Thoughts on vintage Accuphase


I have an opportunity to buy some vintage Accuphase gear -- C200 preamp and P300 power amp. Just wondering if anyone has opinions on this combo. More specifically, how do you think it compares and competes with modern equipment, and what should be a reasonable price. If I end up buying, I will either be driving P3esr speakers in a smaller room (12x13), or Sonus Faber Olympica II in a midsized room (20x15). Should I walk away and look for more modern equipment or do you guys think it competes favorably with new’ish stuff? I prefer a warm sound but not at the expense of details, transparency or tighter, fuller bass.
arafiq

Showing 3 responses by arafiq

I've been perusing local ads for vintage equipment, but my god, either the sellers are deluded or there really is a market where people are willing to pay more money for a 30 years-old unit compared to an equivalent new (or new'ish) one. I'm not trying to suggest that vintage does not measure up, but they have to perform significantly better to warrant such high asking prices. I'm pretty much done considering vintage :(
Appreciate the responses. The buyer is asking for $3000 for the combo. As much as I would like to explore vintage, this doesn't make sense. It's so much out of the ballpark that I don't know how to even begin negotiating. Lol!

What I'd like to know is how much of the sound characteristics are common between the newer Accuphase vs the really old ones.