I was an Accuphase dealer for 12 years and I only remember one unit ever coming back for service. They're incredibly well built. If you want more "soul" from Accuphase, I recommend you try one of their Class A amps or integrateds.
@@keplermission4947 Uh, no. While it's true that there is only one factory authorized service center in the US, it's because no more are needed. Their Class A runs hot compared to their Class AB, but not nearly as hot as Pass amps, for example.
@@keplermission4947 I don't know what you mean by H-O-T, if you want some amps that runs hot, Mark Levinson and Pass are the way to go. Accuphase class A amps do run warm but not on that level I should say. Also they don't fail at all.
@@keplermission4947 Apple has even a worse reputation, they produce very poor quality stuff designed to fail in order to sell new, they do not provide any service after the warranty period and older models are not supported with parts. I love their gear anyhow and tolerate it because the competition is worse. Accuphase provides parts and service for even very old models (40 years).... In my country Accuphase is very highly regarded for their quality and service, Macinthosh is regarded as sounding not so well with not the best build quality by most. But I try to have my own opinion based on my exerience and knowledge. Cheers!
I was living in Osaka and bought a 2nd hand Luxman from DenDen town in Osaka. I subsequently broke it and went shopping for a new one, this time not 2nd hand. I go into the shop and say Luxman, the shop man says do you know Accuphase? No say. I listen to both the Luxman and then the Accuphase. I buy the Accuphase. I've had it ever since. No problems ever and a sound stage and clarity that never fails to make me smile. Accuphase E211 with B and W cdm 1SE, MusicHall Ikura with 2m blue. Oh the joy.
Japanese audio production is full of gems, Marantz, Accuphase, Esoteric Audio, Luxman...these brands are still loyal to physical music and maintain a tradition of excellence. For me, this is the way.
@@MichelLinschoten Tell that to all the great Marantz gear designed by legendary master Ken Ishiwata. You're a fool and don't know WTF you're talking about! It's your brain that's gone to shit!
Ah, the beautiful world of big Japanese integrated amps! Accuphase, Luxman, Yamaha, Technics… I bought myself a Luxman L-505uXii a couple of months ago as a result of Steve’s question “Are you ready to buy you last amplifier?” and wow what an amp! I just love that it has everything built in ( headphone amp and phono stage) and that everything is of excellent quality. The reason I chose Luxman is that I’m genetically bound to the brand… my dad had it since the mid seventies and even though I’ve had many different things over the years I’ve always kept an eye on the brand! So for once I really think this could be my last amp… next thing will be to save up for the beautiful Luxman PD-151 turntable 😁
@@audiolover Nah I’m good. This was a very deliberate choice to go for the 505 and my financial position does not allow me to keep on switching between gear.
Glad you mentioned The Academy Of Music (before it became the Palladium on 14th Street NYC) In the early 70’s saw Lou Reed there opened by Cheap Trick (tickets $7.50) and another time, Emerson, Lake and Palmer ($9.00) which after that time performed at Madison Square Garden for a few years at Christmas time to much, much larger audiences. Then went across the street to Horn And Hardart automat for space age eats. I bought vinyl after each performance and still have them. They sound great over my Klipsch LaScala’s.
Just moved from Yamaha A-S1200 to Accuphase e280. Man, what a jump. This is a piece of jewellery. Better tighter bass, fuller sound, sweeter tone, more clarity, significantly better low volume performance, and better build. Yamaha is great and I thought I was done until I got e280.
@@micha2928if you can afford it look at the E4000. I’ve had the E280 and Luxman but the E4000 is a keeper. The mids and upper mids are cleaner on the E4000 vs the E280. Having said that I can understand anyone getting the E280 will love it.
@@micha2928 Yes, it is clearly audible. Accuphase has a higher damping factor and it is audible. Also, in comparison to Yamaha, the sound is fuller - I feel more and tighter bass.
The Buena Vista social club is in a class by itself. Not only does it sound great, you get the local color of these Cuban musicians playing in an empty what seems to be a meeting hall. OK, the Cubans call it a studio.
I like that new section called, " So Steve, what did you really think", but maybe you should add another section after that called "seriously though, what did you really think", either way your videos are great, thanks.
It does have a phono stage, but I use an EAR Yoshino Phonobox with it anyway, which is far superior. As Steve says, even with an integrated it's usually better to keep the phono stage and DAC external.
I remember when the store I was at back early to mid 1970s first got in the c-200, p-300 and t-100 models. We were one of the first in the US to sell them, along with being one of the first Rotel dealers around the same time frame.
You are extremely sympathetic and a kind guy. And yes, you rather prefer sweetness, so isn't an odd surprise you prefer the ayre amp. However, some reviewers point to Accuphase amplification as a kind of golden bit side of the typical Accuphase sound. This said, what I want to mean with that is for the very first time I heard someone talk about some lack of sweetness and mellows from this amp. But as you said before and underlined "for your taste". So everything it's ok
I really like the new segment. Describing a component is one thing, but saying how you really feel about it is totally another, and that was missing from your reviews. About the segment only describing your personal taste, well, that's actually a good thing. As a viewer, the most difficult job I have to undertake every time I watch a review from any reviewer is trying to decipher whether the reviewer likes the component or not. With this new segment, you just made my life that much easier. Thank you!
Always enjoy your reviews being that we seem to come from the same place musically and love of that dynamic live sound. And being of the same age group and knowing how live music performances can get a bit blurry over time, I must mention that while the same building, you didn't see The Pixies at The Academy Of Music, it was The Palladium by that time.
I was lucky to get a like new Accuphase e-260 for $1,200 a few years ago. My dream amp makes my Energy Veritas 6.3 sound magical weather through the internal DAC d-30 card or Cambridge Azur 851N streamer DAC. It all started with getting the very first integrated model Accuphase e-202. The rest is history....
Good Day! This product review was very nice and informative as usual. However, I was really happy to see your choice of music. That album by "Buena Vista Social Club " is amazing! I agree with you completely that the recording is well done and the actual songs are top notch! And Stevie Wonder has always amazed me with his remarkable ability and voice power and clarity. I also love the new "What you really think " addition to the content.Well done my man!!
Your theme gingle rocks on my home designed and built FR+woofer speakers. The upper med and lower treble and upper treble have perfect cohesion in that really short crank. Sounds so satisfying!
Interesting review as Accuohase products have often being accused of being overly warm so perhaps they have revamped the tonal balance. I am fortunate enough to own a C2150 preamp and A48 power amp that I purchased earlier this year and they have cured my upgrade addiction. They do, however, take in excess of two months to sound at their best.
That does seem to be the case, although I have seen some fairly recent posts and reviews suggesting that there is a warm bias. Such a comment was made about the A48. At the end of the day, all that matters is whether people are happy with their systems.
Since you own an accuphase preamp, can I ask what think about it? Is the sound fast, slow? I have heard that they can sound ‘slow’ for pop music and is more suited to vocal slow music.
@@jamesfarrow6752 great. When you said that the sound needed ‘burn in’ to sound the best, was it more the accuphase preamp or the power amp that needed the burn in? And how did the sound change, in your opinion?
I cannot agree, as a huge percentage of the buyers have integrated amps don’t have turntables! Why should they be paying for all of that engineering and circuitry they don’t use??
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I’m guilty of two things. One being records first for audiophile analog sound and two, that’s the way it was when I grew up. Steve mostly it’s a vote for records first. Peace.
Steve, one of the highlights of your review videos is your music recommendations such as, for example, The Buena Vista Social Club or Solo by Nils Frahm.
I remember early 1970’s when I asked what would be a quality receiver for me to buy and someone mentioned Accuphase and I said “I’ve never heard of them”. I bought a Pioneer which was an up and coming brand with a good reputation and I was happy with it for a couple years. Then I sold it and bought another Pioneer and this went in for years until Accuphase was way over my price range. By then I really wanted one. I always remembered them as a quality brand and someday I’ll end up getting one. I’m saving now for the 4000. I will prevail.
I got an Audiolab 6000A and it has the main in, pre out. Watch Andrew Robinson's review on the Audiolab. I didn't believe him till I saw way similar opinions (yet being a bit more laid back). lol After seeing Andrew and making that further check I immediately got one (without question).
Beautiful piece! Nothing can beat the look of the classic Japanese design from the 70s. I'm glad that some companies are still doing integrated amps in this way and some others are returning to the trend that they shouldn't ever abandoned. Makes you consider the possibility of upgrade some day... Great review by the way!
If Steve likes a warm sound he should have a listen to a Sugden A21SE class A amplifier. I’d imagine it would be cheaper than the Accuphase, here in the U.K. where Sugden are made the 21SE is around £3,200.
Finally your Room decor goes along with your shirts. I had the Accuphase Tuner 30 years ago even that was around 1400 US however I simple don't want to spend 6000US dollars for a amp.Rather have some money to spend on good food and buy more music .However it is a great company.
Wow, the look of the Room is more attractive !, does Steve have an interior designer now ? Is someone typing in comments about Steve's System and inserting them onto the Screen ? The walnut wood even looks better now. Tony in Venice Florida
My dad had an Accuphase C-200 preamp. That was one fantastic piece of gear. I remember having friends over from school and a couple of them drooled over this thing. Their parents just had the regular all in one stereos at the time (not that there's anything wrong with that.)
I own an Accuphase E-530 and I’m a measurements and facts kind of guy and man I have measured mine with my Audio Precision equipment and first of all It easily gives me 100 Watts per channel with astonishing low THD, excellent unpretentious equipment and rated way lower it’s capacity.
@@sharepointpro479 thank you, it has a little more control in bass, but signature is almost same, my friend has e-530, so i could compare it. only at direct comparison, you can hear the difference, e-530 is still a beast!!!
Hi Steve I’m a subscriber to your channel; great reviews, mostly 👍🏾. Anyhow, the Harmon Kardon HK990, from a few years ago has the same speaker wiring configuration - left system 1 and/or 2; and right system 1 and/or 2 - a truly fantastic integrated amp (when set up right - most folks don’t take the time to do that) for less than 1/2 the price of the Accuphase. I’ve listened and spent a lot of time with a 2 different Accuphase integrated amps - the E370 and E405. They would not be my 1st choice in integrated amps re sound quality. Not enough meat on the boat.
I saw the Pixies at the new Ritz in NYC for the Trompe Le Monde tour ( there's a low quality bootleg of that show floating around as well ) . Wonderful time that night. Love your channel & enjoy your day.
As always, thanks for your excellent review Steve. I've owned an Accuphase E-407 for nearly 20 years. I love it, but I've lightly scratched the volume and source dials and would love to replace them. Unfortunately the amp was originally purchased in Hong Kong but I live in Australia. Having spoken to Accuphase (no reply) and their Australian and Hong Kong distributors they won't supply the dials as parts and insist instead I ship the amplifier to Honk Kong so they can supervise the (1minute) install. I have to say Accuphase are very unhelpful to deal with. I don't suppose one of your viewers would be able to help? Any advice on sourcing replacement dials or refurbishing the current ones would be much appreciated!
I have L-550AX, amazing amp...20watts but I can use only half of power, sooo loud. Quality is better than expected also bass will blown you away. Highly recommend if you have 8ohm non hungry speakers 💥💪
Just bought an Accuphase E280! Why did I buy it? -- LOOKS. I'm not ashamed to admit that. This unit will be replacing my high capacitor Naim Audio preamp/Bryston 4B combination which $$ blows the E280 out of the water-- at least on paper. I am buying the Accuphase 'blind' confident that it will reveal the 'audiophile' experience. I've always been a 'Pro' guy but, for my living room I want a nice listening experience as opposed to analytical sound. And yes looks, aesthetics, analog 'feel' of the controls and of course sound-- plus I'm old and can afford it. (to be matched with Castle Winchester speakers)
@@barrybrennan2135 It preforms and sounds exactly as I thought it would. I would describe the sound as "delicate" and finely tuned. There is not the brute, analytically transparent power of the Bryston. Delicate in detail with fine nuances. There is a richness in feel, aesthetics and sound. Scary silent in operation-- just a fine piece of home audio equipment-- a nice change now that I'm old.
@@barrybrennan2135 Sorry, only been using Tidal and CD's but, I do like the 'balanced' interface connection offered on the Accuphase. Also, there is a direct interfacing loop that allows for the seamless integration with an outside equalizer selectable from the front panel.... yes an Audiophile no no, but it saves me from my unbalanced room.
I finally ended up with E800, in view of the price tag it took me a while to go ahead, but man that is a mighty amp. As Steve mentions it has the classic tone control, Speaker A, B or A+B. What he did not mention and for me was #3 to buy Accuphase: they repair and service it for as long as I will live (64 now). FYI Speakers Quad ESL 63 + Focal Sopra 2, Innuos Zenith Mk III + Chord M-Scaler & DAC Dave + Roon.
@@pennfootball71 Zenith is very decent and user friendly: the album database is way better than the one used by my Bluesound Vault 2 and easy to edit track names and artwork. I'm only using my own ripped CD's (±4000) no Tidal, Spotify… What would rip your albums to Aurender or Aurelic ? A friend of mine has Aurender (+WADA, Krell, B&W 800) and it is superb in every way.
Love the look of that Receiver & had to click. I Listened through my 15" Martin Audio Blackline X passive speakers & thoroughly enjoyed your airy room fill sound & curb appeal Steve, clost to being in the room with you but maybe sonicly better. I was quite motivated, feel good with your discussion on a true & free sounding Vocal Trac. I am a life long singer & have my Camera in prep, for starting my own youtube channel in October. That's when I seem to create my most inspired song. I use too sing along with Stevie's Anthology Album all the time, He & I have the same Birthdate & I be hitten 60 this one.It is my aim to prove I am the worlds greatest singer, because I sing/make Music. me talking in song (making it up) In the shadows time moves still secrets utter & don't fill, leave your chaos & don't confuse, she still will want you don't be fooled, laugh with hunger & bang at the moon travel your necessary readings & play like a fool, she's met you before & you quiver to know she just poured a scrumptious & left at the door.
Thank's for mentioning country of Mfg. in your lead, something that other companies are afraid-or ashamed of nowadays. Great review of a great product!!!
Steve, do you realize that you showed Ayre amp multiple times, more that actual Accuphase? So, what’s up with that? Accu is such a beautiful piece, it should be on the screen every 10 seconds. Just saying.
As a Japanese hi-fi shop owner in Sapporo once put it to me: "The Accuphase sound is very controversial [among Japanese audiophiles]. Some love the sound and listen to nothing but Accuphase equipment; others really don't like it and complain that the sound is too dry, too cold."
My observation is that the A/B line is very honest, so if your room has problems or you don't like the tonality of your speaker, you will know. But that's kind of the reason I like Accuphase. It lets me hear what my other components are doing more so than other brands I've tried.
@Chen Ma Yes, I have tried both, and I find the Class A is more suited to my tastes. The bass is more ample but does not lose any definition. Also the mids are more dense, and there's a sense of ease that I did not feel the A/B units have. The preamp section is upgraded too, so you have a blacker background and bigger sense of space, almost holographic. But the A/B units are more transparent... I notice more subtle detail in the music vs. the Class A. And if your speaker demands watts (e.g. ATC, Dynaudio) A/B will certainly work better.
I think that you need to give the Esoteric Audio gear a try. That last bit of Billie Holidays breath ( in a mic of course ), Janos starker's performance at ascension church oak park, IL fading into the thermal sound of the air inside ( you can hear it ), to the the incredible impact of Billy Cobham's two minute percussion assault from the "Crosswinds" recording.
i used accuphase E460 with marantz hd dac 1 it's so good. Untill i got Accuphase DAC 50. I was disappointed the stage is was less wide then Marantz hd dac. the Dac 50 gives me a claustrophobic feeling.
I am trying to understand a few basic things. If I purchase a dap like the Shanling M6, would you recommend I get a portable dac or is the one it came with good enough by audiophile standards?
i am late to the party regarding money to spend on a system so here goes: a large dedicated listening room to handle a pair of magico floor speakers with dual 8 inch woofers.the listening room would have an oriental rug and a huge fireplace.power would be 2 mac mono amps @2000wpc.preamp and am/fm tuner would be a mac as well as the power center for outlets.digtial would be an accuphase sacd transport and matching dac along with an accuphase voicing equalizer.as a boost to the tuner,a 100 foot fm antenna would be installed on top of the roof.the cassette deck would be my mid 80s onkyo for listening to tapes.not being a fan of vinyl,there would be no turntable.
"What I really think..." is for the price I would rather pick out a amp/preamp combination that would suit my taste. But even when I don't prefer the equipment, I really enjoy your choices in music, and I've discovered so many records from watching your reviews.
Hey Steve! Do you have any plans of checking out the REGA Elex-R any time soon? Great review of the Accuphase, I wish I had the opportunity to listen to their products some day. Thank you! Take care!
As others have mentioned. I wonder if the E-650 and E-800 would have that sweetness in the Mids, that you like. Being they are Class A versus Class A-B. Like Pass gear though, they are not cheap.
Accuphase and Luxman are basically in the same league and both made meticulously. Based on the video, the tolerance of the display and the knobs are well made. Yes, it is aspirational just like McIntosh. SSWDYRT? I think it’s a good thing.
Interesting question. On the face of it, I would say no, the EQ boosts certain frequencies at the expense of others but does not change the tonal signature. But, what defines "warm" vs "cool" or "soulless" or whatever vague term you want to apply? Tubes add a certain warmth until they catch fire and then they add a lot of warmth. Given their price and replacement need, they cool down your bank account vs. lets say a Bryston that runs warm for a long long time but sounds "neutral" if that is even how something can sound. Flat and neutral, a straight wire with gain. There is something to say about analog, vinyl for example, and that is it is noisy. Very very noisy. Too much gain. OK that's it sorry for rant but your question is still interesting.
It's simple; yes, if the EQ is adequately transparent. Also, ideally EQ'ing should only be applied in the minimum phase region below the room's transition region.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac OK thanks A Lot my Impression If them is great...but i think i ll Upgrade to the 20 or the 30. Our room ist about 50sqm. What do you think about the Floorständers?
Speakers A and B and A/B. I remember those from back in the day and never knew what they were for then (beyond the obvious)… Could someone explain how people used the feature in the typical or ideal way? Thanks in advance for the knowledge.
Well, you can play music in two rooms/spaces using two sets of speakers. E.G. music in room 1 or room 2 or both at the same time. Maybe the "both at the same time" feature can be used to biamp a single pair of biwirable speakers as well, but I'm not sure. Cambridge audio sometimes include this feature on their class ab amps. I.E. CXA61/81
I use A/B in my home office where I have a dual setup with desktop nearfield speakers (A) and higher mounted, literal bookshelf speakers (B) for listening from standing back in the room. It's an essential feature in that system - Creek Evo 100a.
I wonder how this compares to the Denon PMA-A110 amplifier. It's like where Denon stops, Accuphase starts, but there's still a price gap between the two. Would it be worth it?
Hi Steve, i really liked your review about the accuphase e280. But there's something on my mind about it... You made in my opinion a big mistake with pairing them with your Klipsch Cornwall speakers. As i own and Klipsch RP 600m speakers in my second system I've also paired them with my accuphase c200l and p400 setup. Sounded not great at all. On my b&w P5 and P6 speakers the accuphase sounds way much more warmer and better than on the Klipsch speakers. Accuphase amps are a bit picky about with wich speakers you pair them. Just my 2 cents
The E-280 seems to have similar functions that Yamaha A-S2200, to a mutch lover price. One balanced, phono and headphone, tone controles, A & B and A+B etc.
I was an Accuphase dealer for 12 years and I only remember one unit ever coming back for service. They're incredibly well built. If you want more "soul" from Accuphase, I recommend you try one of their Class A amps or integrateds.
@@keplermission4947 Uh, no. While it's true that there is only one factory authorized service center in the US, it's because no more are needed. Their Class A runs hot compared to their Class AB, but not nearly as hot as Pass amps, for example.
Yes, I agree. Steve needs to try an E-650 or preferably an E-800. It sounds significantly different than the A/B line.
@@keplermission4947 If you live in the USA I'd recommend just getting a luxman. The accuphase dealer here is insane with huge markups.
@@keplermission4947 I don't know what you mean by H-O-T, if you want some amps that runs hot, Mark Levinson and Pass are the way to go. Accuphase class A amps do run warm but not on that level I should say. Also they don't fail at all.
@@keplermission4947 Apple has even a worse reputation, they produce very poor quality stuff designed to fail in order to sell new, they do not provide any service after the warranty period and older models are not supported with parts. I love their gear anyhow and tolerate it because the competition is worse. Accuphase provides parts and service for even very old models (40 years).... In my country Accuphase is very highly regarded for their quality and service, Macinthosh is regarded as sounding not so well with not the best build quality by most. But I try to have my own opinion based on my exerience and knowledge. Cheers!
I was living in Osaka and bought a 2nd hand Luxman from DenDen town in Osaka. I subsequently broke it and went shopping for a new one, this time not 2nd hand. I go into the shop and say Luxman, the shop man says do you know Accuphase? No say. I listen to both the Luxman and then the Accuphase. I buy the Accuphase. I've had it ever since. No problems ever and a sound stage and clarity that never fails to make me smile. Accuphase E211 with B and W cdm 1SE, MusicHall Ikura with 2m blue. Oh the joy.
I really like the “what I really think” addition 👍
Thanks man!
have a c-200, runs at 78deg F. approx 50 years old still no trip to service. sounds great
dave collins
Japanese audio production is full of gems, Marantz, Accuphase, Esoteric Audio, Luxman...these brands are still loyal to physical music and maintain a tradition of excellence. For me, this is the way.
Marantz is not Japanese anymore been taken over decades ago it went to shit
Shindo
@@MichelLinschoten Tell that to all the great Marantz gear designed by legendary master Ken Ishiwata. You're a fool and don't know WTF you're talking about! It's your brain that's gone to shit!
@@MichelLinschoten wrong. premium Marantz line are still made in Japan.
Sony and TEAC also makes some nice products, still...
Thank you steve for choosing my system for today's episode...😊
Ah, the beautiful world of big Japanese integrated amps! Accuphase, Luxman, Yamaha, Technics…
I bought myself a Luxman L-505uXii a couple of months ago as a result of Steve’s question “Are you ready to buy you last amplifier?” and wow what an amp!
I just love that it has everything built in ( headphone amp and phono stage) and that everything is of excellent quality. The reason I chose Luxman is that I’m genetically bound to the brand… my dad had it since the mid seventies and even though I’ve had many different things over the years I’ve always kept an eye on the brand! So for once I really think this could be my last amp… next thing will be to save up for the beautiful Luxman PD-151 turntable 😁
Check L-550AX which I have. Magic sound.
@@audiolover Nah I’m good. This was a very deliberate choice to go for the 505 and my financial position does not allow me to keep on switching between gear.
@@albertmeijer9905 sure...hard to buy bad Luxman, all newer models are great so no mistake here 😊👌🎶
I love the Bueno Vista Social Club. I have it on CD and love it. Amazing the production quality.
We got to thank to Ry Cooder for them
Man...
That Accuphase looks like the Marantz Gold Receiver I owned during the mid-80s.
I so miss that thing.
Glad you mentioned The Academy Of Music (before it became the Palladium on 14th Street NYC) In the early 70’s saw Lou Reed there opened by Cheap Trick (tickets $7.50) and another time, Emerson, Lake and Palmer ($9.00) which after that time performed at Madison Square Garden for a few years at Christmas time to much, much larger audiences. Then went across the street to Horn And Hardart automat for space age eats. I bought vinyl after each performance and still have them. They sound great over my Klipsch LaScala’s.
Just moved from Yamaha A-S1200 to Accuphase e280. Man, what a jump. This is a piece of jewellery. Better tighter bass, fuller sound, sweeter tone, more clarity, significantly better low volume performance, and better build. Yamaha is great and I thought I was done until I got e280.
I'm also planning to make such a change. Is the bass really tighter in the accu?
@@micha2928if you can afford it look at the E4000. I’ve had the E280 and Luxman but the E4000 is a keeper. The mids and upper mids are cleaner on the E4000 vs the E280. Having said that I can understand anyone getting the E280 will love it.
@@micha2928 Yes, it is clearly audible. Accuphase has a higher damping factor and it is audible. Also, in comparison to Yamaha, the sound is fuller - I feel more and tighter bass.
I doubt it
@@concoru of course. You’d doubt if you didn’t try them.
The Buena Vista social club is in a class by itself. Not only does it sound great, you get the local color of these Cuban musicians playing in an empty what seems to be a meeting hall. OK, the Cubans call it a studio.
I like that new section called, " So Steve, what did you really think", but maybe you should add another section after that called "seriously though, what did you really think", either way your videos are great, thanks.
Great video! It would be fun to see the E-280 up against the Luxman 505uxii. At least the Luxman already has a phonostage.
It does have a phono stage, but I use an EAR Yoshino Phonobox with it anyway, which is far superior. As Steve says, even with an integrated it's usually better to keep the phono stage and DAC external.
Love my luxman
Are they in the same price range?
@@backrack01 Yup---both are between $4500-4900
@@Drackleyrva I thought the E-280 was 6,000?
I remember when the store I was at back early to mid 1970s first got in the c-200, p-300 and t-100 models. We were one of the first in the US to sell them, along with being one of the first Rotel dealers around the same time frame.
You are extremely sympathetic and a kind guy. And yes, you rather prefer sweetness, so isn't an odd surprise you prefer the ayre amp. However, some reviewers point to Accuphase amplification as a kind of golden bit side of the typical Accuphase sound. This said, what I want to mean with that is for the very first time I heard someone talk about some lack of sweetness and mellows from this amp. But as you said before and underlined "for your taste". So everything it's ok
I really like the new segment. Describing a component is one thing, but saying how you really feel about it is totally another, and that was missing from your reviews.
About the segment only describing your personal taste, well, that's actually a good thing. As a viewer, the most difficult job I have to undertake every time I watch a review from any reviewer is trying to decipher whether the reviewer likes the component or not. With this new segment, you just made my life that much easier. Thank you!
Always enjoy your reviews being that we seem to come from the same place musically and love of that dynamic live sound. And being of the same age group and knowing how live music performances can get a bit blurry over time, I must mention that while the same building, you didn't see The Pixies at The Academy Of Music, it was The Palladium by that time.
I was lucky to get a like new Accuphase e-260 for $1,200 a few years ago. My dream amp makes my Energy Veritas 6.3 sound magical weather through the internal DAC d-30 card or Cambridge Azur 851N streamer DAC. It all started with getting the very first integrated model Accuphase e-202. The rest is history....
how did you get one so cheap? Friend sell it to you
love the faceplate of the receiver and the attention to detail.
Good Day! This product review was very nice and informative as usual. However, I was really happy to see your choice of music. That album by "Buena Vista Social Club " is amazing! I agree with you completely that the recording is well done and the actual songs are top notch! And Stevie Wonder has always amazed me with his remarkable ability and voice power and clarity. I also love the new "What you really think " addition to the content.Well done my man!!
Your theme gingle rocks on my home designed and built FR+woofer speakers. The upper med and lower treble and upper treble have perfect cohesion in that really short crank. Sounds so satisfying!
Interesting review as Accuohase products have often being accused of being overly warm so perhaps they have revamped the tonal balance. I am fortunate enough to own a C2150 preamp and A48 power amp that I purchased earlier this year and they have cured my upgrade addiction. They do, however, take in excess of two months to sound at their best.
What I have heard, the vintage Accuohase (like the E-405 that I have from 1989) is neutral-warm and the newer is more or less neutral.
That does seem to be the case, although I have seen some fairly recent posts and reviews suggesting that there is a warm bias. Such a comment was made about the A48. At the end of the day, all that matters is whether people are happy with their systems.
Since you own an accuphase preamp, can I ask what think about it? Is the sound fast, slow? I have heard that they can sound ‘slow’ for pop music and is more suited to vocal slow music.
@@tubefan2737 My view is that timing is one of the amp’s strong points. I sometimes listen to fast paced metal and the amp has no problem keeping up.
@@jamesfarrow6752 great. When you said that the sound needed ‘burn in’ to sound the best, was it more the accuphase preamp or the power amp that needed the burn in? And how did the sound change, in your opinion?
A phono stage should always be part of any base configuration on every integrated amp.
I cannot agree, as a huge percentage of the buyers have integrated amps don’t have turntables! Why should they be paying for all of that engineering and circuitry they don’t use??
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I’m guilty of two things. One being records first for audiophile analog sound and two, that’s the way it was when I grew up. Steve mostly it’s a vote for records first. Peace.
I like the new addition Steve. You were such a creative guy and you know how to keep your network hopping. Stay creative, avoid dementia😉
A couple of high resolution pics and description of the inside of this machine would be most welcome, as is more spectacular with build on inside.
Steve, one of the highlights of your review videos is your music recommendations such as, for example, The Buena Vista Social Club or Solo by Nils Frahm.
I remember early 1970’s when I asked what would be a quality receiver for me to buy and someone mentioned Accuphase and I said “I’ve never heard of them”. I bought a Pioneer which was an up and coming brand with a good reputation and I was happy with it for a couple years. Then I sold it and bought another Pioneer and this went in for years until Accuphase was way over my price range. By then I really wanted one. I always remembered them as a quality brand and someday I’ll end up getting one. I’m saving now for the 4000. I will prevail.
love the 1980s look it still has!
The "So Steve..." segment is really nice, keep it up.
The Stevie recording was/is just FANTASTIQUE! 👍🏼 THANKS!
It has a true, preamp out/main in feature. A great choice, that is a missing from most integrated amps today.
I got an Audiolab 6000A and it has the main in, pre out. Watch Andrew Robinson's review on the Audiolab. I didn't believe him till I saw way similar opinions (yet being a bit more laid back). lol After seeing Andrew and making that further check I immediately got one (without question).
@@Justwantahover Thanks for the tip!
Beautiful piece! Nothing can beat the look of the classic Japanese design from the 70s. I'm glad that some companies are still doing integrated amps in this way and some others are returning to the trend that they shouldn't ever abandoned. Makes you consider the possibility of upgrade some day...
Great review by the way!
The champagne cq fake-gold color ruins it by my standards.
If Steve likes a warm sound he should have a listen to a Sugden A21SE class A amplifier. I’d imagine it would be cheaper than the Accuphase, here in the U.K. where Sugden are made the 21SE is around £3,200.
Have it and never heard anything better. Can't explain how good it is
The buena vista record is one of my favorites! Chan Chan
A work of art to look at
Finally your Room decor goes along with your shirts. I had the Accuphase Tuner 30 years ago even that was around 1400 US however I simple don't want to spend 6000US dollars for a amp.Rather have some money to spend on good food
and buy more music .However it is a great company.
What a fantastic review, well done and thank you. Love the Accuphase amp although I do prefer their pure class A integrated amps.
Wow, the look of the Room is more attractive !, does Steve have an interior designer now ?
Is someone typing in comments about Steve's System and inserting them onto the Screen ?
The walnut wood even looks better now.
Tony in Venice Florida
Accuphase - Impeccably built, time-tested, and released to market ONLY WHEN READY. Just faultless. Unlike a certain Boulder, CO hifi manufacturer.
YES, Los Lobos "Native Sons" is great. I love it.
Their masterpiece is "How Will The Wolf Survive"
My dad had an Accuphase C-200 preamp. That was one fantastic piece of gear. I remember having friends over from school and a couple of them drooled over this thing. Their parents just had the regular all in one stereos at the time (not that there's anything wrong with that.)
I had a c200x which is a later revision, now I use a c202
I own an Accuphase E-530 and I’m a measurements and facts kind of guy and man I have measured mine with my Audio Precision equipment and first of all It easily gives me 100 Watts per channel with astonishing low THD, excellent unpretentious equipment and rated way lower it’s capacity.
I have E-650, im so happy with it. ps. And Sharepoint at work -.- :D
@@pipilangstrumpf7076 well that has to be better than mine since it’s the newest version of it, isn’t it?
Congratulations!!!
@@sharepointpro479 thank you, it has a little more control in bass, but signature is almost same, my friend has e-530, so i could compare it. only at direct comparison, you can hear the difference, e-530 is still a beast!!!
Hi Steve I’m a subscriber to your channel; great reviews, mostly 👍🏾. Anyhow, the Harmon Kardon HK990, from a few years ago has the same speaker wiring configuration - left system 1 and/or 2; and right system 1 and/or 2 - a truly fantastic integrated amp (when set up right - most folks don’t take the time to do that) for less than 1/2 the price of the Accuphase. I’ve listened and spent a lot of time with a 2 different Accuphase integrated amps - the E370 and E405. They would not be my 1st choice in integrated amps re sound quality. Not enough meat on the boat.
Beautiful piece there Mr Gutenberg!!
Steve, have you reviewed the Advance Paris A12? If not, that should be on your list…soon!
I'll second the recommendation for Los Lobos' Native Sons. It's definitely a labor of love for those guys, and there's no better band in America.
I hung out with those guys backstage. Good friends of some of my extended family. Nice guys. 😊
Great review Steve 👍
Please review one of Gryphon Audio's integrated amplifiers 😁
it's a thing of beauty.
Correct me if I'm wrong the Buena Vista Band was recorded in a New York studio not in Havana
Sorry, you are wrong. It was recorded in Havana. He did a live record in New York.
I saw the Pixies at the new Ritz in NYC for the Trompe Le Monde tour ( there's a low quality bootleg of that show floating around as well ) . Wonderful time that night. Love your channel & enjoy your day.
Always A Good Watch Thank You
As always, thanks for your excellent review Steve.
I've owned an Accuphase E-407 for nearly 20 years. I love it, but I've lightly scratched the volume and source dials and would love to replace them.
Unfortunately the amp was originally purchased in Hong Kong but I live in Australia. Having spoken to Accuphase (no reply) and their Australian and Hong Kong distributors they won't supply the dials as parts and insist instead I ship the amplifier to Honk Kong so they can supervise the (1minute) install.
I have to say Accuphase are very unhelpful to deal with.
I don't suppose one of your viewers would be able to help? Any advice on sourcing replacement dials or refurbishing the current ones would be much appreciated!
Couple scratches just sounds like it adds a little character. I'd just live with it.
Have you reviewed any Hegel amps ? 390? H30? Power amp.
Great review steve!
I would love to see you review the Luxman l-590axii or I-550axii
I have L-550AX, amazing amp...20watts but I can use only half of power, sooo loud. Quality is better than expected also bass will blown you away. Highly recommend if you have 8ohm non hungry speakers 💥💪
@@audiolover Thanks for the recommendation, been thinking of trading in my L100 Classics in on a pair of Cornwall IV's anyway!
@@watchnut I wouldn't ever sell L-100. Too good amp. Classic . If you are talking about amp and not jbl l-100 😁
@@audiolover Yes, talking about JBL L-100 Classic.
@@watchnut ahhh yesss then Cornwall's are much better, no comparison 😁👌
Oh yea one of my dream amps
Just bought an Accuphase E280! Why did I buy it? -- LOOKS. I'm not ashamed to admit that.
This unit will be replacing my high capacitor Naim Audio preamp/Bryston 4B combination which $$ blows the E280 out of the water-- at least on paper. I am buying the Accuphase 'blind' confident that it will reveal the 'audiophile' experience. I've always been a 'Pro' guy but, for my living room I want a nice listening experience as opposed to analytical sound. And yes looks, aesthetics, analog 'feel' of the controls and of course sound-- plus I'm old and can afford it.
(to be matched with Castle Winchester speakers)
well Keith, how is the new amp?
@@barrybrennan2135 It preforms and sounds exactly as I thought it would. I would describe the sound as "delicate" and finely tuned. There is not the brute, analytically transparent power of the Bryston. Delicate in detail with fine nuances. There is a richness in feel, aesthetics and sound. Scary silent in operation-- just a fine piece of home audio equipment-- a nice change now that I'm old.
@@keithmoriyama5421 Lovely, I'm thinking about picking one up myself. Don't suppose you've tried either of the modules?
@@barrybrennan2135 Sorry, only been using Tidal and CD's but, I do like the 'balanced' interface connection offered on the Accuphase. Also, there is a direct interfacing loop that allows for the seamless integration with an outside equalizer selectable from the front panel.... yes an Audiophile no no, but it saves me from my unbalanced room.
@@keithmoriyama5421 Thanks again, Keith. I'm close to pulling the trigger!
you should review the Class A E-800 and everything else too from the 380 and 480
I finally ended up with E800, in view of the price tag it took me a while to go ahead, but man that is a mighty amp. As Steve mentions it has the classic tone control, Speaker A, B or A+B. What he did not mention and for me was #3 to buy Accuphase: they repair and service it for as long as I will live (64 now). FYI Speakers Quad ESL 63 + Focal Sopra 2, Innuos Zenith Mk III + Chord M-Scaler & DAC Dave + Roon.
@@MarcDeMey Great system! How do you like the Innuous Zen MkIII? I am considering that or a new Aurrender N200 or a Aurelic Ares G2.1
@@pennfootball71 Zenith is very decent and user friendly: the album database is way better than the one used by my Bluesound Vault 2 and easy to edit track names and artwork. I'm only using my own ripped CD's (±4000) no Tidal, Spotify… What would rip your albums to Aurender or Aurelic ? A friend of mine has Aurender (+WADA, Krell, B&W 800) and it is superb in every way.
@@MarcDeMey I only use Tidal & Qobuz and stream everything.
Its wort to review a complete accuphase system including pre and power amp dac cd and SACD Ttrasport! This is very serious brand just like Luxmann!
Love the look of that Receiver & had to click. I Listened through my 15" Martin Audio Blackline X passive speakers & thoroughly enjoyed your airy room fill sound & curb appeal Steve, clost to being in the room with you but maybe sonicly better. I was quite motivated, feel good with your discussion on a true & free sounding Vocal Trac. I am a life long singer & have my Camera in prep, for starting my own youtube channel in October. That's when I seem to create my most inspired song. I use too sing along with Stevie's Anthology Album all the time, He & I have the same Birthdate & I be hitten 60 this one.It is my aim to prove I am the worlds greatest singer, because I sing/make Music. me talking in song (making it up) In the shadows time moves still secrets utter & don't fill, leave your chaos & don't confuse, she still will want you don't be fooled, laugh with hunger & bang at the moon travel your necessary readings & play like a fool, she's met you before & you quiver to know she just poured a scrumptious & left at the door.
Thank's for mentioning country of Mfg. in your lead, something that other companies are afraid-or ashamed of nowadays. Great review of a great product!!!
Steve, do you realize that you showed Ayre amp multiple times, more that actual Accuphase? So, what’s up with that?
Accu is such a beautiful piece, it should be on the screen every 10 seconds. Just saying.
Agreed!!
As a Japanese hi-fi shop owner in Sapporo once put it to me: "The Accuphase sound is very controversial [among Japanese audiophiles]. Some love the sound and listen to nothing but Accuphase equipment; others really don't like it and complain that the sound is too dry, too cold."
My observation is that the A/B line is very honest, so if your room has problems or you don't like the tonality of your speaker, you will know. But that's kind of the reason I like Accuphase. It lets me hear what my other components are doing more so than other brands I've tried.
@@amirjubran1845 Personally, having owned a few Accuphase amps, I agree. There's no audible coloration whatsoever.
@Chen Ma Yes, I have tried both, and I find the Class A is more suited to my tastes. The bass is more ample but does not lose any definition. Also the mids are more dense, and there's a sense of ease that I did not feel the A/B units have. The preamp section is upgraded too, so you have a blacker background and bigger sense of space, almost holographic. But the A/B units are more transparent... I notice more subtle detail in the music vs. the Class A. And if your speaker demands watts (e.g. ATC, Dynaudio) A/B will certainly work better.
I think that you need to give the Esoteric Audio gear a try. That last bit of Billie Holidays breath ( in a mic of course ), Janos starker's performance at ascension church oak park, IL fading into the thermal sound of the air inside ( you can hear it ), to the the incredible impact of Billy Cobham's two minute percussion assault from the "Crosswinds" recording.
Love the old school look
Work of art.
Any thoughts on how the Accuphase E-380 sounds compared to the Luxman L-509X?
As beautiful as the Marantz. I just love the simplicity of it. What do you think 🤔 of it?
Old Marantz... not the ugly portholes!
You might like the Accuphase China clone amp. A60 Weiliang. Not really a counterfeit but class a. Nice color.
Really hope you can do a Luxman L505ux on the heels of the Accuphase.
i used accuphase E460 with marantz hd dac 1 it's so good.
Untill i got Accuphase DAC 50.
I was disappointed the stage is was less wide then Marantz hd dac.
the Dac 50 gives me a claustrophobic feeling.
Thanks for the reminder to listen to Buena Vista Social Club again; it’s been too long...
I am trying to understand a few basic things. If I purchase a dap like the Shanling M6, would you recommend I get a portable dac or is the one it came with good enough by audiophile standards?
i am late to the party regarding money to spend on a system so here goes:
a large dedicated listening room to handle a pair of magico floor speakers with dual 8 inch woofers.the listening room would have an oriental rug and a huge fireplace.power would be 2 mac mono amps @2000wpc.preamp and am/fm tuner would be a mac as well as the power center for outlets.digtial would be an accuphase sacd transport and matching dac along with an accuphase voicing equalizer.as a boost to the tuner,a 100 foot fm antenna would be installed on top of the roof.the cassette deck would be my mid 80s onkyo for listening to tapes.not being a fan of vinyl,there would be no turntable.
"What I really think..." is for the price I would rather pick out a amp/preamp combination that would suit my taste. But even when I don't prefer the equipment, I really enjoy your choices in music, and I've discovered so many records from watching your reviews.
Match with Harbeth or the new Dynaudio Heritage, both visually and for more soul...
Which vintage receiver/amp would this Integrated Amp sounds similar?
I appreciate your take on various audio equipment and was wondering if you could examine a Acurus product?
Particularly the Acurus A2002?
Thanks for the video, very impressive.
Great review! Would love to have you review a Mcintosh to compare to the E-280 sometime. Any plans for Mcintosh reviews?
Hey Steve! Do you have any plans of checking out the REGA Elex-R any time soon? Great review of the Accuphase, I wish I had the opportunity to listen to their products some day. Thank you! Take care!
the name comes from Accurate Phase ...can someone pls explain how this translates into audio quality ?
Sounds like this amp would be a good match for the big Klipsch speakers. More "character" and nice and sensitive to make 90 watts crank.
I was thinking that too.
Tannoy
hi, great review. How you could compare it in sound wise to Denon PMA-2500 ora PMA-110?
You can tell how humid it is in New York by how much his hair sticks up.
Sshh, or we''ll be getting hair clipper reviews instead from Mrs Guttenberg.
a bit of comparison with Luxman would have been nice🙂
Steve how does the Accuphase compare to Luxman Got a few older Luxman's and they have a warm smooth sound Top honest review
As others have mentioned. I wonder if the E-650 and E-800 would have that sweetness in the Mids, that you like. Being they are Class A versus Class A-B. Like Pass gear though, they are not cheap.
Have you heard the CODA CSiB? It's 6000g as well.
Accuphase and Luxman are basically in the same league and both made meticulously. Based on the video, the tolerance of the display and the knobs are well made. Yes, it is aspirational just like McIntosh. SSWDYRT? I think it’s a good thing.
SSWDYRT? What does that stand for?
@@davidlambert3892 So Steve, What Do You Really Think? I was being cute.
Hi Steve! Thanks for al your inspiring videos! Do you think vintage amps (pioneer, marantz, Sansui) can match today’s amps like this accuphase
Different, absolutely. As for better this one will be more transparent, have a clearer bass. But the older stuff can sound wonderful.
Hello, Can you add an EQ to enhance the sound to produce the warm sound? Thanks for the review
Interesting question. On the face of it, I would say no, the EQ boosts certain frequencies at the expense of others but does not change the tonal signature. But, what defines "warm" vs "cool" or "soulless" or whatever vague term you want to apply? Tubes add a certain warmth until they catch fire and then they add a lot of warmth. Given their price and replacement need, they cool down your bank account vs. lets say a Bryston that runs warm for a long long time but sounds "neutral" if that is even how something can sound. Flat and neutral, a straight wire with gain. There is something to say about analog, vinyl for example, and that is it is noisy. Very very noisy. Too much gain. OK that's it sorry for rant but your question is still interesting.
It's simple; yes, if the EQ is adequately transparent.
Also, ideally EQ'ing should only be applied in the minimum phase region below the room's transition region.
The brief McIntosh photo triggered an urge for one...and forget about the budget!
Hi Steve, wich speakers do you prefer the Elac uni-fi reference or the dynaudio evoke 10?
Dynaudio
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac OK thanks A Lot my Impression If them is great...but i think i ll Upgrade to the 20 or the 30. Our room ist about 50sqm. What do you think about the Floorständers?
Speakers A and B and A/B. I remember those from back in the day and never knew what they were for then (beyond the obvious)… Could someone explain how people used the feature in the typical or ideal way? Thanks in advance for the knowledge.
Well, you can play music in two rooms/spaces using two sets of speakers. E.G. music in room 1 or room 2 or both at the same time. Maybe the "both at the same time" feature can be used to biamp a single pair of biwirable speakers as well, but I'm not sure. Cambridge audio sometimes include this feature on their class ab amps. I.E. CXA61/81
Ya back in the day-- hook up more speakers and make it louder! ...that's actually not a joke.
I use A/B in my home office where I have a dual setup with desktop nearfield speakers (A) and higher mounted, literal bookshelf speakers (B) for listening from standing back in the room. It's an essential feature in that system - Creek Evo 100a.
Bi wire
I wonder how this compares to the Denon PMA-A110 amplifier. It's like where Denon stops, Accuphase starts, but there's still a price gap between the two. Would it be worth it?
Denon is always Denon. Accuphase or Luxman will be your last amp.
Lol, no comparison
You need an E-650 pure class A Mosfets to achieve the glory of Accuphase sound mark
The E-480 gets you there too!
Hi Steve, i really liked your review about the accuphase e280. But there's something on my mind about it... You made in my opinion a big mistake with pairing them with your Klipsch Cornwall speakers. As i own and Klipsch RP 600m speakers in my second system I've also paired them with my accuphase c200l and p400 setup. Sounded not great at all. On my b&w P5 and P6 speakers the accuphase sounds way much more warmer and better than on the Klipsch speakers. Accuphase amps are a bit picky about with wich speakers you pair them. Just my 2 cents
Thanks Frederik
Steve please do a. Yamaha as-1200 review
The E-280 seems to have similar functions that Yamaha A-S2200, to a mutch lover price. One balanced, phono and headphone, tone controles, A & B and A+B etc.