaciónes sólo tienen sentido si se hacen a ciegas. Son muy subjetivas si sabemos que máquina estamos escuchando. Aquí está claro que ganará el Accuphase, es una marca más "audiofila" y con más pedigri que Denon, y eso que este modelo (el Denon) es de muy alta gama. A mi casi me gusto un poco más este último, y seguramente sea hasta más barato, pero repito, estas pruebas tienen que ser a ciegas.
Great review as always, thank you! Given that you mentioned that warmer/relaxed speakers may sound "boring" with Accuphase, I am wondering if they are a good match for my Buchardt S400Mk2;. Anyone here have any experience or suggestions?
My $0.02...I've used a vintage Accuphase power amp with the S300mkIIs, so not a direct comparison, but my thought is the Buchardts are midrange-centric speakers with a polite top end, abnormally low bass extension, and mellow presentation. The Accuphase has no trouble driving these speakers with their slightly demanding impedance requirements and leaves nothing on the table bass-wise, though in my view it doesn't do anything to balance out the Buchardts' characteristics. This being a good thing or a bad thing is entirely dependent on your needs and tastes; if you like midrange-centric mellow music, it's a great match, if you need something that raises your blood pressure a little more, you might want something else.
Internet / music impressions, so not accurate - The Accuphase seems to have better instrument separation and depth, but the vocals are pushed back and lack presence. The Denon has a flatter presentation but the vocal range and presence is much better. I guess it depends on musical tastes for which you go for.
How much improvement is Accuphase E 4000 over Denon PMA SX11 in your opinion?What do you get going from Denon too E4000.I have Denon PMA A-110 Anniversery. What is better with Accuphase E4000 would you say?
About 10-15% improvements going from SX-11 to E-4000, A-110 is rebadge PMA-2500NE with better parts (see my old post on channel community page) another important point Accuphase is made upmost care and quality control. Sound is subjective by persons.
I really wanted to say that they were close…but I can not. The Denon sounds great but to my ears it lacks the versatility, depth of staging, refinement in voicing that I hear in the Accuphase. Again, to me, it feels as if the Accuphase is just giving us the appetizer in this A/B test. I’d love to hear these two go head to head driving a pair of Fleetwood Deville SQ’s, Magico A3’s or Sonus Faber Maxima Amator. It is my impression that the Accuphase has more inherent musicality and adaptability both to the stlye of music but also the power needs (and quirks) of multiple speakers where as the Denon may be more or less baffled at how to translate the music to a variety of speakers.
Both amplifiers are great. But the Accuphase is overpriced. There are lot of overpriced hi fi brands on the market Pass Labs, McIntosh, Mark Levinson and many more.......
Здравствуйте! Как считаете на сколько хорош родной силовой (сетевой) кабель усилителя denon pma SX 11? Способен ли он полноценно раскрыть весь потенциал этого усилителя? Как считаете есть ли смысл ставить силовые серебряные кабеля (в частности 2.5кв) с тефлоновым изолятором.
The Accuphase sounds a little bit softer and more romantic (just a little bit more than the Denon). Other than that, there is very little difference between the two amps. Having said that, I am only interested in your audio rack used to stage your equipment. Where did you get it?
@@Tharbamar you have friends in Japan so you could probably find them... impossible for the normal person to obtain...as you know, they're just very very rare nowadays...and since they are several years old...if they were not kept in the perfect climate they could show signs of oxidation inside...🤔... but I think it could be an endgame for most people for many years...
Seu sistema é show fico vendo seus vídeos e você manda muito bem , adoro ouvir música e voce ta mil anos na minha frente parabéns amigo seu sistema e lindo !
Denon class A sound better , than class AB . I prefer a preamp class A with 3 stereo power amp class D . Crossover of the speakers is what really made a lot difference in sound quality, you change a crossover from 1300 hz to 1000 hz and is like spending 10000 dls . Cables do not made any change , use 12 awg or 10 awg solid wire . Those jbl need boxes of 130 to 220 liters to really sound good .
What is the track being played and who is singing it? I really like it -- please tell me if you know. To me, it sounded better on the SX-11 -- but hey, this is CZcams...
@@Tharbamar Thank you very much. I looked everywhere in the text and have looked again, but then noticed it's in the tickertape display on the actual video. I'll remember that for the future!
Accuphase is far more accurate, neutral, Denon's treble is way too bright and mid range too much colored compromising on some fine details balance. In the end Accuphase is more laid back with nice texture and black velvetty background, while Denon typical hifi midfi in your face shouting amplifier.
Another great video. I recall some time back you went through an exercise to select your replacement int. amplifier. Finally you settled on Denon. What was the sound signature of Denon that won you over vs Yamaha, Marantz? Thanks
Скажите пожалуйста, как на Ваш взгляд, сможет ли Denon pma sx 11 хорошо сочетаться с акустическими системами закрытого типа (без фазоинвертора) например такими,как Yamaha NS 1000x? Достаточно ли хороший бас способен выдавать данный аппарат, на малой громкости в частности? С уважением, Сергей.
The timbre in the voice of the Denon is much more realistic the Accuphase completely glazes over the deeper notes especially on the "come on lets walk around" 👌🏾
I wasn't thinking about getting Denon, but you really tickled my thoughts about getting one. I purchased PMA1700NE, and now I am over the moon about how it turned out well. I also have B&W 706 S2, and in my opinion, it's just a pure joy listening to the music. Not less important, it looks beautiful (silver), even more in real. Cheers!
How much was it
I bought a PMA 1520ae for 450 euro and what a steal and a big step up from my 720ae. So much power and bass control my 720 did not have.
I honestly didn't expect Denon to ever beat Accuphase, but it seems I was sorely mistaken.
Accuphase, on the other hand, sounds good on 4 ohm speakers.
Anyway, it is good to know that from Denon there are only 2-3 models that sound like an amplifier should really sound, and here I mean from this model up to the SX1 Limited Edition.
Such huge difference! The Accu has much more of a honky and offset tone on the voices which is really strange. I strongly suspect an impedance mismatch in the phonostage(s) or different RIAA curves are used in the accu and the denon. Ideally, when comparing integrateds you'd want to use a dedicated phonostage that is correctly matched for your MC cart impedance and feed the line input of the amp(s) you're comparing. Otherwise, you're just comparing phono stages.
Denon's voice is sweet and smooth. The sense of music is better.
I would have to keep both. That Denon is to die for and the Accuphase is nice nice. Nice choice to have.
Accuphase is so smoooooth! Denon sounds nice, there is a warm bloom from it on these speakers. Accuphase while being more accurate is still smooth and easy to listen to.
It's great to have such a comparison.
Wonderful comparison, Accuphase gets my vote. Overall, very relaxed and at the same time deep layers in the music.😊
I have Denon but I vote Accuphase too 😂
Excellent presentation Tharbamar - - I'm on the exact same page as Nixanthrope - the Accuphase has more musical sweetness upper midrange on up.
Blind test here - I like the first demo more. There is a better optimal balance between deepness and richness of the music. The second one has deeper sound аnd better HF but there is a gap between the HF and the overal music for me,there's something i'm missing. Maybe it depends on the acoustic of the room by the record or my barbarian ears don't now. Happy listening 😊
That’s right! There’s a gap between HF and rest of the music
Indeed it seems that's where the famous "midrange fullness" of the Denon gives it an edge over the Accuphase.
This is a great review, well founded and straight to the point. Congrats.
Want to see in your channel - Boulder 866, Gryphon 120 or NEW Gryphon 333. Great channel, great work !
From bar 1, the Accuphase has better detail, then the voice has far more emotion, with a more coherent soundstage. Denon’s good, the Accuphase legendary for good reason. Thx for the video.
Accuphase is really, really good but it's not extremely good (like the best transistor brands like Nagra, Spectral, Boulder)
Funny thing is that Spectral is the cheapest of those three but sits alone at the top in performance.
I no longer bother with records so on that note the Accuphase having power meters is more appealing. 🤗
Denon for me. Musical and dynamic.
The Accuphase looks nice to me. Would never have thought to compare it to a Denon. A Luxman seems a more appropriate comparison. You repeatedly mentioned the Denon's built in phono preamp, but a phono pre appropriate for your beautiful turntable would not cost much (a Gold Note PH10 would be overkill, but even that only costs $1,500). Thanks for sharing.
Both are very good Japanese amplifiers. Generally, Accuphase is a more High end brand than Denon (in terms of price), but for the sound it is really subject to personal taste. I think JBL has better matching with Denon with more engaging vocals while Accuphase is a bit too gentle
Listened through my BW P7 wired. It's surprising how the sound of the intro guitar is so different from one amp to the other. After several times going back and forth, I think the Acc is more "hifi", in the sense that there are details that seem to be missing with the Denon. From a strictly musicality perspective, I think they're both equally enjoyable, although I think people who like details may be more satisfied with the Acc.
Denon more musical mids slight roll off highs. It has subtlety. Accu more lively, 3d, inner detail,more sparkle, air. It will depend on price and preference. Denon seem to be more bang for the buck.
Flawless comparison. Very focused and precise. I tend to lean towards the Denon. That accuphase is great. I’ve seen other reviews but that price is too much for the accuphase. Yes the laws of diminishing apply to it. I myself prefer detail so the accuphase would be my choice if money was not an issue . That’s why I usually overall prefer Yamaha’s integrated. They are very detailed, natural/flat sounding without much coloration.
Thanks for watching!
You came to your conclusions through google lossy audio compression and his phone microphone?
Was sufficient he moved himself in the room to change the sound acoustically more than any electronics would
@@xprcloud yes
@@TharbamarWe have all made mistakes like this in hifi, but, you have made a purchase mistake with the Accuphase since you already had this masterpiece bang 4 buck Denon. If you didn't have this Denon, it's a different story. As many others have pointed out repeatedly on your comments, the Accuphase sounds worse at twice the price. Whomever designed this Denon is a genius. If you care more about looks, yes, the Accuphase wins, no question there.
@@cosdeep9934 That is what you think but not me, are they commenting based on personal experience? probably no one listen to them back to back in their system like I have, I don't made mistakes nor care of what others think since I clearly know what I like.
I also don't appreciate your opinion since you don't even listen to what I said in the video because I clearly stated I like the look of SX-11, never care for the meters.
Thanks for the recordings, to me the Accuphase has a sweeter midrange with more vocal weight, and a little more shimmer in the treble. Denon by comparison feels a little drier and more flat. Accuphase gets my vote.
the drier sound you mention to me is the air like tube sound and I love it!!
Denon PMA SX11 is the best amp Denon ever made...and only to Japan 😮...its a GEM to me...something not many in the rest of the world outside Japan even has! collectible...I've seen a couple left In Japan + shipping...air = tube sound Class A over just A/B of the Accuphase😂
thanks @@briancampbell7712 i think the name of the game here is you can’t go wrong with well made Japanese gear as the build quality inspires pride of ownership, and as you imply buying from Japan offers better selection and often lower prices. I was talking to a repair tech who said Accuphase is good for 40 years, that’s nuts! While your Panasonic VCR, Apple iic, and NES from 1985 decompose in a landfill, the Accuphase and Denon integrateds are soldiering on.
Deux monstres de pur instance musical votre vidéo est génial merci beaucoup
I don’t know if the microphones are a bit overloaded by the Accuphase, but the Accuphase sound is a bit chesty, raspy and the mids are a bit deflated like there’s a small loss of meat in the mids compared to Denon. Also the highs are a bit too metallic with the Accuphase. Denon sounds more organic from top to bottom. For me Denon is a better sound signature! Great review !!!! 😊
I will make sure to monitor it next time, thanks
Interesting comparison, sir. Thank you for your good work. Greetings to you. 👋😊
Nice comparison. The denon sounds louder but not quite as acurrate. Sounds bloomy whereas the accuphase sounds a lot more natural
I like the air from the Denon...that amp is a collectable...very hard to obtain these days unless you're lucky to find one in Japan and have shipped...I'd never get rid of it!!! wow😮...Class A sounds so smooth...the Accuphase class A/B isn't even close to the airy, tube like sound from the Denon...OMG...your ears are failing you if you think the Accphase is better🤪the SX-11 sounds beautiful with any! speakers🎶🎶If I didn't already have the Vincent SV-737 hybrid class A- A/B 4ohm 2x300 I'd be glad to buy your Denon and have it shipped to me...I think It's the one of the BEST intigrated Amps available...Japan was only keeping this for there country and not sold anywhere else...that's why the power input was only designed for Japan...although like you a transformer can be easily purched...Don't do this...I'll be sad to watch your videos without this amp!
amazing how at or under half the price, the Denon PMA SX11 is far superior in sound quality over the Accuphase...I get Ear fatigue with just this video of the Accuphase...
Hi Tharbamar...
thanks for this review...I went with mostly a vintage setup...Denon dcd sacd/dac xlr out to Klimax pre amp to vintage onkyo e30 EQ to vintage Yamaha m2 amp to vintage spendor s100...sounds much better and cost less than much of todays gear...some associated risk with vintage gear but it's worth keeping it operating....and more pleasing to my ears...the Klimax pre amp works better with my vintage setup so I'm selling the Denon SX1 limited...bigger brother to your SX11 here...it has fully balanced Class A...
Thanks for sharing.
The Accuphase destroys the SX11 😅 Seriously much better, airer, more natural and three dimensional sound. Such a big difference.
LOL! Much better??
Comparisons like these are very subjective.
Being both of these amplifiers are nothing more than overpriced eye candy garbage from Japan, I would be very surprised if they didn't use the same output devices and similar topology internally.
Of course, most people here on CZcams have no idea what an output device is nor do they care.
But wait...since the Accuphase has that funky gold color case and pretty meters on the front panel, it HAS to sound better, right?
I don't care for so-called "high end" Japanese garbage like Accuphase, Denon, Yamah, etc.. But these companies have many suckers fooled into thinking that their amplifiers are just as good now as they were 50 years ago.
Finally, having listened to these sound demos many times, I conclude that the Denon sounds better for less money than that gold box with pretty meters, Class AB wonder.
@@JamesBrown-jy5sy I am in the process of getting a new intergrated amp, what do you suggest i should look for? I am replacing my Marantz PM8005 that dosent do it for my triangle magellan duettos v2.
@James Brown, you are just talking crap.
You don’t know anything about either products my opinion is unbiased based on real world experience.
@@JamesBrown-jy5sy what a garbage comment!
@@JamesBrown-jy5sy When I was a kid, I liked the smell coming out the new receivers, not so much appreciative of the sound. In fact I liked the tube type flip top record player for the musicality. Well, then the 8-Track tapes were easier to deal with and sounded OK.
The sound of the Denon is more to my liking. The use of an external phono stage in this test would have been better in favour of a more objective comparison between those two amplifiers. (???)
thanx for the effort , accuphase for me ❤
Thanks !
I have relayed your video on all Accuphase groups on Facebook. ;)
Great, thanks for sharing.
Assuming that both system is operated at the same volume,I like the matching of Denon and Tad’s, there is a little more weight to the sound esp.the vocals( listener’s perception). I like the Accuphase too, the way it looks with meters moving , makes the experience more enjoyable.Otherwise if not listening keenly, you would not know the difference.Peace!
Hello, sorry to say I prefer the Denon: Fluid, natural, vivid, foot taping, extended trebles. Accuphage is too much in the control, too school, less extended in term of bandwith.
Having said that this is though youtube and both sounds great anyway.
Very nice video, thanks for that 😉
I have the SX-11. I listen to it through Aerial Acoustics 7B speakers and am VERY happy with its performance. I like its ability to control bass and deliver it with authority and ample headroom. The Aerial Acoustics 7B's are 4 ohm speakers and the SX-11 drives them to the fullest of their ability without any problem. I had an Accuphase E-408 before and the SX-11 is noticeably better and more dynamic. Of course the E-408 is several generations behind the E4000. The phono section is excellent too on the SX-11. When you factor in the price differences, it's a no brainer for me to go with the SX-11.
Where to buy sx-11 in US
@@kcr2365 I bought mine brand new and sealed from Japan through Ebay.
@@HisboyleeroyIf you don’t mind how much did it cost. Were there customs fees? What about warranty
Exactly I would like to know too; what is the suggested retail price? I have the Marantz Reference Integrated PM 11S3 and the phono stage is great; I use it with the Martin Logan 13A ESL would the Denon be an improvement?
@@mahasidha9 I honestly do not know what the Japan retail price is. I had to pay close to $4,000 for mine which was new in the factory sealed packging.. I also cannot offer an opinion as it pertains to comparing the Marantz PM-11S3 as I have never owned one.
Hi great review. The Accuphase Amp sounds more refined.
Thanks, totally agree.
DENON IS BEST ALL TIMES
Denon makes you feel more original voice, Accuphase on the other hand is brighter and feels like it did some tweaking and made the voice and music lil artificial. But it all depends upon choice and liking and yes every amp has its own circuitry so different voice all together
Blind listening tests are the way. You will be surprised at how good some cheaper gear matched well sounds in a decent acoustically treated room.
I don't like these kind of comparisons because what I hear is very different than what you hear. So after traveling the internet to my PC and playing back through my Audio Engine A2's and a Mojo Dac I thought that the Accuphase had a better, brighter, more detailed sound than the somewhat muffled sound of the Denon. I have to say that I spent an evening at a get-together where some of the best Japanese components were being displayed and hooked up in all sorts of setups. Luxman, Accuphase, Esoteric Audio, and some Spectral Audio components were on hand. It was a fascinating evening of music, craft beers, and food plus people's perceptions on equipment. Oh, and some of the best built stuff that I have ever seen.
I noticed other people on other sites use the Denon CD players and Denon amp (priced at $4,000). They must be good sounding.
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Did you have a chance to listen and compare them with more affordable Denon PMA110? If yes, could you please share your thoughts about it)
Accuphase E-4000 the timbre is more natural and rounded, the middle is natural and detailed, at the edges of the range there is enough everywhere with clear proportions. 11 the model is not bad in itself, but there is some kind of artificiality and synthetics, the Japanese all sin this and Yamaha and Teac. This is my personal opinion. With respect.
The sound of the two amps are close, but the denon is just a little cleaner sound. Listen to the guitar strings in the beginning of the track.
To my ears, there is more realism and palpability from the Denon. It’s also more forward and the notes are more distinct. Accuphase seems to have a warmer tone, but loses the realism.
Without any hesitation I take the Denon. The tonality is right, more dynamic and realistic. The accuphase sound weird.
CZcams is not the best to evaluate but I hear a bit of muddy midrange and vocals on the SX11, in that respect E-4000 sounds clearer and brighter.
Definitely better synergy with the Accuphase.
The music does not need a sweet color (Accuphase) it is beautiful on its own. The correct one is what is in the original writing😉My vote goes to Denon😋😎
Denon is more musical.
Have you ever tried Hegel integrated amplifiers in your comparisons? High current, high damping factor with good DAC on board. They have been my favorites over Luxman, McIntosh, and others.
Thanks for the accuphase and denon comparisons. Denon doesn’t get enough love in Hifi.
Please see my other comment about Hegel, I had Hegel H590 a few years back before Denon PMA-SX11.
Honestly Hegel doesn’t hold a candle to Denon in build quality alone because sound is subjective, thanks
Yeah love the Denon sound over many other brands even high end sometimes
The brain loves novelty, sometime a change just seems better. The Accuphase is smoking in the looks department. It’s not better looking than the Denon , just a different look. The Accuphase is a heirloom product.
I didn't understand if you are using the TAD or the JBL speakers for this demo ?
Anyway the Accuphace sounds much better ; refined, accurate and lively the Dennon is little bit blurry and lacks the musicality of the Accuphace.
Hi, it’s TAD.
Would love to see a review of Vincent SV 237 MK2 or Vincent SV 700.
I might in the near future, thanks
@@Tharbamar I enjoy your reviews. I did not believe in cable burn-in and such until I watched one of your videos with a before-and-after sound sample. I could clearly hear the sound difference through my phone via CZcams! I still have a lot to learn. I understand speakers and phono cartridges needing break-in because of their physical structure but I remain mystified with cables. Danny at g&r research explained it to me but I don't remember his exact explanation and probably wrote it off as snake oil salesman propaganda. Apparently I was wrong and should have paid more attention!
please for your sake keep the Denon SX11...please do a review using the better and more powerful amp Vincent Amp SV-11 hybrid 4ohm 2x300...it's awesome...but your Denon PMA SX11 sounds perhaps better...those two would be great for side by side review
Is there any reason why you choose integrated over seperate pre and power amp, always love your reviews and im happy with my accuphase ❤❤❤
accuphase is thicker more mature/older/warmer feeling, the denon is more lively or cleaner, i guess the treble in the denon is more extended. I understand why you said when you paired with warm speaker would get boring
Great video. Thanks.
Скажите пожалуйста в каком классе звучит denon pma SX 11?
class A mostly...not sure what wattage it changes to A/B
Tharbamar?
Denon sounds better with vocals and has more body and soundstage also slightly better. And for half the price come on bro Denon has got to be the winner by miles...
If damping factor is so important to you maybe you should try Hegel amplifiers where damping factor starts from 2000!! Hegel h590 has 4000 damping factor
I had 590 a few years ago not a fan, not only damping factor is important in amplifier and sound reproduction.
how about moon amplifiers?
In this comparison, the Denon sounds much better.
Thanks for turning me on to Cheryl Wheeler
Great demo song. Too bad can't find it on Tidal.😢
Accuphase góra słychać przejrzystość w całym paśmie słychać niuanse a to w takim sprzęcie to ważne Acu góra i bastajb inn
The accuphase seems a bit clearer to understand what she is singing.
Great review. Quick question please. What power supply did you use in the review??? I noticed the cord was red in your video. I’m debating on getting a cheap linear power supply or the ifi power X for my Wiim.
Denon has greater clarity , Accuphase seems more toned down.
Love Denon
Après plusieurs visionnage j'ai une préférence sur le accuphase il plus cristallin et le détail son plus défini
E-4000 win
E-4000 ให้เสียงใสสะอาดกว่า หวานกว่าคล้ายแอมป์หลอด
Thanks for the review. Please can you compare Accuphase E650 vs Denon PMA-SX11 because both are class A.
Well said Bro
Any reason for not choosing Luxman L-507Z
Thx for the mini shootout. There is obviously a difference between the 2 amps but nothing you can make an opinion about who's sounding the best, at least for me. I would like to know you're recording setup, as this has also to be taken in account to what we can here. I'm using Audio Technica BP4025 stereo mic for that purpose, it's fine but it doesn't really reflect the whole story :)
Everything is listed in the video.
@@Tharbamar Well not what microphone you used nor the recording device, or am I wrong ?
Good video, thanks Tharbamar.
Este tipo de comparaciónes sólo tienen sentido si se hacen a ciegas. Son muy subjetivas si sabemos que máquina estamos escuchando. Aquí está claro que ganará el Accuphase, es una marca más "audiofila" y con más pedigri que Denon, y eso que este modelo (el Denon) es de muy alta gama. A mi casi me gusto un poco más este último, y seguramente sea hasta más barato, pero repito, estas pruebas tienen que ser a ciegas.
IMO the Accuphase did a better job.
Great review as always, thank you! Given that you mentioned that warmer/relaxed speakers may sound "boring" with Accuphase, I am wondering if they are a good match for my Buchardt S400Mk2;. Anyone here have any experience or suggestions?
My $0.02...I've used a vintage Accuphase power amp with the S300mkIIs, so not a direct comparison, but my thought is the Buchardts are midrange-centric speakers with a polite top end, abnormally low bass extension, and mellow presentation. The Accuphase has no trouble driving these speakers with their slightly demanding impedance requirements and leaves nothing on the table bass-wise, though in my view it doesn't do anything to balance out the Buchardts' characteristics. This being a good thing or a bad thing is entirely dependent on your needs and tastes; if you like midrange-centric mellow music, it's a great match, if you need something that raises your blood pressure a little more, you might want something else.
Internet / music impressions, so not accurate - The Accuphase seems to have better instrument separation and depth, but the vocals are pushed back and lack presence. The Denon has a flatter presentation but the vocal range and presence is much better. I guess it depends on musical tastes for which you go for.
How much improvement is Accuphase E 4000 over Denon PMA SX11 in your opinion?What do you get going from Denon too E4000.I have Denon PMA A-110 Anniversery. What is better with Accuphase E4000 would you say?
About 10-15% improvements going from SX-11 to E-4000, A-110 is rebadge PMA-2500NE with better parts (see my old post on channel community page) another important point Accuphase is made upmost care and quality control. Sound is subjective by persons.
I really wanted to say that they were close…but I can not. The Denon sounds great but to my ears it lacks the versatility, depth of staging, refinement in voicing that I hear in the Accuphase. Again, to me, it feels as if the Accuphase is just giving us the appetizer in this A/B test. I’d love to hear these two go head to head driving a pair of Fleetwood Deville SQ’s, Magico A3’s or Sonus Faber Maxima Amator. It is my impression that the Accuphase has more inherent musicality and adaptability both to the stlye of music but also the power needs (and quirks) of multiple speakers where as the Denon may be more or less baffled at how to translate the music to a variety of speakers.
Nice Review.Could please upload the sound sample comparison with JBL L100 speakers too.
I no longer have SX-11, thanks
People in the comments expressing an opinion of sound quality based on a recording heard over CZcams 🙄
have You tryed out any of the integrateds from harman kardon?
accuphase best
Accu all the way
Sorry cant beat the Accuphase!
Both amplifiers are great. But the Accuphase is overpriced. There are lot of overpriced hi fi brands on the market Pass Labs, McIntosh, Mark Levinson and many more.......
Здравствуйте! Как считаете на сколько хорош родной силовой (сетевой) кабель усилителя denon pma SX 11? Способен ли он полноценно раскрыть весь потенциал этого усилителя? Как считаете есть ли смысл ставить силовые серебряные кабеля (в частности 2.5кв) с тефлоновым изолятором.
@tharbamar, I haven't seen it in the comments, so I was wondering how these 2 integrated amps compare to Naim integrated amps if you have heard them?
I have not tried newer Naim Amps to give you the right answer, thanks
The Accuphase sounds a little bit softer and more romantic (just a little bit more than the Denon). Other than that, there is very little difference between the two amps. Having said that, I am only interested in your audio rack used to stage your equipment. Where did you get it?
It’s custom made, thanks
eversolo dmp-a6 streamer demo please
get the Denon PMA SX1 Limited and Denon DCD SACD SX1 Limited CD PlAYER 😁
Great choice!
@@Tharbamar
you have friends in Japan so you could probably find them... impossible for the normal person to obtain...as you know, they're just very very rare nowadays...and since they are several years old...if they were not kept in the perfect climate they could show signs of oxidation inside...🤔... but I think it could be an endgame for most people for many years...
Sorry I couldn’t help you or anyone with it.
@@Tharbamar
No problem...I found them from a good ebay seller in Japan...
Que conhecimento, parabéns voce surpreendente com seu conhecimento, parabéns sao paulo brasil .
Thank you.
Seu sistema é show fico vendo seus vídeos e você manda muito bem , adoro ouvir música e voce ta mil anos na minha frente parabéns amigo seu sistema e lindo !
Denon class A sound better , than class AB . I prefer a preamp class A with 3 stereo power amp class D . Crossover of the speakers is what really made a lot difference in sound quality, you change a crossover from 1300 hz to 1000 hz and is like spending 10000 dls . Cables do not made any change , use 12 awg or 10 awg solid wire . Those jbl need boxes of 130 to 220 liters to really sound good .
What is the track being played and who is singing it? I really like it -- please tell me if you know. To me, it sounded better on the SX-11 -- but hey, this is CZcams...
Walk Around Downtown by Cheryl Wheeler, It’s all listed in the video.
@@Tharbamar Thank you very much. I looked everywhere in the text and have looked again, but then noticed it's in the tickertape display on the actual video. I'll remember that for the future!
Accuphase is far more accurate, neutral, Denon's treble is way too bright and mid range too much colored compromising on some fine details balance. In the end Accuphase is more laid back with nice texture and black velvetty background, while Denon typical hifi midfi in your face shouting amplifier.
Another great video. I recall some time back you went through an exercise to select your replacement int. amplifier. Finally you settled on Denon. What was the sound signature of Denon that won you over vs Yamaha, Marantz? Thanks
There was a few thing like Class A bias amplification with very good power and CR-Type Phonostage etc., Thanks
Скажите пожалуйста, как на Ваш взгляд, сможет ли Denon pma sx 11 хорошо сочетаться с акустическими системами закрытого типа (без фазоинвертора) например такими,как Yamaha NS 1000x? Достаточно ли хороший бас способен выдавать данный аппарат, на малой громкости в частности?
С уважением, Сергей.
It will drive easily NS1000x, Probably SX-11 is one of the best amplifier to drive hard to drive speakers.
They sound near the same to me.