• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Accuphase E-303x integrated amplifier

poorman

poorman

Well-Known Member
I am very pleased with my new to me mid 1980s integrated amplifier, the E-303x. I've been looking for a higher-power integrated since I purchased a pair of B&W DM14s earlier this year. At 150 watts per channel, the Accuphase is definitely up to the task. Even better, I'm finding that I enjoy the musicality of the Accuphase as much as its predecessor in my main system, the Pioneer SA-9100 (one of my favorites).

The Accuphase effortlessly drives the B&Ws, and has wonderful tone and clarity. It does not seem to overemphasize any part of the frequency range either. One thing I read about and definitely do notice, though, is that this amp runs hot. Not fry an egg on it hot, but close!

My tech was originally somewhat skeptical about working on the unit, since he is not familiar with the Accuphase brand. Fortunately, he agreed to open the hatch and take a look. Once he did he noted the high build quality of it, and agreed to give it a once over. In the end it only needed to have the relays cleaned and the controls lubed. He couldn't find a single bad capacitor.

This is one of those pieces that brings the salesmen over from the sales floor too. One of them had heard of Accuphase as "the Japanese McIntosh". I don't know if that's true, but I do know that absent reliability issues, this amp is a keeper. Five years into this hobby, and I think my main system is complete!

Here are some photos -- sorry about the low res.
 

Attachments

  • Accuphase E-303x front.jpg
    Accuphase E-303x front.jpg
    106.5 KB · Views: 293
  • Accuphase E-303x interior.jpg
    Accuphase E-303x interior.jpg
    32.3 KB · Views: 280
  • Accuphase E-303x transformer.jpg
    Accuphase E-303x transformer.jpg
    120.3 KB · Views: 163
  • Accuphase E-303x rear 1.jpg
    Accuphase E-303x rear 1.jpg
    129.2 KB · Views: 196
Register to hide this ad
Accuphase, oh yeah! This is one of the pieces I've hoped to have scored but got away. You're a lucky guy.
 
The BOTL E-203 is also a excellent sounding unit. Although by the looks of your E-303, the E-203 is a BIG step down build-wise.
 
Very nice amp! They are built well and actually have a similar look and feel to McIntosh. so much in fact that I've mated an Accuphase T101 Tuner to my McIntosh MA6100. They don't necessarily match cosmetically but they share a similar "polished" look and build quality.

Sometimes you have to go through a few units before you find "the one", sounds like you found yours. Enjoy!
 
Luxman has been called the "Japanese McIntosh" at least as often. But that point becomes fuzzy when you learn that some of the same designers worked for both companies. :D
 
I've enjoyed several long listening sessions with the Accuphase this week. Related gear includes a Kenwood KT-8300 tuner and a Jolida JD-100 CDP. Running B&W DM14s on the A channel and Dynaco A-25s on the B channel.

Still marveling at the sound quality of this beast. Makes me forget all about the equipment and just listen.
 
Accuphase gear is in a different class than the run of the mill JP classics. Lux (pre and post Alpine market-share grabbing era) was and is high class gear.
The major JP makers all had their upper crust lines too, good stuff by most measures.
 
Great gear there-forgot about the dimmer switch on the back of my 8300. Was set to dim; guess I really don't need to replace all the bulbs after all... :D

Hope there's at least one decent FM station where you are...
 
Sweet amp, Accuphase is really in the top 1/3 of vintage gear as far as build quality and design. Really only matched by a few of the TOTL pieces from the good mainstream Japanese manufactures IMHO. Very partial to Accuphase here:yes:...

P1180076Large-1.jpg
 
poorman said:
I can see why. Wow! Beautiful pieces.
Click to expand...

I agree... :tresbon: The polar opposite of that is my mismatched McIntosh/Accuphase set up with its broken and cracked glass windows and missing feet ( on the tuner). Hope to get this sorted out Soon... very soon. ( more pressing projects ahead of this one, that will fund the repair work required). A bit of TLC and maybe it'll come close to the units in that other pic, or so I hope.

_DSC8154.JPG
 
Hi, everyone.
I bought a few days ago Accuphase E303X . Please advice.
What are the best speakers for E303X you recommend?
Infinity Kappa 9.2i? Pioneer HPM 100? Thanks
 
Chris614 said:
Hi, everyone.
I bought a few days ago Accuphase E303X . Please advice.
What are the best speakers for E303X you recommend?
Infinity Kappa 9.2i? Pioneer HPM 100? Thanks
Click to expand...

The best speakers are whichever sounds "best" to you. The E303x Will drive literally 1000's of brands and models of speakers quite well. (not all at once of course :) ) so find a pair that sound good playing the music you like and buy them. there's no better solution to help you decide than that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom