Denon PMA-1510AE - High-Performance Stereo Integrated Amplifier Manual

Getting started

To ensure proper operation, please read this owner's manual carefully before using the product.

After reading the manual, be sure to keep it for future reference.

Accessories

Check that the following parts are supplied with the product.

1. Owner's manual - 1
2. Service network list - 1
3. Power cord (Cord length: Approx. 1.5 m) - 1
4. Remote control (RC-1143) - 1
5. R03/AAA batteries - 2

• Note that for explanatory purposes the illustrations in these instructions may differ from the actual unit.

Main features

UHC (Ultra High Current)-MOS single push-pull circuit installed to simultaneously achieve both "subtlety" and "powerfulness"

Use of the minimum number of amplifier elements with between 3 and 10 times the normal power capacity produces a combination of both detailed expression and high power. From the pianissimo tones of a soloist emerging softly from silence to the hall-shaking power of a full orchestra, the artist's emotion is reproduced with exceptional balance.

Adoption of a Large potentiometer with motorized function

This unit adopts a large potentiometer that is provided with higher-grade integrated amplifiers as well.

Resonance Suppression Design

Effects of vibrations on the audio quality of this unit have been substantially minimized, by scattering resonance points by varying the configurations of fins in the heat sink, as well as by lowering the center of gravity of the power amplifier block.

Cautions on handling

• Before turning the power switch on
  Check once again that all connections are correct and that there are no problems with the connection cables.
• Power is supplied to some of the circuitry even when the unit is set to the standby mode. When leaving home for long periods of time, be sure to unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
• About condensation
  If there is a major difference in temperature between the inside of the unit and the surroundings, condensation may form on parts inside the unit, causing the unit to fail to operate properly.
  If this happens, let the unit sit for an hour or two with the power off and wait until there is little difference in temperature before using the unit.
• Cautions on using mobile phones
  Using a mobile phone near this unit may result in noise. If that occurs, move the mobile phone away from the unit when it is in use.
• Moving the unit
  Turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the power outlet.
  Next, disconnect the cables connected to other system units before moving the unit.

About the remote control

The supplied remote control can be used to control DENON CD players and tuners.

• The remote control may not operate some products.

Inserting the batteries

1. Remove the rear cover of the remote control.
   
2. Place two R03/AAA batteries in the battery compartment in the indicated direction.
   
3. Put the rear cover back on.

NOTE

• Replace the batteries with new ones if the unit does not operate even when the remote control is operated close to the unit.
• The supplied batteries are only for verifying operation.
• Insert the batteries in the proper direction, following the "+" and "-" marks in the battery compartment.
• To prevent damage or leakage of battery fluid:
  • Do not use a new battery with an old one.
  • Do not use two different types of batteries.
  • Do not attempt to charge dry batteries.
  • Do not short-circuit, disassemble, heat or dispose of batteries in a fire.
• If the battery fluid leaks, carefully wipe the fluid off the inside of the battery compartment and insert new batteries.
• Remove the batteries from the remote control if it will not be used for a long time.
• Used batteries in accordance with local regulations on battery disposal.

Operating range of the remote control

Operate the remote control while pointing it at the remote sensor.

NOTE
The unit may function improperly or the remote control may not operate if the remote control sensor is exposed to direct sunlight, or strong artificial light from a fluorescent or infrared light.

Part names and functions

Front panel

1. Power indicator
   Indicates the status of the unit's as follows:
   • For several seconds after the power is turned on - Red (blinking)
   • Power "ON" - Green
   • Muting - Red (blinking)
   • Standby - Red
   • Power "OFF" - Off
   • Eco Mode Standby - Off
2. Power switch (ON/STANDBY OFF )
3. Headphone jack (PHONES)
4. BASS control knob
5. TREBLE control knob
6. BALANCE control knob
7. VOLUME control knob
8. REC OUT SELECTOR knob
9. INPUT SELECTOR knob
10. Input indicator
11. POWER AMP DIRECT switch
12. SOURCE DIRECT switch
13. Remote control sensor

NOTE
Functions 4, 5 and 6 are only available when the SOURCE DIRECT switch is set to "OFF".

Rear panel

1. Input terminals (INPUTS)
2. Input/output terminals (Recordings) (RECORDER-1 and RECORDER-2)
3. PRE OUT terminals
4. Power amplifier direct terminals (POWER AMP DIRECT)
5. Speaker system terminals (SPEAKER SYSTEMS)
6. AC inlet (AC IN)
7. SIGNAL GND (ground) terminal
   NOTE
   • This terminal is not a safety ground.
8. CARTRIDGE selection switch

Remote control

1. AMPLIFIER POWER button
2. VOLUME buttons ()
3. INPUT SELECT buttons
4. MUTING button
5. TUNER operation
6. CD operation

• The supplied remote control can be used to operate DENON CD player/Tuner.
• When using it, also refer to the operating instructions of the other devices.
• The remote control may not operate some products.

Basic connections

Connections for all compatible audio signal format is described in this operating instructions. Please select the types of connections corresponding to the equipment you are connecting.

NOTE

• Do not plug in the power cord until all connections have been completed.
• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.
• Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly (left with left, right with right).
• Do not bundle power cords with connection cables. Doing so can result in humming or noise.
• Do not turn up the volume without a turntable connected to the PHONO input terminals. Doing so will cause humming or noise.

Preparations

Connecting cables

Select the cables according to the equipment being connected.

Connecting the audio equipment

Connecting the speakers

Connecting the speakers cables

Carefully check the left (L) and right (R) channels and + (red) and – (black) polarities on the speakers being connected to the unit, and be sure to connect the channels and polarities correctly.

1. Peel off about 10 mm of sheathing from the tip of the speaker cable, then either twist the core wire tightly or apply solder to it.
   
2. Turn the speaker terminal counterclockwise to loosen it.
   
3. Insert the speaker cable's core wire to all the way into the speaker terminal.
   
4. Turn the speaker terminal clockwise to tighten it.
   

Speaker terminal dimensions

NOTE

• Connect the speaker cables so they do not stick out of the speaker terminals. The protection circuit may be activated if the wires touch the rear panel or if the + and – sides touch each other ( "Protection circuit").
• Never touch the speaker terminals while the power supply is connected. Doing so could result in electric shock.

Speaker impedance

Use speakers with impedances within the ranges shown below to suit how they are used.

Protection circuit

The protection circuit is be activated in the following situations:

• If the speaker cable wire touches the rear panel or screws or if the speaker cable wire touches the speaker cable's + and – sides are touching
• If the surrounding temperature is extremely high
• If the inside of the amplifier gets hot to extended use at a high output

If this happens, unplug the power cord, then check the connections of the speaker cables and input cables. If the unit becomes very hot, wait for it to cool off and improve the ventilation around it. After doing this, plug the power cord back in.

If the protection circuit is activated even though there are no problems with the ventilation around the unit or in connections, the unit may be damaged. Turn off the power and then contact a DENON service center.

Speaker connections

• The same signal is output from the SPEAKER A and B terminals.
• When only one set of speakers is to be connected, use either the SPEAKER A or B terminals.

Bi-wiring connection

• When bi-wiring with bi-wireable speakers, connect the mid and high range terminals to SYSTEM (A) (or SYSTEM (B)), the low range terminals to SYSTEM (B) (or SYSTEM (A)).
• This enables playback with minimal interference between the high-range speaker unit and the low-range speaker unit.

Connecting players

Set CARTRIDGE selection switch by the type of your cartridge to be used MM () or MC ().

• The PHONO input terminals are equipped with a short pin-plug. Remove this plug to connect a turntable. After removing the short pin-plug, keep it in a safe place so you don't lose it.
• If humming or other noise is generated when the ground wire is connected, disconnect it.

Connecting recorders

NOTE
NEVER insert the short-circuiting pin plug into the recording output. Doing so could result in damage.

Connecting the power cord

Wait until all connections have been completed before connecting the power cord.

NOTE

• Insert the plugs securely. Loose connections will result in the generation of noise.
• Do not use any cord other than the provided power cord.

Basic operation

Symbols used to indicate buttons in this manual

Button located on both the main unit and the remote control → BUTTON
Button only on the main unit → <BUTTON>
Button only on the remote control → [BUTTON]

Before use

1. Turn the VOLUME all the way down.
2. Set <SOURCE DIRECT> to "OFF".
3. Set <BASS>, <TREBLE> and <BALANCE> to the center positions.
4. Press <POWER>.
   • The power indicator blinks red for several seconds, then lights green.
   • When set to "OFF", the power turns off.

Turning the power off

1. Press [AMPLIFIER POWER]_.
   The power is set to the standby mode.
2. Press <POWER>.
   The power indicator turns off, and so does the power.

NOTE
Power continues to be supplied to some of the circuitry even when the power is in the standby mode. When leaving home for long periods of time or when going on vacation, either press <POWER> to turn off the power, or unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

Symbols used to indicate buttons in this manual

Button located on both the main unit and the remote control → BUTTON
Button only on the main unit → <BUTTON>
Button only on the remote control → [BUTTON]

Starting playback

1. Use INPUT SELECTOR to select the source.
   The input indicator for the selected source lights.
   [Selectable sources]
   
2. Play the selected source.
3. Adjust the VOLUME to the desired level.
4. Adjust the tone with <BASS>, <TREBLE> and <BALANCE>.
   • When the VOLUME control knob is turned just past the "12 o'clock" position (over halfway), the effect of BASS and TREBLE adjustments decreases.
   • When the VOLUME control knob is turned to maximum or all the way clockwise, the bases and treble can no longer be adjusted.
5. If there is no need to adjust the tone, press <SOURCE DIRECT>.
   • When switched "ON", the signal does not pass through the tone adjustment circuitry (bass, treble and balance), resulting in playback of a higher sound quality.
   • When set to "OFF", the sound can be adjusted to suit your taste.
6. Press [MUTE] to mute the sound.
   • The power indicator on the main unit blinks red.
   • Press again for sound.

Using headphone set

Plug headphones into PHONES jack.

• The speaker output turns off when the headphones are plugged in.
• To prevent hearing loss, do not raise the volume level excessively when using headphones.

Starting recording

1. Set <REC OUT SELECTOR> to the program source you wish to record.
2. Set the recorder to the record mode.
3. Start playing the source to be recorded.

NOTE
The recording source switches INPUT SELECTOR is operated during recording.

Copying recorders

1. Turn the <REC OUT SELECTOR> and select "RECORDER-1 ► 2" (or "RECORDER-2 ► 1").
   [Selectable sources]
   
   • When copying from a device connected to the "RECORDER-1" terminal to a device connected to the "RECORDER-2" terminal, select "RECORDER-1 ► 2".
   • When copying from a device connected to the "RECORDER-2" terminal to a device connected to the "RECORDER-1" terminal, select "RECORDER-2 ► 1".
2. Set the device connected to the RECORDER-1 (or RECORDER-2) terminal to the record mode.
3. Start playback on the device connected to the RECORDER-2 (or RECORDER-1) terminal.

• The sound to be recorded can be heard by selecting the playback source with the INPUT SELECTOR, while the recorded sound can be heard by selecting the recorder.
• When performing these operations, also refer to the operating instructions of the other devices.

NOTE
The sound may be interrupted or noise may be recorded if INPUT SELECTOR is operated during recording.

Advanced connections

Connecting P.DIRECT jacks

If you use a preamplifier, connect it as shown below, and then you can use this unit as a power amplifier.

• Switching <POWER AMP DIRECT> "ON", allows the device connected to the Power Amp Direct connector on the rear panel to be played. When ON, the input indicator turns off.
• Switching <POWER AMP DIRECT> "OFF", allows the program source selected using the INPUT SELECTOR knob to be played. When OFF, the input indicator lights up.

For details on operations of the preamplifier, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the preamplifier to be used.

NOTE

• When the<POWER AMP DIRECT> switch is "ON", adjustment of the volume, balance and tone on the main unit has no effect. Adjust the volume on the input device.
• When the<POWER AMP DIRECT> switch is " ON", the main unit outputs at maximum volume. Check the output level on the input device before playing it and adjust the volume accordingly.

Connecting pre out jacks

If you use a power amplifier or subwoofer, connect it as shown below, and then you can use this unit as a preamplifier.

For connecting speaker systems, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the power amplifier to be used.

NOTE

• NEVER insert the short-circuiting pin plug into the PRE OUT terminals. Doing so could result in damage.
• Signals are output from the PRE OUT terminals even when using headphones.

Advanced operations

Setting Eco mode

With the Eco mode ON, this unit will automatically enter the standby mode after about 30 continuous minutes of no output from the speakers or headphones. During standby mode with the Eco mode ON, the Power indicator is unlit to reduce power consumption.

Press and hold [AMPLIFIER POWER] on the remote control for at least 5 seconds.

• Eco mode is switched between On and Off.
• The Power indicator indicates Eco mode On/Off during Standby, as shown below.
  
• The Power indicator flashes in red during Eco mode setting.

• If you set the Eco mode while the unit is ON, the unit will enter the standby mode as soon as the Eco mode setting is completed.
• The default setting for the Eco mode is OFF.

NOTE
If a source other than that selected with INPUT SELECTOR is selected with <REC OUT SELECTOR>, this unit does not enter the standby mode.
This unit enters the standby mode if it detects no output from the source selected with INPUT SELECTOR. Therefore if a source not selected with INPUT SELECTOR is output from the REC OUT terminals, the function of automatically entering standby mode is disabled to avoid interruption of power during recording.

Explanation terms

Bi-wiring Connection
This method of connecting a speaker by using two speaker cables enables separate transmission of treble and bass signals.
This enables playback with minimal interference between the high-range speaker unit and the low-range speaker unit.

MM/MC cartridge select
There are two types--MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil)--of cartridges for turntable.
As the output levels for these two types of cartridges differ, the setting of the phono equalizer that is mounted in this unit must be switched according to the type of cartridge for your turntable. For switching, use the MM/MC cartridge select button.

Protection Circuit
This is a function to prevent damage to components within the power supply when an abnormality such as an overload or excess voltage occurs for any reason.
In this unit, the power indicator blinks and the unit enters standby mode when an abnormality occurs.

Source direct
Playback with higher fidelity to the source becomes possible, as input audio signals are output by bypassing the audio quality-control circuits (bass/ treble/balance).
Speaker impedance
This is certain-rated resistance of the speaker set to an alternating current and expressed in ohms. The smaller the impedance, the greater the output. However, load on the amplifier is increased. Use speakers whose impedance is supported by this unit.

Troubleshooting

If a problem occurs, first check the following:

1. Are the connections correct?
2. Is the unit being operated as described in the owner's manual?
3. Are the other components operating properly?

If this unit does not operate properly, check the items listed in the table below. If the problem persist there may be a malfunction.

In that case, disconnect the power immediately and contact your retail outlet.

Specifications

Power amplifier section

Pre amplifier section

Overall performance

General

Remote control (RC-1143)

* For the purpose of improvement, the specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

HOT SURFACE. DO NOT TOUCH. The top surface over the internal heat sink may become hot when operating this product continuously. Do not touch hot areas, especially around the "Hot surface mark" and the top panel.

To completely disconnect this product from the mains, disconnect the plug from the wall socket outlet. The mains plug is used to completely interrupt the power supply to the unit and must be within easy access by the user.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
   Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
    
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
    Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

NOTE ON USE

Avoid high temperatures. Allow for sufficient heat dispersion when installed in a rack. Handle the power cord carefully. Hold the plug when unplugging the cord. Keep the unit free from moisture, water, and dust. Unplug the power cord when not using the unit for long periods of time. Do not obstruct the ventilation holes. Do not let foreign objects into the unit. Do not let insecticides, benzene, and thinner come in contact with the unit. Never disassemble or modify the unit in any way. Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, tablecloths or curtains. Naked flame sources such as lighted candles should not be placed on the unit. Observe and follow local regulations regarding battery disposal. Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing fluids. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit. Do not handle the mains cord with wet hands. When the switch is in the OFF position, the equipment is not completely switched off from MAINS. The equipment shall be installed near the power supply so that the power supply is easily accessible.

CAUTIONS ON INSTALLATION

* For proper heat dispersal, do not install this unit in a confined space, such as a bookcase or similar enclosure.

• More than 0.3 m is recommended.
• Do not place any other equipment on this unit.

DENON EUROPE
Division of D&M Germany GmbH
An der Kleinbahn 18, Nettetal,
D-41334 Germany