Finally added Accuphase to my collection


 Found a superb deal on a new Accuphase 380 to add to my collection of amps. I have four that I rotate from time to time. I have heard so many good things about Accuphase and its sound, I have been curious to hear for myself. I must say it is an awesome integrated and I can only imagine what the higher up models sound like. I have a Pass 250, Macintosh 352( just because I always wanted to own this brand}, Hegal 390 and now this Accuphase. The most outstanding trait of this amp is the tone. Everything just sound so perfect. Build quality is just and attention to deal is beyond reproach. This Accuphase is one smooth puppy and just utterly neutral with very good weight. Anyone on the fence considering the purchase of an Accuphase, don’t give it a second thought. Even though this is an outstanding sounding amp, dont think I would pay US retail for it.  

dwest1023

in my experience a modern luxman class ab amp (or int amp) is voiced a touch sharper and more upfront than an equivalent accuphase, particularly in the treble and upper mids - luxman sounds a little sharper faster but leaner overall, maybe with a little more bass slam

Funny, I have been at this hobby since I was 12 and I’m 68 now. Younger I loved the upfront treble sound. Now that I have been at this for awhile I enjoy the warm laid back sound. This Accuphase 380 seems to be dead center of warm and upfront presentation. On some songs it sounds like the best amp I ever heard, on others not so great. I guess that is the price up pay for accuracy. 

 

@dwest1023 My impressions mirror yours. I preferred the Pass, found the E800 a bit too polite. Ended up with a Diablo 300.

Swede, believe it or not my 380 is surprisingly very dynamic. I have only been playing it 2 days and it went through a few changes. At first listen the bass was so strong one of my speakers popped. The next day, after a few hours, the bass was so anemic and the sound got bright. I thought of selling it. I left it on for 24 hours and lo and behold, everything came together.

I also was thinking of buying e Diablo 300, never head anything bad about it. I am using my Accuphase with Kef LS50 metas and I never know these thing could sound like floor standing speakers in my room. I have only had my Pass 250 less than a year and have not used it much. I am surprise the E800 was polite sounding. When I feel my 380 is good and broken in, I will be curious to hear how the Pass sound in comparison. I use  Dynaudio special 40’s with my Pass and that combination throws a HUGE soundstage. Once I recover from my purchase of the 380 and Diablo will be next on my list.