I am fortunate enough to have this amp and it certainly does improve with age. I totally agree with your description of the sonic qualities. I think I have found my forever amp.😅
Accuphase are without equal when it comes to Class A sound quality... Actually good value as it's the last stop on the upgrade train and it will literally last a lifetime. Congratulations!!!
I used to exclusively distribute ACCUPHASE with my late father in Tehran Iran 💚🤍❤️ during the ‘90s. Up until now I have received no phone calls from my clients for technical services. A fantastic reliable Japanese brand. It reminds me of Nikon.
You can also pair an A48 to to just about any of their Class A integrated amps. I have an A48 paired with my E600. Together, they power two Chario Ursa Major floorstanding speakers. The A48 handles the bass section of the speakers. I also have an Accuphase DP-700 SACD player and C-27 phono amplifier. Very expensive, but worth it. I guarantee you'll be off the Hi-Fi merry-go-round if you invest in their gear. Also, their products are well built and last forever. You can pretty much take it to the tomb.
Your emotionality by using certain terms are the terms I’d like to hear because music brings on an emotional response for people who really loves to listen.
As accuphase owner myself, get a accuphase preamp with it for starters. But tip from me and a fellow accuphase owner. Let them warm up for about half an hour or 3 quarters of an hour before using. Night and day difference. Fyi i own the c200x and p400. And my audio buddy has the c2410 and a46.
Congratulations it’s a beast….I absolutely love the aesthetics of this amp..I’ve always loved seeing vu meters on amps..in fact I got a bit of vu meter envy watching this vid
I own this amp, I leave it running because I notice how much difference I get in transparency when its nice and warm. Dynamics on Magnepan 1.7i speakers will blow your mind. 45 watts driving magnepans. Its by far the best amplifier I have connected to the 1.7l speakers and I have tired mega watts amps too.
Hello. Greetings from Spain. I've always wanted to have a class A tube preamp and a pure class A mosfets transistor power amp. For the preamp I think of a Primaluna Evo 400 and for the power amp this Accuphase A-48. My speakers are Pylon Amber MK2 that mount a pair of 12-inch drivers each and a compressor speaker for mid-highs that handles frequencies from 1250 hz upwards. I have a Yamaha A-S3000 that has plenty of power but not control with those double 12" drivers and I think this combo would be ideal. Enjoy this magnificent Japanese machine.
Bravo, bella recensione. Ti guardo sempre con grande interesse. Today Class A is between Luxman / Pass and Accuphase and you cover all those brands in the same review, Bravo.
Judging from the views, there are probably eighty thousand people interested in this amplifier. That is incredible. Even if just one in twenty of those is interested in acquiring on, that is still a huge number.
Nice test. Thx you. I own a Cayin H80A. Class A-80W, hybrid. A very very nice sound to my ears and wow, a real beast. No problem for driving demanding speakers like BW 804D3 for exemple. Compared to a MC MA 352. Very similar sound. But a little more authority with the cayin.
I wonder if you'd like it even more with a C2450 or C2900, or if part of the magic you're getting is a good pairing between the MasterSound pre and the A-48. Thanks for the review.
@@anadialog I paired it with the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamplifier driving DeVore Orangutans 096. Earlier I tried some beautiful PassLabs and Accuphase preamps, yet to my taste tubes work magic. Cheers!
I have not heard them myself but I know they make great equipment! What about talking about OTL's and Balanced XLR connections? No need for very expensive interconnects which usually suffer from runs longer than a few meters! Also, the Atma/Sphere Amps don't use Negative Feedback which causes distortion! The designer Ralph Karsten explains why and how things work on a TH-cam video from San Francisco Audio Society! I have been using Atma/Sphere Amps for many years now! Love them! They sound so Musical in all areas of Frequency and Soundstage and Depth! I no longer am using my Tube Pre Amp at this time because I am running my Ayon Tube CD player direct into my Mono Amps and also using an RC35 from USA Tube Audio that Enhances the Harmonics in the System! All Tube Design also! For Analog in my system I use a Passive device from my Pass Phono Pre Amp to the RC35 then to the Amps! I have been an Audio Consultant for many years now my and have tried many Tube Amps over the years! From Single Ended 300 B's to Class A to Class AB etc. The Atma Sphere Amps have given me the best sound I ever had! The tubes used for the Output are 6AS7 or 6AS7G and the Awesome thing is they don't have to be They run very low voltage and don't need to be Matched! Saves lots of money and those tubes are readily available and inexpensive! There is absolutely NO NOISE in my system from any Tubes or Output Transformers which caused noise in my to previous tube Amps! So why don't I see this discussion amougst other Audiophiles? Larry in Colorado
Great review! And a very nice amp indeed. Yes, the Accuphase is outstanding, but I recommend you to try Gamut amplifiers (for example a D200i). Considering your opinions on how an amp (should) sound, I really think you'll like them.
Can't say. I never had any of those modern McIntosh amps in my system. I can tell you that I am going towards a different direction now...including the Accuphase
My first experience with Accuphase was their moving coil phono cartridges. They made them; there was the AC-1 and AC-2. They had a wonderful focus and imaging that most of the other MC cartridges didn't have. The word phase is in their company name after all, and they lived up to it. A most interesting brand. I am an experimenter though, and if I had $12,000 to freely spend on power amps, I would have probably bought some vintage legends, like the Halcro power amp or the Sony TAN-7B which uses Vfets. Have you ever heard a Vfet amp? They stopped making them years ago because of cost. They are the best sounding transistors ever made, I think, and they are from the 1970s, believe it or not. The upper model Vfet amps go for thousands of dollars on the vintage used market and they are grail and rare. Some of the amps had reliability problems, so Sony stopped making them. Rumours have it that pristine ones can stand up to the sound of virtually anything currently in the high end. The fist time I heard a Vfet amp, the electronicy white sound that I thought was part of the genetics of all transistors, that was alway a little audible to me, was suddenly and refreshingly absent. I guess transistors don't have to sound that way, I said to myself. The Vfets were so smooth and the tone colors so pure and deep. The Sony TA-N 7B amps, if you find one, are usually around $3,000 on the used market. Those considering them shouldn't worry that they're so many decades old, as far as their design. There were some people who really knew what they were doing back then, as far as aidio design, and they didn't cut corners like they do today. There were some Vfet amp models only available in Japan that some say would sound even a little better than the TAN 7B. Years ago, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs heard rumours that Sony found a big box of old NOS Vfets in their warehouse. He jumped right on them and paid whatever amount Sony wanted for them. He incorporated the no longer made Vfets into a few amp designs which he might have kept for himself. Not sure. They are wonderful devices. .
Very interesting, thanks for sharing that! Now I have another piece of gear on the list! Yes, Pass with his SIT amps gained lot of attention and are greatly acclaimed by the critics and public.
I think the champagne colour of the Accuphase is gorgeous in my opinion and I happen to like the look of McIntosh. I had the privilege of listening to the Accuphase E5000 integrated and the McIntosh MA12000 integrated and I can tell you that I was really drawn towards the McIntosh. The McIntosh sounded so much more open, full, dimensional, ENGAGING and MUSICAL. The Accuphase E5000 sounds great and wow it looks beautiful! But for me I prefer the McIntosh MA12000. Now all that said I bet the Accuphase Class A must be something extraordinary. Unfortunately I can't find one to listen to.
I had a pioneer SX1250 that gave me a lot of what you describe ( my only very powerful amp). It has a limitless quality to it. I’m in tubes now. Glass kicks ass so far
Nice amp Geez thats a beast thanks for the video 'Hi bias class A' Accurate/Phase Started by Jiro an engeener for Kenwood/Kensonic Jiro was just like Mr Kikuchi who founded Sansui - Both Engeeners wanted to build high quality Stereos with hi end parts- Jiro hired many top engeeners from Marantz to help him get started . Accuphase to me has that amazing old school build quality absouletly Top of the line -
You're really scaling the audiophile mountain here, Guido! Accuphase is astounding stuff. Just get one of their pre-amps and you're done for good! P.S. put your camera in manual focus mode for product shots. The camera keeps switching focus to your hands/ arms and it's not very pleasant to watch.
hello, thank you for this video: my choice would be the A-48 + C2900 + DC1000 + Aurender N20 + Fyne Audio 1-12s. My question: for the amplifier I have an hesitation between the A48, A75 or the P7500 for a room: 60m2. Is the A-48 enough for my room ?
True, Accuphase is definitely a superior product, along with several other legendary brands. However, the ultimate make or break in sound quality, rests with the quality of your speakers attached to it- I have a vintage Sansui receiver that I originally had a pair of inexpensive bass-reflex speakers connected to and it sounded barely ok. As soon as I acquired a pair of Klipsch Heritage speakers, the difference in sound was absolutely stunning. I addition, the quality of your amp and speakers are both limited to the quality of your source material - just a case in point.
@@arnoldschloss9634 cool - a decade more vintage than the unit I used to have, and probably quite a bit better ;o) - what is funny, is that many high end amplifiers, like the Accuphase here, partially try to go back a bit to the pleasant sound these vintage models can produce - reviewers nowadays often call that 'musical'. 'Resolution' and 'detail' are often confused with higher order harmonics that are in fact technical artifacts. Technically 'perfect' amps can sound pretty bad, especially with poor source material - but I guess that this is what you already said above.
6:18 If they have certified specifications, then I would imagine that means these are based on a number of samples provided (for each amplifier model and iteration, e.g. for the A48 they would need to provide samples for the 120VAC model, for the 230VAC model etc.) to the measurement agency issuing the certification. It is natural then that they will de-rate the performance figures obtained to account for sample variance. The certifying agency I would imagine would provide a statistical variance figure based on their experience from various such tests (and from the actual measurements of course). What this means to the consumer is that it is a statistics game so that with some rough probability (e.g. let's say 95% for the argument's sake) they will receive a sample with performance better than the figures guaranteed than specification. This could of course mean that the customer has a 5% chance (in our fictitious example) of receiving an amplifier with lower performance than the specifications. Again here I would imagine that there is a quality control process whereby they measure the amplifier when it leaves the soaking stage and after any basic control and safety tests are made. So the actual probability of receiving a sample with performance figures below specification would be far far lower than the certification process statistical error would prescribe.
That sounds very much like a TECHNICS SU A900 which is in the roofspace as the special electrolytic capacitors have dried out and all I hear is a very loud mains hum.
Yes, because it's the same signa, so one output (A) is for two speakers connectors and the other (B) is forbthe remaining speakers connectors. Almost like bi-amping. BTW this is reported in the manual, it isn't something I invented.
While certain technologies you speak of in this video are truly not novel or new, some of those technologies do help in providing a better overall presentation. I personally would favor a much much higher power gain factor while maintaining class A OPERATIONS. Personally, if I did not already have my own full all stages dual mono designed perfected ultra pure power instrumentation graded amplification units that have no peer at ANY PRICE, I might consider a dual mono setup of these for a basic high quality system of low level listening and far better than basic quality that is sadly so common today.
Very nice video about Accuphase. I also love the Accuphase's sound. I notice that you mention also a Luxman in the video. Do you huge sonic differences between this Accuphase and the Luxman l590axii ? I'm focusing in class A/B amps from these brands. Do you listen in the past also class A/B amplifiers by Accuphase and Luxman?
A few questions. 1. Why were you turning on your pre amp after the power amp? That's bad practice for any pre/power. 2. Why is your pre amp tripping the protection on the Accuphase, the Accuphase' problem? That seems like the instability lies with your pre amp. 3. Does your camera have a focus lock? If so, for the love of Gowan, use it.
@@anadialog The pre amp is not unstable !!!! the output caps are loading on high voltage after warm up of the tubes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! totaly normal ! simply put a switch to connect output AFTER warm up of the tubes !
Two remarks. The first one is about YOU. 😉 You always adres guys. Why not the girls? I know. This is a Hobby with not too many women. Nevertheless. But seriously. 12.000 Euro seem to be insane to spent on an amplifier. It was, when I bought mine. In pounds in those days. With a by Räke modified DAT-Player. That was in? 1992 or so. Together with the Transrotor it is still a gear, hard to beat. After 30 years or so. When I calculate, how much I had to spend on cars in that period…😱 Ok. The cars I needed to be able to do my job. But… There is a lot of interesting gear out there. The Accuphase is first of all „Solid“. Its like an Roll Royce. Sometimes a little dull. But one can‘t name a car that is „better“ inb its whole.
Guys is neutral, it includes boys and girls! I know guy is a male term, but it can be used as a collective plural! Yes, I know that these prices are just insane. For the money the Pass would win IMHO, especially in the used market.
Here playing Transrotor (Fat Bob) and Accuphase Pre/DAC/2Amp/Power too. Most people think I‘m crazy when I tell them about what the cables costs but at least we use the hardware seriously whereas most people don‘t really use their sports cars featuring carbon brakes and other high-tech stuff. Over lifetime money is well spent I would say.
How would you describe the sound signature differences between the A48 and the L590AXii? I love my 590 for voices and simple instrumentations, but it starts to show some limitations when the music gets complex. I wonder if a class A poweramp instead would help aolve some of that, and in partixular, whether accuphase may be a good candidate. You're unique in that you've extensively tried both units im referencing--Thank you!! 🙂
Thanks for your comment! Well, the Accuphase was quite better, in detail and soundstage but nothing compared to a quality tube amp. I recommend giving up these crazy priced luxury amps and get a good SET amp BUT you need sensitive speakers. Here is a video I recently made on the topic: th-cam.com/video/XxOPf0RbRbY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MlCYNoBAj6lu4IeJ
How do you adjust the volume on this baby? I don't see a volume control, only a gain. I love your videos but when you are showing us the product I would appreciate it if you could lock the focus to stop the camera from drifting between sharp and blurred. It's distracting.
Hi, yes, I know I actually thought I did 😅 but I didn't. It's a power amp, no volume knob, you need a preamplifier to do that (or something with a preamp built-in like some some modern DACs).
11:00 Not all Accuphase amplifiers come with needle VU meters. They are gradually switching over to LED-based VU meters so many models have the latter. This is a big mistake in my opinion. At some point or another, these will fail in the future (granted, it will be in the very remote future) and for some consumer this could be sooner than expected. Also they might receive complaints from Accuphase fans that prefer the needle VU meter look.
Can you do a system review because in the last year you’ve got new speakers, new turntable and now a new app I don’t know if I’ve missed anything but it would be nice to see what you have now because your last system review was a long time ago yeah, I’ve had class A power since 95 .27years that’s a long time with 2 different amps though in that time period Thanks for the good videos and have a good holiday season.
Thanks, yes, I need to do that. The fact is that I hate to show things without having them presented and reviewed...but I guess I will never get out of this loop
Why. China will win. I decided to buy a Chinese electric car instead of the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. Why should I buy a German car when it may be cannabalized by the US?
Actually I bought an Accuphase many, many years ago. I still like English speakers so I will be buying the Sibelius speakers soon paired up with a Pass Labs int 25 amp. However the reality is that Chinese basic components are very sound and they have entered the hi fidelity market. Right now they are concentrating on products like the Korean Rose 150. But if they choose to move into the really high end hifi market they can do very well. The problem is the domestic Chinese market for these products are finite. Unlike electric cars where they are the leaders given their commanding domestic base. I would never buy a Tesla.
Interesting how some reviewers of Accuphase or Luxman gear do not show the back of the amp but a photo of it instead. Is it because they have Japanese models they do not want to admit to? Just an observation. Nothing wrong with that, though. I bought all of my Accuphase and Luxman gear in Japan.
Ahah! It's more simple than that. The thing is just too heavy! In any case my Pass Labs, Luxman and Accuphase are all European 220V (I'm Italian and live in Italy). G.
Ciao , volevo mandarti un messaggio , ma avrai disabilitato l'opzione , perché non un bel video sulla manutenzione di lettori ,amplificatori,giradischi e piastre ? Per esempio su una piastra professionale ho visto che il vano per le cassette si apre con difficoltà non so se mettere qualche goccia d'olio tipo singer o balistico o grasso siliconico sulle rondelle e molle che permettono al vano di aprirsi e chiudersi ,insomma qualche un bel video sul manutenzione che si può fare a casa, sui lettori cd , vinile cassette ,amplificatori e diffusori .
if this has all the power you need, will the big brother still play better? or is a more powerful amp just for playing louder? i am thinking of the a-80
@@anadialog i know, what i am asking is if the a-48 can drive my speakers well and play more than loud enough, will the a-80 still be an improvement in sound quality?
Nobody cries more than I , being stationed in Okinawa a store outside I think gate 2 st ? Sold the brand amongst other stuff, i didn't know the brand this 1982-82 but end up buying the typical fare at the base. Which wasn't a slouch ether.
It does but ai have came across hotter ones…if you have soma good lateral space it should be ok but I would ask them before purchasing just to make sure
6 months to acquire that Accuphase? It would take me 60 years to get that monster. You’re living better than me sir. I look up Accuphase every 6 months or so and just gaze at all the different products and imagine I could hear one in my life sometime. Then somebody reminds me that I live in the real world where a lottery ticket is my only path to perfection.
Not much at all for a class a! It has this special rubber on the heat sinks that make it pleasant to the touch and reduces the temperature. Don't know how efficient is dissipation but I am sure they have calculated that.
Thanks, great video 👍 Class A? Yes! That‘s the reason why I will take one day my heat pump Luxman L-590 AX ll with me into the oaken coffin to have lots of fun in heaven 😇
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
I am fortunate enough to have this amp and it certainly does improve with age. I totally agree with your description of the sonic qualities. I think I have found my forever amp.😅
Accuphase are without equal when it comes to Class A sound quality...
Actually good value as it's the last stop on the upgrade train and it will literally last a lifetime.
Congratulations!!!
I used to exclusively distribute ACCUPHASE with my late father in Tehran Iran 💚🤍❤️ during the ‘90s. Up until now I have received no phone calls from my clients for technical services. A fantastic reliable Japanese brand. It reminds me of Nikon.
Cool!
Yep and in the 90’s Accuphase was all through whole components, not the surface mount stuff they cheaply use now
Accuphase has always been an incredible audio design company for so many years. I can’t even remember.
they just copy mcintosh
@@MasterofPlay7not at all. Sound is quite different.
Your channel is my favorite on TH-cam. you are very relaxed and chill with your videos. Look forward to more videos.
Agreed 100%
You can also pair an A48 to to just about any of their Class A integrated amps. I have an A48 paired with my E600. Together, they power two Chario Ursa Major floorstanding speakers. The A48 handles the bass section of the speakers. I also have an Accuphase DP-700 SACD player and C-27 phono amplifier. Very expensive, but worth it. I guarantee you'll be off the Hi-Fi merry-go-round if you invest in their gear. Also, their products are well built and last forever. You can pretty much take it to the tomb.
Your emotionality by using certain terms are the terms I’d like to hear because music brings on an emotional response for people who really loves to listen.
Glad to read this 😊
Accuphase is truly an aspirational brand!
Beast, new amp with the cool vintage look!
BOOOOOOOM he's got a "big boy" amplifier, your so lucky , well done
Those meters are beautiful.
As accuphase owner myself, get a accuphase preamp with it for starters. But tip from me and a fellow accuphase owner. Let them warm up for about half an hour or 3 quarters of an hour before using. Night and day difference. Fyi i own the c200x and p400. And my audio buddy has the c2410 and a46.
Congratulations it’s a beast….I absolutely love the aesthetics of this amp..I’ve always loved seeing vu meters on amps..in fact I got a bit of vu meter envy watching this vid
wonderful design piece
I own this amp, I leave it running because I notice how much difference I get in transparency when its nice and warm. Dynamics on Magnepan 1.7i speakers will blow your mind. 45 watts driving magnepans. Its by far the best amplifier I have connected to the 1.7l speakers and I have tired mega watts amps too.
Hello. Greetings from Spain. I've always wanted to have a class A tube preamp and a pure class A mosfets transistor power amp. For the preamp I think of a Primaluna Evo 400 and for the power amp this Accuphase A-48. My speakers are Pylon Amber MK2 that mount a pair of 12-inch drivers each and a compressor speaker for mid-highs that handles frequencies from 1250 hz upwards. I have a Yamaha A-S3000 that has plenty of power but not control with those double 12" drivers and I think this combo would be ideal. Enjoy this magnificent Japanese machine.
Great minds think alike, ...I was thinking the latest edition of this amp A-48S [50W] with Primaluna Evo 400 Pre.
@@01egna I already have the Primaluna Evo400 preamp and my A48s in on the way…
@@juliusneri3764 Please let us know how you get on.
Bravo, bella recensione. Ti guardo sempre con grande interesse. Today Class A is between Luxman / Pass and Accuphase and you cover all those brands in the same review, Bravo.
After my PMA 2500NE (damping factor 700+) I want to buy a E-470 integrated. :) I love Accuphase. How they look and how they built. Astonishing!
Judging from the views, there are probably eighty thousand people interested in this amplifier. That is incredible. Even if just one in twenty of those is interested in acquiring on, that is still a huge number.
Beautiful looking piece.
Man that’s tasty. Luxman and Accuphase are my dream brands to own. One day
Nice test. Thx you. I own a Cayin H80A. Class A-80W, hybrid. A very very nice sound to my ears and wow, a real beast. No problem for driving demanding speakers like BW 804D3 for exemple. Compared to a MC MA 352. Very similar sound. But a little more authority with the cayin.
Reminds me of the old Onkyo Amps they used to make.
I wonder if you'd like it even more with a C2450 or C2900, or if part of the magic you're getting is a good pairing between the MasterSound pre and the A-48. Thanks for the review.
I really like my Luxman L590All. There is something about the Japanese class A amps
Wonderful catch Guido! 👌From my experience with A48, it takes at least a few months of playing to fully settle down, so be ready for more surprises.
Thanks, Yes, that's my impression Sasha! What did you use as preamp?
@@anadialog I paired it with the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamplifier driving DeVore Orangutans 096. Earlier I tried some beautiful PassLabs and Accuphase preamps, yet to my taste tubes work magic. Cheers!
Hi, do you still have the LTA preamp? I am considering pairing it with a Luxman power amp@@sashacolic2427
Solid review, thank you
I have not heard them myself but I know they make great equipment! What about talking about OTL's and Balanced XLR connections? No need for very expensive interconnects which usually suffer from runs longer than a few meters! Also, the Atma/Sphere Amps don't use Negative Feedback which causes distortion! The designer Ralph Karsten explains why and how things work on a TH-cam video from San Francisco Audio Society! I have been using Atma/Sphere Amps for many years now! Love them! They sound so Musical in all areas of Frequency and Soundstage and Depth! I no longer am using my Tube Pre Amp at this time because I am running my Ayon Tube CD player direct into my Mono Amps and also using an RC35 from USA Tube Audio that Enhances the Harmonics in the System! All Tube Design also! For Analog in my system I use a Passive device from my Pass Phono Pre Amp to the RC35 then to the Amps! I have been an Audio Consultant for many years now my and have tried many Tube Amps over the years! From Single Ended 300 B's to Class A to Class AB etc. The Atma Sphere Amps have given me the best sound I ever had! The tubes used for the Output are 6AS7 or 6AS7G and the Awesome thing is they don't have to be They run very low voltage and don't need to be Matched! Saves lots of money and those tubes are readily available and inexpensive! There is absolutely NO NOISE in my system from any Tubes or Output Transformers which caused noise in my to previous tube Amps! So why don't I see this discussion amougst other Audiophiles? Larry in Colorado
Very nice! Got me curious...
Great review! And a very nice amp indeed. Yes, the Accuphase is outstanding, but I recommend you to try Gamut amplifiers (for example a D200i). Considering your opinions on how an amp (should) sound, I really think you'll like them.
Interesting, thanks!
Prodotto top, descritto con professionalità. Bravo
do you think enjoyment of mechanical watches and analogue audio has a natural crossover ?
😆 could be!
Love your channel.
Superb!!
Ein Traumhaftes Gerät. Einfach nur Traumhaft. Mehr kann ich dazu nicht sagen. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Many Thnx for your detailed explanation and analysis appreciate if do same thing to the Luxman M10X.
THANKS GUIDO🤗😎👍…THEY GRAB YOU, AND LOOK 👀🤩🤩 AMAZING DOING IT 😁💚💚💚
I love that beautiful meter 👍😎✌️🤟💪
What an intro! The a48 and mcintosh mc9500 which will you recommend?
Can't say. I never had any of those modern McIntosh amps in my system. I can tell you that I am going towards a different direction now...including the Accuphase
Another direction different from accuphase? Please I'm interested
My first experience with Accuphase was their moving coil phono cartridges. They made them; there was the AC-1 and AC-2. They had a wonderful focus and imaging that most of the other MC cartridges didn't have. The word phase is in their company name after all, and they lived up to it. A most interesting brand. I am an experimenter though, and if I had $12,000 to freely spend on power amps, I would have probably bought some vintage legends, like the Halcro power amp or the Sony TAN-7B which uses Vfets. Have you ever heard a Vfet amp? They stopped making them years ago because of cost. They are the best sounding transistors ever made, I think, and they are from the 1970s, believe it or not. The upper model Vfet amps go for thousands of dollars on the vintage used market and they are grail and rare. Some of the amps had reliability problems, so Sony stopped making them. Rumours have it that pristine ones can stand up to the sound of virtually anything currently in the high end. The fist time I heard a Vfet amp, the electronicy white sound that I thought was part of the genetics of all transistors, that was alway a little audible to me, was suddenly and refreshingly absent. I guess transistors don't have to sound that way, I said to myself. The Vfets were so smooth and the tone colors so pure and deep. The Sony TA-N 7B amps, if you find one, are usually around $3,000 on the used market. Those considering them shouldn't worry that they're so many decades old, as far as their design. There were some people who really knew what they were doing back then, as far as aidio design, and they didn't cut corners like they do today. There were some Vfet amp models only available in Japan that some say would sound even a little better than the TAN 7B. Years ago, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs heard rumours that Sony found a big box of old NOS Vfets in their warehouse. He jumped right on them and paid whatever amount Sony wanted for them. He incorporated the no longer made Vfets into a few amp designs which he might have kept for himself. Not sure. They are wonderful devices. .
Very interesting, thanks for sharing that! Now I have another piece of gear on the list! Yes, Pass with his SIT amps gained lot of attention and are greatly acclaimed by the critics and public.
Have my A-45 paired with a Audio Note Kit L5 Mentor preamplifier...
Yeah, pure bliss 🙂
OK, so you also paired it with a tubed preamp, YES.
Sweeeeet!!
Is it a high gain preamp? Asking coz my speakers are not so efficient
Hey Italian friend. Your house should be like a museum for music lovers. I envy you. 🤣
I think the champagne colour of the Accuphase is gorgeous in my opinion and I happen to like the look of McIntosh.
I had the privilege of listening to the Accuphase E5000 integrated and the McIntosh MA12000 integrated and I can tell you that I was really drawn towards the McIntosh. The McIntosh sounded so much more open, full, dimensional, ENGAGING and MUSICAL. The Accuphase E5000 sounds great and wow it looks beautiful! But for me I prefer the McIntosh MA12000.
Now all that said I bet the Accuphase Class A must be something extraordinary. Unfortunately I can't find one to listen to.
Hopefully one day I will try a McIntosh in my system!
I had a pioneer SX1250 that gave me a lot of what you describe ( my only very powerful amp). It has a limitless quality to it. I’m in tubes now. Glass kicks ass so far
Tubes just have that special thing that makes the music really come alive...
If you can find one do a review of the Technics SE-A3Mk2 power amplifier. 300 wpc, peak power 1500 wpc.power meters go to 1000 watts.
Nice amp Geez thats a beast thanks for the video 'Hi bias class A'
Accurate/Phase Started by Jiro an engeener for Kenwood/Kensonic Jiro was just like Mr Kikuchi who founded Sansui - Both Engeeners wanted to build high quality Stereos with hi end parts-
Jiro hired many top engeeners from Marantz to help him get started .
Accuphase to me has that amazing old school build quality absouletly Top of the line -
You're really scaling the audiophile mountain here, Guido! Accuphase is astounding stuff. Just get one of their pre-amps and you're done for good! P.S. put your camera in manual focus mode for product shots. The camera keeps switching focus to your hands/ arms and it's not very pleasant to watch.
Sorry for that!
hello, thank you for this video: my choice would be the A-48 + C2900 + DC1000 + Aurender N20 + Fyne Audio 1-12s. My question: for the amplifier I have an hesitation between the A48, A75 or the P7500 for a room: 60m2. Is the A-48 enough for my room ?
Speaker sensitivity is paramount
True, Accuphase is definitely a superior product, along with several other legendary brands. However, the ultimate make or break in sound quality, rests with the quality of your speakers attached to it- I have a vintage Sansui receiver that I originally had a pair of inexpensive bass-reflex speakers connected to and it sounded barely ok. As soon as I acquired a pair of Klipsch Heritage speakers, the difference in sound was absolutely stunning. I addition, the quality of your amp and speakers are both limited to the quality of your source material - just a case in point.
I am curious what Sansui you have - my first amp (receiver) was a Sansui S-X700.
@@alphaniner3770 I have a Sansui 5050 receiver, built in 1977
@@arnoldschloss9634 cool - a decade more vintage than the unit I used to have, and probably quite a bit better ;o)
- what is funny, is that many high end amplifiers, like the Accuphase here, partially try to go back a bit to the pleasant sound these vintage models can produce - reviewers nowadays often call that 'musical'. 'Resolution' and 'detail' are often confused with higher order harmonics that are in fact technical artifacts. Technically 'perfect' amps can sound pretty bad, especially with poor source material - but I guess that this is what you already said above.
6:18 If they have certified specifications, then I would imagine that means these are based on a number of samples provided (for each amplifier model and iteration, e.g. for the A48 they would need to provide samples for the 120VAC model, for the 230VAC model etc.) to the measurement agency issuing the certification. It is natural then that they will de-rate the performance figures obtained to account for sample variance. The certifying agency I would imagine would provide a statistical variance figure based on their experience from various such tests (and from the actual measurements of course). What this means to the consumer is that it is a statistics game so that with some rough probability (e.g. let's say 95% for the argument's sake) they will receive a sample with performance better than the figures guaranteed than specification. This could of course mean that the customer has a 5% chance (in our fictitious example) of receiving an amplifier with lower performance than the specifications. Again here I would imagine that there is a quality control process whereby they measure the amplifier when it leaves the soaking stage and after any basic control and safety tests are made. So the actual probability of receiving a sample with performance figures below specification would be far far lower than the certification process statistical error would prescribe.
Amazing review. I have a pair of Triangle Borea br03 speakers and the recommended amp power is 100 watts, can I pair them with Accuphase A48?
Thanks! No, you need much more power to drive them correctly.
Compared with the Rotel Michi X5? Much cheaper right and just as good?
Brilliant amps
Maybe you also want to review their upscale DAC and position it in the sea of DACs seems like another strong case.
congrats! I've also just moved to another, very different amp: luxman sq-n150 :)
Good evening, congratulations for this video.
With which preamplifier do you have paired this power amplifier?
Regards
Thanks! This one: th-cam.com/video/a7EWW4nW5nM/w-d-xo.html
That sounds very much like a TECHNICS SU A900 which is in the roofspace as the special electrolytic capacitors have dried out and all I hear is a very loud mains hum.
Judging by the size of the capacitors in the power supply, I can certainly understand why it’s taking so long for the amp to burn in.
Burn in for amps is an urban legend😂 unlike speakers
This is the end game amp for me....
Speaker A+B can use for Bi-wire as well?
Yes, because it's the same signa, so one output (A) is for two speakers connectors and the other (B) is forbthe remaining speakers connectors. Almost like bi-amping. BTW this is reported in the manual, it isn't something I invented.
@@anadialog but i thought if so, all 4 channels will be set at 8 ohms?
While certain technologies you speak of in this video are truly not novel or new, some of those technologies do help in providing a better overall presentation. I personally would favor a much much higher power gain factor while maintaining class A OPERATIONS. Personally, if I did not already have my own full all stages dual mono designed perfected ultra pure power instrumentation graded amplification units that have no peer at ANY PRICE, I might consider a dual mono setup of these for a basic high quality system of low level listening and far better than basic quality that is sadly so common today.
Gorgeous
Very nice video about Accuphase. I also love the Accuphase's sound. I notice that you mention also a Luxman in the video. Do you huge sonic differences between this Accuphase and the Luxman l590axii ? I'm focusing in class A/B amps from these brands. Do you listen in the past also class A/B amplifiers by Accuphase and Luxman?
Yes, the Luxman was quite different besides being an integrated amp. No a/b in recent past and not of these brands.
hi..they are very beautiful and well-kept...perhaps too much even for the exaggerated power they deliver.
25:35 Tube amplifiers have negligeable dampening factor. If going the tube way, one has to live with this disadvantage.
A few questions.
1. Why were you turning on your pre amp after the power amp? That's bad practice for any pre/power.
2. Why is your pre amp tripping the protection on the Accuphase, the Accuphase' problem? That seems like the instability lies with your pre amp.
3. Does your camera have a focus lock? If so, for the love of Gowan, use it.
1. I said the exact opposite.
2. Again, as explained the preamp is instable at the beginning, after 30 secs its ready to go
3. Indeed!
@@anadialog The pre amp is not unstable !!!! the output caps are loading on high voltage after warm up of the tubes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! totaly normal ! simply put a switch to connect output AFTER warm up of the tubes !
Two remarks. The first one is about YOU. 😉 You always adres guys. Why not the girls? I know. This is a Hobby with not too many women. Nevertheless.
But seriously. 12.000 Euro seem to be insane to spent on an amplifier. It was, when I bought mine. In pounds in those days. With a by Räke modified DAT-Player. That was in? 1992 or so. Together with the Transrotor it is still a gear, hard to beat. After 30 years or so. When I calculate, how much I had to spend on cars in that period…😱 Ok. The cars I needed to be able to do my job. But…
There is a lot of interesting gear out there. The Accuphase is first of all „Solid“. Its like an Roll Royce. Sometimes a little dull. But one can‘t name a car that is „better“ inb its whole.
Guys is neutral, it includes boys and girls! I know guy is a male term, but it can be used as a collective plural!
Yes, I know that these prices are just insane. For the money the Pass would win IMHO, especially in the used market.
Here playing Transrotor (Fat Bob) and Accuphase Pre/DAC/2Amp/Power too. Most people think I‘m crazy when I tell them about what the cables costs but at least we use the hardware seriously whereas most people don‘t really use their sports cars featuring carbon brakes and other high-tech stuff. Over lifetime money is well spent I would say.
How would you describe the sound signature differences between the A48 and the L590AXii? I love my 590 for voices and simple instrumentations, but it starts to show some limitations when the music gets complex. I wonder if a class A poweramp instead would help aolve some of that, and in partixular, whether accuphase may be a good candidate. You're unique in that you've extensively tried both units im referencing--Thank you!! 🙂
Thanks for your comment! Well, the Accuphase was quite better, in detail and soundstage but nothing compared to a quality tube amp. I recommend giving up these crazy priced luxury amps and get a good SET amp BUT you need sensitive speakers. Here is a video I recently made on the topic: th-cam.com/video/XxOPf0RbRbY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MlCYNoBAj6lu4IeJ
How do you adjust the volume on this baby? I don't see a volume control, only a gain. I love your videos but when you are showing us the product I would appreciate it if you could lock the focus to stop the camera from drifting between sharp and blurred. It's distracting.
Hi, yes, I know I actually thought I did 😅 but I didn't.
It's a power amp, no volume knob, you need a preamplifier to do that (or something with a preamp built-in like some some modern DACs).
Can you compare it to the Mark Levinson No. 585.5 or McIntosh MA8950?
What was the track in the beginning?? Sounded great
I wrote it in the video! :-)
Ben harper!
@@anadialog Might have missed that, Thanks :)
11:00 Not all Accuphase amplifiers come with needle VU meters. They are gradually switching over to LED-based VU meters so many models have the latter. This is a big mistake in my opinion. At some point or another, these will fail in the future (granted, it will be in the very remote future) and for some consumer this could be sooner than expected. Also they might receive complaints from Accuphase fans that prefer the needle VU meter look.
Can you do a system review because in the last year you’ve got new speakers, new turntable and now a new app I don’t know if I’ve missed anything but it would be nice to see what you have now because your last system review was a long time ago yeah, I’ve had class A power since 95 .27years that’s a long time with 2 different amps though in that time period Thanks for the good videos and have a good holiday season.
Thanks, yes, I need to do that. The fact is that I hate to show things without having them presented and reviewed...but I guess I will never get out of this loop
Can you just imagine what sounding digital audio plugins Japan has manufactured that Americans don't even know about?
I have that amplifier too
Sorry if I missed it, but what speakers are you using?
A pair of GoldenEar Triton Reference
自分自身はアメリカ製品を長く愛用して来ました。使用するスピーカーに合わせた関係で、オーディオ・リサーチ、マッキントッシュ、クレル、マークレビンソン、パス・ラボラトリー、ジェフローランド・デザイングループと使用して来ました。真空管からトランジスタ、フルデジタル、と変遷して来ました。ダイナミックレンジの関係と省エネルギー化を図る為に、デジタルアンプを選択しましたが、あくまでもアメリカ製アンプが大好きです。チャイナ何かに負けないで下さい。
Why. China will win. I decided to buy a Chinese electric car instead of the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. Why should I buy a German car when it may be cannabalized by the US?
@@huangjin800 自分は日本人です。オーディオを始めた時から、アメリカ製品に憧れていました。何時しかアメリカ製ハイエンドオーディオを買える日を目標に働いて来ました。現在のスピーカーはイギリス製のＡＴＣに特別に製作した製品ですが、駆動するアンプはアメリカ製品です。アキュフェーズは華やかさが無く、デジタルアンプでも有りません。此れからもアメリカ製品を愛用して参ります。
追伸！自宅で使用する映像用スクリーンもスチュワート製です。
Actually I bought an Accuphase many, many years ago. I still like English speakers so I will be buying the Sibelius speakers soon paired up with a Pass Labs int 25 amp. However the reality is that Chinese basic components are very sound and they have entered the hi fidelity market. Right now they are concentrating on products like the Korean Rose 150. But if they choose to move into the really high end hifi market they can do very well. The problem is the domestic Chinese market for these products are finite. Unlike electric cars where they are the leaders given their commanding domestic base. I would never buy a Tesla.
Interesting how some reviewers of Accuphase or Luxman gear do not show the back of the amp but a photo of it instead. Is it because they have Japanese models they do not want to admit to? Just an observation. Nothing wrong with that, though. I bought all of my Accuphase and Luxman gear in Japan.
Ahah! It's more simple than that. The thing is just too heavy! In any case my Pass Labs, Luxman and Accuphase are all European 220V (I'm Italian and live in Italy).
G.
Nice amp but I liked the all new Vinnie Rossi Brama amps and Brama Pre-amp a lot better 😇
Of all the Accuphase Class A amplifiers, which one do you think produces the sound with the most resolution, purest, and most natural timbres?
I can’t answer that because I did not listen to them but I am pretty sure that the sound is similar among classes, power is the main change
Ciao , volevo mandarti un messaggio , ma avrai disabilitato l'opzione , perché non un bel video sulla manutenzione di lettori ,amplificatori,giradischi e piastre ? Per esempio su una piastra professionale ho visto che il vano per le cassette si apre con difficoltà non so se mettere qualche goccia d'olio tipo singer o balistico o grasso siliconico sulle rondelle e molle che permettono al vano di aprirsi e chiudersi ,insomma qualche un bel video sul manutenzione che si può fare a casa, sui lettori cd , vinile cassette ,amplificatori e diffusori .
Potrebbe essere ma non sono poi così ferrato sulla manutenzione se non I passaggi base che ho già presentato qua e là nei video...
Accuphase is the Japanese McIntosh a very laid back , mellow sound that is more soothing than exciting...is this fair ?
Not really, maybe that would fit better Luxman
if this has all the power you need, will the big brother still play better? or is a more powerful amp just for playing louder? i am thinking of the a-80
It depends from speakers. More power is needed when you have low efficiency speakers.
@@anadialog i know, what i am asking is if the a-48 can drive my speakers well and play more than loud enough, will the a-80 still be an improvement in sound quality?
How many hours would you say that it took to settle in?
Around 40/50 at least
One small guestion, CAN A48 drive Avalon Eidolon.
I wouldn't recommend it with 87dB of sensitivity
@@anadialog thank you so much.
Nobody cries more than I , being stationed in Okinawa a store outside I think gate 2 st ? Sold the brand amongst other stuff, i didn't know the brand this 1982-82 but end up buying the typical fare at the base. Which wasn't a slouch ether.
Does this amp run very hot?, I'm asking this because of placement in a rack with only about 4 cm. of space above
It does but ai have came across hotter ones…if you have soma good lateral space it should be ok but I would ask them before purchasing just to make sure
Nice amp. The constant focus shifts are annoying though.
Sorry about that!
In the audio it sounds like an instrumentation amp is lab quality.
Founded by ex Kenwood employees in the early 70's.
Rate
BOAT anchor! Go for the better Class H amps.. Hey you can use that Class A amp. as an alternative indoor grill to cook your favorite hambugalors!
Accupahse uses NS1000M to test their amps, if Yamaha didn't make amplifiers, I would be on Accuphase.
6 months to acquire that Accuphase? It would take me 60 years to get that monster. You’re living better than me sir. I look up Accuphase every 6 months or so and just gaze at all the different products and imagine I could hear one in my life sometime. Then somebody reminds me that I live in the real world where a lottery ticket is my only path to perfection.
In fact, you can consider buying them from the Japanese mainland for almost half the price!
How HOT it runs?
Not much at all for a class a! It has this special rubber on the heat sinks that make it pleasant to the touch and reduces the temperature. Don't know how efficient is dissipation but I am sure they have calculated that.
Hahahahahaha.....................ask a cook the same question ...........
Thanks, great video 👍 Class A? Yes! That‘s the reason why I will take one day my heat pump Luxman L-590 AX ll with me into the oaken coffin to have lots of fun in heaven 😇
Good for isolated sounds not music.
I wish the design was a little bit different. The meters are not attractive and I wish it came in different colours
Accuphase just released the next generation A-48S 50W into 8 ohms doubling all the way to 400W into 1 ohm...
Nice! But I have sold my ages ago…
This is probably a decent amp but over TH-cam it just sounds like a little transistor radio
$10 k isn't that expensive for such quality that you get ... 😎