Description
Denon POA-3000RG. Denon PRA-2000RG. Exclusive Version. Fully revitalized.
Denon traces its origins back to 1910, when American entrepreneur Frederick Whitney Horn founded Nippon Chikuonki Shoukai in Japan, a company engaged in the production of gramophones and records. In the following years, the company developed its own sound recording and reproduction technologies, while the Denon brand, whose name derives from “Denki Onkyo”, began to be used in the 1930s. The company also quickly became involved in the professional broadcasting and studio market, supplying equipment to Japanese broadcasters. In 1939, Denon developed a professional disc recorder for the broadcasting industry, and after World War II continued the development of professional sound recording equipment. In 1970, the company played an important role in the history of digital audio by beginning work on PCM digital recording technology, and in 1972 a Denon system was used to produce some of the first commercially released digital recordings. In the following decades, Denon became one of the most highly regarded Japanese manufacturers of Hi-Fi equipment, producing high-end turntables, phono cartridges, amplifiers, tuners and CD players. Among the company’s best-known designs are professional Direct Drive systems, DP series turntables and the legendary DL cartridges, including the DL-103, produced since 1962 and originally developed for professional applications. Denon belongs to the group of Japanese manufacturers that played a particularly important role in the development of both analog and digital sound recording and reproduction.
Denon PRA-2000RG and POA-3000RG are among the most advanced and uncompromising amplifier combinations in Denon’s history. These models appeared on the market around 1990 and represented the fourth and final generation of the prestigious PRA-2000 / POA-3000 series, whose history began in 1979. The entire series was produced for approximately 14 years, with the RG versions representing its technical culmination. The Denon POA-3000RG power amplifier is a massive construction weighing approximately 36 kg, designed to work even with large and demanding loudspeakers. One of the most important technologies used in this model is Denon’s MOS Super Optical Class A circuit. It uses optical coupling between the bias control circuit and the actual amplification circuit, reducing mutual interference and allowing extremely fast bias control. The construction is based on an extensive power supply with a large toroidal transformer and independent power supplies for the power amplifier and pre-driver sections. The POA-3000RG delivers 2 × 250 W into 8 Ohm, while into 4 Ohm it reaches 2 × 400 W. The amplifier can also operate in mono mode, delivering 500 W into 8 Ohm. Such an enormous power reserve, combined with its extensive power supply, allows it to drive even large loudspeakers with exceptional ease. The sound is dynamic, extremely stable and controlled, yet completely free from unnecessary aggressiveness. This combination of enormous power reserve with refinement and natural sound is one of the greatest strengths of this model.
The PRA-2000RG was designed as the natural partner for the POA-3000RG and, like the power amplifier, represented the highest level of Denon engineering from this period. This is not a lightweight preamplifier serving merely as a source selector – the unit weighs as much as 17 kg, which clearly demonstrates the scale of its construction. Its extensive analog circuitry also includes a high-quality phono section supporting both MM and MC cartridges. The preamplifier has a frequency response from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, while the signal-to-noise ratio for the line inputs reaches 105 dB. The combination of the PRA-2000RG and POA-3000RG creates a complete amplifier system that perfectly demonstrates the philosophy of Japanese High-End engineering from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The enormous weight of the components, extensive power supplies, advanced technical solutions and exceptional build quality are characteristic of a period when the best Japanese manufacturers accepted virtually no compromises. The entire design is completed by the distinctive styling of the RG version, with the large analog power meters of the POA-3000RG. This is one of those Denon combinations that, more than three decades after its introduction, continues to impress with its construction, specifications and sonic capabilities.
Denon PRA-2000RG and POA-3000RG offer a sound characteristic of the finest Japanese designs from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The sound is extremely stable, full and dynamic, yet free from aggressiveness. The enormous power reserve of the POA-3000RG provides excellent control over the loudspeakers, particularly in the low-frequency range. The bass is deep and powerful, but never dominates the rest of the frequency spectrum. The midrange is natural, dense and beautifully saturated, giving vocals and acoustic instruments the proper scale and character. The high frequencies are clean, detailed and open, without becoming excessively sharp or technical. The combination is capable of revealing a great amount of detail while retaining musicality and listening pleasure. Particular attention should be paid to the sense of space and the effortless way in which this combination creates the soundstage. The PRA-2000RG and POA-3000RG perform equally well at low listening levels and at high volumes. As the volume increases, the sound does not lose control or become nervous. It is a combination of enormous power, dynamics and precision with a full, analog character that works particularly well with large, classic loudspeakers.
The cabinets have undergone a complete revitalization and are finished in rosewood. The wood has been finished with Chinese oil produced from natural oils and natural beeswax based on turpentine. The metal elements of the cabinets have been cleaned and painted using professional automotive wet-painting techniques. Both units have undergone a complete inspection and service.
Collector’s set. Both units are in perfect condition. 100V power supply – a step-down transformer is included with the set.
The units have undergone a complete inspection and service.
Denon POA-3000RG
– the unit was completely disassembled, and the interior was thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned
– all switches and potentiometers were disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, serviced and reassembled
– all bulbs were replaced with new ones
– 4 relays responsible for switching the main power supply voltages were replaced
– all capacitors were thoroughly checked and measured; only 10 required replacement, while the remaining original capacitors retained the correct parameters
– the speaker output relays were checked; due to their excellent condition, replacement was not necessary, so they were disassembled and thoroughly cleaned
– all PCB boards were completely resoldered to eliminate cold and weakened solder joints
– each PCB board was thoroughly cleaned after soldering
– all required operating points were checked and adjusted according to the service documentation
– after completion of the service, the unit underwent measurements and a final operational inspection
Denon PRA-2000RG
– the preamplifier underwent a comprehensive overhaul
– every switch and potentiometer was disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, serviced and reassembled
– all capacitors were thoroughly checked and measured; the results showed no need for replacement, therefore the original components were retained
– all PCB boards were completely resoldered to eliminate cold and weakened solder joints
– each PCB board was thoroughly cleaned after soldering
– the thermal compound was replaced on all transistors mounted to heatsinks
– the interior of the unit was thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned
– after completion of the service, complete measurements of the audio signal path were performed
– final measurements confirmed full functionality of the unit and compliance with the parameters specified by the manufacturer
Technical specifications ? Denon POA-3000RG
– stereo Class A power amplifier
– output power – 2 × 250 W / 8 Ohm
– output power – 2 × 400 W / 4 Ohm
– mono output power – 500 W / 8 Ohm
– mono output power – 800 W / 4 Ohm
– dynamic power – 2 × 900 W / 2 Ohm
– dynamic power – 2 × 1200 W / 1 Ohm
– frequency response – 1 Hz – 100 kHz
– power bandwidth – 5 Hz – 50 kHz
– THD – 0.005%
– input sensitivity – 1 V
– RCA input impedance – 20 kOhm
– Balanced input impedance – 10 kOhm
– signal-to-noise ratio – up to 123 dB
– inputs – RCA / Balanced
– operating mode – Stereo / Mono
– power consumption – 600 W
– dimensions – 49.5 × 45 × 20 cm (W × D × H)
– weight – 36 kg
Technical specifications ? Denon PRA-2000RG
– stereo Class A preamplifier
– frequency response – 1 Hz – 100 kHz
– THD – 0.005%
– Phono MC input – 0.125 mV / 40 Ohm
– Phono MM input – 2.5 mV / 47 kOhm
– line inputs – 150 mV / 20 kOhm
– CD Balanced input – 150 mV / 2 kOhm
– signal-to-noise ratio MC – 80 dB
– signal-to-noise ratio MM – 90 dB
– signal-to-noise ratio Line – 105 dB
– Pre Out – 2 V
– maximum Pre Out – 10 V
– bass control – +-10 dB / 100 Hz
– treble control – +-10 dB / 10 kHz
– subsonic filter – 16 Hz / 6 dB/oct.
– phono section – MM / MC
– dimensions – 47.6 × 34 × 14.5 cm (W × D × H)
– weight – 17 kg