Accuphase E-800

myjazz123 said:
Just pulled a trigger trading my Luxman 590axii towards Accuphase E-800. I did not hear it, but trust the recommendation of the dealer who I know for a long time. He is saying that that model sounds as good as A-48 amplifier and C-2850 pre-amp. When I asked him if its a just jumper change only to switch power to US based, he told me that as a final step they insert the transformer for US models specifically designed for US voltage.
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Congrats! I hope you like the Accuphase more than the Luxman. Did buy from the dealer in the Cape?
 
When I look at Luxman amps and Accuphase amps, they look like they were designed by the same ampbuilder/designer, all the same nobs, meters just the chassis metal covering looks different. If I was forced to purchase one of the amps without audition how would you describe is the difference in their Sound Quality?
 
Accuphase = detailed, sterile and un-engaging

Luxman = detailed, warmth and very engaging

Accuhase

I really didn't know how much I loved Luxman until I had both brands in my audio room.
 
i find accuphase to sound good. on the negtive side i would say they are a bit soft, so it is very musictaste dependent.
 
GreginNH said:
Accuphase = detailed, sterile and un-engaging

Luxman = detailed, warmth and very engaging

Accuhase

I really didn't know how much I loved Luxman until I had both brands in my audio room.
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I found exact same result when I do comparison with E650 vs 590 ax II. own both


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The real challenge with Accuphase, at least in the US, is that few dealers actually stock any Accuphase gear. I would venture to say that more than 50% of US buyers have purchased the E-800 without hearing it first. There has been a significant amount of hype (emulating from one dealer in particular) about this amp being in a "different zip code" in terms of comparing it to the E-650. I owned the E-600 and I would characterize the difference between Accuphase models being more along the lines of "super sizing" a Mc Donald's meal.

The difference that my Luxman 900 combo brought to the table compared to the E-800 was not subtle. Of course, YMMV.
 
Greg and Paul: does your comparison between Accuphase and Luxman apply to their Class A offerings or to their Class AB integrated amps as well? Also, how would Esoteric’s integrated stack up relative to the other two brands?
 
GreginNH said:
There has been a significant amount of hype (emulating from one dealer in particular) about this amp being in a "different zip code" in terms of comparing it to the E-650.
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Dealers are in the business to move product. Do you think the the hyperbole is warranted based on your listening experience?
 
Gene said:
Dealers are in the business to move product. Do you think the the hyperbole is warranted based on your listening experience?
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Hi Gene - based on my personal listening preferences and experience with the amps, I would say the hyperbole is not warranted. I would argue that the Luxman L-590AXII actually sounds as good, if not better than the E-800 at less than half the MSRP. I had high hopes for the E-800 - don't get me wrong, it's a great integrated amp and it performs very well, just my cup of tea. I have wanted very much to like Accuphase but each it seems like I keep coming home to Luxman. At this level, it is always a question of personal preference and I respect those who own and love Accuphase!
 
Greg interesting how your opinion is changing within few weeks. On A-gon forum you wrote:
the AccuphaseE-800 is the real deal. Its performance is simply amazing. I was not totally enamored with it when I initially had it in my audio room and after 250 hours or so, I actually considered going back to Luxman. I did, however, decide to give it some more time and it was improved significantly after 400 hours. It is a keeper.

I did not buy my E-800 (waiting for delivery in 2 weeks) from cape code dealer. The dealer I bought mine from, I know for a long time and he is the largest accuphase dealer in US. I trust his ears. His recommendations hav been proven many times. He is saying that E-800 sounds exactly like his c-2850 and a-48 combo. According to him its a very unique and specially made model.

Greg, what is your digital source; luxman d-05u? I think one need at least luxman d-08u or esoteric k-03xs or DCS rossini to properly evaluate downstream gear of this caliber. But I may agree with you, that the luxman 900 series combo is outstanding, especially considering its price.

As for me I always prefer integrated for simplicity and cost efficiency. The luxman 590axii I have now is outstanding for the price, but I decided to jump for E-800 since its more powerful, has much better dumping factor, has much better binding posts than Luxman 590axii and its an accuphase limited edition model. I am sure I made a right choice, even so I did not hear e-800. Well of course I will say it...lol. And one more thing, if anybody in US is buying accuphase for a full retail - they are not making a wise decision.
 
myjazz123 said:
Greg interesting how your opinion is changing within few weeks. On A-gon forum you wrote:
the AccuphaseE-800 is the real deal. Its performance is simply amazing. I was not totally enamored with it when I initially had it in my audio room and after 250 hours or so, I actually considered going back to Luxman. I did, however, decide to give it some more time and it was improved significantly after 400 hours. It is a keeper.

I did not buy my E-800 (waiting for delivery in 2 weeks) from cape code dealer. The dealer I bought mine from, I know for a long time and he is the largest accuphase dealer in US. I trust his ears. His recommendations hav been proven many times. He is saying that E-800 sounds exactly like his c-2850 and a-48 combo. According to him its a very unique and specially made model.

Greg, what is your digital source; luxman d-05u? I think one need at least luxman d-08u or esoteric k-03xs or DCS rossini to properly evaluate downstream gear of this caliber. But I may agree with you, that the luxman 900 series combo is outstanding, especially considering its price.

As for me I always prefer integrated for simplicity and cost efficiency. The luxman 590axii I have now is outstanding for the price, but I decided to jump for E-800 since its more powerful, has much better dumping factor, has much better binding posts than Luxman 590axii and its an accuphase limited edition model. I am sure I made a right choice, even so I did not hear e-800. Well of course I will say it...lol. And one more thing, if anybody in US is buying accuphase for a full retail - they are not making a wise decision.
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All that I said was correct at the time until I actually compared the E-800 to the Luxman 900 combo. While I would have perhaps been happy with the E-800, through a series of fortunate events, I was able to purchase the Luxman 900 combo at a very, very good price. I figured I would take the plunge and see how the two set ups compared. As for sources, I don't play my SACD player that much. I stream music with Lumin U-1 and Chord DAVE DAC.

I will say this about the E-800, the power comes on incredibly quickly. I was actually shocked at how loud it played at the "2" setting on the volume control! You are correct about pricing on Accuphase, Once should expect at least a 30% discount off US list price.
 
Did you compare the E-800 with Luxman separates? or integrated? What are the speakers you’re using? I had the Accuphase C3850/A200 3 years ago. Haven’t tried any newer Luxman gears.
 
TommyC said:
Did you compare the E-800 with Luxman separates? or integrated? What are the speakers you’re using? I had the Accuphase C3850/A200 3 years ago. Haven’t tried any newer Luxman gears.
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Compared Luxman C900u/M900u with E-800. My speakers are Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary.
 
Guys - I am not trying to bash Accuphase or the E-800. In my case, it did not make the cut when compared to the Luxman 900 separates. I have no doubt that most new owners will be thrilled with their E-800s!
 
GreginNH said:
Compared Luxman C900u/M900u with E-800. My speakers are Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary.
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Thanks for describing the differences and your experience listening to all of these.

It's interesting that there are so many varying opinions of the "Accuphase sound" when one reads threads all over the place.

Would you say that Class A, in and of itself, doesn't give an indication of the sound of the component?

I can't remember - did you try the Gryphon Diablo, too? For some reason I thought you did.
 
Christian - you raise a very relevant point regarding one's expectation of Class A indication of sound.

I used to think Class A meant warmth, or perhaps a closer stride towards the warmth of tubes but based on what I have owned, I would venture to say that has not always been the case for me. My first Luxman L-590AX represented to me what a Class A amp should be, it had warmth and detail with a sweet, engaging musical presentation. My second Luxman, the L-590 AX II, improved upon that. Now the questions becomes, at least for me, was it the Class A that I liked so much or was it the Luxman sonic signature?

It was my belief however (right or wrong) that it was the Class A magic that I was after - hence the purchase on many other amps, including the Gryphon Diablo 300 (purchased from Miike) in pursuit that "just right sound".
 
GreginNH said:
Christian - you raise a very relevant point regarding one's expectation of Class A indication of sound.

I used to think Class A meant warmth, or perhaps a closer stride towards the warmth of tubes but based on what I have owned, I would venture to say that has not always been the case for me. My first Luxman L-590AX represented to me what a Class A amp should be, it had warmth and detail with a sweet, engaging musical presentation. My second Luxman, the L-590 AX II, improved upon that. Now the questions becomes, at least for me, was it the Class A that I liked so much or was it the Luxman sonic signature?

It was my belief however (right or wrong) that it was the Class A magic that I was after - hence the purchase on many other amps, including the Gryphon Diablo 300 (purchased from Miike) in pursuit that "just right sound".
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The Diablo 300 isn’t class A. Folks loving their Diablo 300 have got to hear the Essence stereo amp. That’s class A and woefully underrated power wise. Me thinks it’s a Antilleon Evo in a Essence chassis. I have one on order.

Greg, congrats on the Luxman combo. You know what I think of it! I used it with the M6’s/Q-Sub 18’s at the Florida Audio Expo. They’re THAT good!


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class a is a big world by its own with so many various designs.
the best ones sound clear, pure and rich. pass xs pre and xs amps as the best example.
accuphase in general is a bit on the tame and soft side. not my cup of tea either.
they have great synergy with some speakers. for piega speakers it is one of the best pairings. guess it does generally well with the brighter side of tweeters.
as well i guess the luxmans have a lot more grip, especially if you have the monos. nothing wrong with prefering the luxman over the accuphases
 
On just the build and looks both Accuphase and Luxman products look sumptuous, on just the looks the Luxman wins it for me because of its silver looks and those pristine nobs, but I read that some owners of the Luxman do not like the 'cheap binding posts' so maybe there is a chink in Luxmans armour? I would love to audition both brands either using seperates or Integrated amps with reasonable power output but that would be very difficult to arrange in UK as I don't know any dealer who stocks both brands? Even trying to audition a Accuphase amp is not straight forward as the nearest dealer would be not so near and would only stock a very limited range of Accuphase. Its also a mystery to me what warranty is offered on a Accuphase component in UK?
 
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