McIntosh vs Accuphase?


Right now I'm using a Marantz PM-11S1 w/ Monitor Audio Gold floor standers. I'm a big fan of Marantz reference gear and their smooth yet detailed warmth. That said, I'm looking to get an integrated for my bedroom setup with a built-in DAC (no room for separates), which nixes something like the PM-KI Ruby. Looks to me like the McIntosh MA5300 / 7200 or Accuphase E-280 / E-380 fit the bill. I'm not really interested in Hegel or Rotel based on their aesthetics. I kind of like the idea of VU meters as well. So the question is, between the two McIntosh integrated or the Accuphase, what's my play? I'm located in the US so that's two points for Mc (pricing and service). But the Accuphase stuff looks to have much higher quality components, design, and build quality. Though for the price of the E-280 w/ option boards I could get a MA7200 and have spare change. Hmm...
lostark

Showing 1 response by gryphongryph

I guess you guys know that Accuphase is sold much cheaper in Japan than the US and Europe, in Japan they compete with the other big brands like the upper series of Denon, Sony and the like.
what makes Accuphase special, is that they are still privately owned and their products has always been first class in quality.
Now if one likes the design or their sound signature is a totally different matter, each to their own I guessÂ