Accuphase E-405 speaker amplifier clone first look - full video review coming this way!

Most of you that voted in my poll were in favour of short "first look" videos - before waiting for full review with sound quality, build etc info.
This time we have trailer for Accuphase E-405 clone.
This is 25KG beast with great build quality: it will burn-in continuously for 10 days in a row before I will do a serios listening session for the video review.
Hope you like it!
You can get yours from the same shop I got mine from (so tested as safe and reliable - and thats not always the case, but you do not get to see the reviews for the equipement that was damaged or lost on the way, obviously).
This one I got from this store (stunning packaging quality):
s.click.aliexp...

[@zenboy2000]

Incredible, cant wait to heart your thoughts on it.

[@riccitone]

Can’t wait to get your impressions on this beast of a clone 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@k4syx]

Yes me too! It's beautiful inside, had been playing quietly upstairs for a few days now!

[@ancientalien815]

Holy fuck! You are a clone maniac! I love it!

[@k4syx]

Yes I am and proud of it :D

[@MasterofPlay7]

The clone war 😆

[@pokrog]

i just want my NHB-108 clone, ancient. is that so much to ask?

[@k4syx]

@@pokrog No its not :) D5 Pro (the one I have) is absolutely brilliant. Absolute, blind recommendation to anyone that asks me!

[@pokrog]

@@k4syx I ended up going with one of the direct looking clones with dual transformers and cap upgrades with XLR inputs. They're taking forever to ship on Taobao though and I'm getting impatient. Almost wish I would have gone with a D5 Pro or D9.

[@karilindis]

nice! we are still waiting for your fm300a review and now you have this! and you mention some more on the queue, this is an overdose! haha. please try to compare on each review to the previous ones so we have an idea. enjoy and happy listening :)

[@k4syx]

@@karilindis Thanks! That's the general idea :)

[@OlympicBruce]

Thanks for all the great information. ❤ A cold beer for you and a (small) coffee for your daughter who should appreciate you! 😊

[@k4syx]

Thank you!!

[@mgmorra603]

In 1989 the E-405 sold for around $2300. And in today's dollars it's about $5800. I followed "HiFi Zone's" link. With shipping est. $825. So, if I got two, I could vertically bi-amp my speakers🎼 Although currently on the Class-D bandwagon...I'm *curious* as heck to HiFi's next video i.e. his listening tests.

[@k4syx]

Yes, I'm curious about that one too as this was quite an investment :) I also have Gryphon Tabu and Burmester 933 coming my way, but this will be at least three weeks (knock on the wood) for the packages to arrive here.

[@Expedition18]

Looks good hope its robust and sounds good

[@johnshaw359]

Jeez, what great value for money if there are no nasty surprises in the design, let's face it, power amps are not exactly the cutting edge of technology. BG caps are a nice touch.

[@k4syx]

Yes all of the clones I got so far are tremendous value. But let's face it: parts are cheap and the designs are there available for anyone. Expensive parts - chassis and toroid - are still nothing compared to branded amps prices.

[@xabieznetic]

Hello, first of all thank you so much for your amazing content and work towards creating such content. I've been seriously thinking about ordering one of the Accuphase clones and I was wondering why did you choose the E-405 over E-406? I think E-406 looks better on paper? Pozdrawiam, świetny kanał!!!

[@k4syx]

@@xabieznetic E-406 clone doesn't support 2Ohm (and lower) loads, E-405 does! Dziękuję!

[@k4syx]

@@xabieznetic (but I also got A75, shhhh, that's a secret!)

[@xabieznetic]

@@k4syx Now it's even harder to decide between these two 😂. I am planning to run them with Infinity Kappa's 8 which can go as low as 1.6Ohm. Btw how the hell do you know E-406 doesn't support low impedances? They don't mention anything in the specs about it. In fact E-406 seems a bit stronger having 20w stronger output into 8 ohms. Don't get me wrong I am just asking because I am very curious and you are way more experienced than me!

[@k4syx]

@@xabieznetic I've done E405 listening sessions last night, Its good - I have now very big expectations for A75. E406 offers have listed speaker impedance range and output power for them - there's no magic other than reading the desc ;) Unsupported doesnt mean that it will blow, it will probably work, but will generate more heat and THD will be higher as the amp was desgined for load in specified range. E405 has 2 Ohms listed and A75 has _1_ Ohm(!) load "officially supported" having 480W per channel with that load. I wonder if it could be used as a welding machine.

[@MasterofPlay7]

This clone is more expensive than fm300a, do you think it sound better?

[@k4syx]

It is more expensive, yes (a lot). I haven't listened to it seriously yet, it's burning in and I leave it alone for now. Like for a week more I guess? At least?

[@michal5001]

Could you please compare it with Cambridge 851W that I saw on your other video? I am familiar with 851W which his is very good amp. Heavily underrated in my opinion. I have heard it with 851N streamer and Graham Audio LS5/9f speakers. It was phenomenal sound. One of the best I have ever heard.

[@k4syx]

@@michal5001 Sure, no problem. I have two 851W used for biamping my electrostats. I also had 851D and 851E for quite a few years. N is not my story as I'm not a fan of hardware streamers, but that's another story.

[@padde1]

After adding a decent preamp, dac and streamer (plus cables) to some of these amps you could almost be in (used or ex demo) Hegel H190 kind of price territory - would be interesting to know how they compare.

[@k4syx]

Yes, but then again I'm not a fan of integrated amps with DAC inside. This is usually some 9018 or something as old, which was perfectly fine back in the day, but now it's there for checking the point on marketing list. I'm yet to see (hear) integrated DAC that won't be beaten by cheap Chinese external device... And that's not counting all state of the art stuff you can have for more money.

[@mattmiller4978]

I was up until 12:30am waiting for a coupon to "restock" on a D5 Pro before the sale was over. It did not happen. I am okay with this bc I can make a better choice after the next 2 reviews come through. I love this channel. Keep up the awesome work! Also are going to go the Patron/community route? I would be the first to sign up!

[@k4syx]

@@mattmiller4978 Hi! Thanks for kind words! My tactic is to watch for the beginning of the sale, you can sometimes get two coupons - the second one right at the end of sale, but only if you'll use the first one right at the beginning. As for community and Patreon I want to be as accessible to anyone as I can, as I want to help fellow audiophiles on a budget to find the best gears. So no paywalls :) But you're more than welcome to buy me a beer using supers if you feel like it - I'll get something nice and cold :D

[@robcaputo9708]

Looks amazing, does it have the same dip switch system to change input voltage as the C245? I know you’re not ready to release the full review , and I really appreciate that by the way. But you recently did a fantastic review of the German amp also a clone. I can’t remember the number I think D5. Which you said you thought was the best sounding amplifier you’ve ever heard. I know one is integrated, and the other one is a stand and I know the prices hugely different for the original piece. But how close would you say the sound quality as I’m sure they’re different but are we talking like completely different category of sound or is this close in terms of overall quality in the generalist of terms I mean, I’m not asking you to preview..

[@k4syx]

@@robcaputo9708 Hi! I can't honestly answer these questions now as I am on vacation and I cannot look at the back plate, neither I did listen to it :) I've left it playing some music to burn the amp in and I'll do listening sessions when I am back. (You're talking about D5PRO which is DartZeel clone, I will compare all of the amps when I get all of them here as some are still on the way)

[@robcaputo9708]

@@k4syx have a great vacation, where did you go? Yes I am talking about the D5PRO.

[@k4syx]

@@robcaputo9708 Biking along Baltic Sea shores! Lots of sun, forests, beautiful trails along the beaches!

[@robcaputo9708]

@@k4syx wonderful have fun !

[@markbradbury5266]

Looking forward to the latest reviews. I'll probably buy on of these clone amps. Do the Aliexpress sellers give you some incentives for these reviews ?

[@k4syx]

I wish :) Nope, I'm looking for the ones that are interesting for my own setups home (I have 4 atm) and I'm paying for them with my own cash. That's why I always look for coupons, coins, sales and all these funny and strange things that may lower the final price. I'm also doing a lot of research before I order something, I don't want to buy a dud. I'm linking to stores I trust, verified with my own purchases, as most of the western folk do not trust Ali and long shipments. Besides, someone always will ask "where did you get it" anyway :) What I don't do is linking to stores with fake cables. These are fakes and that's it. No links, no nothing as a rule.

[@markbradbury5266]

@k4syx I have purchased alot of small items from aliexpress and had a good experience so far. Thanks for the time and effort with all the reviews. Cheers

[@k4syx]

@@markbradbury5266 that was my start too :)

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Resale is the down side 😮 Some qualities, some not so!

[@k4syx]

Thats possible, though Im pretty sure that anyone that would actually hear any of the clones I've reviewed would buy them instantly :) But yes, thats a factor. Though - lets be honest here - these are dirt cheap even when compared with cheapest entry level amps from recognized brands.

[@MichaelBeeny]

Is this set up for class A or AB? Like most Chinese stuff the spec is very vague to say the least.

[@k4syx]

This one is AB, and it's really powerful. As for the specs some of the sellers copy just a few lines from producer, and some get the whole description right (minus some extremely funny translation errors). I've seen some that even had AP measurement charts!

[@IvicaMarusevic]

You have said 8 output transistors per side and I'm counting 5 visible per side so it should be 10 per side. Isn't it?

[@k4syx]

@@IvicaMarusevic I said 8 pairs per side in total - you should see in the video 5 big and 3 small transistors at the top and there are pairings at the lower part of the PCB. These big ones look like power transistors. I can't attach photo in the comments here :)

[@Jil8840]

Will you make sound test comparisons with other amps????

[@k4syx]

@@Jil8840 That's the plan, to get all of them together and explain differences, but review for E405 first!

[@malinyamato2291]

that is not Accuphase as I cannot se the name on the unit.

[@k4syx]

@@malinyamato2291 *clone

[@garymalone547]

Damn, those capacitors lol.

[@k4syx]

yes I thought "fist sized" was just a saying ;)

[@ZEN_X999]

How heavy is this? Is the packaging good for your shipment?

[@k4syx]

Its 25kg so the heaviest so far. The package was so good that I actually took photos - look in my community feed here on YT.

[@lapyiptai5106]

一分錢一分貨，不要想得太多😂😂😂

[@sweetsansui2829]

That's what high end manufacturers want you to believe. But now here's someone who has the passion to prove them wrong.

[@k4syx]

Yes, when you get down to it, these all are good designs with good quality (not necessarily expensive!) parts inside. No magic, no fairy dust, nothing created by virgins in the full moon light stuff. Fancy case, yes, sometimes, buying into story and feeling exclusive, yes sometimes. But I care only about SQ and my music - amps are just a tools. They can be great, beautiful designs even from engineering perspective. Having said that I have undying respect for designers, engineers and passionates working on new devices - with reasonable prices, helping to spread and share this hobby and the art that music is, and lowering the entry barrier for so many of us. So stay cool and happy and love your music!

[@FDKAUSW]

is this AMP better a the DartZeel-Clone-Amp or is the Dartzeel Bether?

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW Don't know yet. This was first look video, it's burning in now while I'm on vacation. I'll do listening sessions and full video review when I'll be back so stay tuned!

[@ancientalien815]

Really considering ordering this one. Better than A1 clone?

[@k4syx]

I don't know yet, it's burning in and will do for like another week. But it's so powerful it will be an overkill for most setups: I need that power though because my Logans drop to 1Ohm in treble and they are VERY difficult load.

[@ancientalien815]

@@k4syx I will wait for the final review. But damn, it looks good!

[@maxrider2887]

Already ordered A1 clone

[@ancientalien815]

@@maxrider2887 I have the A1 clone and love it!

[@FDKAUSW]

Are you a millionaire or do you have an oil well in your backyard? I'm asking a stupid question because all the audio equipment doesn't fall off the truck, do you? 🙂

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW Lol unfortunately no millionaire here and no oil rigs :) Just a guy looking for best value amp for his electrostats:) In grander scheme of things these are not expensive and they have very big value, I plan on giving some to family and selling the rest when I'm done looking. I don't think I'll have problems with sale, once you hear them (the ones I've tested so far at least) it's not really a hard decision :)

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syx OK, I understand. I do the same for my B+W loudspeaker. But I only did 3-4 steps: 1. Naim clone, 2. Quad 405 clone, NoName PreAmp, MBL-6010D PreAmp clone, PASS-ACA amp. and now a DartZeel clone. Then I'm done and I'll sell the rest that I don't need anymore. But I'm keeping the pass! I've never had so much SOUND for so little money! But you buy almost everything from AliEx. that they have in their shop, including the expensive things, e.g. Auccupase clone with XLR for $800, and there are customs and taxes on everything. That's probably around $10,000 that you've spent. Your money is good and I'm a bit "jealous" but if you say the Dartzeel is the best, then I'll buy it too 🙂 if you have something to give away...I would be very happy. Even if I could only test it, like you...but I don't have the money for that :-)...unfortunately

[@boboutelama5748]

Those amps are costing around 700 bucks. One vid generates revenues from the viewings. Don't say he's breaking even, but it certainly helps. Also the fact that those are chinese (cheaper) amps helps. There also was a niche to test those amplifiers on KZbin as we didn't had a channel compairing them until now. His viewers numbers will probably continue to grow in the coming months.

[@FDKAUSW]

@@boboutelama5748 I do not understand this Influence-Business!…I have many China-Amps,too. If I make videos with my Amps I can make money 💰? But I am a hard working Guy and I haven’t time for make so many Videos…how all the people here. So I will never go be a Ritchie… 😮‍💨

[@k4syx]

@@boboutelama5748 He certainly does hope to break even at some point as ad income is hilarious (he says its like 250usd monthly which is ridiculous and he has no idea how can anyone live of YT videos unless recoding vids on farting techniques for teens). He also said that he's doing this mostly for fun and knowledge and that he had learned a lot about different sound signatures along the way, but his personal goal is to find an amp king to drive his electrostats (as cheaply as possible). And he sends his best regards and hopes you like the videos he makes :D

[@JC.LC.]

Very nice. What's the price of it?

[@k4syx]

It was 770usd I think (price moves up and down with USD exchange ratio and local customs imagination)

[@JC.LC.]

@@k4syx that's not too bad.....

[@Dododaler]

SOUND??

[@k4syx]

@@Dododaler SOON!! Stay tuned for full review!

[@padde1]

what are you going to do with all this stuff 😂

[@k4syx]

When I'll find my Grail I'll give runner up to my brother and will sell the rest :) That's the plan for now. Or I'll redo the furniture upstairs to accommodate for more stuff, as I'm more and more getting to understand guys owning 3 or 4 amps in one setup :D

[@mattmiller4978]

@@k4syxis your brother named Gru by chance? My brain has placed you as Dru... Gru's better looking, charming, more successful brother in Despicable Me 3 😂

[@k4syx]

@@mattmiller4978 I'm Kevin! I've always been a Kevin inside! :D

[@OlympicBruce]

Can you adopt me? :-))

[@k4syx]

@@OlympicBruce lol made my day, my daughter says she doesn't want to get older brother now :D

[@stefanhooss2822]

Ouch - this can`t be a real clone because the name is already false : E means always an integrated amp in the Accuphase portfolio. So it is a clone of which Accuphase amp with the name of A ???

[@k4syx]

@@stefanhooss2822 E405 was integrated that Accu was stating was built upon two separate (internally) amps; preamp with tone controls, input selection etc, and power amp stage that was separate (sharing the chassis). So the sales pitch was that you're buying two separates in one chassis, so it's cheaper but sonically as good as two devices. I was interested in it and I went through old Accuphase docs available on the web. So the 1:1 clone is for the output stage: power amplifier.