A review of a vintage Accuphase E-202. Thank you to Skylabs in Des Moines for letting me borrow it.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The Accuphase E-202 is an integrated amp released in 1974. This was the first integrated amp model that Accuphase offered. Thanks to Kevin at Skylabs in Des Moines for the loan.

[@clasvirhodes4969]

I loved kenwood back in the stereo wars days

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did a review of a vintage Kenwood unit. Check it out please. Thx.

[@imjustherefortheks]

I've never knew about Kenwood and Accuphase "partnership"... It does resemble some Kenwood models a little... Beautiful piece of art... I'm sure it sounds even more incredible than it looks! Congratulations!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes and then they were distributed in the US by TEAC. Very odd bedfellows.

[@jonneil4756]

Thanks for the video. I am a new subscriber and really enjoy your presentation style. I have an Accuphase E-303 and I love it. I’m not sure if their designed sound profile evolved, but I would describe the sound as slightly warm with very good and balanced bass, midrange, and treble. The speakers I have paired with it are Kef reference 101, and the Accuphase will push the bass even on this small sealed speaker. I bought mine while stationed on Japan and had it serviced by Accuphase before I left to ensure it continues to provide enjoyment for another 50 years.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I know the KEFs well. We used to be a KEF dealer and I had a pair of those. They would be a great match with that amp. The T27 tweeters were very detailed and forgiving. That's why the BBC used them in the LS35As. Thank you for your view and sharing your story.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Ed! I learned quite a few things about the E202 from this video as I have never read the manual. I'll have to give it another listen when I get it back to compare notes. Great video as always!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I printed you a copy of the manual and the brochure. BTW I used the MXN10 as my source so you may want to try it with the AXN10 you are getting. I need a forklift move this thing! What a beast and a beauty. Thanks again.

[@frankierodriguez8661]

mighty, beautiful built as a piece of concrete, ol' style machinery.

[@JohnScheppler]

Oh when you said look Audio Royalty I thought you were talking about yourself. The Accuphase looks awesome too and great information.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I sincerely hope I don't come across like that. I am going to do the NAD sometime next week. We are going to see the kids for father's day so I will be out of pocket this weekend. This thing is very interesting for sure.

[@JohnScheppler]

@@OldGuyHifi I'm just joking with you Ed. All is good and you are doing a excellent job 👏. Yes I'm heading to Niagara Falls with my family for father's day so I will definitely be out of pocket for money too. LOL

[@OldGuyHifi]

I hope you guys have a great time. Don't forget to go to Ripley's Believe it or not on the Canadian side. Lol. They will gladly take your $. Be safe.

[@alexandershpilka5848]

Made in 1974 but looks awesome. Thanks to people caring about it so that we can see it today in such a good condition. Thanks for the video, very interesting.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you liked it! Thx for tuning in and commenting.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Interestingly one of these popped up on Facebook Marketplace in Philly for $1400. It looks quite good. I had never seen one before. Now, I’ve seen 2.

[@fredcrook8228]

What an intense machine. That would be a blast to play with for about a week just to tune it into my set of speakers. Now... to get it back to Kevin in one piece. 🤔

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sorry Kevin the dog ate it. I had to leave it at home. Oh well. Here's a couple of bucks to make up for it. Hee Hee.

[@fredcrook8228]

I won't tell. 😏👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Shhh.

[@mikecampbell5856]

Wow Ed, this is an incredible work of art. I'm glad you got a chance to use it and share it with us. Thank you!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Mike.

[@BobTrainor]

Hi Ed, I’m Bob. I learned about your channel from your conversation with the guys over at Skylab. I’ve subscribed to your channel now and look forward to seeing your videos. My story is very similar to yours. My dad turned me on to hi-fi in the early 70s. I’ve loved it ever since. The music and the gear. It’s a ton fun. I really enjoy finding like-minded people online that understand the concept of listening to the music and listening to the gear. I think you guys called it, ‘The Curse of the Audiophile’. What I’ve come to over the years is if the system makes me pay attention to the music and it can keep me engaged for hours, it’s a good system. That being said, I still enjoy checking out new pieces of gear, new and vintage. (Love nice vintage amps - recapped and serviced) but I like the new stuff too. Anyway, I look for to watching your stuff. Thanks

[@OldGuyHifi]

Bob, Welcome! That's a great story about your Dad. I did the same thing with my kids. Got them listening young. I think one of the greatest things there is, is to help people enjoy and appreciate music. All kinds of music. I totally agree with you that if the system can make you want to listen more than that is the best system. Yes, I think we all suffer a bit from "gear" syndrome but that is part of the fun. Thanks so much for subscribing and sharing your story.

[@rafacq]

Hi Ed. It was a lot of fun watching you "play" with this beautiful piece of nostalgia! Glad to see the channel growing. Wishing you the best.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Hey, thanks!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Amazing amp and eye candy. Thank you so much for this in-depth review and intro to this wonderful equipment. '74 was a lifetime ago and almost the very beginning of my musical journey. Unfortunately, I could only dream of this kind of equipment in my sanction embargoed homeland, but what an absolute pleasure to enjoy it vicariously through your content in my new homeland. Thank you as always, Sir.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you Simon. I had roommate at prep school in 74 whos father was the US Ambassador to Gabon. He would tells what a train wreck Africa was politically. It may still be. Some of the stories were horrific. I am sure many felt that pain. Thank you for your friend sir. Be well.

[@Jazz-Pirate]

Thanks!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Wow! Wow! Thank you so much. I am grateful.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

If I didn't own a rebuilt Yamaha CA-1000, I would definitely be looking out for one of these. Great video!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@thomascraig9879]

Super cool! Nice piece. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

[@OldGuyHifi]

My pleasure!

[@clasvirhodes4969]

Another old guy here... I have a Cambridge (signature) AZURE 751 R v2 receiver. Coupled with the matching (signature) AZURE 752 BD player. Paid $2600.00 for the receiver back in the day. $1100.00 for the BD player. Best investment I ever made. Bought them around 2015 when my 3 year old Marantz amp died (three weeks after warranty ended) I love this Cambridge amp. I use it to listen to blu-ray concerts 2.1 channels.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I must say I am a Cambridge fan as well. I love their gear and design philosophy. Thank you for your view and comment.

[@brucetungsten5714]

Very interesting - especially the info about Kenwood - thanks! I have been wanting to get an Accuphase for a long time.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@adsph]

Great stuff Ed. What a piece.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Chris, I am glad you enjoyed it. That thing is a beast!

[@jim010109]

Great review. Can't wait to see the visit to Indy.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Working on it. Thx.

[@paulmarr6949]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@mauricepower6627]

Totally enjoyed the subject matter and you are easy to listen to.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's so nice of you. Thank so much.

[@petewagner1760]

What a fantastic piece of gear. It’s interesting how very similar it is to the McIntosh MA6100 which debuted two years earlier.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Great stuff man!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend. Coming from you that's high praise. It is a way cool piece. In an upcoming video I am going to use it as just an amp without the pre. Should be fun.

[@markevers3494]

I have one in almost mint condition. Was very fortunate to find one from an original owner. Right now I have the boards going through a complete recapp and filter replacement. Running, Heco 300's, Spica T-60's and Monitor audio silver speakers on rotation. Spicas are the clearest and best sound stage of the 3.

[@OldGuyHifi]

You luck boy! BTW I had a pair of T-50s back in the day. Yes they imaged very well. Just no bass. Thank you for watching and making me jealous.

[@user-gj4ei6dc5q]

Nice piece of gear! Enjoying your videos, thanks. Although it would not do any decent receiver or amplifier justice to listen to it through my phone, perhaps just a sample of the tunes you enjoy would be cool.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did include some samples in my recent Harman-Kardon HK3370 review. There are also several playlists at the bottom of the video description. Please let me know if you listen to them and what you think. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Brian_Romska]

Ed! Skylabs sent this to the right guy (thanks to them btw!) that was great just seeing how impressed you are with it! Also, 2000 subs isn’t surprising to me, there’s gotta be a million people out there who don’t know how nice it is to see your take on old hifi, yet… Oh ya and your idea to share playlists is perfect, I’m pretty sick of Spotifys crappy suggestions, I’ve barely found any new music in months 😢

[@OldGuyHifi]

Brian, Thank you. There are some pretty weird playlists in the video description. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

[@markevers3494]

I was fortunate enough to have an original owner contact me a year ago and sell me his. Price was unbelievably low. Its in great shape 9 -10 imho. I think it beats my Mcintosh MA6100, not by much but it does.

[@SHarris64]

I have an E-202 in original condition that I bought from the original owner for $400 Canadian about 40 years ago. I love this amp so much!! I haven’t powered it up for about 10 years because it’s overdue for a complete recap and service. I’d love to find a T-101 to compliment it but they are running $1500 these days from what I’ve seen. Do you have any recommendations for speakers to pair with this amp? My speakers are woefully inadequate to be in the presence of royalty. 👑 XraytonyB recently did two or three videos on the E-202 and the T-101. Great stuff!! Thank you for this. New subscriber today. 🙂👍🏻

[@OldGuyHifi]

Honestly, without knowing your taste in speakers and sonic preferences, I am afraid my suggestions would be meaningless. Did you want new? Vintage? Smooth? Exciting? The good news is that unit will drive almost any speaker you can think of. Thanks for the view and comment.

[@1mctous]

The low and high filters would work well with 78's. You'd have to use tone controls to adjust for the non-RIAA record EQ's used before the mid-1950's.

[@JohnGaltfromAtlas]

Still have mine - and its T-101 FM Tuner Companion (!). Currently in their original box, with the original user guide, etc etc.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's amazing. You should dig it out and listen to it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@JohnGaltfromAtlas]

@@OldGuyHifi Seems home theater has sort of taken the "front row" these days. I'm the original owner and used to live right down the street from the USA Warranty Center for Accuphase in Torrance, CA so I had them go through the E-202 & do a preemptive service, just because I could. But yes, I really should either pull them out of the boxes (or sell them both).....

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@JohnGaltfromAtlas It's funny John. I think home theater is on its way out. Most younger people are buying sound bars, Bluetooth speakers and/or listening from their phones on ear buds. I think there is a resurgence in two channel Hifi these days with the popularity of vinyl and the unexplainable interest in cassettes. They could be worth some money. I don't know. Listen to them before you sell them and let me know what you think. Thanks again.

[@mikedavid6681]

Vintage gear prices have been steadily increasing but you would have to spend a ton on modern gear to get anything close to the aesthetics and feel of older stuff. I have a rebuilt marantz 4140 and its glorious. Its a cliche but they dont make em like they use to.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That can be true. Nice unit. Thanks for watching.

[@carlhayes-ze5nd]

Very nice! I have been looking at those for a couple years now. I think I’ll sell my pioneer sa 9500 and 9500II to pay for one.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Carl, Good luck and I hope you get one in excellent condition. Thanks for watching.

[@lmkan]

Great review, and a great amp. I own a Kenwood 650 and a Kenwood 700C&M combination myself. Supreme series. Around the same period I think. They sound absolute amazing. Do you have experience with them yourself?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Louis, I am familiar with those units but it has been quite a while since I heard them. The 700C &700M must be an absolute joy to listen to. I know that the units you have had some of Accuphase's engineering inside. I did do a review on a vintage Kenwood KA-3500 and even though it is only 40 watts it was ballsy as hell. Good stuff my friend. Thank you so much for watching and sharing. I would really appreciate it if you were to subscribe. Thx again.

[@romannowak5169]

I recommend taking an interest in the B 2102 MOS VINTAGE model🎉🎉. Once upon a time I accidentally bought this model and it is still my best amplifier. even Accuphase M-8000 performed poorly in comparison

[@OldGuyHifi]

I remember that unit. If I can find one to review, I will gladly do so. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@genehammond7239]

👍👍👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thx.

[@jbguitarmanfl]

Been looking at buying one of these. Your review makes me wonder if it will work for me. I don’t run a subwoofer…never thought I needed one with my daily listener JBL L300s. I’m wondering how this amp might pair with them.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have a good friend with L300's and he has said they play well with lots of gear. ZI don't have any specific info on this pairing. Sorry. Thanks for tuning in.

[@poulpedersen359]

It would be interesting if you tried out the compareable luxman offer from the same time the luxman l-100 accuphase and luxman became great competitors with interesting philosophies regarding how music should be conveyed. the l-100 is a 110 watt integrated presented in 1975 as top of line offering in luxmans 50 jubileum year in hifi, and has a very interesting build comparable to the accuphase. it could be interesting to hear what rewiev you would give the luxman and how you think they compare.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Those units are rare so it's unlikely but I will keep an eye out for one. Thx.

[@Liberty_4Ever]

How does it compare to Rotel's old-school RA-1412 amp?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am sorry. I don't know. It has been many, many years since I have seen, let alone herd that Rotel unit. I wish I had an answer for you. Thanks for asking though.

[@Liberty_4Ever]

@@OldGuyHifi Thanks!! - where would you suggest looking to find an Accuphase E-202 that's been well cared for? Do you have a link for best platforms to be looking vs. eBay where it's hit or miss.

[@Liberty_4Ever]

@@OldGuyHifi - I did see one two years back on offer for $1,500, but I had no idea what I was looking. Your excellent review here makes me want to find a good one to enjoy.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Liberty_4Ever Skylabs Audio in Des Moines loaned me that unit. I don't think it is for sale. You would have to check with Kevin the owner.

[@RG-gy3hl]

I am looking to sell my E-202. Original owner it’s flawless

[@Silkmaster4200]

Is it good as tube amps ? I mean the best tube amps.

[@OldGuyHifi]

No. It is not. But at 50 years old it is very good. This is a period where solid state was just starting to come into its own. Early days. So, that's how I looked at it for the review. It is like a classic car. They look beautiful, they sound good but, you wouldn't want to drive one every day. Thx for watching and commenting.

[@joelima201]

The Japanese McIntosh !