Accuphase recommendations?

[arcmusic]

Hi all,

I recently had the chance to listen to an Accuphase pre / power combo (C200L / P300)
and really liked it.
It had a very non-intrusive sound, but at the same time managed to present a good amount of detail.
Can any Accuphase fans out there throw some suggestions my way?
Would prefer an intergrated (and would also prefer not to spend more than 1000 euros)
My current system is a Marantz 2230b with KEF 103.2.
Many thanks and a happy weekend to all,

Phil

 

[C Roberts]

Hi Phil,
Maybe Accuphase is a bad word around here! No one is responding! I am going to audition an Accuphase integrated E 305 on Sept 13... let you know how it works out....have you come up with any options?

 

[arcmusic]

Hi,
Well, perhaps I was being a little hopeful with my €1000 budget!
Nothing too solid yet, though I'm yet to try anything out.
Would like to find something close by so I can hear it in action.
The E-20X range come up pretty often, and just about squeeze into my budget.
Do you know anything about these Accuphase 'cheapies'?
Please keep me informed of how you find the E305. It's a touch out of my range, but it looks
very special.
Such a difficult game, as one only really knows what suits after living with an item/trying it in their
system. Ah, such is the second-hand hifi game.

All the best
Phil

 

[C Roberts]

Hi,
Well, perhaps I was being a little hopeful with my €1000 budget!
Nothing too solid yet, though I'm yet to try anything out.
Would like to find something close by so I can hear it in action.
The E-20X range come up pretty often, and just about squeeze into my budget.
Do you know anything about these Accuphase 'cheapies'?
Please keep me informed of how you find the E305. It's a touch out of my range, but it looks
very special.
Such a difficult game, as one only really knows what suits after living with an item/trying it in their
system. Ah, such is the second-hand hifi game.

All the best
Phil

Hi Phil,

Over here across the pond most models coming up for sale are far and few between. I haven’t heard any Accuphases yet....one of the reasons I am taking a lengthy drive to hear the 305. If they are as good as they say it will be a done deal....about the equivalent of 1300 eu. There is a nice 203 and 302 at Canuck Audiomart....too bad it’s hefty shipping and 120v. Keep up your search....may take some time but will be worth the wait. I’ll let you know how the 305 works out.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[C Roberts]

Hi,
Well, perhaps I was being a little hopeful with my €1000 budget!
Nothing too solid yet, though I'm yet to try anything out.
Would like to find something close by so I can hear it in action.
The E-20X range come up pretty often, and just about squeeze into my budget.
Do you know anything about these Accuphase 'cheapies'?
Please keep me informed of how you find the E305. It's a touch out of my range, but it looks
very special.
Such a difficult game, as one only really knows what suits after living with an item/trying it in their
system. Ah, such is the second-hand hifi game.

All the best
Phil

Hi Phil,

Came home with the E305 tonight....10 seconds of listening I knew it was sold....outclasses everything else I have and have had....maybe I am lucky with this one....lightly used...1 owner...it sounds like a high end piece at the stereo store we can’t afford....but got a good deal on it....if you can find one try and make your budget work around it! It is detailed without glare ...first thought was ...this sounds beautiful....where as when I listened to Bryston the last time I though..this sounds incredibly detailed....I am going to stick with Accuphase for a while....

Cheers,

Chris

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi Phil,

Came home with the E305 tonight....10 seconds of listening I knew it was sold....outclasses everything else I have and have had....maybe I am lucky with this one....lightly used...1 owner...it sounds like a high end piece at the stereo store we can’t afford....but got a good deal on it....if you can find one try and make your budget work around it! It is detailed without glare ...first thought was ...this sounds beautiful....where as when I listened to Bryston the last time I though..this sounds incredibly detailed....I am going to stick with Accuphase for a while....

Cheers,

Chris

Recommend Accuphase when new, in warranty, and bought new in your country. Otherwise, it is very expensive to own, to maintain when it is not. Accuphase has one big problem, their Accu-Tude about any unit which is not the above. Your mileage will vary. May your experience be better than mine. Bryston's way easier to deal with when your equipment is old, and needs repair (and is known occasionally to let warranty and age slide if you're nice). I've had 30 year old Bryston (out of warranty, get fixed cheap or free sometimes). Even return shipping. For that price, Accuphase should offer 50 year no hassle warranty. I love their equipment, it's usually superbly built, it sounds excellent to superb. The early models I especially like. And they truly are the Japanese McIntosh. I just wish they had more service centers, and at least repair out of warranty or non USA equipment in a friendlier manner (at out of warranty repair costs)

 

[arcmusic]

Hi Chris,
Good to hear the trip was not wasted.
I'm going to keep an eye out for something in that range.
Accuphase amps do sometimes go for good prices on ebay over here if the seller chooses to auction.
There's actually a 305 right now that's already up to a thousand, so maybe your one is a very desirable model.
Enjoy your new setup!
All the best from Berlin

Phil

 

[arcmusic]

Recommend Accuphase when new, in warranty, and bought new in your country. Otherwise, it is very expensive to own, to maintain when it is not. Accuphase has one big problem, their Accu-Tude about any unit which is not the above. Your mileage will vary. May your experience be better than mine. Bryston's way easier to deal with when your equipment is old, and needs repair (and is known occasionally to let warranty and age slide if you're nice). I've had 30 year old Bryston (out of warranty, get fixed cheap or free sometimes). Even return shipping. For that price, Accuphase should offer 50 year no hassle warranty. I love their equipment, it's usually superbly built, it sounds excellent to superb. The early models I especially like. And they truly are the Japanese McIntosh. I just wish they had more service centers, and at least repair out of warranty or non USA equipment in a friendlier manner (at out of warranty repair costs)

The potential service bills do put me off plunging into the more exotic brands, and also about owning high
power units.
There's not a massive chance for me to own a brand new Accuphase, though let's not rule it out
for my future, wealthy self.
May I hazard a guess that you're more inclined towards McIntosh?
They are certainly have been peaking my interest for some time, but again, I've never had the chance to listen.
I imagine they have a sound signature that I would like though, sacrificing ultimate air/detail for a slightly more cozy experience.

Phil

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I'm inclined toward used McIntosh because A: It sounds great. B: It's conservatively engineered. C: It's superbly built. D: Service literature is available, as well as spare parts often for older equipment, and E: I can repair it if necessary, which gets us to F: Over the years, it's far less expensive for me to own. And I have nothing against Accuphase equipment in terms of build quality, engineering prowess, sound quality, and generally conservative engineering. Accuphase styling I also love as well as I do McIntosh, after all it is truly the Japanese McIntosh. I respect it as that.