Summary: When using the POA-5200 to drive the fronts on my AVR-4800 it is pure audio nirvana. Especially with SACD using a CDP-S333ES. I actually feel for 2 channel in direct mode it tops the flagship AVR-5800, as I am in the process of auditioning one, as I type this. I was looking for a intergrated amp. for a 3rd audio only set-up (Master Bedroom). I purchased a Acurus Dia-100 MKII & was really disapointed for a Stereophile B rated component. I really liked the sound of the Denon line-up & next purchased a PMA-2000R, which is a C class rated component. It smoked the Acurus!!! This was to be paired with a Sony CDP-XA20ES, (Sweet unit a "Major Keeper", hard to believe it's a Sony, check the reviews). The PMA-2000R which Denon advertises as an Audiophile Intergrated Amp., in Direct Source mode shuts down & becomes strictly an amp. The Phono Stage on the PMA was awesome when paired with a Music Hall MMF-7, yet I wasn't interested in doing another Vinyl set-up. I just wasn't happy with the sound for digital. Next came mono block amps, Music Fidelity (Cute, Expensive), & Marantz ma-500. (the MA isn't worth capitalizing, YUCK) Ran across an older mint pair of Denon PM0-2400's. Still not happy, as I was demonstrating my H/T set-up to a Friend with the Gladiator DVD. I glanced at the POA. Gently "Ripped" the 5200 off the 4800, for kicks & ran for the bedroom. The old saying "Right under your Nose" is true!!! I am now the proud owner of 2 POA-5200's. Connecting the CDP-XA20ES to the POA-5200 via variable out with Tributaries SCA-150 1 meter interconnects, has left a smile on my face which many months latter hasn't worn off!!! This Amp is so Under-Rated & has been Pigeonholed for just Home Theater use, do to it's THX Certification. Well like Mikey say "Try It, You'll Like It".
Strengths: Well thought out Construction/Design from a company whom is always considered MID-FI? - Clarity, Soundstage, Power to push any Book Shelf to Full Range speaker, without ever getting Hot.
Weaknesses: At this Price NONE!!! Left room in my budget for a pair of B&W 805's
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Summary: I was driving seven speakers with a 3801, I hooked mains up to this and noticed a definite improvement right away- no doubt about it. Reducing the load on the 3801 made all the other chanels improve as well. I might go insane and add two or three more of these and just use 3801 as a pre-amp(as another reviewer is doing)This is an awesome peice of gear! I have found Denon to match great with Klipsch speakers, by the way.
Strengths: Sound, Build Quality, Price, Looks cool too! Does not run warm at all, as far as amps go, now my 3801 runs cooler as well.
Weaknesses: None really, but I'll vote for pretty blue or green power indicator to show solodarity with my fellow POA-5200 brothers.
Similar Products Used: B&K
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Summary: Using with 3801. Noticed improvement right away (and the 3801 isn't bad)when I hooked my main speakers up to this bad boy. Tighter Bass, more dynamic,better detail- no question about it. Break in time was not a factor- it sounded great right out of the box, but did not improve much over time ( at least not yet, with over 250 hours to date )
Strengths: I was driving seven speakers with 3801, removing mains caused 3801 to run cooler and sound even better. This unit barley gets warm- I thought it would run much warmer- a nice suprise. Great Build quality, 3 year wrnty. etc...
Weaknesses: Constant temptation to play music at INSANE volume levels. My Pioneer CD/DVD player has amber lights also, but I'll vote for pretty blue or green power on light to express my solodarity with my brother POA-5200 owners.
Similar Products Used: NA
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Summary: I am using 2 of these with: Denon AVR-3801 Polk Monitor 10B (2, Fronts) Polk CS 1000p (1, Center) Polk f/x 1000 (2, Rear) Hope to buy a third for the rear channels. Noticed a big difference when I hooked up the external amps. My brother said he noticed a difference as soon as I popped in a DVD. Well worth the price if you can find them on sale.
Strengths: Very Dynamic, Powerful, Clean Sound
Weaknesses: I agree with Carl, green or blue LED would have been nicer(Amber=Caution? Would be OK if you had Yamaha Products I guess)
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Summary: I use it to drive my ML Aerius spkrs in a home theater with a Denon 4800. Perfect match with the 4800 and a nice upgrade from the receiver alone when driving all sprkrs. Good upgrade if you use Denon receiver and less than easy to drive spkrs.
Strengths: Perfect match
Weaknesses: No significant faults
Similar Products Used: B&K
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