Main trade-off
Denon PMA-1700NE
The recorder output is not a documented variable pre-out for downstream expansion.
Head-to-head
Denon PMA-1700NE vs Yamaha A-S1200: Digital inputs or PRE OUT?
The short answer
Choose PMA-1700NE to connect a computer over USB and optical or coaxial sources without a separate DAC. Choose A-S1200 when analog sources are covered and a volume-controlled PRE OUT matters. Check the cartridge: MC loading is 100 ohms on Denon and 50 ohms on Yamaha. Yamaha MAIN DIRECT requires upstream volume control and provides no headphone output.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Keeping digital conversion inside the amplifier can spare a second purchase
A computer with USB audio and a TV with optical output can feed PMA-1700NE directly through its documented digital inputs. A-S1200 needs those sources converted to analog elsewhere. If neither source has a suitable analog output, budget for a DAC, its power and the extra cabling before comparing the two amplifiers. Yamaha remains a practical choice when an existing DAC is staying or all sources already output analog. On Denon, using Analog Mode interrupts USB communication, so the convenience depends on the source-changing routine too.
What this is based on
Two digital-only sources and limited equipment space crossed with onboard conversion and the USB-to-Analog Mode transition.
Main trade-off
Yamaha A-S1200
Digital sources need conversion elsewhere, and MAIN DIRECT removes the ordinary headphone route.
Denon PMA-1700NE
- Choose it for
- Keep a computer and digital source connected without an external DAC.
- Use a compatible MC cartridge whose recommended loading fits the 100-ohm input.
- Main trade-off
- The recorder output is not a documented variable pre-out for downstream expansion.
Yamaha A-S1200
- Choose it for
- Keep a variable full-range PRE OUT for a compatible downstream amplifier or active component.
- Use an analog source system with a cartridge matched to Yamaha’s phono specifications.
- Main trade-off
- Digital sources need conversion elsewhere, and MAIN DIRECT removes the ordinary headphone route.
About this comparison
Denon PMA-1700NE vs Yamaha A-S1200 for a lasting stereo system. Compare digital sources, variable pre-out expansion, cartridge loads and direct-mode limits.
These are plausible conventional integrated-amplifier choices for records and long-term system changes. Their source conversion, outgoing signal paths and phono loading differ more usefully than their styling or model hierarchy.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A USB computer and optical source need to connect without another DAC
Denon has the required digital inputs.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Better fit
- Yamaha A-S1200
- Caution
A future downstream component needs volume-controlled full-range line audio
Yamaha has the documented PRE OUT in ordinary input modes.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Caution
- Yamaha A-S1200
- Better fit
An external preamp will feed the power-amplifier input
Both require upstream volume control. Yamaha MAIN DIRECT also excludes headphones and PRE OUT.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Caution
- Yamaha A-S1200
- Caution
The cartridge’s recommended loading has not been checked
The fixed MC loads differ and neither label guarantees compatibility.
- Denon PMA-1700NE
- Caution
- Yamaha A-S1200
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Keeping digital conversion inside the amplifier can spare a second purchase
A computer with USB audio and a TV with optical output can feed PMA-1700NE directly through its documented digital inputs. A-S1200 needs those sources converted to analog elsewhere. If neither source has a suitable analog output, budget for a DAC, its power and the extra cabling before comparing the two amplifiers. Yamaha remains a practical choice when an existing DAC is staying or all sources already output analog. On Denon, using Analog Mode interrupts USB communication, so the convenience depends on the source-changing routine too.
How we reached this conclusion
Two digital-only sources and limited equipment space crossed with onboard conversion and the USB-to-Analog Mode transition.
A pre-out helps expansion only while the intended output remains active
Yamaha’s PRE OUT follows its volume control on ordinary inputs, giving a documented route to compatible downstream amplification or another active component. Denon’s recorder output does not establish that function. The Yamaha advantage has limits: inserting headphones silences PRE OUT, and selecting MAIN DIRECT also removes PRE OUT and headphone output. If the plan is to use the Yamaha behind an AV receiver by day and use its own headphone jack at night, map a separate ordinary-input route before purchase. MAIN DIRECT also leaves volume adjustment to the upstream device.
How we reached this conclusion
Later expansion plus a daily switch between external-preamp use and wired headphones crossed with mode-dependent output availability.
The cartridge can reverse a choice that looks equal on the feature list
Both amplifiers offer MM and MC settings, but the fixed MC loads differ: Denon specifies 100 ohms and Yamaha 50 ohms. A cartridge whose maker calls for a particular loading range should be checked against those values before the built-in stage is counted as a complete solution. MM input resistance is 47 kohms on both, which still does not settle every output or capacitance requirement. If the cartridge does not match, a suitable external stage adds cost and uses a line input. Choose from the complete cartridge specification instead of assuming every MC setting is interchangeable.
How we reached this conclusion
A cartridge already owned and a desire to avoid an external stage crossed with different fixed input loads and remaining matching requirements. No audible superiority is inferred from either resistance.
Choice A
Denon, PMA1700NE
Denon PMA-1700NE
Keep a computer and digital source connected without an external DAC.
- Best matched use
- Keep a computer and digital source connected without an external DAC.
Checked facts
- Digital sources: USB-B computer DAC, two optical and one coaxial input.
- Downstream line output: Recorder output, no documented variable pre-out.
- External preamp mode: EXT.PRE input uses volume control on the upstream component.
- Phono input loading: MM 47 kohms and MC 100 ohms.
Choice B
Yamaha, A-S1200SL
Yamaha A-S1200
Keep a variable full-range PRE OUT for a compatible downstream amplifier or active component.
- Best matched use
- Keep a variable full-range PRE OUT for a compatible downstream amplifier or active component.
Checked facts
- Digital sources: Analog inputs, with no digital DAC inputs.
- Downstream line output: PRE OUT follows volume, tone and balance in ordinary input modes.
- External preamp mode: MAIN DIRECT uses upstream volume and has no PHONES or PRE OUT output.
- Phono input loading: MM 47 kohms and MC 50 ohms.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Denon PMA-1700NE | Yamaha A-S1200 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital sources | USB-B computer DAC, two optical and one coaxial input. | Analog inputs, with no digital DAC inputs. | Count an external DAC in a Yamaha system if a source only supplies digital audio. |
| Downstream line output | Recorder output, no documented variable pre-out. | PRE OUT follows volume, tone and balance in ordinary input modes. | Yamaha provides a documented volume-following signal for compatible downstream equipment. |
| External preamp mode | EXT.PRE input uses volume control on the upstream component. | MAIN DIRECT uses upstream volume and has no PHONES or PRE OUT output. | A power-amplifier role changes local controls and available output routes. |
| Phono input loading | MM 47 kohms and MC 100 ohms. | MM 47 kohms and MC 50 ohms. | MM/MC labels alone do not establish a match for the cartridge. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Denon PMA-1700NE
- A future downstream volume-following line connection needs a separate plan.
If you choose Yamaha A-S1200
- A computer or optical-only source can require an extra DAC, cables and power.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Digital sources need direct connection and no separate DAC is staying
Choose Denon PMA-1700NE. PMA-1700NE includes the needed USB, optical and coaxial routes.
Sources already supply analog and variable PRE OUT is essential
Choose Yamaha A-S1200. A-S1200 supplies the documented output, within its mode restrictions.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
Yamaha offers the variable pre-out for later expansion, while Denon already accepts computer and optical digital sources.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No measured amplifier or phono sound-quality winner.
- A variable full-range pre-out is not automatic subwoofer bass management.
- No headphone behavior is inferred for Denon EXT.PRE beyond the cited manual.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current stereo amplifiers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon PMA-1700NE |
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| |
| Yamaha A-S1200 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Denon PMA-1700NE
Keep a computer and digital source connected without an external DAC.
Use a compatible MC cartridge whose recommended loading fits the 100-ohm input.
See price & reviews on AmazonYamaha A-S1200
Keep a variable full-range PRE OUT for a compatible downstream amplifier or active component.
Use an analog source system with a cartridge matched to Yamaha’s phono specifications.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.