Based on my experience of hearing Accuphase and Audio Note down through the years, they both make fine sounding components but, of course, they're not for everyone. Show conditions aren't the ideal place to make a final judgement call on the sound quality of components or speakers etc., although exhibitors at the shows usually find a way to get their systems to sound pretty doggone good. Happy listening.
Finally heard Accuphase
I heard it at T.H.E. Show last weekend.
I was pretty shocked at how bad they were. Of course there are many variables at a show, but they were in more than one room. The sound was so wishy-washy and vague and uninvolving I couldn't get past it.
And I was hearing stacks of like $50k ,75k worth. A $3k Sugden sounds about the same, if memory serves. Or even the $8k Yamaha. More or less. But to spend that money on these amps makes no sense. Just build your own tube amp for $1500.
Whats going on with this brand?
To be fair, I also heard a $300k system that sounded more or less like a good PA system at a small concert venue that costs like, IDK $10k or something. This stuff is making no sense anymore.