PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this video is to highlight three retro-style integrated amps, by three respected hifi brands, at three different price points. Each brand has their own approach and 'house sound'. The goal is to highlight what that approach is, and what you can expect should you move from one brand to the next (especially as you move up in price). What this is NOT... is a fair a/b/c comparison. I should have made this clear right from the get-go. I will make sure there is zero confusion as to what my intent is the next time I decide to film a video like this. Thanks for your understanding!
Yes, understandable and thank you!. I've been waiting, and hoping you get to review the Luxman L-509x and the Yamaha A-S3200 soon, as they are the proper adversaries of the Accuphase 480. Oh, and I don't think analogue amplifiers will ever go out of style.
The logistics of hearing two high end amps from different Japanese manufacturers at one dealer is impossible, too! Your review is the best we could hope for.
@@g.d.1722 Waste of time id imagine. The Yamaha As3200 is curcuit wise seemingly no different to the As3000 predecessor which i owned. At furst i thought the As3000 was good but i tried a 25watt tube amp from Unison Research and it blew the Yama away. It was then i had to accept the cold hard truth... the As3000 (and likely the 3200) is not much more than a glorified 2 channel AV receiver with a pretty face... and a very pretty face indeed! The circuits and designs of the more expensive Lux and Accuphase are way beyond the Yama amp which prides itself on balanced circuit, symetrical layout and low vibration which to me reads they just dont have a good circuit with good components and this is how it bares out in my listening.
Thank you for helping in my decision to buy an Accuphase E-650 over Luxman L-590AXII. I had a Luxman M-600 Class A power amp and found it to sound like a more refined and authoritative Pass Labs XA30.5--very nice. However, the Accuphase has a sound unlike anything I've heard before. Very juicy and colorful while also very detailed, punchy, and transparent. The best way I can describe the sound is that plucked strings sound VERY plucky without any sharp leading edge. No harshness whatsoever. The headphone stage is also phenomenal; all the beauty of the speaker outputs carries over. I love it! The fellow who runs AudioAficionado described Accuphase Class A as "intoxicating" and now I get it. For the record, I bought a used Japanese market unit in pristine condition at a very reasonable cost, not a lot more than the Luxman would be used. Shipping was FREE and arrived at my door quadruple boxed in 4 days! Amazing. Internal voltage conversion was quite easy, just need basic soldering skills to move 2 connectors, or just add a pair of connectors, to plug the respective harnesses into. There's 3 sets of holes for these with 2 being unused. I'm assuming they represent 100V, 120V, and 220/240V. Oh, and the unused holes are factory filled with solder--that's attention to detail! Only drawback is no service whatsoever from US Accuphase repair techs, even out of warranty. I was going to take it to my usual tech to do the conversion job, but it turns out they are an Accuphase repair center and Japan said no, can't do it. They wouldn't even let a guy who moved from Japan (and could obviously prove it) receive any service! But they are well known for impeccable build quality so worth the minor risk to save upwards of $10,000 off the US MSRP. If push comes to shove, ship it back to a Japanese repair center and still come out wayyy ahead.
Glad to hear you like Accuphase E480. I really enjoy mine too, every time when I listening to the wonderful music notes coming out from it with speakers and look at the VU meters shining in the dark room. The vibes is just purely musical, what a glory integrated amp from Accuphase. One more thing I’d like to high light is the female vocal is really really sweet, and this is one of the famous Accuphase sound.
As a kid growing up in Jamaica in the early 70s, I had two uncles who were budding audiophiles, each of whom acquired the original Accuphase component system--T-100 tuner, C-200 control center, and P-300 power amp. Some of my most pleasant childhood memories centered around the music generated by these systems. Fast forward 20 years, as relatively poor medical resident and budding audiophile myself visiting friends of friends in St. Louis (of all places) I noticed a rather familiar-looking but forlorn pile of components sitting in a corner of a room in the friend's house. Not quite the same, but familiar nonetheless--T-101 tuner, C-200 control center, and P-250 power amp. I was able to rescue them from an almost certain trip to the trash heap for the grand total of $250. After a little tidying up and minor servicing over the years, they still reside in my system alongside some rather respectable modern gear. Although perhaps not used everyday--and despite the age--they still offer more than a glimpse of the Accuphase "house sound". Once those VU meters light up and start jumping, it's a guaranteed good time with fond memories of a simpler time...:)
The Yamaha looks even better in silver. I love how their design is unmistakably Yamaha regardless of whether you have an old CR-2020 from 1978 or this latest model. Beautiful amps, great reliability and consistently excellent sound for fair prices, all finished in their own visual design style. I think this is what distinguishes Yamaha from all the rest. Long may they reign as the best choice in hifi, all things considered.
Yamaha products are extreme value for the money. From their pianos to their violins and hifi products i own, there is zero compromise on build quality for the price they offer. Perhaps, they are the only company that is considerate of folks who don't have ultra large wallets.
I've got an A-S700 integrated amp which was the last all-analog version (the 701 included a DAC). The only glaring oversight with the unit is that it doesn't have preamp outputs. Otherwise, I've been very happy with the features, feel and performance for the price. I'm running a pair of JBL L-100 speakers that I bought in 1975 (with the pots, caps, and speaker posts rehabbed in 2019).
Nothing Beats Accuphase Power Amplifiers in terms of Classic Build Quality /Japanese Reliability & Smooth Subtle Sounds. There A-Class Ultra Exspensive High End Mono-Blocks like the A-100/A-200/M2000/M6200/M7300/M8000. Are rare nowadays only the Rich Music Enthusiast who wants the best only buys the best from Japan mate. Gryphon Mono-Blocks Amplifier are very good too but wat overpriced lol. McIntosh USA Amplifiers they use to be good but not anymore heard their build quality & standards have dropped 😂🤷♂️. Other mentions are the American Krell Mono-Blocks A-Class Amplifiers FPB-600 & FPB-400CX 800Watts & Krell KRS-200 . www.hifido.co.jp/sold/09-48627-39926-00.html?LNG=E
I concur on my Yamaha A-S2200 sounding way more than its 90 WPC, also on the fact when I do look at it, and the glow of the meters, I do think, wow this is a pretty nice amp! Great review Sean.
@@exif6839 I have this amp, it is indeed great, can I ask what speakers you are using with your A-S2100 ? I have some Martin Logan XT-60's tower speakers, they sound great but I am tired of their glossy black and hulking presence in my den. I am going to keep them for another home theater application elsewhere so I am looking for a more traditional but full range speaker for the A-S2100. I could go with bookshelf speakers with a good subwoofer ( or two ) if need be . I enjoy streaming, CD playback and vinyl.
@@steelydanfan100 i am using the Yamaha A-S2100 on my "DIY" Heissmann-Acoustics DXT-MON. This speaker is really small but sounds like a big one or in other words like the Neumann KH120 ;-) you can find it hiere: heissmann-acoustics.de/en/dxt-mon/
Catching this video three years later. Ultimate compliment no 1: it stands the test of time! UC no. 2: well-formed opinions presented in an interesting way. Not boring audiophile bs! UC no. 3: really helpful to someone who wants to learn more about outstanding audio equipment. I will check your other videos but, if you haven’t done it, you should come back to this topic!!!!
Thanks for this excellent work! These are my three favorite integrated amp line-ups. If I were spending my money, it would be a refurbished Yamaha A-S3200 - partly because it's at the [far edge] of affordability for me but also because I think Yamaha nailed the aesthetics on their high-end amps - and I'm not embarrassed to say I listen with my eyes as well as my ears. While all three brands are lovely, I think the Yamaha A-S3200 is just spartanly beautiful. I also love the sound (A-S1200 owner)!
Oh dear oh dear.... "i listen with my eyes as well as my ears". This is the worst thing you can do... trust me! I was seduced into purchase by a review and the look of the Yamaha AS3000 and at first i did just that... while i convinced myself it sounded as amazing as it looked. Well after a while the novelty of the looks faded and i started to think hmm i wonde4 does this sound all that great for a £4k amp? So i took a punt on a £2500 ex demo Unison Research 25w tube amp and the penny dropped.... the AS3000 sounds utterly awful for the money... flat, 2d sound, inconsistent at different volumes but worst of all just a total matter of fact presentation devoid of life and soul... couldnt connect to my music. I therefore recommend you dont be like me 8yrs ago and at least try before you buy. If you think it sounds great then more power to you i jist had a hard time admitting a cheaper less powerful less pretty amp sounded vastly better. And thats my view of Yamaha AS amps... easily bettered and little more than a pretty AV amp in expensive clothing. No offense to any happy AS series owners.
@@tomwebb7091 Whatever works for you! To be clear, I'm very satisfied with my A-S1200 and have no plans to buy the A-S3200. That said, for me, aesthetics are highly important. I don't consider myself an audiophile because I do not prioritize sound quality above all else - for me, that becomes un-fun. I choose gear that looks great to my eye, falls within my budget and sounds good to my ears.
@@nesutonekoAnd thats fair enough!. At the end of the day you enjoy the As1200 sound so its all that matters. I didnt enjoy the As3000 and moved onto something vastly superior for less money... my point was to highlight a mistake i made in case anyone blindly buys and overspends. I reckon the As1200 sounds almost identical to the As3200 anyway... id love to do a blind test but would likely not enjoy either amp anyway. Thus both happy 😁 i admit i will never quite fully understand your angle. For me the music is fun if im connected to it, but not when im just staring at my kit thinking how nice it looks. Each to our own again!
Thank you for your videos which actually helped me choosing (and buying) my new amp which should become the center piece of my new system. The Luxman 505 AXII (505 because it is AB; I could not resolve myself to getting a class A amp that takes 270W of power as soon as your turn it on...). I have to say that here in Japan, Luxman products are much, much... much cheaper. 280 000 jpy for the 505, which makes it the same price as the Yamaha in your video. Don't be too jealous, other import gear is more expensive... I like "old school" analog, because I know in 20 years it will not be outdated, whereas any DAC will be. So it is better to separate digital and analog in my opinion and I feel sure these amps collection will stay in the maker's catalog for a long time. Anyway, I am totally in love with my 505, it made me feel I had upgraded my speakers too! Luxman is putting more videos on their channel recently, with English subtitles. You can see the presentation of their products by the engineers that have designed them. It is very instructive, but not super fun or "sexy" videos (Japanese engineers are not here to sell you fun and dream, they are here to give you serious and precise information....). Next step CD player D-03X (?) that I will be using as USB DAC too... not 100% decided yet. Thanks again for your work.
I'm such a relativist.. I'm quite happy with my Denon receiver. At a time when almost everything was analog, except for the Dolby digital, and they included a hefty power supply with output transistors mounted to thicker metal dissipating heat sinks. Sure, I've listened to $100K+ speakers connected to source & amplifiers that added up to about the same. Did I notice a difference? Yes, definitely. Still, I go home, put on a Billie Holiday record, sit in my comfortable chair, and I'm transported to a time and place, with my 5 channels, and modestly powered speakers, to the point where I'm grateful to be able to enjoy all of this. Brought together with a rich red wine, I'm quite happy. Does all that detract from anything you say, Sean? I hope not. I enjoy hearing your descriptions, seeing the equipment. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Time and money can do so much. I have limits to both, but it's wonderful to see where art & engineering come together in a harmonious blend to reproduce what we so often take for granted, our auditory sense.
Thanks for the comparison, Sean. On the strength of your original review of the Luxman L-550, I finally popped for its bigger sibling, the L-590AxII at 50% more power (and 80% more money) than the 550, with more highly specialized internals, replacing a (very nice!) Yamaha A-S2000. Lux was somewhat hashy when new on my Monitor Audio Gold 100’s (with the ribbon tweeters) but, finally, after a month of near constant use, OMG. The Luxy then made fast friends of that ribbon tweeter and we have air, extension, 3-dimensionally, and ease. No dynamic limitations as the 590 will output 165 WPC into 4 ohms as it moves into class AB. The 590 is the 550 with muscles and dressed in a tux.
I’ve had my 590axII for just a few days now, dealer demo @ 30+% discount. She’s broken in with maybe 100 hours, love the built in phono stage, had McIntosh for the last 7 years, this is a nice change. Can’t beat class A. 😎
@@1999zrx1100 Congratulations on your new L-590 AxII! I think if any Luxman integrated amp becomes a sought-after classic, it will be the 590, especially since true Class A amps are becoming increasingly rare. BTW, since my original comment, I have upgraded from the Monitor Audio speakers to the new Bowers and Wilkins 805 D4. They truly show what the Luxman can do.
Great breakdown of all three amps. You are clear and no bullshit. I would die for that accuphase but am thankful for my house full of Parasound. Keep up the good work
Excellent overview and comparison! For me, for that amount of money, I'll choose a Pass Labs int-60 integrated. Thanks for another great video. Keep 'em coming!
I tried them (except Yamaha was A-S2000 instead of AS1200) with Harbeth SHL5+, Focal diablo, Canton reference K series, JBL 4700 and ProAc response 3.8 / d30r... IMHO Accu one step ahead on global analysis (Accurate but not clinical/luxury finish but sober, not inxs/warm sound but not muddy) for my ears, whereby Accuphase C-2120/A48 Class A are in my audio system..... To add, AD-50 additional phono board works on E-470/480 very well giving a tremendous amount of fun, Terrific!!
Not long had my Luxman L-550ax mk2 , and really makes a perfect match for the Klipsch Forte iii loudspeakers. It’s a match made in heaven. Really like the Accuphase also, and there is something really special about these VU meter amps as you rightly say. A great review, that I found very interesting. Bottom line is, I think there is an Amp in this review, for anyone at different price points, that anyone would be happy too own.👍🏻
As someone who's end game amplifier will have a big ass set of VU meters, I sincerely appreciate this video. Unfortunately I think I have Accuphase tastes on a Yamaha budget. Thank you Mr. ZF!
Thanks for the review Sean! I actually was thinking of buying the Luxman when I saw your review a few months ago and it crystallized my decision. I have paired it with the Dynaudio Evoke 30 and a Qutest and can’t be more happy with the choice. Btw I leveraged your Audioquest reviews from a few years ago to make my speaker and interconnect decision. I’m indebted to you!!!
Accuphase... the most expensive and the best of three. Here in Argentina the prices are similar between Luxman and Accuphase. I compared integrated amps of these brands and i prefer the sound of Accuphase. Luxman is very good too but i feel little agressive, maybe more in your face sound. Accuphase is detailed, refined and relaxed. Build quality is excellent in all of them. Regards!
Nice video, as usual. Big heavy cases, bid transformers and caps, irrepressible build quality and VU meters, how I understand you. I was tired of always thinking on the next big thing so I got a slightly less powerfull E380 and Now I can rest my mind and enjoy the music. Great match to my Harbeths 30.2 40th. But I would very pleased with any one of those. Your reading on the accuphase sound signature is spot on
Totally agreed with your impression of the Luxman and the Accuphase. Luxman is very open, powerful, detailed and more in your face; Accuphase, warmer, smoother, silky sweet and full of control, but at twice the price!!! Have not heard the Yamaha.
I have the Yamaha A-S2100 amp, a Yamaha bass trombone, and a Yamaha 150HP 4 stroke outboard motor on my Larson. Amazing that Yamaha is so highly respected in so many varied fields.
@@steelydanfan100 I have 9 yamaha basses and have had a few more over the years( should never have sold them). I used to ride yamaha bikes and would again before any other brand. I have a Yamaha PB -1 bass preamp that is quite possible one of the best ever made for bass guitar. It is a quality company making quality gear.
Thanks for the video. I just received my Luxman L-550 and it sounds great with my B&W 705's in my bedroom system. Accuphase (E-260) stays in my main system, however, with Energy Veritas 6.3. Love them both equally!
Sean, enjoy ur reviews,but I do want to clarify one point..,is that the Sonic Characteristics of the yamaha As1200 vs the As3200 is night and day!..I actually had owned both at one point, and to say that because they are both from the same company will share the same qualities of sound is Not accurate in this case. THE AS3200 AUDIBLY sounds very different. It exhibits such a broader detail in all frequencies and a feeling of virtually endless power and dynamics across the bandwidth..One could almost say their not from the same company.Also their internal topology is very different
@@MuscleBN Sure. The 3200 is different, but the *voicing* is still the same. As per the engineer who made these products. Glad you're digging on the 3200, as I'm sure it's a sweetheart. And oh, check out the stickied comment to get context for this video.
I owned The Luxman 550, tried The accuphase E280 and now OWN a Yamaha AS1100 that I came across for a Very good price. I was Very surprised by its Lively performance. It turnster out to Be The best match with my Jean Marie Reynaud speakers. I also own a Primaluna EVO400, bit The Yamaha is The best.
Dear Sean. I predict these types of old school analog integrated amps will be exactly as oldschool 5 or 10 years from now, as they are today. I have the Yamaha (the 1100) and...it’s pretty much the same as it’s predecessor from the 70s :-D I bought this a p becuas I want somthing that is pure. Something that will be exactly as good at doing what it does 20 years from now, as it is today. Any integrated with “modern” digital features will be outdated within the next few years. I mean just look something like the Keff Wireless. They’re only a couple of years old, and allready outdated and replaced by the Wireless 2. That’s how it is with all that digi-tech. A traditional analog integrated will never be outdated. And as for modern features, I bought the Yamaha WXC50 Wireless streaming pre-amplifier and connected in to the 1100. So now the 1100 has Bluetooth, toslink, coax, wifi, USB etc. And as you know, there’s many other options to “expand” a traditional integrated with all the current digital sources. Thanks for this awesome channel. All the best from Denmark :-)
I got the A-S301 and upgraded the DAC to Topping D50s. It has more inputs and the sound is a little more detailed than the integrated DAC on the Yamaha. I would love to upgrade to the 1100 or 1200 one day as I absolute love the Yamaha sound.
It's like you made this video for me! I am shopping or an integrated amplifier and the Yamaha as 2200 and several different luxman units are what I'm shopping perfect thank you
@ Jessy Szabo. I’ve got an A-S2200. It provides a very rich, warm mid range, it’s pretty open IMO with tons of separation around the instruments. Tons of detail and clarity. I mainly listen to vinyl and cd. 2200 is paired with the CD-S2100.
@@nathanjones4039 thank you for the input, I am leaning towards the Yamaha and this input definitely helps. Do you use the DAC in the CD player at all with a computer or streamer? I was possibly interested in picking up a set but I do a lot of streaming on tidal and I'm not sure how the DAC is because there's not a lot of information out there about how it sounds?
@@jessyszabo148 no streaming with a CPU or streamer with the CD-S2100, however I know it’d be great to do that. The DAC within the 2100 lets you adjust the clock rate of the DAC per input so you can match the quality of the component your using more precisely to the 2100’s DAC. The 2100 DAC sounds soooo analog, it’s ridiculous how analog it sounds. Very warm, natural, analog sound. The pair of the A-S2200 and CD-S2100 are a pair I intend to keep forever, heirloom quality you can pass down. The CD-S2100 weighs 35lbs, crazy heavy for a CD player.
Would like to see a review of the Sugden A21se pure class A single ended integrated. Sugden is the pioneer of solid state class A.....it sounds wonderful! Only has 30 watts into 8 ohms and 40 into 4 ohms, but you would never know it...I'm driving some beautiful Tannoys with it. it's only $3250....
Well, again you remaind me when I begin with Hi FI (Thank you). And again for a long time I'm pleased with your video review. I remember the first video I saw about Hi Fi on You Tube. It was yours and you were talking about equipment of course but.. you did say somthing like: equipment is very important when you listen to music, but we shoud like what we see too. Thanks again.
its good and better than everyone but cayin (and fiio unreleased), but its clearly designed for um ciems the gains are just not worth going other brands
Really love your insight on these. I owned a Luxman L110 I bought new in the early 1980's. I have owned Pioneer, Yamaha, Carver, Dynaco, Kinergetics, Adcom, B&K, and now Peachtree. I loved the Luxman the best. Unreal quality and sound, even in today's standards.
Just bought an Accuphase because of you.. 😅 I have very natural sounding speakers. Sony SS-NA2ES towers. My guess is this is what I have been looking for. Musical, neutral, yet accurate.
Great video as always. Accuphase seems hard to shop for. I never see them in the hifi shops. I would go with the Luxman. Whenever I go to the local hifi shop and listen to Luxman the sound seems to be very liquid, warm and dynamic. A lot of people seem to pair Luxman with Dynaudio which is another favorite of mine.🤙
Hooray!!... nice to see/hear what I’ve been saying for decades there’s something about 70’s vintage Japanese amps that just screams quality from all angles.Those VU meters bobbing up and down moving along with the music gives me a fuzzy feeling that most modern stuff just lacks. To me it’s not just “ all about the music” it’s all about the fun and total experience including as you say pride of ownership. My Rotel stuff from the 70’s is a keeper.... be nice to hear your thoughts on say a Rotel RX1603 against the Accuphase if possible...great video!!
Thanks Sean for another entertaining and informative video. I was recently in the position of upgrading my amps and looking for the simplicity of a high quality integrated. I decided against the Yamaha because I found the mids and treble too forward for my taste (particularly with my speakers). That left me with Luxman and Accuphase as 2 strong contenders. At that time I could audition the Luxman in my home town but not the Accuphase (though they are available now). Here in Australia the price difference is not as bad as US (maybe more like Canada). In the end an opportunity to buy a 2 week old Luxman 590AXII at about 60% of retail was too good to turn down. One thing that I realised afterwards was that the internal phono stage of the Luxman is very good - significantly better than my $1000 external phono stage. So much so I have delayed my thoughts of a phono stage upgrade. The Accuphase has the option of a phono stage (reputed to be good) but it is quite an expensive option. I am sure though that most people would be happy with either the Luxman or the Accuphase. If you will use the internal phono the Luxman is much better value for money though.
I definately understand the aesthetics aspect. I still after owning my Lotus for almost 7 years will spend hours staring at it sitting in the garage. Turn on the music, grab a beer and stare
Sweet Jesus. I'm drooling on my keyboard. I own vintage Luxman gear and second that their manufacturing is second to none. But still, I lust after Accuphase. I was lucky enough to hear some of their massive Class A power amps in Tokyo and it's pretty much ruined me for life.
Good review Sean and great channel I own a E-370 and I think this is the pinnacle of what I'm able to achieve. Before the Accuphase I had PS Audio (class D), Onkyo (a vintage one), Nakamichi, Marantz, Yamaha, McIntosh. I think, for my personal taste, this is the best and a perfect match with my Dali loudspeaker and Klipsch. Keep going on. Cheers from Italy!
My Italian brother has taste. Cheers from Westchester NY! Guess I better start saving for an Accuphase, but keeping my Marantz 5014 for HT and vintage Pioneer SX 780.
I just picked up a brand new Yamaha A-S1200 today, I went to the HiFi shop with the intention to buy a Cambridge CXA-81 for the back room for ease of use for the family with the digital inputs, looked at the Yamaha and those VU meters, I've always liked them and thought bugger the family, I want old school and it has a decent phono stage, did I do the right thing??
@@MikE-jp2jr Thank god for VU meters, they mesmerised me then saved me from my fait, bugger the digital inputs this is why companies like Chord exist, hey listening to this Amp I like it and am glad I'm not comparing it to the others, I also have a Ikon valve amp but I won't compare the big Yamaha to that, hey I dig your HiFi reviews and thanks Man!!
Yes you did, the phono stage is entirely decent for sure, I like my A-S2100 so much I went out and upgraded my turntable to a VPI Prime to take advantage of the A-S2100's great MM/MC built in phono preamp, switchable on the front panel. That's something the reviewer should have mentioned, phono stages in these three amps he compared.
@@steelydanfan100 I almost bought a 2nd hand 2100, I didn't get there quick enough, happy with a new 1200 though but I always wanted a Luxman, I'm just happy that my new Amp is even compared to the Accuphase & Luxman, WOW they are stunning looking Amps
I've been looking forward to this shoot-out, Sean, and you didn't disappoint. Thanks for your insights into these ultimate objects of desire. And yes, the "ha-hah, that's awesome" factor should never be overlooked! It's not about price; good design should nail look and feel, as well as sound.
Me too. Got one about a year back and I actually picked it over a Diablo 300. I think all things Gryphon are fab but the Esoteric was a better match with my ATC SCM10 SE speakers. Very happy so far🎶
I have the Yamaha a-s 1200 and the triangle Genese trio speakers. I enjoy this combo. I feels like the singer is in front of me, the musical instruments a little more far away. So all the songs with focus on vocals sound amazing.
Thanks for these reviews, pretty sure I'll be getting the luxman sometime soon to replace my older marantz pm8005 amp. Hoping it will provide me with 10+ years of good service.
I bought the Yamaha AS-2100 for it's analog functionality, analog amps will ALWAYS be around because at the end of the day, music reproduction is analog at speaker driver level . Yes, there are more digital sources than ever but I point to the resurgence of vinyl as evidence that audiophiles want to physically touch and mess with their hobby when they have the time. These analog amps all share physical controls that allow the owner to set up the tonal qualities as they see fit, then change those tonal qualities as ancillary digital or analog components come and go. These analog amps will always be there to do the switching and lifting to the final destination, your speakers and your ears.
Ain’t staring at equipment but eyes closed listening to music. All power to imagination (!) and you will see something that can’t be sell in dealer’s. Transported into musician’s mind and heart. That is my wish for you all out there. .
Ha, it took me almost 40 years until I got VUs :) Audio gear has to look good, it is like furniture... who wants to look at the IKEA Billy shelf ever day? ;)
My high end very transparent uncoloured class D stereo power amplifier has VU meters. Plus a real wood case apart from the CNC machined aluminium front & rear panels. Also internal duel linear power supply's with a massive toroidal transformer. Unlike most of the class D amps (even most high end ones) that use a switch mode power supply SMPS.
Lucky me i own both Yamaha and Luxman kit and i have to say well built well designed beautiful kit they both sound fantastic very hard to say which is better, all i can say is both represent very good value for money a good investment money well spent
I will gladly keep my digital components separate from my analog components... not a fan of integrateds that include dacs/streamers for high end listening. Different in a second system type of environment. The Luxman is just damn sweet to look at. Definitely considering it. Great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'm with you on that. Integrateds, preamps and amps have no business mingling with digital. It's a innately losing proposition and investment. The only add on built in an integrated or preamp that I would consider is a very high quality shielded adjustable phono pre.
@@triumphlover7455 I agree! And I know a lot of audiophiles would not even consider mixing any components (for example integrated amps are sacrilegious to many because they combine the preamp and amp), but for me the key to separate digital and analog. I feel that phono is all analog so I'd have no problem with it being integrated, especially in integrated amps like the Luxman which have stellar phono preamps.
Just my opinion on the survivability of pure analog versus components with digital playback options. I.E. Preamps & Integrated amps with DACs and Streaming capabilities versus those that only offer a phono stage and not much else. I think McIntosh has the best approach. For folks like me that are old school. They offer things like C22, for a hipster that wants the ease of streaming, things like the D150. I may be wrong, but I like to think that pure analog solutions will be around for awhile yet. There is just too much romance and nostalgia around that approach, that I do not think it will ever fully die.
@Martin Tousignant: The question is will Hi-End companies who only make all analog Integrated amps and preamps, with no built in DAC, Bluetooth, or Streaming capabilities, survive? As to whether, the CD sounds better than a Stream, is not the subject at hand. Personally, I primarily listen to records. I do stream a lot as well. That being so, I will not be getting rid of my CDs and player any time soon, if ever.
Have you tried to listen to them in a blind test? That is the way the Harmen Group, Schitt and others refine the design their products. Some good scientific papers out there claiming that in double blind tests, within the limits of power/distortion/clipping, all amps sound alike. The differences we hear in sighted tests, so the scientists claim, comes down to inherent bias that causes the brain to filter the sounds differently. Fascinating stuff, if true. Thanks for the video.
Agreed - but the logistics of getting all three manufacturers to send me products that more or less compete evenly is nigh impossible. This is the best I could do.
"there's value in looking at something and being satisfied". I agree. I wanted to demo a Luxman as it looks beautiful to me. The shop had this integrated that was all black with two knobs and a LCD screen that reminded me of PACMAN and was $4200. There is no way that boring black stereo is going to sit in my rack, compared to the Luxman which is visually stunning.
@@richardattridge3182 O E-270 tem o som bem transparente e natural. Mais para o lado neutro do que para o lado morno como são os Marantz. Eu acho o E-270 superior aos Marantz PM-11S3 e Hegel H360. Já o novo Model 30 ainda não ouvi.
Nice comparative, I especially like the subjective comments. I know that you can't compare every amp in the universe but one I would have liked to see thrown in the mix, just for fun, would have been the Naim Supernait 3. Its price is more/less that of the middle of the pack Luxman but is cut from a completely different cloth.
"... If this describes you, the accufphase is for you" So what if you don't have both your arms and a leg to spend on an amp, but that's the corner you are in? What are some 2k-ish amps for those that want to come home, sit back and cuddle up, enjoy their vinyl collection for the rest of the evening without things getting messy or fatiguing but with a hint of all that detail peeking through? A cheap crossbreed between the luxman and accuphase if you will. Or maybe there's some budgets amp that allready do that ... Sortof, less refined. I love this classification of "what type of listener are you" it's really helpful ✌️
All Fabulous Units and funny before you said their names... I actually picked them out by name...and I've not really been into Stereo, Music, and Audio equipment in question...
![HIWWHEE | OHM [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OJJLtTLqLag/mqdefault.jpg)
PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this video is to highlight three retro-style integrated amps, by three respected hifi brands, at three different price points. Each brand has their own approach and 'house sound'. The goal is to highlight what that approach is, and what you can expect should you move from one brand to the next (especially as you move up in price). What this is NOT... is a fair a/b/c comparison. I should have made this clear right from the get-go. I will make sure there is zero confusion as to what my intent is the next time I decide to film a video like this. Thanks for your understanding!
Your video and review was the deciding factor on me purchasing the Yamaha. The Accuphase is the one to be buried with lol!
Yes, understandable and thank you!. I've been waiting, and hoping you get to review the Luxman L-509x and the Yamaha A-S3200 soon, as they are the proper adversaries of the Accuphase 480. Oh, and I don't think analogue amplifiers will ever go out of style.
The logistics of hearing two high end amps from different Japanese manufacturers at one dealer is impossible, too! Your review is the best we could hope for.
You could measure it and give us a graph , talk less show more
@@g.d.1722 Waste of time id imagine. The Yamaha As3200 is curcuit wise seemingly no different to the As3000 predecessor which i owned. At furst i thought the As3000 was good but i tried a 25watt tube amp from Unison Research and it blew the Yama away. It was then i had to accept the cold hard truth... the As3000 (and likely the 3200) is not much more than a glorified 2 channel AV receiver with a pretty face... and a very pretty face indeed! The circuits and designs of the more expensive Lux and Accuphase are way beyond the Yama amp which prides itself on balanced circuit, symetrical layout and low vibration which to me reads they just dont have a good circuit with good components and this is how it bares out in my listening.
Thank you for helping in my decision to buy an Accuphase E-650 over Luxman L-590AXII. I had a Luxman M-600 Class A power amp and found it to sound like a more refined and authoritative Pass Labs XA30.5--very nice. However, the Accuphase has a sound unlike anything I've heard before. Very juicy and colorful while also very detailed, punchy, and transparent. The best way I can describe the sound is that plucked strings sound VERY plucky without any sharp leading edge. No harshness whatsoever. The headphone stage is also phenomenal; all the beauty of the speaker outputs carries over. I love it! The fellow who runs AudioAficionado described Accuphase Class A as "intoxicating" and now I get it.
For the record, I bought a used Japanese market unit in pristine condition at a very reasonable cost, not a lot more than the Luxman would be used. Shipping was FREE and arrived at my door quadruple boxed in 4 days! Amazing. Internal voltage conversion was quite easy, just need basic soldering skills to move 2 connectors, or just add a pair of connectors, to plug the respective harnesses into. There's 3 sets of holes for these with 2 being unused. I'm assuming they represent 100V, 120V, and 220/240V. Oh, and the unused holes are factory filled with solder--that's attention to detail!
Only drawback is no service whatsoever from US Accuphase repair techs, even out of warranty. I was going to take it to my usual tech to do the conversion job, but it turns out they are an Accuphase repair center and Japan said no, can't do it. They wouldn't even let a guy who moved from Japan (and could obviously prove it) receive any service! But they are well known for impeccable build quality so worth the minor risk to save upwards of $10,000 off the US MSRP. If push comes to shove, ship it back to a Japanese repair center and still come out wayyy ahead.
Glad to hear you like Accuphase E480. I really enjoy mine too, every time when I listening to the wonderful music notes coming out from it with speakers and look at the VU meters shining in the dark room. The vibes is just purely musical, what a glory integrated amp from Accuphase. One more thing I’d like to high light is the female vocal is really really sweet, and this is one of the famous Accuphase sound.
Yes. For me the E480 is just wonderful.
As a kid growing up in Jamaica in the early 70s, I had two uncles who were budding audiophiles, each of whom acquired the original Accuphase component system--T-100 tuner, C-200 control center, and P-300 power amp. Some of my most pleasant childhood memories centered around the music generated by these systems. Fast forward 20 years, as relatively poor medical resident and budding audiophile myself visiting friends of friends in St. Louis (of all places) I noticed a rather familiar-looking but forlorn pile of components sitting in a corner of a room in the friend's house. Not quite the same, but familiar nonetheless--T-101 tuner, C-200 control center, and P-250 power amp. I was able to rescue them from an almost certain trip to the trash heap for the grand total of $250. After a little tidying up and minor servicing over the years, they still reside in my system alongside some rather respectable modern gear. Although perhaps not used everyday--and despite the age--they still offer more than a glimpse of the Accuphase "house sound". Once those VU meters light up and start jumping, it's a guaranteed good time with fond memories of a simpler time...:)
Hey Sean is that you. Grand Ave Sean? Lawrence Road Sean?
@@rumporridge1 👍🏾
My local dealer here in Pittsburgh sells Luxman. They look SOOOOO good in person!!
I want the Luxman even more now..
I don’t think I could ever get tired of turning those Luxman knobs.
They are buttery smooth...
The Yamaha looks even better in silver. I love how their design is unmistakably Yamaha regardless of whether you have an old CR-2020 from 1978 or this latest model. Beautiful amps, great reliability and consistently excellent sound for fair prices, all finished in their own visual design style. I think this is what distinguishes Yamaha from all the rest. Long may they reign as the best choice in hifi, all things considered.
Yamaha products are extreme value for the money. From their pianos to their violins and hifi products i own, there is zero compromise on build quality for the price they offer. Perhaps, they are the only company that is considerate of folks who don't have ultra large wallets.
I've got an A-S700 integrated amp which was the last all-analog version (the 701 included a DAC). The only glaring oversight with the unit is that it doesn't have preamp outputs. Otherwise, I've been very happy with the features, feel and performance for the price. I'm running a pair of JBL L-100 speakers that I bought in 1975 (with the pots, caps, and speaker posts rehabbed in 2019).
Yamaha is trash mate please sit your ass down clown poor people Amps 🤣😂
Nothing Beats Accuphase Power Amplifiers in terms of Classic Build Quality /Japanese Reliability & Smooth Subtle Sounds.
There A-Class Ultra Exspensive High End Mono-Blocks like the A-100/A-200/M2000/M6200/M7300/M8000. Are rare nowadays only the Rich Music Enthusiast who wants the best only buys the best from Japan mate. Gryphon Mono-Blocks Amplifier are very good too but wat overpriced lol.
McIntosh USA Amplifiers they use to be good but not anymore heard their build quality & standards have dropped 😂🤷♂️.
Other mentions are the American Krell Mono-Blocks A-Class Amplifiers FPB-600 & FPB-400CX 800Watts & Krell KRS-200 .
www.hifido.co.jp/sold/09-48627-39926-00.html?LNG=E
Correct... check my videos.... !
I personally much like the high-class finish and attention to detail of the Yamaha 3200 (no visible screws) ☺
I concur on my Yamaha A-S2200 sounding way more than its 90 WPC, also on the fact when I do look at it, and the glow of the meters, I do think, wow this is a pretty nice amp! Great review Sean.
Same with my Yamaha A-S2100 😁 a really great amp!
@@exif6839 I have this amp, it is indeed great, can I ask what speakers you are using with your A-S2100 ? I have some Martin Logan XT-60's tower speakers, they sound great but I am tired of their glossy black and hulking presence in my den. I am going to keep them for another home theater application elsewhere so I am looking for a more traditional but full range speaker for the A-S2100. I could go with bookshelf speakers with a good subwoofer ( or two ) if need be . I enjoy streaming, CD playback and vinyl.
@@steelydanfan100 i am using the Yamaha A-S2100 on my "DIY" Heissmann-Acoustics DXT-MON. This speaker is really small but sounds like a big one or in other words like the Neumann KH120 ;-)
you can find it hiere: heissmann-acoustics.de/en/dxt-mon/
They are underrated, I read somewhere that they actually put out 130ish w/channel at 8ohms.
@@exif6839
Catching this video three years later. Ultimate compliment no 1: it stands the test of time! UC no. 2: well-formed opinions presented in an interesting way. Not boring audiophile bs! UC no. 3: really helpful to someone who wants to learn more about outstanding audio equipment. I will check your other videos but, if you haven’t done it, you should come back to this topic!!!!
Thanks for this excellent work! These are my three favorite integrated amp line-ups. If I were spending my money, it would be a refurbished Yamaha A-S3200 - partly because it's at the [far edge] of affordability for me but also because I think Yamaha nailed the aesthetics on their high-end amps - and I'm not embarrassed to say I listen with my eyes as well as my ears. While all three brands are lovely, I think the Yamaha A-S3200 is just spartanly beautiful. I also love the sound (A-S1200 owner)!
Oh dear oh dear.... "i listen with my eyes as well as my ears". This is the worst thing you can do... trust me! I was seduced into purchase by a review and the look of the Yamaha AS3000 and at first i did just that... while i convinced myself it sounded as amazing as it looked. Well after a while the novelty of the looks faded and i started to think hmm i wonde4 does this sound all that great for a £4k amp? So i took a punt on a £2500 ex demo Unison Research 25w tube amp and the penny dropped.... the AS3000 sounds utterly awful for the money... flat, 2d sound, inconsistent at different volumes but worst of all just a total matter of fact presentation devoid of life and soul... couldnt connect to my music. I therefore recommend you dont be like me 8yrs ago and at least try before you buy. If you think it sounds great then more power to you i jist had a hard time admitting a cheaper less powerful less pretty amp sounded vastly better. And thats my view of Yamaha AS amps... easily bettered and little more than a pretty AV amp in expensive clothing. No offense to any happy AS series owners.
@@tomwebb7091 Whatever works for you! To be clear, I'm very satisfied with my A-S1200 and have no plans to buy the A-S3200. That said, for me, aesthetics are highly important. I don't consider myself an audiophile because I do not prioritize sound quality above all else - for me, that becomes un-fun. I choose gear that looks great to my eye, falls within my budget and sounds good to my ears.
@@nesutonekoAnd thats fair enough!. At the end of the day you enjoy the As1200 sound so its all that matters. I didnt enjoy the As3000 and moved onto something vastly superior for less money... my point was to highlight a mistake i made in case anyone blindly buys and overspends. I reckon the As1200 sounds almost identical to the As3200 anyway... id love to do a blind test but would likely not enjoy either amp anyway. Thus both happy 😁 i admit i will never quite fully understand your angle. For me the music is fun if im connected to it, but not when im just staring at my kit thinking how nice it looks. Each to our own again!
@@tomwebb7091 Glad you are enjoying your amp!
Great feature. I own the as1200 and love it...totally get the pleasure of glowing vu meters too. Maybe one day the Luxman. Keep up the good work Sean.
Thanks for the great video.
My vote goes to Accuphase E-280; beauty and price range of Luxman with the magic sound of E-480 (hopefully!)
I really realized how beautiful and well made the Accuphase is when placed side by side wit the Luxman.
Thank you for this shootout! Love your work man! Would of loved the Yamaha A-S3200 in this company!
The 3200 should've been used in this comparison..
Thank you for your videos which actually helped me choosing (and buying) my new amp which should become the center piece of my new system. The Luxman 505 AXII (505 because it is AB; I could not resolve myself to getting a class A amp that takes 270W of power as soon as your turn it on...). I have to say that here in Japan, Luxman products are much, much... much cheaper. 280 000 jpy for the 505, which makes it the same price as the Yamaha in your video. Don't be too jealous, other import gear is more expensive... I like "old school" analog, because I know in 20 years it will not be outdated, whereas any DAC will be. So it is better to separate digital and analog in my opinion and I feel sure these amps collection will stay in the maker's catalog for a long time. Anyway, I am totally in love with my 505, it made me feel I had upgraded my speakers too! Luxman is putting more videos on their channel recently, with English subtitles. You can see the presentation of their products by the engineers that have designed them. It is very instructive, but not super fun or "sexy" videos (Japanese engineers are not here to sell you fun and dream, they are here to give you serious and precise information....). Next step CD player D-03X (?) that I will be using as USB DAC too... not 100% decided yet. Thanks again for your work.
I'm such a relativist..
I'm quite happy with my Denon receiver. At a time when almost everything was analog, except for the Dolby digital, and they included a hefty power supply with output transistors mounted to thicker metal dissipating heat sinks.
Sure, I've listened to $100K+ speakers connected to source & amplifiers that added up to about the same.
Did I notice a difference? Yes, definitely. Still, I go home, put on a Billie Holiday record, sit in my comfortable chair, and I'm transported to a time and place, with my 5 channels, and modestly powered speakers, to the point where I'm grateful to be able to enjoy all of this. Brought together with a rich red wine, I'm quite happy.
Does all that detract from anything you say, Sean? I hope not. I enjoy hearing your descriptions, seeing the equipment. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Time and money can do so much. I have limits to both, but it's wonderful to see where art & engineering come together in a harmonious blend to reproduce what we so often take for granted, our auditory sense.
Oh its all good. I've had similar experiences time and time again through my journey. Enjoy the music n' wine!
Thanks for the comparison, Sean. On the strength of your original review of the Luxman L-550, I finally popped for its bigger sibling, the L-590AxII at 50% more power (and 80% more money) than the 550, with more highly specialized internals,
replacing a (very nice!) Yamaha A-S2000. Lux was somewhat hashy when new on my Monitor Audio Gold 100’s (with the ribbon tweeters) but, finally, after a month of near constant use, OMG. The Luxy then made fast friends of that ribbon tweeter and we have air, extension, 3-dimensionally, and ease. No dynamic limitations as the 590 will output 165 WPC into 4 ohms as it moves into class AB. The 590 is the 550 with muscles and dressed in a tux.
Pretty sure the luxman 590 is pure close Where the 509 is ab and the e650 would be the similar comp from accuphase.
I’ve had my 590axII for just a few days now, dealer demo @ 30+% discount. She’s broken in with maybe 100 hours, love the built in phono stage, had McIntosh for the last 7 years, this is a nice change. Can’t beat class A. 😎
@@1999zrx1100 Congratulations on your new L-590 AxII! I think if any Luxman integrated amp becomes a sought-after classic, it will be the 590, especially since true Class A amps are becoming increasingly rare. BTW, since my original comment, I have upgraded from the Monitor Audio speakers to the new Bowers and Wilkins 805 D4. They truly show what the Luxman can do.
love this side by side comparison. I love American audio but Japanese audio has a special place in my audio heart.
For me It's danish audio 😉
@@henriksrensen3220 As do I... :)
@@henriksrensen3220.... Much Audiovector love here
🇩🇰👌🏻
@@marcus1970 Yes, Audiovector 👍🎸🎶
Mine’s made in Glasgow.
Great breakdown of all three amps. You are clear and no bullshit. I would die for that accuphase but am thankful for my house full of Parasound. Keep up the good work
Excellent overview and comparison! For me, for that amount of money, I'll choose a Pass Labs int-60 integrated. Thanks for another great video. Keep 'em coming!
20 grand of audio on 60 dollar ikea cabinets. The man has his priorities straight.
I was thinking the same thing. I have the same cubes for my kids haha
I’m gonna get a Luxman! Used of course.
Sean, you are always much more focused on content and important information than on video design. Much appreciated!
I tried them (except Yamaha was A-S2000 instead of AS1200) with Harbeth SHL5+, Focal diablo, Canton reference K series, JBL 4700 and ProAc response 3.8 / d30r... IMHO Accu one step ahead on global analysis (Accurate but not clinical/luxury finish but sober, not inxs/warm sound but not muddy) for my ears, whereby Accuphase C-2120/A48 Class A are in my audio system..... To add, AD-50 additional phono board works on E-470/480 very well giving a tremendous amount of fun, Terrific!!
Not long had my Luxman L-550ax mk2 , and really makes a perfect match for the Klipsch Forte iii loudspeakers. It’s a match made in heaven. Really like the Accuphase also, and there is something really special about these VU meter amps as you rightly say. A great review, that I found very interesting. Bottom line is, I think there is an Amp in this review, for anyone at different price points, that anyone would be happy too own.👍🏻
As someone who's end game amplifier will have a big ass set of VU meters, I sincerely appreciate this video. Unfortunately I think I have Accuphase tastes on a Yamaha budget.
Thank you Mr. ZF!
Thanks for the review Sean! I actually was thinking of buying the Luxman when I saw your review a few months ago and it crystallized my decision. I have paired it with the Dynaudio Evoke 30 and a Qutest and can’t be more happy with the choice. Btw I leveraged your Audioquest reviews from a few years ago to make my speaker and interconnect decision. I’m indebted to you!!!
Accuphase... the most expensive and the best of three. Here in Argentina the prices are similar between Luxman and Accuphase. I compared integrated amps of these brands and i prefer the sound of Accuphase. Luxman is very good too but i feel little agressive, maybe more in your face sound. Accuphase is detailed, refined and relaxed. Build quality is excellent in all of them. Regards!
Totaly agree with your assessment. Cheers!
Nice video, as usual. Big heavy cases, bid transformers and caps, irrepressible build quality and VU meters, how I understand you. I was tired of always thinking on the next big thing so I got a slightly less powerfull E380 and Now I can rest my mind and enjoy the music. Great match to my Harbeths 30.2 40th. But I would very pleased with any one of those. Your reading on the accuphase sound signature is spot on
Gratz on the new E380! I'm sure the midrange is ridiculously great on those Harbeths. Enjoy!!
Totally agreed with your impression of the Luxman and the Accuphase. Luxman is very open, powerful, detailed and more in your face; Accuphase, warmer, smoother, silky sweet and full of control, but at twice the price!!! Have not heard the Yamaha.
Yamaha makes quality stuff .. always has. From clarinets to formula 1 engines.
I have the Yamaha A-S2100 amp, a Yamaha bass trombone, and a Yamaha 150HP 4 stroke outboard motor on my Larson. Amazing that Yamaha is so highly respected in so many varied fields.
@@steelydanfan100 I have 9 yamaha basses and have had a few more over the years( should never have sold them). I used to ride yamaha bikes and would again before any other brand. I have a Yamaha PB -1 bass preamp that is quite possible one of the best ever made for bass guitar. It is a quality company making quality gear.
Thanks for the video. I just received my Luxman L-550 and it sounds great with my B&W 705's in my bedroom system. Accuphase (E-260) stays in my main system, however, with Energy Veritas 6.3. Love them both equally!
I’ll take the Accuphase all day! Pure gold.
ME TOOO BUT i CAN AFFORD NOW AND BOUGHT AS 2100
Seriously not fair comparison...the Yamaha should have been the as3200
GREAT! No way what this guy says.... None idea at all!!!! On my never follow list!
Sean, enjoy ur reviews,but I do want to clarify one point..,is that the Sonic Characteristics of the yamaha As1200 vs the As3200 is night and day!..I actually had owned both at one point, and to say that because they are both from the same company will share the same qualities of sound is Not accurate in this case. THE AS3200 AUDIBLY sounds very different. It exhibits such a broader detail in all frequencies and a feeling of virtually endless power and dynamics across the bandwidth..One could almost say their not from the same company.Also their internal topology is very different
@@MuscleBN Sure. The 3200 is different, but the *voicing* is still the same. As per the engineer who made these products. Glad you're digging on the 3200, as I'm sure it's a sweetheart. And oh, check out the stickied comment to get context for this video.
I owned The Luxman 550, tried The accuphase E280 and now OWN a Yamaha AS1100 that I came across for a Very good price. I was Very surprised by its Lively performance. It turnster out to Be The best match with my Jean Marie Reynaud speakers. I also own a Primaluna EVO400, bit The Yamaha is The best.
Dear Sean.
I predict these types of old school analog integrated amps will be exactly as oldschool 5 or 10 years from now, as they are today.
I have the Yamaha (the 1100) and...it’s pretty much the same as it’s predecessor from the 70s :-D
I bought this a p becuas I want somthing that is pure. Something that will be exactly as good at doing what it does 20 years from now, as it is today. Any integrated with “modern” digital features will be outdated within the next few years. I mean just look something like the Keff Wireless. They’re only a couple of years old, and allready outdated and replaced by the Wireless 2. That’s how it is with all that digi-tech.
A traditional analog integrated will never be outdated. And as for modern features, I bought the Yamaha WXC50 Wireless streaming pre-amplifier and connected in to the 1100. So now the 1100 has Bluetooth, toslink, coax, wifi, USB etc. And as you know, there’s many other options to “expand” a traditional integrated with all the current digital sources.
Thanks for this awesome channel. All the best from Denmark :-)
I got the A-S301 and upgraded the DAC to Topping D50s. It has more inputs and the sound is a little more detailed than the integrated DAC on the Yamaha.
I would love to upgrade to the 1100 or 1200 one day as I absolute love the Yamaha sound.
It's like you made this video for me! I am shopping or an integrated amplifier and the Yamaha as 2200 and several different luxman units are what I'm shopping perfect thank you
@ Jessy Szabo. I’ve got an A-S2200. It provides a very rich, warm mid range, it’s pretty open IMO with tons of separation around the instruments. Tons of detail and clarity. I mainly listen to vinyl and cd. 2200 is paired with the CD-S2100.
@@nathanjones4039 thank you for the input, I am leaning towards the Yamaha and this input definitely helps. Do you use the DAC in the CD player at all with a computer or streamer? I was possibly interested in picking up a set but I do a lot of streaming on tidal and I'm not sure how the DAC is because there's not a lot of information out there about how it sounds?
I have the 505UXii---check it out!
@@jessyszabo148 no streaming with a CPU or streamer with the CD-S2100, however I know it’d be great to do that. The DAC within the 2100 lets you adjust the clock rate of the DAC per input so you can match the quality of the component your using more precisely to the 2100’s DAC. The 2100 DAC sounds soooo analog, it’s ridiculous how analog it sounds. Very warm, natural, analog sound. The pair of the A-S2200 and CD-S2100 are a pair I intend to keep forever, heirloom quality you can pass down. The CD-S2100 weighs 35lbs, crazy heavy for a CD player.
Would like to see a review of the Sugden A21se pure class A single ended integrated. Sugden is the pioneer of solid state class A.....it sounds wonderful! Only has 30 watts into 8 ohms and 40 into 4 ohms, but you would never know it...I'm driving some beautiful Tannoys with it. it's only $3250....
Vintage stereo gear is so beautiful, unlike today's equipment!
Well, again you remaind me when I begin with Hi FI (Thank you). And again for a long time I'm pleased with your video review. I remember the first video I saw about Hi Fi on You Tube. It was yours and you were talking about equipment of course but.. you did say somthing like: equipment is very important when you listen to music, but we shoud like what we see too. Thanks again.
Thanks for another unique, very informative and subjectively objective review! Well done, Sean!
its good and better than everyone but cayin (and fiio unreleased), but its clearly designed for um ciems the gains are just not worth going other brands
Accuphase for me
Thanks for this. I had asked during your Live Q&A this week. You basically fleshed out your answer.
Really love your insight on these. I owned a Luxman L110 I bought new in the early 1980's. I have owned Pioneer, Yamaha, Carver, Dynaco, Kinergetics, Adcom, B&K, and now Peachtree. I loved the Luxman the best. Unreal quality and sound, even in today's standards.
Just bought an Accuphase because of you.. 😅 I have very natural sounding speakers. Sony SS-NA2ES towers. My guess is this is what I have been looking for. Musical, neutral, yet accurate.
My warm sounding Harbeth speakers benefit from more forward sounding amps. Plus the Yamaha is the only one here I can afford
Nice bro sitting pretty.
@@LeWpD I can probably swing a used Luxman.
I take it back! I prefer smooth over forward and aggressive.
Great video as always. Accuphase seems hard to shop for. I never see them in the hifi shops. I would go with the Luxman. Whenever I go to the local hifi shop and listen to Luxman the sound seems to be very liquid, warm and dynamic. A lot of people seem to pair Luxman with Dynaudio which is another favorite of mine.🤙
I love Yamaha. I have a RN303, CR-600, CR-2040 and my favorite the B-2. The B-2 makes every speaker sound great!
Hooray!!... nice to see/hear what I’ve been saying for decades there’s something about 70’s vintage Japanese amps that just screams quality from all angles.Those VU meters bobbing up and down moving along with the music gives me a fuzzy feeling that most modern stuff just lacks. To me it’s not just “ all about the music” it’s all about the fun and total experience including as you say pride of ownership. My Rotel stuff from the 70’s is a keeper.... be nice to hear your thoughts on say a Rotel RX1603 against the Accuphase if possible...great video!!
Thanks Sean for another entertaining and informative video.
I was recently in the position of upgrading my amps and looking for the simplicity of a high quality integrated. I decided against the Yamaha because I found the mids and treble too forward for my taste (particularly with my speakers).
That left me with Luxman and Accuphase as 2 strong contenders. At that time I could audition the Luxman in my home town but not the Accuphase (though they are available now). Here in Australia the price difference is not as bad as US (maybe more like Canada). In the end an opportunity to buy a 2 week old Luxman 590AXII at about 60% of retail was too good to turn down.
One thing that I realised afterwards was that the internal phono stage of the Luxman is very good - significantly better than my $1000 external phono stage. So much so I have delayed my thoughts of a phono stage upgrade. The Accuphase has the option of a phono stage (reputed to be good) but it is quite an expensive option.
I am sure though that most people would be happy with either the Luxman or the Accuphase. If you will use the internal phono the Luxman is much better value for money though.
I definately understand the aesthetics aspect. I still after owning my Lotus for almost 7 years will spend hours staring at it sitting in the garage. Turn on the music, grab a beer and stare
Good for you! I'm envious! If I had the flow, I'd get a Lotus. There's just something about them - especially the later models.
I thought you might make the comparison with the Yamaha as3200, Luxman 509X & the Accuphase E480...but good video anyway.
Sweet Jesus. I'm drooling on my keyboard. I own vintage Luxman gear and second that their manufacturing is second to none. But still, I lust after Accuphase. I was lucky enough to hear some of their massive Class A power amps in Tokyo and it's pretty much ruined me for life.
Luxman separates are pretty special but wow expensive. To much for my pocket.
Sweet Baby Jesus!
I own a Yamaha A-S2200, and it's fantastic. Love the other two so much as well!
Good review Sean and great channel I own a E-370 and I think this is the pinnacle of what I'm able to achieve. Before the Accuphase I had PS Audio (class D), Onkyo (a vintage one), Nakamichi, Marantz, Yamaha, McIntosh. I think, for my personal taste, this is the best and a perfect match with my Dali loudspeaker and Klipsch. Keep going on. Cheers from Italy!
My Italian brother has taste. Cheers from Westchester NY! Guess I better start saving for an Accuphase, but keeping my Marantz 5014 for HT and vintage Pioneer SX 780.
I just picked up a brand new Yamaha A-S1200 today, I went to the HiFi shop with the intention to buy a Cambridge CXA-81 for the back room for ease of use for the family with the digital inputs, looked at the Yamaha and those VU meters, I've always liked them and thought bugger the family, I want old school and it has a decent phono stage, did I do the right thing??
Yes u did the right thing 👍💯
@@MikE-jp2jr Thank god for VU meters, they mesmerised me then saved me from my fait, bugger the digital inputs this is why companies like Chord exist, hey listening to this Amp I like it and am glad I'm not comparing it to the others, I also have a Ikon valve amp but I won't compare the big Yamaha to that, hey I dig your HiFi reviews and thanks Man!!
Yes you did, the phono stage is entirely decent for sure, I like my A-S2100 so much I went out and upgraded my turntable to a VPI Prime to take advantage of the A-S2100's great MM/MC built in phono preamp, switchable on the front panel. That's something the reviewer should have mentioned, phono stages in these three amps he compared.
@@steelydanfan100 I almost bought a 2nd hand 2100, I didn't get there quick enough, happy with a new 1200 though but I always wanted a Luxman, I'm just happy that my new Amp is even compared to the Accuphase & Luxman, WOW they are stunning looking Amps
Yes you did. An amp is for amping. Al the connectivity stuff you can buy separately. Love my as1100.
I've been looking forward to this shoot-out, Sean, and you didn't disappoint. Thanks for your insights into these ultimate objects of desire.
And yes, the "ha-hah, that's awesome" factor should never be overlooked! It's not about price; good design should nail look and feel, as well as sound.
Thank you for this review. I'm looking at a E480 right now.
I think most people will like to hear all of these 3 models.
awesome... your subs have been asking this for months!
Vintage Accuphase components from 80-90 are also fantastic. Their older preamplifiers models, such as the c280, have fantastic phono stage
Zero Fidelity always does a great job descriving amps and make me dream with them...
I choose the Japanese door number four:
Esoteric F-05.
That's a great one! My favorite in this class is the now discontinued Karan Acoustic KA-I 180. A lovely piece from Serbia.
Nice choice... Thinking about it, I think I'd take that option too👍🏻
Me too. Got one about a year back and I actually picked it over a Diablo 300. I think all things Gryphon are fab but the Esoteric was a better match with my ATC SCM10 SE speakers. Very happy so far🎶
Esoteric F-03A go all class A
@@ZeroFidelity great amp
I have the Yamaha a-s 1200 and the triangle Genese trio speakers. I enjoy this combo. I feels like the singer is in front of me, the musical instruments a little more far away. So all the songs with focus on vocals sound amazing.
Sweet! Glad you're diggin' on it.
Thanks for these reviews, pretty sure I'll be getting the luxman sometime soon to replace my older marantz pm8005 amp. Hoping it will provide me with 10+ years of good service.
Oh at least. Keep it in a climate controlled environment, and it should give you 20 years or more of problem-free operation.
Great review Sean, love comparisons. Would pick the Luxman. Love old school meters!
Bet the smoothness of the Accuphase would go good with the likes of Focal and Klipsche
Luxman is the prettiest. What? It matters!
It absolutely matters.. in my house for sure.
100% agree!
I bought the Yamaha AS-2100 for it's analog functionality, analog amps will ALWAYS be around because at the end of the day, music reproduction is analog at speaker driver level . Yes, there are more digital sources than ever but I point to the resurgence of vinyl as evidence that audiophiles want to physically touch and mess with their hobby when they have the time. These analog amps all share physical controls that allow the owner to set up the tonal qualities as they see fit, then change those tonal qualities as ancillary digital or analog components come and go. These analog amps will always be there to do the switching and lifting to the final destination, your speakers and your ears.
Ain’t staring at equipment but eyes closed listening to music. All power to imagination (!) and you will see something that can’t be sell in dealer’s. Transported into musician’s mind and heart. That is my wish for you all out there. .
Love VU meters!
Ha, it took me almost 40 years until I got VUs :) Audio gear has to look good, it is like furniture... who wants to look at the IKEA Billy shelf ever day? ;)
My high end very transparent uncoloured class D stereo power amplifier has VU meters. Plus a real wood case apart from the CNC machined aluminium front & rear panels.
Also internal duel linear power supply's with a massive toroidal transformer. Unlike most of the class D amps (even most high end ones) that use a switch mode power supply SMPS.
Accuphase is my favorite
Great review! I've been eagerly waiting for that one! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on 3 beautiful Japanese amps!
Lucky me i own both Yamaha and Luxman kit and i have to say well built well designed beautiful kit they both sound fantastic very hard to say which is better, all i can say is both represent very good value for money a good investment money well spent
I was waiting for this video.
Thanks
I will gladly keep my digital components separate from my analog components... not a fan of integrateds that include dacs/streamers for high end listening. Different in a second system type of environment. The Luxman is just damn sweet to look at. Definitely considering it. Great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I'm with you on that. Integrateds, preamps and amps have no business mingling with digital. It's a innately losing proposition and investment. The only add on built in an integrated or preamp that I would consider is a very high quality shielded adjustable phono pre.
@@triumphlover7455 I agree! And I know a lot of audiophiles would not even consider mixing any components (for example integrated amps are sacrilegious to many because they combine the preamp and amp), but for me the key to separate digital and analog. I feel that phono is all analog so I'd have no problem with it being integrated, especially in integrated amps like the Luxman which have stellar phono preamps.
Fact !
I can see a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 20 in your listening room 😁 .. Now I can't wait for your review !
Nice review of three very different integrated amps. I wish you could have included a Macintosh in the mix
Just my opinion on the survivability of pure analog versus components with digital playback options. I.E. Preamps & Integrated amps with DACs and Streaming capabilities versus those that only offer a phono stage and not much else. I think McIntosh has the best approach. For folks like me that are old school. They offer things like C22, for a hipster that wants the ease of streaming, things like the D150. I may be wrong, but I like to think that pure analog solutions will be around for awhile yet. There is just too much romance and nostalgia around that approach, that I do not think it will ever fully die.
Listen to CD's vs. streams of the same album on a good DAC. At least to me CD's sound consistently better. It's not just romance and nostalgia.
@Martin Tousignant: The question is will Hi-End companies who only make all analog Integrated amps and preamps, with no built in DAC, Bluetooth, or Streaming capabilities, survive? As to whether, the CD sounds better than a Stream, is not the subject at hand.
Personally, I primarily listen to records. I do stream a lot as well. That being so, I will not be getting rid of my CDs and player any time soon, if ever.
A3200 vs 509X vs E480 - Part Deux?
SUPERB!! SUPERB!!
all three are ultra g o r g e o u s!!
I want all three for an electronic 3-way crossover…. Independent power !!!!
Very cool comparison. I wish a Denon was included but still amazing job. Thank you!
Have you tried to listen to them in a blind test? That is the way the Harmen Group, Schitt and others refine the design their products. Some good scientific papers out there claiming that in double blind tests, within the limits of power/distortion/clipping, all amps sound alike. The differences we hear in sighted tests, so the scientists claim, comes down to inherent bias that causes the brain to filter the sounds differently. Fascinating stuff, if true. Thanks for the video.
Sold this stuff for 30 years. if one cannot tell the difference between components, they have no ears.
TBH, I would have thought the Yamaha AS2200 or AS3200 would have been a better comparison to Luxman or Accuphase models!
Agreed - but the logistics of getting all three manufacturers to send me products that more or less compete evenly is nigh impossible. This is the best I could do.
@@ZeroFidelity Understood! I still enjoyed your comparison anyway!
NAS -> MBP -> Benchmark DAC2 -> Yamaha A-S2100 -> Heissmann DXT-MON
The outcome is the best sound you can get for the price 😁😁😁
Great review! A shame that you can not buy Accphase for a fair price in US!
Agreed. I would seriously think about buying an airplane ticket to Canada to pick up one when travel is safe again.
Kickass comparrsions ! I wouldn't kick any of them out of the 🏠 lol thanks Sean
I would really like to know your take on the E-280 which is much more affordable.
"there's value in looking at something and being satisfied".
I agree. I wanted to demo a Luxman as it looks beautiful to me. The shop had this integrated that was all black with two knobs and a LCD screen that reminded me of PACMAN and was $4200. There is no way that boring black stereo is going to sit in my rack, compared to the Luxman which is visually stunning.
love those knobs on the Luxman
Accuphase E-270 + Spendor A4 or Dynaudio Evoke 30 is fantastic.
What does the Accuphase E-270 sound like?
I have the Luxman and Evoke 30 and they are a splendid match. The DAC is just a Qutest, so a pretty minimal, but very pleasant sounding system.
@@richardattridge3182 O E-270 tem o som bem transparente e natural. Mais para o lado neutro do que para o lado morno como são os Marantz. Eu acho o E-270 superior aos Marantz PM-11S3 e Hegel H360. Já o novo Model 30 ainda não ouvi.
@@AK-jt5bm Com Luxman não cheguei a ouvir. Mas tanto as Evoke 30 quanto as Spendor A4 com o Accuphase E-270 tocam maravilhosamente bem. Muito musical.
Very interesting Amps the Accuphase. I’m glad you are enjoying your E-270 Higo 👍🏻
How about some love for McIntosh, Mark Levinson and Pass Labs?
Nice comparative, I especially like the subjective comments. I know that you can't compare every amp in the universe but one I would have liked to see thrown in the mix, just for fun, would have been the Naim Supernait 3. Its price is more/less that of the middle of the pack Luxman but is cut from a completely different cloth.
"... If this describes you, the accufphase is for you"
So what if you don't have both your arms and a leg to spend on an amp, but that's the corner you are in? What are some 2k-ish amps for those that want to come home, sit back and cuddle up, enjoy their vinyl collection for the rest of the evening without things getting messy or fatiguing but with a hint of all that detail peeking through? A cheap crossbreed between the luxman and accuphase if you will.
Or maybe there's some budgets amp that allready do that ... Sortof, less refined.
I love this classification of "what type of listener are you" it's really helpful ✌️
That Accuphase is to die for. Looks wise.. don’t know how it sounds ( I’m sure fantastic).
Listen to the 590 if you can. You will be even more impressed. The 590 raises the bar. But you already have 3 killer pieces
Heard all 3. Luxman my pick L 590. Build quality second to none.
All Fabulous Units and funny before you said their names... I actually picked them out by name...and I've not really been into Stereo, Music, and Audio equipment in question...