Which amplifier

@mfdamon Though I'm sure both are outstanding integrated amplifiers neither in my opinion are an appropriate match for a Cornwall. You might be better served, have better sound quality and save a great deal of money by looking at something along the lines of a Luxman SQ-N150 integrated for around $3500 new https://luxmanamerica.com/product/sq-n150-integrated-amplifier/  plus have all the benefits of a factory warranty, dealer support as well as the reliability you’d get from the McIntosh and the Accuphase. If your budget can stretch, this might be even better https://luxmanamerica.com/product/lx-380/. This is what I’m currently using with my Cornwall IVs and I’m completely in love!

Of the two, I would go for the McIntosh.

Tough Choice. Two really great amps. I think both would drive those speakers with ease. I think I’d pick the Mac. Luxman is a solid choice as well. The build quality on the Luxman and Accuphase would be slightly better as Japan tends to do this exceptionally well. I have not heard the amps with your speakers….

I had a pair of Cornwalls driven with a Coda CSIB. It was a great tonal combination, big soundstage, exciting but not bright. I felt the Cornwalls wanted a bit of power. I demoed them with the small Luxman tube amp and just didn't feel that combo. I also used an Audio Note amp but the Coda was on top IMO.

Never heard the Accuphase, maybe look into damping factor combo for these speakers.

For resale, guessing the McIntosh.  The McIntosh is a great down the middle of the fairway amp.  I have one and listened to many.  Not exciting or toe curling.  Very little deviation in dynamics through the volumes.  Nice and flat. 

Haven't listened to the Accuphase so don't know.

Hate to go there but what about neither?  Such wonderful efficient speakers that are going to have more power than they need, imho.  That is unless you are just looking from some greater decibels. 

Have you thought about a low wattage S.E.T. tube or something from First Watt?  Audiophiliac does some reviews of the Cornwalls paired with various things and nice results from Decware.  

Good luck and please let post what you end up with and how it sounds.  Either will be great.   

I truly appreciate the response from all you gentlemen. And it’s given me a good amount of information to consider. Thank you. 

I’m going to slow you down. You don’t HAVE to buy either of these amps. You are spending thousands of dollars. It’s worth getting a demo. 

I’ve said this to friends in this hobby for years: If you are willing to spend over $5000 on a single piece of gear, it’s pretty safe insurance to make a long drive. Even if you need to get a hotel over night. If you’re spending over $10k, then a flight and a hotel room becomes cheap insurance. 

Even if you are purchasing these used and you are able to re-sell for the same money, you’d be looking at over $100 shipping each way. If you’re buying new, the hit you’d take on resell is WAY higher than the cost of a 5 hour drive and a hotel room. 

Slow down. Do a demo. Feel confident. Get excited to bring it home! 

Sounds like sound advice displayname. 

I was just thinking the same thing.  This happens a lot, I can see why.  You live where demos are tough or impossible so it will often boil down to to high end contenders that  used locally.

Definitely go out your way to audition amps at that price tier. Its a lot of money to have buyer's remorse on.   

TMR is a good way to buy used if in the US.   .  

If warmish, laidback sound, McIntosh. Accuphase more neutral sound. My preference would be the Mac. Plus the Mac would be easier to sale if it was not to your taste.

McIntosh 

Both are obviously very nice amps. For me, I’d consider a McIntosh MA-252 integrated. At 100W/ch that’s more than adequate power and the hybrid tube preamp/solid state power amp should match up nicely with the Cornwalls. And I personally love the retro-styling, especially paired with classic speakers like yours. At under $5,000, it’ll also save you a few thousand dollars to put towards a nice streamer or vinyl rig. 

The McIntosh.  The Accuphase is nice, of course.  But dang....that MA8000 is a gorgeous beast.

The gentleman asks for a choice between the two amps that he wants/prefers and the first response from a Gon member is to buy something else, that he likes better……SMH.

Both amplifiers are roughly eight years old.
Do you know the provenance of both? 
Any repair history?
 

During its production run, the MA8000 received several accolades, including being named “Best Amplifier” by Hi-Fi World in 2014  and “High End Stereo Amplifier of the Year” by Lyd & Bilde in 2015 .

I am mesmerized at the detailed information Chatgtp can produce. 
 

• If you prefer a clean, transparent, and refined sound with surgical detail: Accuphase E-470.
• If you want bold dynamics, richness, and an engaging “live” feel with more slam: McIntosh MA8000.

•  

  1. Synergy with Horns

   

   

• Accuphase E-470:
  Excellent match. The smooth, refined, and low-noise nature of the E-470 tames any potential shoutiness or brightness from the horns. It brings out nuance and texture without adding edge. It also has a dead-quiet noise floor, which is important with such sensitive speakers.
• McIntosh MA8000:
  Also a good match, but it will give you more of that classic, big, room-filling sound. However, the McIntosh warmth + Cornwall boldness might be too rich or thick-sounding for some. It could emphasize the midbass and low end more than you want, depending on room acoustics.

•  

Consider Gryphon Diablo as well. A hell of an amp with great dynamics and bass.

@hbarrel 

Good idea. Here is the contrast from an Google. I find it usually does a really good job. I think some of the wording is better.

The Accuphase e470 and McIntosh MA8000 offer distinct sonic signatures.The Accuphase e470 is known for its balanced and refined sound, with a focus on clarity and naturalness. The McIntosh MA8000, on the other hand, presents a powerful and dynamic sound, often described as having a more "romantic" mid-range and expansive soundstage. 

Accuphase e470: 

• Focus: Clarity, naturalness, and balanced sound.
• Sound Characteristics:
  • Accuphase’s AAVA volume control and high-power transistors contribute to a detailed and refined sound signature.
  • The e470 is known for its ability to reproduce subtle nuances in the music.
  • It offers a balanced sound across the frequency spectrum, with a focus on accuracy and naturalness.
• Overall Impression: The Accuphase e470 is a refined and detailed amplifier, perfect for audiophiles who appreciate a clean and accurate sound reproduction. 

McIntosh MA8000: 

• Focus: Powerful, dynamic, and expansive sound.
• Sound Characteristics:
  • The MA8000 is known for its "romantic" mid-range, which is often described as having a softer and sweeter quality.
  • It delivers a powerful and dynamic sound, particularly in the bass frequencies.
  • The MA8000’s large soundstage allows for a sense of depth and dimensionality in the music.
• Overall Impression: The McIntosh MA8000 is a powerful and dynamic amplifier, ideal for those who enjoy a wide and immersive soundstage. 

Key Differences: 

• Emphasis on Sound:

  The Accuphase e470 emphasizes accuracy and clarity, while the McIntosh MA8000 leans towards power and dynamic sound reproduction.

• Soundstage:

  The McIntosh MA8000 is known for its wide and expansive soundstage, while the Accuphase e470 offers a more balanced and focused soundstage.

• Overall Style:

  The Accuphase e470 delivers a refined and detailed sound, while the McIntosh MA8000 presents a powerful and dynamic sound. 

FWIW:  I used to sell Klipsch at retail many years ago and I agree with those who said neither amp.  If you really want those Cornwalls to shine like they never did before, put a low powered SET amp on them.  

@ghdprentice great answer

Here’s a reviewer, one of the very few in whose ears I trust, that actually reviewed the amplifier, the class A Luxman L-550AxII, with a pair of modern Cornwalls.

https://youtu.be/t_bVWoMlfR4?si=ua_Dm0uLsbcwcSk8

FWIW

Happy Easter!

Can't go wrong with either, if you want warm, get Mac, if you want detail, and soundstage get Accuphase. Both will be amazing with your Klipsch speakers. 

I would pair a less warm amp with the Cornwalls, which are a bit warm on their own.  I’d go with the Accuphase.

I completely agree with @faustuss I have both of these amplifiers and I can confirm that they have too much power for Klipsch speakers, if you do not want to change speakers then I highly recommend Luxman SQ-N150 which is perfect for your speakers and has very good MM and MC phono input.

I own Mac amp and pre, but damn that Accuphase kit is pretty! 

@andu Voice of reason!

If you're considering integrated amplifiers in this range, the McIntosh MA8000 is a standout. It delivers 300W per channel, ensuring ample headroom for most speakers. Its built-in DAC and phono stage add versatility, and the signature McIntosh sound—warm, detailed, and engaging—makes it a compelling choice. While the Accuphase E-470 is also excellent, the MA8000's combination of power and features might align better with your needs. If you have the opportunity, auditioning both could provide clarity.

Cornwalls don’t need anything near that kind of power.  In fact, just the opposite it true.   If you really want to make them really sing like you never heard before, try a low powered SET amp on them like a 2A3, 45, or 300B amp or a Derek Sanderson Fleawatt and watch out!