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Accuphase E-3000

Jokke

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Aug 18, 2025
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For nearly $9000? No thanks. You can get the Benchmark AHB2 for well less than half of that. Or any number of Purifi- or Hypex-based amplifiers for even less.
 
Buy one and send it in for review. This is how it works.
 
There's a bit of Accuphase chat throughout other threads, generally well regarded if seen as expensive. Personal choice and all that.

Unlikely to be much in the way of discussion until there are measurements though. Now, if you wanted to buy one and send it in that would be fascinating!
 
I already have a Marantz Model 30, which has better specs then the Accuphase.
I just was wondering how it would compare, seen the hefty price tag.
 
There was a review of a different product of theirs.
 
So, I'm good with my Marantz Model 30 class D. The review of the E-270 states that Hypex NC400 outperforms the Accuphase.
The Marantz Model 30 uses Hypex NC500 if I'm not mistaken.
 
From what I have gathered through the years from different sources their amps can be very good in terms of SINAD, and the larger ones also lots of power. Just not at the same level of high end class D from Hypex and Purifi. Their build quality and cases are amazing, but the prices...

 
From a technical point of view. Sound vise they will be the same
In that case, the additional cost of the Accuphase is wasted money?
 
In that case, the additional cost of the Accuphase is wasted money?
Depends on what you mean by "wasted". Accuphase has a well-earned reputation for quality and long-term support of their products.

However, IMO you don't need to spend that kind of money. Benchmark or any number of builders of Purifi- or Hypex-based amplifiers offer much the same for a lot less (and actually have better measured performance in most respects, although audibly they will all be the same of course).
 
Depends on what you mean by "wasted". Accuphase has a well-earned reputation for quality and long-term support of their products.

However, IMO you don't need to spend that kind of money. Benchmark or any number of builders of Purifi- or Hypex-based amplifiers offer much the same for a lot less (and actually have better measured performance in most respects, although audibly they will all be the same of course).
So, Class A and Class AB amplifiers seem to be old technology that is surpassed by modern Class D amplifiers?
 
So, Class A and Class AB amplifiers seem to be old technology that is surpassed by modern Class D amplifiers?
Technically yes, but if you ask around in audiophile groups they swear by them and will never accept class D.
 
Technically yes, but if you ask around in audiophile groups they swear by them and will never accept class D.
I prefer objective measurements and facts. There is lots of snake oil in audiophile circles.
 
Class D amps are certainly more efficient and waste less power, especially at idle and lower volume. They can also provide some impressive specs, though there is always the debate of whether any of that improvement is beyond audible perception. One drawback of a Class D amp is that there isn't any headroom above the max rating. Some A and A/B amps can provide more than their rated power for short intervals, which can be handy for transient peaks, but that depends on how hard things are being pushed.

Accuphase is a very solid brand and is extremely well engineered with a very tasteful, classic cosmetic design. Some people don't care about brand names and appearance while that's very important to others. For some, a stereo not only plays music but is also an art object in their living room, something you have to look at everyday. Just like furniture, art on the wall and other decor objects, appearance runs from so-so to elegant, and prices from low to unbelievably expensive.

That's the nice thing about this hobby -- you get to choose what blend of characteristics and price work best for you. Don't spend your time worrying about what others might think of your choices (perhaps outside of your spouse....)
 
One drawback of a Class D amp is that there isn't any headroom above the max rating. Some A and A/B amps can provide more than their rated power for short intervals, which can be handy for transient peaks, but that depends on how hard things are being pushed.
It's not the class D amp fault, but rather power supply. Still they can have way more peak power than class AB.
See below.
 
So, Class A and Class AB amplifiers seem to be old technology that is surpassed by modern Class D amplifiers?
Benchmark AHB2 is not class D, although it does use a switching power supply (much to the consternation of many audiophiles I'm sure).

I prefer class D myself, and the SOTA designs do everything you need in an amp. Class AB designs can be very high performance as well, of course.
 
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It's not the class D amp fault, but rather power supply. Still they can have way more peak power than class AB.

Thanks for the clarification, though I don't think I've seen any class D amps with a traditional power supply, though they're likely out there somewhere.
 
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