Accuphase E-560 versus VAC Sigma 160i

To bad no responses on this the whole year... These are two integrated amps now on my list. They are very different, one being tubed and one bing solid state, but I too wonder how they compare...

Tube meister, did you end up with either?

I *think* many prefer the Luxman 590AX over the Accuphase E-560 is due to cost. The 560 is considerably more expensive... But yes. the Sigma 160i seems to be very well received at every mention.

How much warmth do these three amps have? Which has the most and which has the "best" bass?

I hear ya Beatlebum, but most I have run into or read just purchases one without hearing the others but say they are very happy. I have been trying to get a good read on these offerings for a couple months. What little is out there is inconclusive on the sound character front --other than VAC. One can find good explanations of their sound.

I left a message at an Accuphase dealer in Chicago a few days ago... not heard back yet. Not that great for business when someone is calling from another state asking about the most expensive integrated a company makes...and no call back!

Was emailing with Kevin of VAC too. At least I thought I was... No response to my second message now.

Good way to whittle it down to Luxman I suppose... Actually this is not the first time this has happened to me. I dont know what I am doing wrong but BPT and a few things sold through Tweek Geek got taken off my list last year due to not responding to queries...and in this economy. Whatever!

Thanks for the coments about Kevin and about the 160i as well. I have actually heard nothing but good things about Kevin. And to be honest, my second email to him might of been rather pedestrian and more sales related, but I was also curious about a past integrated and how it would compare to the 160i.

I hope to try to hear the 160i somewhere this winter... I will give the accuphase dealer a second try also.

Fplanner2000,
What do you think of your Melody AN845, in your second system, as compared to the 160i you listed to at your friends pace?
Having VAC in your main system but also owning the melody has interested me, since I am considering the 160i and a Melody integrated.
Are the Melody integrateds in the same league as the VAC?
Could you describe the sonic differences between VAC and Melody?

Thanks for the response Fplanner2000.
That does help a little... I do not listen loud. Only around 9 0'clock on the dial (guessing in the 70 to 80 db range), but I do listen to rock and a deep and thorough low end is important to me.

I just wish the 160i was said to have a tilt to the warm side. If so, with everything else said about it, I would buy it in a heartbeat... Statements like 'the unbeatable VAC midrange' are tempting... But ultimately, I am looking for something with a little warmth and very smooth. Am just a little scared of getting something that will be to hot in the upper mids and treble for my ears --which are very sensitive to this. The VAC sounds perfect in every other respect.

The class A warmth of the Accuphase might do it. but then it will probably lack the tube midrange...

Keithr,
Interesting that you found the Luxman 590ax to be way overly warm. I have not read that about the unit in any reviews (I know, take all reviews with a grain of salt)... Is it possible that the FETs in the amp were not broken in yet. I had a Mosfet amp once and it took quite a while to 'wake up.'
Did you have any other warm character cables or gear involved as well???
Thanks, Just trying to get a barometer going.

Thanks Keithr. Very helpful.