Accuphase E-303 Integrated

[kkchome]

The Luxman integrated amp I had my eye on for my apartment in Shanghai was sold before I could get back to Hong Kong. Such is life.

There is a listing for an Accuphase E-303 available for the equivalent of US$900 or so. From the photos, it looks to be in very good condition. I plan to go and have a listen when I get back to Hong Kong next week if it is still available. I don't know much about Accuphase other than their build quality is supposed to be quite good and that they have a hard-core, McIntosh like following in Asia.

Any comments about the Accuphase "house sound"? I don't want anything harsh, bright or strident. I'm looking for something on the warm side of neutral with a nice mid range. Any ideas what a fair market price for this amp would be?

According to the seller, he purchased the unit in Japan and the previous owner had it serviced and brought up to spec by Accuphase a few years ago.

Here's a few photos of the actual unit that is for sale:

 

[jhal]

I don't know much about them other than they are supposed to be on par with the best. Just wanted to say what a beautiful amp that is, hope you get it. Welcome to AK.

 

[westend]

Very nice looking gear. Accuphase is world renowned for their quality. I don't own any but have listened a few times, years ago. IIRC, a pretty neutral sound, almost mellow.
I don't think you could go wrong with Accuphase. Welcome to AK.

 

[bully]

Welcome to AK !

I sure hope you can get it.

 

[SPL db]

Very nice amp, don't think that you could go wrong with that one.

If it was brought up to speed a few years ago by Accuphase, then
it sounds like it should be worth the $900.

I'd ask to see the repair bill to see what all was done to the amp.

Let us know how it works out!

Welcome to AK! :wave:

Scott

 

[Yamaha B-2]

Accuphase sound is supposed to be similar to the McIntosh sound. That is, a somewhat relaxed and warm sound. While haven't listened to the E-303, the newer E-406V is very much in that vein. Beautiful piece, as is all Accuphase gear. Good luck with it.

 

[kkchome]

Thanks for the feedback and the warm welcome. I'll post again in the thread if I decide to pick it up.

 

[kkchome]

Now I'm really interested in this unit. I really like the McIntosh "house sound". I was originally going to look into McIntosh amplification for this system, the the prices are really pretty high in Hong Kong.

 

[SixCats!]

Hi KKC,

Welcome to the MADNESS! Man, that is one sweeet looking Amp!
I happen to own a early ACCUPHASE E-202 (LOW 108) that was just overhauled by AK member ECHOWARS (aka Glenn) and it is BEAUTIFUL sounding! In fact, it sounds just as you discribed what you are looking for in a Amp (almost TUBE like). I had entertained the idea of selling this unit but once I heard it on my ESS AMT 1's, geeeze...fooogetaboudit...it's a KEEPER!
Good luck with whatever you decide to "go for".

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom