Accuphase C245 preamplifier by BRZHIFI reviewed - there's a good reason why patents are expiring!

[@hakunamakaka8616]

First keep it up I really enjoy your channel! I'm trying to decide which preamp to use as I ordered Holo May KTE without noticing it has no volume control. This will go to active Abacus speakers. In a perfect scenario I would love to have volume control for my turntable setup as well which uses MM tube phono preamp.

[@k4syx]

Thank you! There was no preamp with MM that I've tested: haven't seen cloned preamps with something like that. Just separates (supposedly of excellent quality) that were phono preamp clones too :)

[@CalCobra]

Nice review, and I completely concur with your findings. I recently purchased the same preamp (notice they spelled selector incorrectly?). It's very well made, the remote is some cheap repurposed remote, but it's a remote (bummer it doesn't change input though). I like that it has XLR in/out, and it has TWO XLR inputs which seems to be a rarity in preamps at this price level. I agree that the power button is clever, initially I thought WTF, but after using it, I agree, very well placed. Sonically, it's reference quality. Vocals, strings, piano, guitars, drums, wonderful. I'm evaluating these preamps with the Transaudio D5 Pro, which is a great pairing. I'll test them with the Fosi V3 mono's via XLR when they arrive (any day). I purchased the same BRZHiFi Accuphase C245 based preamp AND this E300 preamp at the same time. I prefer the E300, in addition to bass, mid and treble tone controls, it offers a more spacious sound stage, that's more airy, with better presence. Don't get me wrong, I actually LOVE both preamps, but if I could only have one, it would be the E300 that I got here: www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805726969948.html I ordered the silver, no BT (it's optional, but you loose an RCA input) and I ordered the optional slimline remote control that controls BOTH VOLUME AND INPUTS :) I think you would REALLY LOVE this preamp. It's also based on a classic design I believe, but I cannot recall who? I believe these newer renditions of the classics can actually sound better as the parts quality has improved.

[@goodsound4756]

How am I supposed to have faith in their electrical/engineer expertise when there are not able to even spell selector correct?

[@marlonharewood8366]

Expertise in the English language is a completely different skillset to electrical engineering expertise

[@k4syx]

@@CalCobra Thanks, I've put that on my bucket list!

[@k4syx]

@@goodsound4756 because they are electric engineers, not English teachers ;) Seriously though, spelling on the faceplate is the least important thing in audio equipment

[@k4syx]

@@CalCobra (I have an itch to make it SKELETOR)

[@Reyfox1]

I like these reviews. I've always wondered about these audio products, including cables, whether they were worth the risk.

[@carlitomelon4610]

SUBSCRIBED! Glad to finally see *reviews* of these classic clones. Thank you!😊 I "needed" a balanced Preamp between Denafrips Ares12th & my Bryston amp. Was toying with the idea of getting the Brz clone of the Bryston P26....But no reviews:-/ Steered away after reading the original has too much gain. I ended up buying the Denafrips Hestia12th. It complements the MUSICAL PARADISE MP 701mk2 tube Preamp well, depending on my mood for precision & expression or 3D romantic tonal saturation. I would have considered this Accuphase clone too....😊 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

[@k4syx]

@@carlitomelon4610 Musical Paradise MP701 had already been recommended under my videos a few times, will have to look at acquiring it for testing

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@k4syx Great idea! The v-cap option sounds best. Currently running with a Sylvania 6sn7, two Jan Phillips 6922s and 5u4g rectifier tube. Mundorf SGO evo supreme caps are also worth a listen. Thomas&stereo finally completed his review after a couple of years delay. Its 100s of preamps in one! Just found out this week its in mk3 version....

[@moussaobeid]

We should always remember that when we evaluate such items, it is important to keep the p rice in our evaluation set. Great work on your videos, keep it up!

[@k4syx]

@@moussaobeid Thank you! Yes, these have outstanding value!

[@g-mail4743]

@@moussaobeid MSRP values make more sense on Darko Audio reviews. The item he is reviewing is 1/4 to like 1/10 of MSRP value so its an unbalanced equation evaluating these items by price because they will always be a great deal/value, unless its poorly built or designed and you have to go into the item your self to measure and solder components, then the value can be questionable or just ok.

[@Davidbrompton58]

Just got mine yesterday on the strength of this review, mine came with the yellow VU meters, rather than the black, which initially i was annoyed about, but when lit up, i think i now prefer. Sounds great, depth, scale and everything the reviewer here mentioned is accurate…very happy.

[@k4syx]

Thanks for sharing!

[@roguemodel]

Ali have replacement VU meters including blue.

[@k4syx]

@@roguemodel Havent seen the blue ones But I saw some models with silver chassis popping up recently. Exactly the same including "seletor" typo

[@hugoaguas6719]

Is it fully balanced inside? The volume pot seems too small for 4 tracks. Thanks.

[@k4syx]

Ill take a look at the pot the next time I will be opening it (I plan some review video on pairings) but AFAIR yes its balanced

[@hugoaguas6719]

@ Thanks for your answer. I'm in doubt between this one and the C-2860+, which one you think sounds best? Best for me is to be most close to a wire. Transparent without any background noise, with a high impedance input and a low impedance input. This is how a good preamp should sound for me. I have a pair of Kinki Studio EX-B7 power amps. They are very good, but have a high sensitivity, so they will pick up any noise from the preamp. Thanks a lot for your help. I love your videos!

[@D1N02]

The pricing is coming near that of the Ladder Bach especially when those go on sale, that begs for a comparison.

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@D1N02 The Ladder is $950 with remote and 1yr warranty. I was considering it. Decided to stick with DENAFRIPS . Hestia12th;-) Got mine from Vinshine for $960 on sale. 3yr warranty. Remote works with wit Phillips / Marantz CD players too. THANKS ALVIN!

[@FaustMladenovic]

Good luck!🎉

[@k4syx]

Thank you!!

[@sginfdfw]

Update on my audiophile journey with this preamplifier, the C245 clone, the D5Pro amplifier, and a pair of Aperion Audio DST Dual Firing Air Motion Transformer Ribbon Super Tweeter Speakers. After 240 hours of burn-in with this preamp and Aperion super tweeter I have decided to pursue a different direction. Why? I didn't like how the super tweeter impacted the "coherence" of the sound stage, imaging and depth. Yikes, this was a $1,100 detour. To me, it sounded "odd" when doing a direct A/B comparison with and without the super tweeter. I will still keep this preamp for now, but I have secured the C2860 clone and the pairing with the D5Pro improved and provided what was missing with the C245 and D5Pro pairing.

[@k4syx]

I am on the fence with super tweeters. I have used ribbons sometimes to cheat in my diy speakers and add some top end air, but this is always a roulette as you need to get super tweeter volume and direction right. This preamp is on the warm side so it probably wont make things easier when used in the same righ with with super tweeters. Thanks for sharing!

[@benvanbaaren7483]

I know I recommended to also take a look at the MBL6010D preamp if possible but since you now have reviewed an Accuphase preamp it would be nice to know how this sounds together with a class A poweramp like the A60 or A75 of the same brand. It is said that class A is the most musical amplifier type that you can listen to.

[@k4syx]

I have E405 on the way here :)

[@benvanbaaren7483]

Great. I thought the E-series of Accuphase amplifiers were all integrateds but apparently this is a power amp version of the E-405. I guess it’s stil class A/B though and not class A ? Perhaps some suppliers are experimenting with the original designs and implement some changes that might even improve on the originals. I’m contemplating buying Accuphase amplification myself since I heard a demo several years ago but I’m not yet sure to decide for an integrated or a pre/power solution. I will be looking out for your review with great interest !

[@k4syx]

@@benvanbaaren7483 E405 is supposed to be pure A for first watts and then AB. It's older than A60 or A70 but it was very very good construction. And now they can use new, better quality parts.

[@pablodepeche]

Great review and great advice!!

[@k4syx]

@@pablodepeche thanks!

[@cicmo976]

Hi, thanks for the awesome review. One technical question, can I connect 2 outputs - XLR and RCA at the same time? I imagine scenario, where Active studio monitors and subwoofer are connected simultaneously

[@k4syx]

@@cicmo976 Yes you can, that's what I always use RCAs for too :)

[@cicmo976]

@@k4syx thanks again for the express answer.

[@carlosubilla2970]

Would like to know the polarity configuration of the XLR input and output terminals.

[@k4syx]

@@carlosubilla2970 Standard, I think there is description on the back plate. I'll check tomorrow if I won't forget ;)

[@chrisvand2678]

Thanks for the review. One thing, why did they mount the two knobs with the screwholes pointing up, and not down and away from plain view!? It looks cheap when you can see these holes. Must be a mistake..!? The knobs looks like they're meant for anti clockwise rotation, and not clockwise rotation.. Looks so bad. Please give me feedback, so I know that it is NOT just me who see that as a big design flaw. Thanks Y'all.

[@k4syx]

Yes I noticed that too (hard not to notice something like that!) I guess that's from the same guys that got SELETOR printed there. I was looking for replacement knobs but couldn't find anything I liked better :(

[@benvanbaaren7483]

It seems the MBL6010D preamp clone is also quite popular. If you have the opportunity to review this one as well I would be curious as to your findings,

[@k4syx]

@@benvanbaaren7483 yes this one is also on my list, it seems that circuit for that is also popular in hybrids like MBL+DartZeel all-in-one

[@csszabi8779]

~500$ preamp clones: MBL6010, FM266, Pass Aleph P1.7, Bryston BP26, Accuphase C-245.... Which one is best for your system? It's hard to choose. :)

[@k4syx]

@@csszabi8779 I went sideways now, ordered two tube preamps (and one more ss Accu pre "clone")

[@michaelche2800]

did you listen through the RCA -inputs?

[@k4syx]

@@michaelche2800 yes both of them - as usual XLR have slight edge coming from better dynamics (+/-2V vs +/-4V)

[@michaelche2800]

@@k4syx Thank you. But in general the quality is not much worse at RCA? Some people say that this amp has rca problems....

[@k4syx]

@@michaelche2800 no, it was perfectly fine, what kind of problems are you talking about? It's was playing continuously for a few weeks in a row before review and there was no problem whatsoever

[@gerardjoye5033]

Interesting review..thanks. In terms of matching preamps with power amps for a natural, analogue sound, I was under the impression that a preamp with valves with a solid state power amp is a good way to go. My existing integrated Vincent amp is hybrid and does sound good in my system. With a view to upgrading, how does this preamp stand up compared to ones with valves? Is it cooler and might need careful matching with warmish power amp and speakers? Your thoughts please.

[@k4syx]

It's neutral with a hint of warmth. Not to much, just enough to notice. And it's relaxed like it wouldn't care. The matching is always tricky, though you're right that getting tube pre and SS power amp is usually good combination

[@maxrider2887]

Hello For Musical Fidelity a1 clone. Which pre amp will be better? 1. JC2 2. C -245

[@k4syx]

@@maxrider2887 I think JC2. C245 is just to expensive to pair it with A1. Unless you need more than 1 RCA input, I would recommend the simpler JC2 version as it's closer pricewise

[@maxrider2887]

@@k4syx planning to buy C 245 pro

[@Brunello143]

I have a quick question. Do the two outputs work together? I would like to use a subwoofer with the XLR connections. Is that possible?

[@k4syx]

Yes thats how they work, no worries :)

[@Brunello143]

@k4syx Thank you very much for the quick reply. Great channel and top content.👍

[@k4syx]

@@Brunello143 Thanks! It was a coincidence, I try to answer comments on daily basis and just got started :)

[@srbislavn]

Chinese products are very good and affordable . In few years they gonna be even better and more innovative ....

[@wdsoft]

Hi Got this one as well. Man what A sound !!! Thanks for the review . I got this more or less based on your review together met the fm300 ( 2 of thoose ) Thanks for that!!

[@k4syx]

It's great isn't it? Thanks!

[@wdsoft]

@@k4syx Yep great. Indeed the remote is cheap and only works for volume. But i really only use one channels anyway. Streaming . Before i had the fm300 I ran it with a 11euro temu amplifier and that sound was good as well. Preamps are important. Iam very happy i bought this one.

[@bigambientdeath]

Which do you prefer, the accuphase or the Cary SLP90 preamp for overall sound quality?

[@k4syx]

Between this one and Cary - I would go for Cary, as I would happiy trade some warmth for 3d like soundstage that Cary delivers. When it comes to functionality C245 is better though.

[@gerardjoye5033]

So is the C245 a good match with E405? Or is it too warm a combination if the source and speakers are neutral?

[@k4syx]

Yes Its a very good setup and its not overly warm. These have hint of warmth its not like they are WARM warm.

[@sginfdfw]

I too purchased this exact preamp. I have observed that the level meters are not actually monitoring the output level instead they are monitoring the input level. Case in point, when I plug in my Gustard A26 DAC the needles typically are pegged past +6dB. I have reduced the output of the DAC manually to keep the input signal in the 0 dB range. In fact, I have to adjust the DAC's output by -12dB. Did you also experience this? Is there a way to manually adjust this on the input side of the preamp?

[@k4syx]

Honestly I didnt pay any attention to VU meters except for looking that they are lit and needles are working. BUT there's one thing to check. AFAIR Gustard DACs as my X26PRO cheat a little and output more than 4V on XLRs - thats why Amir from ASR normalized measurements by lowering max output voltage via lowering volume. If I recall correctly, and if you have used XLRs that may be the explanation. I dont remember if the same happens with RCAs from Gustard.

[@k4syx]

One more thought, this is preamp, not the power amp, so maybe this is perfectly fine? You dont want to have the input singal to strong, and you cant determine if output voltage level is fine or overloading the power amp from pre side - thats something to monitor on power amp. LOL this thread may end in a funny way :D

[@sginfdfw]

@@k4syx Yes, I use XLR input from DAC using XLR cables

[@dungysphincter7974]

Any chance to change the volume of the source before it gets to your DAC? For instance I am coming off my computer and I have the output at 87% volume going out to the USB port, then through a galvanic filter, then going through a Digital to Digital converter conversion to fiber optic going out to my DAC. If possible I would turn the volume down from the source before it even gets to the DAC, therefore hopefully giving you the results your looking for. This way just set your DAC to line out instead of using the volume control as a preamp from the DAC. This helped me a bit with over symbolism of the " S " when you hear speech. The signal going out from the PC was too hot. I got best results lowering my volume from my PC then go to the DAC. Hope this helps you some.

[@paulinchbold2461]

Excellent information.i am probably going to buy a new system based on your reviews I like the d5 pro and this pre amp looks like a good match which would you choose of the 2 pre amp you have reviewed it

[@k4syx]

For D5Pro go with Cary SLP-90 clone, check my review. Its like they were created for that pairing.

[@paulinchbold2461]

Thank you so much.keep up your excellent channel​@@k4syx

[@no1-f5p]

Thanks for the review. I am interested in acquiring this preamp. I am currently running a Wiim Ultra into a Nord power amp with the Wiim acting as a preamp. How would you recommend that I configure the connection between the Wiim and the C245 please and thanks.

[@k4syx]

@@no1-f5p its simple actually, just connect wiim line outs to RCA line in (pick one you like) and then RCA line out from pre to your power amplifier.

[@darem4501]

Are you planning to do review C 2860 plus ? I can see on Ali you purchased one. Im also considering his unit or Goldmund telos t2500. Im wandering if C2860 has same tonal character lack of sparkle as you mentioned on c245?

[@k4syx]

@@darem4501 Yes I am, it's waiting in line for review. I have big expectations based on the build quality!

[@darem4501]

Are you Polish ? Asking as Im and Im wondering if we could chat as I also have some experience with Chinese cables replica we could share experience.

[@k4syx]

@@darem4501 100% all along with husar wings on my back, kubotas on my feet and biedronka disposable bag in my hand :) We can chat using mail (address is in channel description) :)

[@darem4501]

Sorki ale nie widzę w opisie kanału adresu email oprócz tego poniżej i nie wiem na jaki adres wysłać maila chyba że czegoś tu nie łapie 🤔 www.youtube.com/@k4syx

[@k4syx]

@@darem4501 its in the channel desc - hfzytreviews on Gmail :)

[@jarkos6019]

Earlier you explained that you did not need a preamp because the direct signal from dac to amp offered the best quality signal. A question remains, does the preamp like A 245 makes sounds more interesting or any way it limits the resolution? So, your observation are still valid and main purpose of preamp is having option of selection of multi inputs signal plus additional amplification for the cost of sugnal resolution .

[@k4syx]

@@jarkos6019 so far these are adding some nice timbre and weight to the sound with a slight loss of detail (slight meaning that I can hear this only in my electrostat system and only when I'm conciuesly looking for it, I can't hear it with dynamic speakers) but at the same time they give benefit of multiple inputs. I'm waiting for two units more to asses complete Accuphase and FM cloned sets

[@jarkos6019]

So I can expect more 3D stage with A 245 in comparison to direct Gustard x26 pro connection.

[@jarkos6019]

Thank you for explanation and I am looking forward for your further observation

[@k4syx]

@@jarkos6019 yes, it's wider and a bit deeper, though X26PRO is already great in this regard

[@robcaputo9708]

An other major excellent review !

[@k4syx]

@@robcaputo9708 Thank you!

[@fusionfan6883]

Hi what is the difference between the unit in the video and the Pro version as I see on AE there are two models? Thanks.

[@k4syx]

No idea if any, there was no Pro version earlier :) can you share the offer name so I will look it up on Ali? (YT will censor the links unfortunately)

[@fusionfan6883]

@ Go to the HYXin store for this listing: BRZHIFI refer to Accuphase C-245 Circuit Full Balanced HiFi Fever Preamplifier with Remote Control VU Meter RCA XLR Input Output Below the picture at the top of the listing you will see small pictures of the gold and silver amps. The silver is more expensive and if you look at the writing on the front of the amp itself in the picture, the silver one ends with “pro” but the cheaper gold one doesn’t. I can’t tell from the listing what the difference is between the two models?

[@k4syx]

I found that one, it seems it has different case. The angled photos of the internals - from the areas I can see - look the same as in the one I have. Maybe there are some differences on main PCB on the bottom but there are no overhead photos available

[@fusionfan6883]

@@k4syx Thanks it is all so confusing with the different models😵‍💫

[@k4syx]

@@fusionfan6883 They do that on purpose so you will choose this particular offer. The name will have updated, new version, master, 2024 upgrade etc to lure you to that specific offer. its really hard to see if there are any differences (someties there are!) so I always link to the ones I know are exactly the same - the ones I bought. Small differences inside (like caps brand) can make a significant difference

[@maxrider2887]

Bought c245 pro clone , but not match with fm300a high version. Sound not as good as wiim pro plus streamer. What is the best pre amp for FM300a ?

[@k4syx]

I have FM255 clone in line for review, we'll see how this will work together

[@maxrider2887]

@@k4syx bought jc2 , way way better than C-245 .

[@k4syx]

@@maxrider2887 with FM300A?

[@tomvanooteghem11]

Hello,what is the difference between accuphase c245 and accuphase c245pro please?

[@k4syx]

havent seen the second one, can you paste the name from the shop offer so I can look it up? (url links get censored via yt)

[@nothinghere1996]

i would like to ask why there is no balance control? not need?

[@k4syx]

I don't remember last time when I saw that on quality audio equipment (not counting stuff like MFA1 or FM300A with two separate volume pots for two channels)

[@nothinghere1996]

@k4syx ok. thank you kindly. i bought a chifi c22 clone. i loved the sound but the balance was off and it irritated me beyond belief. Nice reviews, thank you. The Dartzeel that gets super hot, i would worry the caps dry out prematurely. Going through alibaba or aliexpress it is like a weird adult lucky dip. I have an old rotel power amp whoch when i replaced the caps. i thought wow, and now its time to get something extra nice.. omg, we are so spoilt for choice. do i go for pure tube pre and power, or super high end fet./trans copies... some of the Chinese point point wiring is out of this world. i love the simplified tubes in design. jub jub.

[@sonhouse9636]

Hi and thanks for the review! Did you noticed any differences in the sound when using balanced / unbalanced inputs ?

[@k4syx]

@@sonhouse9636 balanced is always louder, more dynamic. I have all of my equipment fully balanced whenever possible. but this comparison is not fair: you go with RCA if you need to connect something that has RCAs, and you go for XLRs when possible.

[@rontoolsie]

Without knowing the price, this preamp could easily pass for a $3000+ unit. I had a Chord preamp once that was built with the cheapest of cheap parts and sounded pretty dire, yet cost many multiples of what this unit does. The dual transformer design for instance is typically found in only the most esoteric preamps. I have owned several 5-figure preamps for instance that just used a common power transformer. What would be interesting would be some comparison between the cheaper JC2 preamp and the C245. Yes, they both sound great, but does the C245 sound greater, and if so, is that sufficient to justify the additional expense. The C245 also looks like a modders dream...Im sure that putting another $100-200 in higher quality parts and a couple hours installing them would give a performance that would be difficult to match at many times the cost.

[@k4syx]

@@rontoolsie yes exactly, that was one of the points I was making in D5PRO or A1 clones review. You can replace anything you want and it still doesn't significantly raise the price. As for comparison this one is simply better in everything but the price. Is it worth it? Yes it is, but if your power amp is also good enough. So simple and cheap JC2 is good pairing for mF1a clone, and this one goes to D5PRO. Having said that, I have E405 clone coming my way, yesterday it was at customs so just a few days more (and long burn in ;) )

[@thomasschafer7268]

500€

[@FaustMladenovic]

@rontoolsie Hi Mr Toolsie! I saw ur post on pink fish media about Goldmund 29m and im very scared to pull the triger. I wanted combination with goldmund T2500 preamp . And sir, im in a little confusion should i buy FM Acoustics replicas , both preamp and amp, or Goldmund 😮😊 And now, accu comes in 😂

[@rontoolsie]

​@user-mo2il2ou2e all I can say is that the $1800 'Goldmund' monoblocks are competitive with several amps I have owned in the past that are 10x the cost of them. At some point, I will spend another $500 on them getting them tweaked with even more premium parts, but as they stand they are the best VFM amp I have ever owned. I've never tried the FM or Accuphase clones. I am a 20+ year PFM member and once had the most expensive Linn-Naim system possible!

[@k4syx]

@@FaustMladenovic (yes the hard times we're living in! :D)

[@manitsony6703]

Thank you for this video.. I would like to know that if you spend this kind of amount is there any modern equipment in the market that will sound as good as this.

[@k4syx]

Not for that amount of money. Not even remotely close (unfortunately, as I'd love good hifi equipement to be more accessible)

[@manitsony6703]

@@k4syx thanks.. i am going to get one.. starting with the amp.. for modern music with fast bass what amp you recommend? lets say sub 300usd and 600 usd.. thanks, again

[@k4syx]

@@manitsony6703 All of those amps I've reviewed are below 600USD ;) I think for that kind of music the best choice would be DartZeel clone - D5 Pro.

[@sbwlearning1372]

I treated myself out of curiosity to a BRZHIFI X10 based on the TI TPA3255 chip. It was around £80 .when I bought it 4 years ago. I stacked it against a £1200 Arcam a39. The BRZHIFI only gave up when it came to inputs. The onboard DAC is meh but the power felt the equal of the Arcam and the tonal quality was very broadly the same. It drove my neat motive sx1 speakers effortlessly. Some of these Chinese products are incredible for the money.

[@roa5359]

Are repair schematics available for this pre amp?

[@k4syx]

I dont know. For some of them these diagrams are posted in the offer, most of them is based on reverse engineered stuff thats floating on DIY forums.

[@MrBazsi888]

is it advised to invest in a "highqualityhifi" fuse ?

[@markushillemalm]

Always. But it's different sounds in them. So you must try out with one is the better for you system.

[@MrBazsi888]

@@markushillemalm Which one You have ?

[@roberthart9886]

SEE VERAFI AUDIO LINE OF PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR BETTER THAN FUSES AND OTHER COOL PRODUCTS AT GREAT PRICES LIKE VBH VIBRATION CONTROL DEVICES WHICH SERIOUSLY IMPROVED MY KIT

[@Solus793]

What in gods name is an audiophile fuse? Is this a serious product, what is that supposed to do and how can it work? Is one also going to replace all the solder in the PCBs too, what about the traces in the PCB?

[@k4syx]

@@MrBazsi888 the only system and only place that I've heard difference made by fuse was DAC (a source) in my reference Stax SR-007 and 009 system. It's there, but it's miniscule.

[@jericlee1509]

wow, compare to class d ( fosi za3) is it big diff?

[@k4syx]

@@jericlee1509 well that's a preamp, and ZA3 is small integrated, so there's not much to compare. You will not be able to connect speakers directly to this clone :)

[@roguemodel]

I purchased this preamp along with the matching Accuphase clone amp. I took a shot. I'm not very trusting of Chinese stuff. However, the build quality and components used are high-end. In addition, the PCB cards are stamped "Accuphase," which tells me they are original. Let's face it, most audio components originate in China anyway. The sound was terrific, wonderful. It was quiet, black, and nuanced, and it really enhanced the amp; I was using a Schiit preamp before getting this. Measured like a champ by using what appears to be a very sound engineering endeavor. Recommended.

[@k4syx]

@@roguemodel Thanks for sharing your experience! I wouldn't trust Accuphase logos on the PCB as these are easy to manufacture with rest of the board, but your description of the sound is spot on

[@doublecho]

Is it better than the Schiit preamp and which one?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Preamps with remote would be great!

[@k4syx]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh yess Accu comes with that - albeit very simple one

[@99solutionsit10]

Circuitry might be the same, but electrical components inside can't match the original at this price tag.

[@phillipmorris9847]

is this the best balanced pre you've tried so far ?

[@k4syx]

So far, and only one so far. In line waiting for full reviews I have 5 more (not listened to them yet, so dont ask which one is best :))

[@phillipmorris9847]

@@k4syx 5 more preamps coming ?

[@k4syx]

@@phillipmorris9847 yes exactly! Actually already here, but I can do review videos basically only during weekends as I do have regular job... YT is just for fun, I'm no regular youtuber :)

[@phillipmorris9847]

@@k4syx that's great news and exciting, no problem take your time, I am excited you have more coming thats so awsome your so awsome thank thank you

[@cobar5342]

You make very interesting videos

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@aegisofhonor]

not even close to the quality build of a legit Accuphase C-245, but understand, a US model Accuphase C-245 on the used market usually runs at least $4000 and often more though you can often find Japanese models for around $1500-2000 if you are lucky, so this knockoff is a really good deal if the noise floor is low.

[@MasterofPlay7]

Are you going to review the weiliang/brzhifi a100 amp? Class A amp with small price to pay

[@k4syx]

@@MasterofPlay7 Added to bucket list

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@k4syx yea the topology is base on the hood 1969

[@k4syx]

@@MasterofPlay7 then maybe it would be better to get 1969? I was thinking about it anyway

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@k4syx but it looks nicer with the vu meters, I think they put more expensive component in it too

[@k4syx]

@@MasterofPlay7 ah, ok, I get it :)

[@wegardfjeld3789]

They really need to learn to make XLR and RCA able to work at the same time. People use subs and thus simplifies things alot.

[@k4syx]

But these here do work in parallel at the same time? Both XLRs and RCAa?

[@wegardfjeld3789]

@k4syx Have you tried ? According to support most of them do not. The MLB 600d did not

[@tofffsymagic1099]

I have been using these Akliam LC5s for 3 months with my Aiyima a07 max on socket extensions without the amplifier covers, they sound excellent! I was very disappointed with the Burson V7 Classics which sounded too hot and muddy making human voices unnatural and centering the soundstage

[@dungysphincter7974]

The Vivid would probably have worked better for you. Also, you may want to check with the Sparkos SS3602 op-amps. I use these in a Tube preamp and really opened things up in a big way. CHEERS!

[@GentielioGaming]

Just seen a video of the FM300a clone. Cheap and seems very promising. You propaply know this amplifier exist, i don't know. The video i seen was from "I Am Mad" youtuber.

[@k4syx]

Yes, I know that one - the parcel should be with me in a week or so

[@rontoolsie]

@@k4syx Are you getting the regular or the upgraded version with the dual transformers?

[@k4syx]

@@rontoolsie single trafo - cheaper version that is original lookalike.

[@roberthart9886]

GREAT PRICE. IF IT ONLY INCLUDED A DAC. MY AUDIO ALCHEMY DDP-1 DAC/PRE INCLUDES A QUALITY DAC

[@k4syx]

@@roberthart9886 that's actually always a dispute: having both in one device trusting the manufacturer had done the best pairing vs flexibility coming from separates, right?

[@ChicagoRob2]

Doing God’s work.

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Excellent Review!!

[@k4syx]

@@thinkIndependent2024 thanks!

[@thinkIndependent2024]

​@@k4syxDuring the pandemic I used that PreAmp circuit design for a DAC it sounds better than Vinyl Accuphase did it right!!!

[@MichelLinschoten]

I am all for Chinese product, but this thing oozes horror. The cheesy remote, the misspelled "seletor" the stupid on off switch location. The set screws are prominently in the wrong locations too. Whomever calls this decent quality, i have a bridge to sell you. Yuck!

[@k4syx]

I think we may have vastly different definitions of horror and quality :) All I care here is the sound quality and internal build quality. Spelling errors mean nothing, I could have cat pictures there for all i care :). As long as remote works it can be cheesy too, it works, and if I want to I can get full metal build with learning functionality to control that pre. Can you elaborate on screw locations? What do you mean?

[@richardelliott8352]

I couldn't be proud of owning a Chinese knockoff , with the way they feel about my country of America , and with the very real possibility of forced labor used in the product. (even if the paperwork says no slave labor was used.). most Chinese mineral mining, and therefore Chinese metal, uses forced labor.

[@k4syx]

@@richardelliott8352 that's not knockoff. The patents are expired, you can build your own Accuphase clone and modify it the way you want in your shed. (BTW Accuphase is not US company) However in the long run, we all have to be careful.

[@gavinstorrie1555]

3:22

[@k4syx]

@@gavinstorrie1555 yes! The remote! It's funny cheap gadget, but the important thing is that it works and can be replaced with anything programmable :)

[@takeiteasy6154]

The device you wrote this comment was probably made in China ,including Elons toys !

[@pandstar]

As others have said, the schematcs for this amp, and many others, have been freely available on DIY audio forums for years with the manufacturer's blessing. In effect, buying one of these amps is just paying the Aliexpress seller to do the DIY work for you. Also, the sellers that sell these clones are pretty small shops. I doubt they use slave labor. And if you believe that all the other US based audio companies are not buying parts, or having boards built in China, think again.

[@PurpleDreki]

Overpriced. Accuphase/Luxman. Just like Harbeth.

[@maxrider2887]

Bought c245 pro clone , but not match with fm300a high version. Sound not as good as wiim pro plus streamer. What is the best pre amp for FM300a ?

[@doublecho]

Wiim pro plus work as a pre amp?