2. amps-preamps
  3. 175440-171875

Amplifiers from the big [expensive] brands in Japan?

Hi all,

I’m a new member on audiogon!

My question is regarding amplifiers. But first, a bit of backstory so you guys have an understanding of my current audiophile situation.

I have owned vintage gear from brands like Technics, Pioneer, Sony, AKAI, etc. I’m talking about amplifiers, CD players, etc. and they all sounded pretty good.


Currently I have a pair of headphones and a dongle for my Android smartphone. Looking to build a system one day. Got to save up money for it.

 

I’m looking into the following brands as the ultimate end game.

Accuphase, Esoteric, TEAC (higher-end line up), and Luxman.

 

There is an audio store pretty close to where I live and they carry some of these brands. The owner said that she could set up an audition for me with different speakers - and I even get to use my headphones on the 6.3mm out of the integrated amplifiers.

 

My question is - are these very expensive audio components able to bring you closer to the original sound? is that the reason for their high prices?

 

For any owners of audio gear from these brands, please tell me your impressions about sound quality, build, parts, etc. Since they are all high-end brands, is the sound quality similar or very different between them? For example, is there a "signature" sound that only an Accuphase can have?

 

I’m here to learn and I appreciate all the help I can get.

 

My best,

Jack.

jackhifiguy

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,471 posts
 

Hey Jack,

It's a real shame the prices are going or have gone up, if you can get a discontinued Luxman model jump on it before the new models with post-covid prices roll in.

I will say I'm a luxman fan.  I got here after a long ride with a bunch of other SS amplifiers, from Sumo to Parasound to custom built Class D (sounded fine), and ended up at Luxman and couldn't be happier.

There's a lot of things I haven't heard though, including Accuphase.  I've heard Esoteric at a show and I just was not drawn to it.  Can't even remember anything about it.

So, Luxman:  Tremendous extension in the bass, and treble.  It makes speakers sound bigger and go further.  Liquid, almost tube-like midrange and smooth as glass treble.  To my ears, neutral without being syrupy or excessively warm like Parasound. I've heard D'Agostino amps in the same room and those are two amps that sound really close to each other.

The one technical negative is how they have the headphone amp set up.  They drive it directly from the amplifier, with a high value resistor.  If you use any sort of hard to drive headphone amp that output is probably not going to be for you. 

I also like Luxman a lot more than Pass and about the same as Ayre.  If you are auditioning amps, the Pass and Ayre sound distinct enough you might also see if you can listen to those. 

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