Denon PMA 400 (PMA 501) + TU 300 (TU 501)

This is a fine example of the quality material Denon produced in the late 70s — designed with care, built to last, and sonically refined.

Manufactured between 1978 and 1979, the Denon PMA-400 amplifier (sold as PMA-501 in certain regions) is a pre + main amplifier with some very clever technology under the hood. Most notably, it features the PCC system (Phono Crosstalk Canceler) — a unique circuit designed to suppress crosstalk between channels in the phono stage. This system works by injecting an inverted signal to cancel out the unwanted one, improving stereo separation where it matters most — in the frequencies our ears are most sensitive to — down to approx. -40 dB.

A fast-response protection circuit is built-in to shield speakers from accidents, with high reliability.

Denon also took care to separate high- and low-current stages, improving crosstalk by isolating the power supplies for the preamp and power amp sections. The phono input is directly connected to the equalizer stage, minimizing stray capacitance and signal degradation — a thoughtful detail for vinyl lovers.

The matching Denon TU-300 tuner (also known as the TU-501) is a beauty, visually and functionally. It features two large illuminated VU meters, with a 3-position switch that lets you choose between:

• Level/Signal: left meter shows signal strength, right shows L/R balance.

• Level: both meters show L/R channel levels.

• Power Out: displays the actual output power of the amplifier.

To accommodate different listening conditions, there’s also a 3-step VU attenuator, handy for high-output systems or more powerful amplifiers.

The Sound

Warm, powerful, engaging — a true 70s sonic signature. The PMA-400 has an intimate, analog character, while still maintaining clarity and dynamics. When paired with the TU-300 tuner, the combo not only looks fantastic but delivers an authentic vintage listening experience.

A beautiful and intelligent hi-fi pairing. Denon was clearly not messing around — and this set proves it.