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Accuphase fans. Newer & Lower vs Older & Higher model?

Hi all

I am not rich, not a techie, no expereiences in Hi-Fi, and have no dealers nearby

So I need your help.

 

I've been craving for integrated amplifier, either Luxman or Accuphase. I am going to buy a used one off eBay from Japan

Since I am not able to afford current generation of Accuphase, the ultimate final Two is Accuphase E-470 and Luxman 507. Of course, I will go down to previous models if they are not too old.

My wife thinks Accuphase is prettier than Luxman so I will go for Accuphase probably

 

I am considering following models, around 5K budget

E-470~450, 380~360, 550~530

 

My question is

Should I buy a Newer generation but Lower model? Or Older generation but Higher model?

For example, 470 vs 380 vs 550? 

 

And How old is too old? X20?

 

Regards,

Arron

czar2000

Showing 5 responses by inna

inna
7,913 posts
 

I meant E-560, got confused a little.

inna
7,913 posts
 

That E-480 is almost $10k and the man wants to spend $5k or a little more. And he wants class AB, so E-650 and E-800 won't do anyway.

I myself was thinking about E-530 or maybe E-550, class A.

inna
7,913 posts
 

czar2000, I see.

Actually I myself was thinking about doing the same - getting used Accuphase integrated from Japan. There is almost nothing used in the US or Canada.

But I do strongly prefer class A. I just decided to postpone this for a year or two at least.

Good idea to ask US Accuphase dealers about if they have or expect soon what you might want.

inna
7,913 posts
 

Oh, and you would need 100 volts to 120 volts good transformer. Not Chinese junk, Japanese or American.

inna
7,913 posts
 

I suggest you make sure that if your Accuphase bought in Japan breaks the company will fix it here without your having to ship it to Japan.

They say Accuphase never breaks, but it probably does, rarely.

How old is too old is a good question. Certain parts do age. I would not hesitate to buy , say, ten year old Accuphase.

As for newer vs older, I'll let those better familiar with this brand express their opinions.

Another question that you did not ask. Do you want class A lower power Accuphase or Class AB higher powered Accuphase.

And you didn't mention your speakers, source and cabling.

I prefer more sophisticated sound of Accuphase to Luxman's.

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