accuphase a36 vs p4500

I am using in my setup A-48 and P-4500, P-4500 runs at lower temperature and requires less warm-up time, thus it used more often. Despite P-4500 is one the best sounding high-bias AB class amps, A-48 sounds “sweeter”, more contrast in Jazz/Opera/Classical soundtracks. A-36 probably will be close sounding to A-48, at lower power, but I think newer series A48/P4500/A75 have better fist stage amp session, with less noise/dist. etc, than A-36. 

@gwng8

Accuphase, in my experience offers impeccable synergy with Tannoy Prestige Series speakers. I have compared Accuphase E-650 with two of the very finest Integrated’s currently available (DarTZeel CTH-8550 and T+A PA 3100 HV) in my system and end up preferring the E-650’s slightly warm exquisite sound. I own Canterbury GR and E-650 (Class A- 30W) have no trouble driving the 15” woofer with aplomb.

@lalitk 

I haven’t heard your current amplifier and speaker pairing but it is not difficult to imagine that it sounds exceptionally well.

Charles

thanks everyone

@charles1dad 

Exactly! I didn’t think Accuphase or any other SS Integrated could possibly measure up to my previous setup of a Bespoke 300B amp and Shindo Monsbrison preamp :-) 

i guess i could consider the a48 as well....

@gwng8 

May I know what preamp you’re going to be pairing with Accuphase?

c2450

Consider Accuphase E-800 and call it a day! 

@gwng8 A-48 + C-2450 is excellent match!

C-2450 pre has excellent earphone amplifier as a feature “for free”! :-) I am using Accuphase C-2450 pre to drive Sony MDRZ1R EP. Compared it it to other counterparts, Accuphase wins hands down on sound stage, and has useful tone control options. 

I added to my C-2450 pre optional AD-2850 phono stage. Accuphase phono stage makes vinyl tunes warmer and more realistic/analog than SACD! So far checked it with AT-ART9, AT-ART7, AT-ML170, AT-150MLX, AT20 cartridges, no complains! 

well i'm definitely choosing between a48 and p4500.  just not sure about the big differences.  the p4500 shows 90w output/145 max....but how much would be class a?the a48 is 45w/102w with more dampening power and almost 10 pounds of more accucrack goodness

the p4500 shows 90w output/145 max....but how much would be class a?

The power consumption specs of P-4500 is 62 Watts @ idle, since class A efficiency is 50% or less, so it's safe to estimate its class A bias is less than 15 Watts per channel.

A48 consumes 180w idle, while P4500 “only” 62W.. thats the main reason most of time I use P4500.

thanks again.

so how important are watts?  All these amps have a high dampening factor, but are a lot of watts a necessary factor especially for lower listening?