SONIC PRECISION | Accuphase E-280 Amplifier Review

[@chalkie54]

Great review! As a new owner of an Accuphase E-4000 I can't stop smiling whenever I look at it sitting my rack. For vinyl lovers, pairing with a tube phonostage helps transparency and 3D imaging even further.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you CC 👍

[@flint9591]

Thanks for doing a very positive Accuphase review. Still using my Accuphase E-202 since 1979 and enjoying it daily !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great! Thank you 👍

[@michaelmasztal7871]

I also have the E-202 which has provided years of great sound.

[@flint9591]

@@michaelmasztal7871 originally had mine power a pair of Kef 104ab's. Purchased both back in 1978.

[@dphauto6863]

I had watched several other reviews of this product before this one, you are the only one to have mentioned the remote let alone actually shown it, so thank you for that and this excellent review!

[@1959ludo]

I went to various hifi demonstrations and when there was an Accuphase product at work I could not resist to take a chair and listen. If I had the money I would bild my music system with Accuphase, there is something in the way of reproducing music that Accuphase amplifiers do regardless with speakers are driven that invites me to sit down and listen.For me they are the holy grail. Kind regards Ludo Belgium

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences Ludo 👍

[@ZeroFidelity]

Well done, Tarun! The e280 is a sweetheart. I have no plans on parting ways with mine anytime soon.

[@phetmoz]

I'll extend the same wish to you as I did to Tarun - please do try to get your hands on a SimAudio Moon Integrated Amplifier! The 340ix D3P would be a good contender (price wise) to your E-280.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Sean. I can see why you love it. Hope you are well 😊👍

[@aceofspades6667]

Sean do you use your e280 as your main to run your P3ESR's?

[@jakus514]

​@A British Audiophile Or another budget gem I think you'd love the sound signature of, Vincent SV-237MK II. It's got everything you love about the e280, but with incredible bass control and wallop :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jakus514 thank you 😊

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Great review, thank you. I'm a big fan of Accuphase, love their design, engineering, and build quality. One day I hope to own a full 2-channel setup comprised entirely of Accuphase components. Thanks again.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated 👍

[@NinJa-yg7kh]

build quality is top notch. craftsmanship is on another level.... I love my accuphase and it would probably outlive me

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The next generation will benefit. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@KB-wc4fs]

Thanks for sharing your review. I have the Accuphase E-308 and adore it. It’s paired with an SME turntable and Pass Labs phono stage but on the look out for speakers so will watch your next review with interest. After my wife and kids, the Accuphase would be the first thing I’d save from a burning house. It’s that special.

[@ronharms8214]

I paired my E-380 with Sonus Faber Maxima Amator. A great match.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@philipgardiner7975]

@@ronharms8214Dude! I was going to suggest the EXACT same speakers. The Maxima Amator is a giant killer and gorgeous true 2 way floor stander from Sonus Faber. Saving up now for them.

[@christian2123]

Nice review! The Accuphase line were on display this past fall at Toronto AudioFest simply stunning. They sounded amazing. Someday...someday.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926]

Was waiting for this review, literally. Finally fell asleep after midnight (India time) as it hadn’t been uploaded yet. Watched it first thing when I woke up. Totally worth it. Great amp. Great review. Now hopefully the 10w pc Luxman SQ-N150

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

So glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

[@markcarrington8565]

Great review, Tarun. The inside of the amp fully lived up to my expectations. I just love the way great engineers take time to address every small detail. Gives you confidence it will go on for decades. As regards to the lightness in the sound, seems like a little careful matching will solve that and no doubt those who go the sub route will not care anyway. As regards to integrated versus separate pre-power, I think the market has a whole raft of talented integrated amps at the £5k price point. Between Naim, Leema, Rega and Sugden, it’s a hotly contested segment and that’s just in the UK. Add the rest of the world and it seems that a pre-power combination with its extra boxes etc would have to be exceptional to keep up. At £10k, maybe then the tables would turn.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Mark. Did you pick up on your honourable mention? 👍

[@markcarrington8565]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I even pointed it out to Jax 😂

[@tbirdsteve1]

Excellent review, thank you. Can't wait to hear you review the upper models in this brand.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I hope to do that 😊👍

[@HailKingCeezer]

Accuphase uses feedback and opamps which are frowned upon by tons of audiophiles, but i fell in love with Accuphase house sound across their generations. I have had many Accuphase models through my system and currently settled on my Accuphase multibit DAC and a power supply unit with only a mcintosh power amp so i sold my Accuphase C-280v preamp and P-360 power amp due to no need for a preamp and no need for that much power. I had planned to get a low power Class A Accuphase amp, but i can't deal with that much room temperature increase. You mention decay, and that's so true-i felt current feedback Accuphase models that i heard offered some HF fairy dust as if it floated around me. Voltage feedback models more solid and muscular if you will. Mid range seems slightly recessed across all Accuphase models i have tried. Made a poor match for horn speakers unless pairing with a mid range heavy tube amp/pre. Your review seems nearly identical to my findings. I have not heard current generation Accuphase nor 70s gen house sound, but previous 2 generations both do low level detail retrieval fantastic for those quiet nights. I've had the DAC-10,40 and 50 option boards. The 10 was smoothest, but slightly grainy lower resolution. The 40 was higher resolution, while remaining smooth. The 50 was highest resolution but also had highest brightness and fatigue. PC source only. I passed on the DAC-60 board and went up to their DC-91 multibit vintage dac and stayed with it. The option boards for their price point, i feel you can do better with separates at that same value, but they are certainly good enough if you are limiting yourself to a 1 box solution. They may need a much better source than i used at the time. For example, i did not have the usb converter quality that i have now for the DAC-10 which did not have usb input, nor did i have a dedicated hifi usb carb with psu or my usb cable when i tried the dac-40 and 50. Balance inputs show poor measurements on most Accuphase models which the company shows in their pdf files. Puts off those 'measurement's above all else' type of people. I never use balanced anyway. Find unbalanced to sound more natural. -Accuphase uses pin 2 hot xlr configuration FYI. Modern units allow button switch from pin 2 to pin 3 hot . I love Accuphase and i love Japanese HiFi.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 👍

[@dittonworks]

Ah great review, thorough as always.. I absolutely loved the E-480 I reviewed (now discontinued) it turfed out hidden potential I didn’t know my Spendor Classic 2/3’s had.. This baby one is closer to my budget and I’d love to hear it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 👍

[@nitinsoniism]

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. My fav is loudness compensation- makes it sing even at 45db.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nitinsoniism thx for sharing 😊

[@joelnorris4064]

Taran, very thoughtful review! I think that Accuphase and Luxman have some amazing products when matched with the correct loudspeaker. In USA Accuphase is very difficult to obtain because of the pricing and availability!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Joel. It isn’t readily available here either 👍

[@joelnorris4064]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Sad! I bought a Luxman 507Z instead which is nice!

[@Anand.Asrani]

Kudos Tarun ,Very well covered & I always knew Accuphase was special but now after your review I have something new to Chase after ...Thanks 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great. Thanks Anand 👍

[@2HatHudders]

I think these look stunning! I've always wanted to see and hear an Acuphase. I would love to see some more Japanese integrated amps on the channel. I have recently purchased a Denon A110 and whilst breaking it in, it sounds lovely.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I plan to review more Japanese amps 😊

[@jameschan2404]

Bring them on!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jos5067 thank you Jos 👍

[@clockface01]

I heard one today all can say is omg !

[@peterd1364]

another great review Tarun, won't be able to afford that kind of amp but a great insight into very well respected brand.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Peter. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@andrewwatkins7737]

Great review Tarun. I run an Accuphase e650 (class A) With Sonus Faber Olympicia Nova 3 speakers and Nordost cables- a neural , slightly warm detailed presentation which I love. Thanks again

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great. Thank you Andrew 😊👍

[@virtuaalikuvaus]

I have owned various Hegel integrated amps and I auditioned Accuphase E-5000 recently. After Hegels I used Devialet D250 and Audio Note OTO SE but for this test I also got Hegel H30 power amp for comparison. I used Mola Mola Makua + Tambaqui DAC + Lupe RIAA as a preamp. In the end I noticed that bypassing the E-5000:s preamp and using the Makua provided the best sound. Eventhough I really enjoyed the E-5000 as complete integrated using Devialet as a DAC. I had a long audition of the Accuphase and after getting the Mola Mola I got the H30 as well. Right from the start I remembered the Hegel sound and was struck how the power amp is so important part of the whole, I was getting the Hegel sound that I remembered but as time has went on and for having Devialet with its x-ray capabilities of detail and control and Audio Notes fluid natural tonal character I was in the familiar realm but the most interesting was comparing with the Accuphase. It had a lot more resolution and being a little bit more light it did not hide anything. Hegel sounded almost muffled in comparison. Devialet is open also but it lacked the natural characteristics of the Audio Note and Accuphase. Overall I enjoyed Accuphase and Audio Note the most but Accuphase was for me easily the best of the bunch. I ended up ordering Accuphase A Class power amp A-48S since I got the best sound bypassing the preamp section. And thanks for your wonderful review, I think you nailed the sound profile comparison between Hegel and Accuphase even though I have not compared the actual models. Looking forward for more videos from you..

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@virtuaalikuvaus thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊

[@robinr5787]

Very nice to see this Accuphase, the styling is perfect for my. Your recommendations for partnering equipment is somewhat above my (current, haha) limit, but perhaps owning this one day would make me feel king of the hill, even with my current speakers and more affordable dac. You once convinced me to buy a Hegel H120 and happy with it, but this Accuphase would be the center of my setup, in the spotlight. Thanks for this video, much appreciated!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Robin. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@Romulus980]

Great insightful review. Looking at the amp one cannot escape the obvious similarities with the amps from Luxman. One brand likes it components in golden looks while the other like their components in silver looks, apart from that spot the difference...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. There a lot of similarities with Luxman 👍

[@rudolfappel7236]

I like both brands.

[@bobb.9917]

Beautifully constructed inside and out! Thanks for the technical bits (some of which are above my pay grade 😅). You have cemented my previous awareness of "The Accuphase Sound", though. No…I have never listened (price is rather absurd in The U.S.), but I need some more power, muscularity and weight in the presentation which I have with my chosen separates for a lot less money, although I am sure that my system is lacking in the finer detail and refinement of the top-end on offer here. Fun review, Tarun! 👍🏼

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bob 👍

[@carolineleonard8214]

Having journeyed through many pre-power combos since 70s i am now of the opinion that integrated amps are now the equivalent, or very very close, and certainly supply everything that i want and need to hear. Having retired I'm on my 'retirement HiFi journey' and have recently heard the Luxman 507z and the Michi 5. I could easily live with either for the rest of my life, it comes down to facilities and my perception of value for money over price difference. Based upon Tarun's review I'm about to audition the Musical Fidelity combo so I may stand to be corrected on my view of integrated amps. I agree with Tarun on Accuphase though, because when at the Bristol HIfi show I heard an Accuphase amp combo, Michell deck playing into £38k speakers (I have forgotten the brand but they were huge). Rarely, I was the only one in the room so there was 'no chatting perfection'. I had goosebumps and a moistoning at the corner of my eye, it was that good. I was moved. Unfortunately I can't afford their class A amps and speakers of that size, but I would certainly love to hear the e-380 and its phono card to see if it competes. I'm being silly there, of course it's going to compete.

[@subzero9460]

Great review Tarun. The next model up is the E380 and this resolves and addresses all the shortcomings of the E280 and some. Can’t wait until you get the E380 in for review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to learn about your experiences. Please let me how you get on with the E-380 😊👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@subzero9460 thank you. I would like to do that 👍

[@ranelime]

Seeing Marvelous Marvin on your channel… best of two worlds❤

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ran. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@rajeevananthan4771]

Great review Tarun. I have the E-480 and have it paired with the ATC SCM 40 passive speakers. As you have pointed out the ATC require high current and in my opinion, the E-480 pairing just scratches the surface of what the SCM40s are capable of … Having said that it pairs well with my ProAc Tablette 10s. My sources are Blue Sound Node 2i, Accuphase DP-570 and a Rega P3 paired with Cyrus phono with external power supply. I also have a REL T9x. Cables and interconnects are Audio Quest.

[@kalcha4099]

Surely a more muscular amplifier is your next call to make the SCM40s show their ability? If so, what would you be looking at?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@aceofspades6667]

have you looked at the accuphase power amps ? A-50, P-4100, A48

[@rajeevananthan4771]

@@kalcha4099 a variety of muscular options out there, however the question is which brand would offer the equivalent refinement of the E-480? Am yet to figure it out ….

[@rajeevananthan4771]

@@aceofspades6667 yep, pricey through …

[@dougmurray7684]

As always, the BEST and most informative reviews on youtube. At the higher end, I'd prefer an Accuphase. I always wanted a Luxman and, at this price range, chose that brand. Would look forward to a review of their products.

[@Whatisthis94]

Exactly! Luxman 505 please

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Doug. Very kind 😊👍 I did reach out to the Luxman PR agent some time ago. Didn’t get anywhere. It may be time for a follow up 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@Arthur Kwan thank you 😊

[@dougg1075]

Accuphase and Luxman are pretty much my dream brands.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@markphilpot8734]

When it comes to Accuphase, you are better off going to their mid tier or higher if you are looking for the most refined sound that they’re capable of delivering. This is not a brand for the faint of wallet. You get exceptional performance for your money. The power supplies only get more robust with each level above their starting points. This is a high ticket brand. Detail and nuance is their claim to fame and you get both in spades. If you can play in this league, you are rewarded with great sound quality and build grade that leads the industry. This is high end for the well heeled. You won’t see this on little league players shelves. Those who buy their separates are in music nirvana. Heaven waits in the cabinets of Accuphase, but you must let your own ears be the judge of that for your ears are the final word and so will your wallet!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mark 😊

[@lakaylukas]

I couldn't agree more!

[@tonydeniro284]

Yea ok, get ready for the poor house....this one is expensive enough...and I own it. ..

[@markphilpot8734]

@@tonydeniro284, lucky you. Accuphase is a brand in it’s own category. Enjoy it for few will have the privilege. Let others hear this piece as it needs to be experienced to be believed and appreciated. Sharing stirs others to get their own!

[@AlexanderTG3]

How’s the E-5000?

[@Johndifool-moebus]

Excellent review as usual, just listened an accuphase e380 today (with Pmc twenty5 23i), waaaoouuuh. I want to change my h120 and I do think I have found what I am looking for…simply another world !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great. Thank you for sharing 😊👍

[@colanitower]

Such a beautiful amplifier. This is Japanese precision craftsmanship at its finest. For me it's out of budget reach, so I went for a refurbished Denon PMA-QS10 Mk2 as a "poor man's Accuphase" solution. Is it indeed? I'm sure the Accuphase will be better still, but the description in the video, the soundstage, the precision, and so on matches what I experienced after installing the Denon in my system. It made me want to discover the music collection all over again and that's the best compliment a new component can get. One thing Accuphase can't match: the size of the volume knob, drawing children to it like a magnet. They want to turn it up all the way 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great 😊

[@hrvojekant9415]

Great revew, as ever! Coincidently last night I visited my audiophile friend who just yestereday conected in his audio system one more Accuphase...this time it was E-350! Mine impressions were quite similar to yours observations regarding E-280. Best regards,

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Hrvoje. Good to know 😊👍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS TARUN…FOR SHARING THE BACKGROUND OF ACCUPHASE AND I APPRECIATE IT ❤️ for the same reasons you do …I have no experience with pre pros 🤷‍♂️ BUT I DON’T KNOW WHAT I AM MISSING 😁💚💚💚

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@mikemanning4356]

An enjoyable and informative review thank you. I particularly like your comments about just 'wanting to touch the Accuphase'.... all part of the charm of the brand...simply superb quality. I do think that your comments about a 'lightness and lack of drive' in the bass are more governed by the transducers at either end of the E-280. Yesterday, whilst running-in a brand new 'budget' Dynavector 10X2 Low Output on our Well Tempered Simplex record deck with Epos ES14N on the other side and listening to Khatuchurian's 'Spartacus' on the Decca label the E-280 produced the enormous dynamics and deep bass in a thoroughly engaging manner. Leaving nothing missing in the lower register. Glad to hear that you like the Accuphase E-280, do try to get your ears around some of the other models further up the range....I know that you will enjoy. I did reply yesterday but it seems to have disappeared. Maybe I had inadvertently transgressed and unwritten rule.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing Mike. I haven’t deleted any comments so not sure where you previous comment went 😊

[@tonydeniro284]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above! Pair the e280 with some dynamic speakers, JBL, and a fast moving coil cartridge...you will not be missing anything. The source components and the speakers will add their own spice. The Amp should remain neutral.

[@dannyb3663]

6:08 wow that looks beautiful. Perfect blend of technology and art.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is a very nice amp 👍

[@IamVintage72]

This amplifier looks like its made to the highest standards in quality and craftsmanship. It's seems mythical like the one person said.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is very nice. I will miss it 👍

[@RaúlGajón]

I have an E-260 attacking Diapason Astera and ATC SCM19 and I love it. I also have a Mcintosh 275 mk4 + c48 preamplifier set and the one that is always playing at home is the E-260, also with the ATCs that are more complicated. But I have everything, there is a "prat" factor, bass, dynamics, speed, beautiful timbre....it has a lot of power, you have to listen not just read technical data!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for sharing 😊

[@davidsykes2825]

Great review Tarun! I would love to hear an Accuphase through my speakers someday!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I hope you get to do that 😊👍

[@anthony2010707]

Nice meeting you at the Bristol show, hope you enjoyed it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. It was nice for me so many people who watch my videos too 👍

[@larryh9525]

Hi Tarun, nice review. There is something truly magical about Accuphase gear. Whether it's the timeless styling or the attention to detail, there is something that makes me have great respect for their products. In my view, most of the gear reviewed (on the web) just leaves me non-plussed, but with Accuphase gear there is something aspirational about their products. I'm a big fan of things that I can buy and use for years and their products fit that bill perfectly.

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Nice to know there are still companies making timeless products, built to last forever.

[@andrehendrik]

Well said.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Larry 👍

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Great amp always loved the sound and quality of them , I like the luxman too

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Me too!

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Thanks Tarun, as always. I remember hearing Accuphase back when. Probably someone bought it through the PX. And no built in DAC, I consider a huge plus. A far as pre/power vs integrated, my non-answer is "it depends". Mostly I'd say get what works for you (price, space requirements, style) and enjoy. For me, it's a preamp and monoblocs, but I'm the esthetics committee.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Wise words my friend 😊👍

[@Steve-ik5yc]

I auditioned speakers over the Christmas break with no intention of buying an amp. The amp used in one of the auditions was this amp. I ended up buying it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great Steve. I hope you enjoy it 👍

[@amitgombi1620]

1. Good review. Please keep up the comparisons section. That gives a clear idea of where the product stands and what to expect from it. 2. Which cables do you use for your review? 3. I have a pre-power kind of setup. Had Rega integrated earlier. Both for the cost are good. Interconnect cables become very important for pre power and each cable brand brings out something new in the system. Once matched correctly, the system is great but one needs the patience of doing all this. Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Chord Signature interconnects and Linn K20 speaker cable 😊

[@IanDocherty335]

I currently have one on home loan together with a Chord Qutest from Hi-Fi Lounge and I will be returning them next Tuesday together with my order. My forever amp!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Oh dear, what didn’t you like about it?

[@IanDocherty335]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!..............sorry, badly worded....just the opposite. The loan amp goes back and I will place an order for a shiny brand new one of my own. Good review as always Tarun. 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@IanDocherty335 understood. Thank you Ian. Enjoy your new purchase 👍

[@NinJa-yg7kh]

I used to have a NAD Pre and Power Amp with rated output of 150 watts running a Harbeth P3 and to me it was good until I decided to change it to an Accuphase E260 Integrated Amp which is just probably 70watt output and it blows the NAD in all aspect... I have sold the E260 and bought an Accuphase Class A E600 which is only 30 watt but I am loving it....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great. Thank you 👍

[@Piano-rk8os]

Very well done , Sir 👍🏻... You confirmed my impressions I had with the Accuphase 270 hooked to the Epicon 2. The 280 is certainly better than the previous model, but the basic sound signature is comparable. I guess I will go with Tubes to add warm and holographic sound to my Epicon 2. Thanks again for the effort

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@Piano-rk8os]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314 Just by curiosity : Did you connect the Epicons to the Willsenton ? I am about to order the R8...

[@zindahoon]

Excellent Tarun , thanks for words and next time when you mention track show the album art , too hard to find classical track finally got it

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I should put a link in the description 😊

[@TimoSinclair]

Another enjoyable and interesting review, thanks Tarun! There seems to be a bit of resurgence in popularity and exposure for Accuphase in the UK recently, nice to see. One of the interesting features you mentioned was the ability to add option boards. I wonder if you might have the opportunity to do a mini review of the the latest DAC option board and maybe compare this to your favourite stand alone DAC in the same price range and maybe the range above? Haven't seen anybody do a comparison like this anywhere, yet. Keep up the great content!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Timo. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@halitimes2]

I used to own an Accuphase E-408 20 years ago, I still miss that amplifier and often do a quick search on eBay for a more current model at a reasonable price.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@halitimes2 I hope you find one 😊

[@allanjuulkristensen5132]

Accuphase is pride of ownership for me 😊 Love the design and the perfect craftsmanship… and the sound just beats everything else out there imo . So I think I’ll just be keeping my e-480 for the rest of my life … no need to “upgrade” … just to get something different… not better 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@terencehughes9170]

My summer amp is Accuphase E480 and I love it. I previously had Naim pre power amps but got fed up with none standard cabling and never ending outlay of cash to get any improvement and for me the E480 trounces the Naim amps that I had. My winter amps are U.K. Audio Note tube 300b monoblocks and tube pre which I also love but I am so happy with the E480 that I could live without them.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@terencehughes9170 that is great 😊

[@BobMetcalf]

Thanks for a great review once again. I really appreciate that you do comparisons, not only with the component types, but the sources as well as speakers. It puts things into perspective. As to your last request of pre/power vs. integrated amplifier experience, I swapped out a number of integrated over the years: Kenwood to start, then Arcam, then another Arcam, then Naim, then finally the Naim Supernait 3. I had settled there for awhile, until I was fortunate enough to compare that with a Bryston B17 pre/4B3 amp. To my ears, the Bryston combo had more detail, more power of course, and better overall presentation. So I upgraded to that. When Bryston released the B20 pre, I compared it to my 17, and I felt that it was a step backward in audio quality, even though it had many more bells and whistle options. But at the same time, it was recommended that I try the Rotel Michi P5 pre instead. The Michi outshined both of the Bryston's, so now that's where I'm at. The Michi added more warmth to the sound, and with the Bryson 4B3, has a very accurate but calmer resolution to my ears. So again, it comes down to a lot of factors like room acoustics, cabling, and source, but for me, the amp/pre setup has been the best choice (so far).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Quite a journey. Thank you for sharing Bob 👍

[@heinzbecker691]

finally you got your hands on a accuphase mashine xD. I started with a E350 and years later i upgradet to the c2120 pre and the p4500 power amp. this is not even a small step up...this is another ballgame. But the accuphase devices react pretty good to nordlst csbles. try to get you hands on frey 2 power cords and heimdall 2 xlr. ...the accuphase will come to life!!! this is another presentation! i spent a large amount of money to keep my ac clean with an ps audio p5 powerplant which is feedet from a nordost tyr 2 power cord. the p4200 got also a tyr 2 power cord and the pre and dsc got frey 2 power cords. xlr dac to pre is valhalla 1 and from pre to amp is tyr 1 xlr. Speakers are b&w 804D2. dac is gonna be a venus 2 12th at the moment its the schumann ladder.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@mrkitewine7700]

Wow, that looks stunning. Way out of my price bracket unfortunately, one to consider when my lottery win comes along. I enjoyed the Bristol show, there were some real ear-openers there. Thanks for the review Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mr K 👍

[@GautamChatterji]

One of the top 3 Accuphase, Luxman and Macintosh 😊 excellent review Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@GautamChatterji]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 we met at Bristol show :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@GautamChatterji yes, I recognise you from your photo Gautam 😊👍

[@ridirefain6606]

Great review. Very informative. Outstanding job.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@cafepuschkin3955]

Even if I can't afford one, it's still nice to see and hear what famous brands are like - such beautiful engineering, especially inside, seems a shame to cover it all up, even with an elegant case.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. It is very nice inside and out 😊👍

[@hclandscapes]

I own a Hegel H190 and personally couldn’t be happier with the inclusion of a DAC and built in streamer , I only wish Hegel came with a HDMI eArch option for tv connectivity apart from that it’s almost the perfect amplifier for me .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@marcus1970]

Depending on the pre amp chosen the liklihood of not having paid for design, manufacture and implementation of circuitry that won't be used is minimised with seperate pre/pow... Though modular integrated units make a good dent in that mindset... Less interconnect cables simplify and a single chassis with integrated mean the budget can go further.. Pros and cons and choices.. Never a bad thing for the consumer. Great content Tarun. 👍🏻

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Marcus 👍

[@fattnersgeekfile5478]

once again another great review!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@genehammond7239]

Beautiful Amplifier and what a nod to the past !!!😲😲👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@RealHIFIHelp]

The 480 model fixes most of those problems, a very underrated amp. The DAC you can get with the 480 model is really good. I would be happy with the 480 model for a very long time, and just skip this 280 model. Also once you have the 480 model with the built in DAC, you then get the power to break free from the Accuphase sound if you want to for those who think it is too nice/slow/colored.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@aceofspades6667]

Accuphase is one of the premier japanese brands that I'd love to eventually own. Luxman, Reimyo, EAR Yoshino, technical brain, phasemation, yamamoto, otomon lab, and uesugi research are all interesting as well... The pricing just becomes eye watering and always just falls outside of my budget. But I will own one someday.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@AudioThings]

I feel you. It took me about 12 years to get a premium japanesse amp, but now I own a Luxman L507Z and it's well worth the hype.

[@firststspeedway-hotwheelsr3545]

Hi Tarun, as asking for our experiences with integrateds and pre/power, I have one main system , which has 2 electronics at the heart. Funny enough that my integrated is a new unit, KT88 tube based, and my SS is a vintage pre/power amp combo that I bought in 1983. I usually go for a month or so with one or the other in my system, changing my listening tastes to boot. The Tsakiridis Aeolus plus integrated has a holographic and almost lush midrange that makes listening to jazz, vocal and acoustic works, a dream. Whereas the Bryston 1B 3B combo , has darker background more detail and bass slam/control.. I use this combo for Rock , Prog and material which contains deep bass and lots of it. I love both set ups, and doubt I could live without one or the other. Note that the Brystons, although 40 years old, I would put against some of the newer gear out there that I've heard lately (they've been back to Bryston a few times for upgrades and cap work, over the years). Best $1350 I've spent in my 50 year audio journey. Thank you for your time, and your channel is one of my favorites.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@martinmullen71]

I love these reviews, thank you very much for them.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@georgep3323]

Thanks for a great review, both Accuphase and Luxman, are absolutely fantastic, and preferred to my Naim 300dr / 252. with supercar dr. Accuphase E650 and Luxman 590, just took the music to another level, more real, more engaging and true, more musical ( IMO) Have been a Naim user for 40 odd years, and it took Accuphase and Luxman, to make me move on, in comparison both these amps are VFM, compared to my Naim. The Naim is also great, but Accuphase and Luxman one box solution and sound, just did it for me.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences George 👍

[@donalddietz4755]

Hi Tarun, Nice review. I think your evaluation places it accurately within the range of available product at that price point, and I too would love a comparison with other Accuphase amps as you climb the price ladder. I found it particularly interesting that you chose to cite Mari Kodama’s performance in your review. Coincidentally, I have been listening to the Pentatone recordings of the Beethoven sonatas this week with great interest and enjoyment. She has stolen my heart many times over the years, both in live performance and on recordings (as has her husband Kent Nagano). I will quibble with your calling her Maria. It is definitely Mari. That aside I agree that her music is a fortuitous musical pairing with the Accuphase. Very enjoyable. Again, thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Donald. Apologies, I misspoke her name 😊

[@donalddietz4755]

Wasn’t a criticism. Just thought you’d want to know. Also, you asked about what people liked re amp/pre combinations. I like ss amps (in my case Luxman) with tube preamps (again, in my case, a very boutique Australian brand, Supratek). These power Magnepan 3.7i speakers. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@donalddietz4755 thank you Donald 😊

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

A very novel approach, with optional features available, but not initially required. I also like the Preamplifier bypass to improve system integration with AVR setups. Thank you so much for this great review and intro to this manufacturer and equipment. A little out if my price range, but definitely something to aspire to. Take care and all the very best, Sir.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 👍

[@sdr6950]

What an amazing company. I consider Accuphase as the Japanese McIntosh.

[@ibassnote]

I wonder where you would place Luxman?

[@kalcha4099]

Though in terms of looks, you're comparing a medieval castle to a Georgian house. Or a Lada Riva to a Lotus Esprit. McIntosh amplifiers are seriously ugly.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing. They certainly both have a fine history 😊

[@sdr6950]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Agreed, and thank you.

[@adrianconti5718]

I’m a massive fan of that clinical Accuphase sound, would love to know what the DAC Chip is like? But great review as always!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you, Adrian 😊👍

[@cruise2023]

Yes very pricey, have always wanted an Accuphase amp and cost has always stopped me. Fortunately just recently saw a totally restored E-206 at the right price and bought it. Sounds very nice, balanced i would say. I think a more modern amp like the E-280 or above bought at the right price would be hard to knock back.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing Alain 😊

[@edmaster3147]

I use a modified Accuphase with large horns and 18 inch woofers. The discussion about the bass is well known, but paired with a really good source other amps often are 'overpunchy; and not so precise, mostly felt by the subsonic bass and texture and control, which easily gets not noticable when the amp is to rich in bass. And I use only a poweramp and no pre-amp at all, just a very nice volume control after an Audionote DAC. I feel that in the basis Accuphase has really nice designs and clever solutions, but they might 'over do' it for achieving 'sweetness' to their sound. Removing some of that stuff and getting it more basic leaves an amp I like more. But if that is what they like, good for them.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@1969Upul]

Thanks for the review Tarun. I am looking forward to see your review on an Electrocompaniet amplifier. Hope one day you will get an opportunity to review ECi 6.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@veetour]

I have this amp paired with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers. It’s very clean and clear sounding. I would agree with the impression that it’s a little light in the mids.

[@morespinach9832]

The hats because you’re using an amp on the lower end of the accuphase range. Go up to 380 or 480 and your heritage will come to life even more.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@davidmathieu3592]

@@morespinach9832 hello j'ai Dynaudio Evoke 10 dans petit salon l'accuphase E 280 est un bon match? or 380 thank you

[@AnandaSh4k3]

Arent the Heritage Specials themselves light in the mids? Seems like it would be a bad combo then.

[@aciel-tv]

i m currently considering one of accuphase's offerings as mcintosh prices are way too overpriced in singapore (accuphase's are also quite overpriced, but at least it seems slightly better). What really attracted to me to consider (is not just the VU meters), but the optional cards (which i really need a phono + dac as well). its really an amazing piece of gear and i have never seen/heard of anyone online bashing/critic-ing an accuphase amp (that really says something about the brand and their amps) Due to their pricey nature. i m also considering older ones like E-460, E270 etc as they provide such good value. (E270 only has 1 option card, though) thanks for the review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Please let me know how you get on 😊

[@adamcfada5071]

In pre/power vs integrated discussion , I think a good dac with volume, Bluetooth (with streaming option) and rca inputs can be the pre. Even better if it was a tube dac. Then one is free to choose the type of power amp they want.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ada 😊

[@frederikjacob1985]

I own a c200x, p400, dp57 combination with b&w cdm7 nt's. It's what my budget could pay in accuphase and couldn't be more happy with them. I got that real reference sound that i was looking for. For me personally one of the best audio brands on the market today.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@mpp9964]

Outstanding boxing analogies! Looking forward to more. Completely agree with your point about making DAC and phono optional. Don’t care about the plastic knobs but I wish they had a flip plate that hid all those knobs and buttons… way too much visual noise. Great review as always Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Much appreciated. The models further up the range have a flip plate. I guess they could do it on the entry model to hit it’s target price 😊👍

[@mpp9964]

@@abritishaudiophile7314hey thanks, I had no idea they had a hidden knob version. Accuphase is out of my price range so not familiar with their full lineup (my self imposed hi-fi MO is to never spend over $1,500 on a single component; speakers not included in this constraint). Understand though fully as I am a product manager myself, so it’s smart to build in visual differences that encourage walk up through the range. Thanks for the response Tarun.

[@paulhogden7454]

Hey Tarun great review - It certainly opened my eyes back to Japanese amps. I wonder how they’d balance with my ART Emotion studios

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulhogden7454 thank you Paul. It is worth a try 😊👍

[@michaelwright1602]

I have but one word, "GORGEOUS"!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Agreed 👍

[@IrenESorius]

My relationship with Accuphase is extremely simple. WAAAAANT,, 🥰😋🤪😅. Integrated all the way for me please. Why pay extra for boxes, interconnect cables, etc etc. Cheers and thank you sooo much for your time and work Mr Best Reviewer on YT,, 🍻😎👍‍‍👍‍‍. (You Tarun, Nemo and iiWi are the only 3 HiFi reviewers I can remember whats said after a review. ⭐⭐⭐

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly Irene ❤️👍

[@warfam_clan6933]

Hi Tarun. It was awesome meeting you at the weekend. Saturday night at the hotel bar was a wild one, even if we had to queue for ages. What rooms impressed you the most? I will be joining your Patreon next week, looking forward to the perks. Accuphase have always been a bit special in my opinion.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It as great to meet you too, my friend. There were quite a few rooms that I found interesting for one reason or another. The Decent Audio room, Acoustic Energy, Audio Note, Golden Ear, Wilson Benesch, Coppice Audio, Neat Acoustics, Voxative, Lemma Acoustics. Plenty of stuff to get in for review 😊👍

[@kcr2365]

Why am I watching self defense ads in the middle of a audiophile review. Must be unknown forces at work

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I don’t know 🤔

[@Maxiinti]

Hi i have the Accuphase e 5000 I can only say wow wow wow 🤩

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great 👍

[@sleepyf1]

Great review, thank you. Now please review Luxman.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@massimilianozeni1848]

nice review as usual Tarun. Was really looking forward for this one. Here where I live (Hong Kong) the E-280 cost 29000 pound though and in Japan it cost just as much as the H190 which I owned and it is to date the amp I liked the most in my system (Spendor A4). I was considering the Accuphase after the Yamaha A-S1200 (great amp but too bright and too lean for my taste) but given your description I think it's not the amp for me. ciao

[@xstensl8823]

they are cheaper in Japan

[@massimilianozeni1848]

@@xstensl8823 exactly but the H190 here is 2400pound.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@masamunexc]

Great review. Any larger Accuphase amp reviews coming sometime?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@masamunexc thx. I hope so 😊

[@damnedseagull6194]

Unpopular in the UK is probably because it’s very expensive. Back in HK, it’s authorised dealer always pairs it up with Tannoy high end speakers liked Tannoy Westminster in their dedicate showroom. It was my dream to own one but can’t afford even the entry level model. The issue of punchyness, being the lowest range is understandable. Beginning with E4xx or even pre-& power models, that issue would have be solved. E280 may goes well with Tannoy Sterling. Anyway, Accuphase can probably be described as “not value for money”. Your review of E280 I believe is spot on.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@tonydeniro284]

How is it not value for the money?

[@adgokhale]

Fantastic review, Tarun! Accuphase sound is truly exceptional especially their pre power combinations. Floorstanders do far better justice to Accuphase amplifiers in my experience.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ashish. I get that. They should work well with speakers that have more bass emphasis 😊

[@jayroland9481]

T'would be nice to see Accuphase and Luxman produce amps in black. Silver, to me, is very 1970's. Great review by the way.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jayroland9481 thank you 😊

[@jayroland9481]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 BTW, my A-S1200 arrived last week, I'm just waiting on a pal to come over and lift it from its box onto my sideboard for me.....really looking forward to my first listen with it.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Re separates v integrated: Coming from a Pro background, everything I have owned and used is a separate. That's just the way pro gear is built; one unit does one thing and everything is run balanced on the same ground plane. However, I love integrated amps. They say separates have the advantages of total isolation but, I don't detect any sort comings in the E280 I recently acquired. Especially considering the physical build quality that uses internal isolation barriers. I've also used some Sansui integrated amps and loved those too. I just feel that the main processing/power plant should be one self contained INTEGRATED unit.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@philpepp]

Thanks Tarun, fantastic review as always. I love the look of this amp it reminds me of those amps from the 70s and 80s. Nothing wring with that. It looks solid and built to last. It looks similar to Luxman are they affiliated?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Phil. Much appreciated. As far as I know two separate companies 😊👍

[@russellbrikowski6139]

Great review Tarun thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Russell 👍

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Great review - and quite a pleasant surprise to see an Accuphase product reviewed here. Is this the first Japanese amplifier reviewed? If so, it couldn't have been a better start. Could we hope for an Accuphase dac or an Accuphase A-class amplifier at some point? Granted, these are very exotic beasts but, in my book, anything with the Accuphase logo is. I had reservations on the AAVA circuitry but it was perhaps that I misunderstood their (slightly cryptic?) description of it? or that it seemed like excessive (possibly without reason?) use of technology? Your explanation and photos helped dispel my fears. By the way did you use the balanced input or the single-ended input or both? For a bottom of the range amplifier in the Accuphase AB-class line-up, one cannot but simply feel admiration for the brand. As with other brands of this calibre, just looking at the circuits of the amplifiers going up the line-up reveals that more of the same is obtained, rather than better design or better circuitry or better parts. That's one of the fundamental reasons that set Accuphase apart. Even in their lowest end model, balanced inputs are provided. In effect, for someone looking for a low power AB-class amplifier, this is the end of the road. The pre/power in/out option also gives some flexibility when going the upgrade route. This wasn't available a few years back. While some find the plastic knobs objectionable, I think the quality of built is simply exceptional and this is not a sour note. They don't feel like cheap plastic. Also, why have a metal knob when 90% of the time it will have a plastic interior? Even worse - the absolute folly -, a machined knob connected to a pot/selector with a plastic shaft! Why pay for a totally unnecessary chunk of metal in an audio product? Yes, the fascia looks like machined aluminium slab (not entirely sure, but it does give that impression) so that bit of extravagance could perhaps be forgiven. I have to admit I do not care much about the look of the fascia - it's styling is simply too Japanese for me - that sloping lower part. I much preferred their earlier designs. It also has a hint of late '60s - early '70s which are not my favourite decades from an aesthetics viewpoint. I could criticise Accuphase: I could say that the front is over-the-top, too much unnecessary stuff - I could just do with the amp and pre-amp, thrown in a metal box with just a volume knob - something as frugal as early Exposure or '90s Sugden. But then it wouldn't be Accuphase.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you sharing my friend. I do hope to review more Accuphase stuff 👍

[@sylvio1980]

Hey ! Great content as usual, always looking forward to new video from you, Tarun. Perhaps it’s a different class, but how would this amp compare to Sugden a21se ?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated. I would like to do that but they are still catching up with back orders 😊👍

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thanks Tarun. I am a gear fondler. I like my separates.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Jim 😊

[@cobar5342]

Thank you for an excellent review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 😊👍

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Thanks! I can't address the 2 channel pre and amp but in A/V the costs go into nose bleed, lol. The Family home has a 7.3.4 and all the connectors and was VERY costly ($57K), with me doing the install. That I think addresses it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Ouch! That is a fair outlay 😊

[@ut2500]

I no longer have a turntable or a tuner. I have need of an amplifier with one input from my DAC. An integrated amp has all kinds of selectors, inputs and controls that I wouldn't use. For myself, I think you can get better value and performance from a passive preamp and a separate amplifier. I'm looking at an Accuphase A36.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@rudypieplenbosch6752]

Still looks almost exactly like my Accuphase E211, love it to bits, best amplifier i ever bought. Interesting review, although these subjective conclusions about placement doesn't tell me much. Why not get an Audioprecision device and start measuring the quality, nothing more objective then plain measurement data, quality can be measured. Anyway its interesting to see a channel about more high quality audio, thanks for the review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. The people who provide objective measurement data provide a valuable service to our community. Measurements can highlight whether a product has problems in engineering or good audio hygiene. Unfortunately, the do it offer great insight into how a product will sound and that tends to be the focus of my channel 😊