"Musmys" E-406 clone amp, a HiFi newbie's review =)

[khaliss]

Hi all,

This is a review (of sorts) for a "Clone" amp inspired from the legendary Accuphase E-406 (which is actually an integrated amp that Accuphase released back in 1993?), this clone version is just the power-amplifier part of it. I acquired it just over a week ago from Aliexpress (HiFi vendor in Shenzhen, who was easy to communicate and deal with). I was encouraged to seriously consider one of these clone amps from watching "HiFi Zone" youtube channel... the guy reviews a lot of Aliexpress-sourced HiFi gear. With the tariffs happening fast, I pulled the trigger and luckily the vendor shipped it via DHL-Express, so it arrived to in just 1 week after order confirmation.

The package came in fully intact, zero damage.. it was heavy, almost 50 lbs (amp itself is 21kg according to the manufacturer specs). Opened it up, here are some close-up pics:

Specs/highlights (from the AliExpress product page):
1: The whole machine adopts 24 German IXYS Essex MOSeld-eect high-power transistors, each with a current of 30A and a power of 450 watts, far exceeding that of Toshiba Ansemy high-power transistors
2: Adopting factory customized 320000uF capacitors for super large pools, far exceeding similar products
3: Using 850W full strip steel sheet, large diagonal iron core, pure copper winding, far beyond the comparison of ordinary transformers
4: Using the latest American technology, third-generation AC power purication technology, to isolate noise from the source in the mains
5: We use the latest generation power supply for soft start to ensure stable operation during startup. Our power supply has a very large capacity,
which is not comparable to ordinary power amplifiers. Charging a 320000 uF capacitor can instantly reach 160A
6: The use of a completely symmetrical and independent power amplifier board with left and right channels greatly improves the separation of sound
7: Using NEC signal relay purely mechanical to switch sound source signals, rejecting sound coloration, using 2 Omrons 16A ultra high current relay serves as speaker protection, with separate left and right channels for protecting speakers
8: Using 2 sets of speaker terminals for output, the speaker can be split into two lines, with Group A connected to mid high frequencies and Group B connected to low frequencies, fully tapping into the potential of the speaker
9: Using Taiwan pure copper speaker wiring terminals can greatly improve the damping coefficient of the amplifier and enhance its strength
10: Adopting dual header dynamic display, retro and charm coexist, and adopting logical calculation method is more natural
11: The all aluminum chassis showcases a high-end atmosphere, with an iron frame inside to make the overall chassis more sturdy & eliminate resonance

Technical parameters:
* Rated continuous output power (20HZ-20000HZ)
* Pure Class A: 60W/4 ohm output
* Pure Class A: 30W/8 ohm output
** Class AB: 320W/4 ohm output
** Class AB: 180W/8 ohm output
* Frequency response: Continuous rated output: 20-20000Hz +0 -0.2db
* 1W output :05-160000HZ +0 -3dB
* S/N signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB across the entire frequency band
* Input impedance: 40K (balanced input), 20K (RCA input)
* Input sensitivity: 0.87V rated continuous average output 0.11V output 1 watt power
* Distortion of 0.005%
* Amplification factor of 28dB
* Overall size: 430W × 160H × 430D mm | Net weight 21kg

Here is my the diagram of my setup:

Actual setup photo:

Measured room frequency response snapshot:

VIDEO link (playing a classic Eagles concert in Bluray 5.1 dolby surround)

Thoughts:
Prior to having this power amp, I was running Emotiva BasX A1 monoblock amps. Note that I also recently just acquired the Emotiva Amps, just a week prior to ordering this clone amp. So, my Emotivas are also barely broken in... so again, comparing both is pretty fair, given that they also have similar power/wattage numbers & amp type.

This is purely based on how they sound to my ears... I rate them in these following points (70% music & 30% movies):
* Power Delivery: it seems that both are equally effortless when driving my Martin Logan Source Electrostatics... bass is deep, low, punchy, etc... mids are clean & realistic... highs are very clear & detailed
* Dynamics (or Dynamic Range): BasX A1 = 8/10 | Musmys = 9.5/10
* the clone amp has a higher-end sound with remarkable clarity, detail, transparency... the soundstage is wide & deep, and 3D-ish/holographic. The Emotiva A1s also has those qualities, but the Musmys amp is on another level... at least to my ears! LOL

So in conclusion... if I ever need another amp, I would NOT hesitate to buy from this Chinese brand "Musmys", particularly their Accuphase clones. They look fantastic (I love the analog VU meters) & sound is just fabulous! Too bad tariffs is going to make them unavailable for the time being, just really glad I got one just in time! Not bad for just over $700 shipped to my door... this has been one of the best buys I've done for a hobby, completely felt good about it. Hoping it holds up & lasts a long time!

 

[HakanC]

Thankyou for a very well written and interesting review
I am Swedish and the name "musmys" does not give of hi-fi associations...

 

[Drengur]

Thankyou for a very well written and interesting review
I am Swedish and the name "musmys" does not give of hi-fi associations...

Do you buy parts from Mouser?

 

[AdrianusG]

Hi all,

This is a review (of sorts) for a "Clone" amp inspired from the legendary Accuphase E-406 (which is actually an integrated amp that Accuphase released back in 1993?), this clone version is just the power-amplifier part of it. I acquired it just over a week ago from Aliexpress (HiFi vendor in Shenzhen, who was easy to communicate and deal with). I was encouraged to seriously consider one of these clone amps from watching "HiFi Zone" youtube channel... the guy reviews a lot of Aliexpress-sourced HiFi gear. With the tariffs happening fast, I pulled the trigger and luckily the vendor shipped it via DHL-Express, so it arrived to in just 1 week after order confirmation.

The package came in fully intact, zero damage.. it was heavy, almost 50 lbs (amp itself is 21kg according to the manufacturer specs). Opened it up, here are some close-up pics:
View attachment 447733View attachment 447735 View attachment 447734

Specs/highlights (from the AliExpress product page):
1: The whole machine adopts 24 German IXYS Essex MOSeld-eect high-power transistors, each with a current of 30A and a power of 450 watts, far exceeding that of Toshiba Ansemy high-power transistors
2: Adopting factory customized 320000uF capacitors for super large ponds, far exceeding similar products
3: Using 850W full strip steel sheet, large diagonal iron core, pure copper winding, far beyond the comparison of ordinary transformers
4: Using the latest American technology, third-generation AC power purication technology, to isolate noise from the source in the mains
5: We use the latest generation power supply for soft start to ensure stable operation during startup. Our power supply has a very large capacity,
which is not comparable to ordinary power amplifiers. Charging a 320000 uF capacitor can instantly reach 160A
6: The use of a completely symmetrical and independent power amplifier board with left and right channels greatly improves the separation of sound
7: Using NEC signal relay purely mechanical to switch sound source signals, rejecting sound coloration, using 2 Omrons 16A ultra high current relay serves as speaker protection, with separate left and right channels for protecting speakers
8: Using 2 sets of speaker terminals for output, the speaker can be split into two lines, with Group A connected to mid high frequencies and Group B connected to low frequencies, fully tapping into the potential of the speaker
9: Using Taiwan pure copper speaker wiring terminals can greatly improve the damping coefficient of the amplifier and enhance its strength
10: Adopting dual header dynamic display, retro and charm coexist, and adopting logical calculation method is more natural
11: The all aluminum chassis showcases a high-end atmosphere, with an iron frame inside to make the overall chassis more sturdy & eliminate resonance

Technical parameters:
* Rated continuous output power (20HZ-20000HZ)
* Pure Class A: 60W/4 ohm output
* Pure Class A: 30W/8 ohm output
** Class AB: 320W/4 ohm output
** Class AB: 180W/8 ohm output
* Frequency response: Continuous rated output: 20-20000Hz +0 -0.2db
* 1W output :05-160000HZ +0 -3dB
* S/N signal-to-noise ratio: 120dB across the entire frequency band
* Input impedance: 40K (balanced input), 20K (RCA input)
* Input sensitivity: 0.87V rated continuous average output 0.11V output 1 watt power
* Distortion of 0.005%
* Amplification factor of 28dB
* Overall size: 430W × 160H × 430D mm | Net weight 21kg

Here is my the diagram of my setup:
View attachment 447757

Actual setup photo:
View attachment 447740
Measured room frequency response snapshot:
View attachment 447742

VIDEO link (playing a classic Eagles concert in Bluray 5.1 dolby surround)

Thoughts:
Prior to having this power amp, I was running Emotiva BasX A1 monoblock amps. Note that I also recently just acquired the Emotiva Amps, just a week prior to ordering this clone amp. So, my Emotivas are also barely broken in... so again, comparing both is pretty fair, given that they also have similar power/wattage numbers & amp type.

This is purely based on how they sound to my ears... I rate them in these following points (70% music & 30% movies):
* Power Delivery: it seems that both are equally effortless when driving my Martin Logan Source Electrostatics... bass is deep, low, punchy, etc... mids are clean & realistic... highs are very clear & detailed
* Dynamics (or Dynamic Range): BasX A1 = 8/10 | Musmys = 9.5/10
* the clone amp has a higher-end sound with remarkable clarity, detail, transparency... the soundstage is wide & deep, and 3D-ish/holographic. The Emotiva A1s also has those qualities, but the Musmys amp is on another level... at least to my ears! LOL

So in conclusion... if I ever need another amp, I would NOT hesitate to buy from this Chinese brand "Musmys", particularly their Accuphase clones. They look fantastic (I love the analog VU meters) & sound is just fabulous! Too bad tariffs is going to make them unavailable for the time being, just really glad I got one just in time! Not bad for just over $700 shipped to my door... this has been one of the best buys I've done for a hobby, completely felt good about it. Hoping it holds up & lasts a long time!

Nice review, thanks.

Looks very well built too

 

[khaliss]

Nice review, thanks.

Looks very well built too

it does seem to be very well built... check this video out, review of the Musmys E-405 clone amp (link), it's the earlier version of this amp (I think). I love the hardware electronics side of HiFi, and this youtuber "HiFi Zone" is definitely a gearhead... focusing more on that side of the hobby.

-edit- not only is it well built, but it runs VERY cool... like literally when I touch any part of the chassis, when listening a little loud & stress testing it a bit, there is not a hint of heat anywhere. That means there's plenty of power capacity & all the components are over-specced to run my ML electrostatic speakers.

 

[khaliss]

Thankyou for a very well written and interesting review
I am Swedish and the name "musmys" does not give of hi-fi associations...

It's a "ChiFi" (Chinese HiFi) brand, so they are not popular in Western countries... you know how it is =) But hey, I'm somewhat old-school & after watching some videos of the hardware inside of these clone amps, I took a gamble here & it paid off (at least for me)

 

[JSmith]

@khaliss, please don't use that term here, thanks.

Let's Avoid the Term Chi-Fi

I often see the use of the term "Chi Fi" to describe audio products from China. I see the intention and don't think anyone is trying to be racist and what have you. Still, I like us to show the highest respect to products from around the world. As avid readers of this forum know...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[khaliss]

my apologies, I see that term thrown a lot in the HiFi/Stereo forums... I'm the kind of guy that respects products out of actual merit of the hardware (& ultimately performance). Where these products come from doesn't really matter to me, & I have the utmost respect to the Chinese HiFi manufacturers (we all know mostly everything comes from China, if not the whole build... then parts/components).

@khaliss, please don't use that term here, thanks.

Let's Avoid the Term Chi-Fi

I often see the use of the term "Chi Fi" to describe audio products from China. I see the intention and don't think anyone is trying to be racist and what have you. Still, I like us to show the highest respect to products from around the world. As avid readers of this forum know...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[MAB]

It's a "ChiFi" (Chinese HiFi) brand, so they are not popular in Western countries... you know how it is =) But hey, I'm somewhat old-school & after watching some videos of the hardware inside of these clone amps, I took a gamble here & it paid off (at least for me)

It sure would be nice to know if it meets any of it's specifications. Any plan to measure?

 

[DVDdoug]

...a HiFi newbie's review =)

Ummm... You've been reading too much audiophile nonsense. That's understandable. The science is hard to find.

This is purely based on how they sound to my ears... I rate them in these following points (70% music & 30% movies):
* Power Delivery: it seems that both are equally effortless when driving my Martin Logan Source Electrostatics... bass is deep, low, punchy, etc... mids are clean & realistic... highs are very clear & detailed
* Dynamics (or Dynamic Range): BasX A1 = 8/10 | Musmys = 9.5/10
* the clone amp has a higher-end sound with remarkable clarity, detail, transparency... the soundstage is wide & deep, and 3D-ish/holographic. The Emotiva A1s also has those qualities, but the Musmys amp is on another level... at least to my ears!

The REAL characteristics of electronics are noise, frequency response, and distortion. (Speakers and room acoustics are a bit different and more complicated.) With power amps, of course power (wattage) is another characteristic. with modern amplifiers frequency response is usually flat over the audio range and distortion is usually better than human hearing unless it's over-driven into clipping. Sometimes noise is audible (hum, hiss, or whine in the background). With power amps, noise and power about the only thing I worry about. Noise is tricky because audibility also depends on the sensitivity of your speakers, how close you are to the speakers and ambient room noise. And if you are talking about other devices, the audibility of the noise also depends on the gain of your power amp.

The dynamic range of an amplifier is limited by noise on the quiet side and power limits on the loud-side. If you're not hearing noise or distortion the amp isn't affecting dynamics. You'd describe noise as noise rather than a loss of dynamics. Clipping is a "bad kind" of dynamic compression and it's perceived as distortion, not a loss of dynamics.
Most "dynamics" come from the recording. I like the term "dynamic contrast" when describing a performance or recording, and "dynamic range" for the equipment or storage-transmission channel.

Audiophoolery talks about the real characteristics of sound quality.

Of course the important thing is what you HEAR but a proper blind listening test can be humbling.

 

[khaliss]

It sure would be nice to know if it meets any of it's specifications. Any plan to measure?

Unfortunately, I don't have the means & expertise to do any meaningful measurements, aside from just room frequency response with REW. Here's the graph taken from my sweet spot (graph below)... but this has a lot of factors tied in like all the other components in my setup, the electrostatic speakers, & of course my untreated listening room.

Wish I could send this amp to Amir, but it weighs almost 50 lbs and It's going to cost a lot to ship it LOL... & I have a very modest budget for this hobby. If anyone is in Central California area with the equipment & know-how to do measurements... I wouldn't mind taking this beast out & bring it to your place and run tests/measurements with it =)

 

[khaliss]

Ummm... You've been reading too much audiophile nonsense. That's understandable. The science is hard to find.


The REAL characteristics of electronics are noise, frequency response, and distortion. (Speakers and room acoustics are a bit different and more complicated.) With power amps, of course power (wattage) is another characteristic. with modern amplifiers frequency response is usually flat over the audio range and distortion is usually better than human hearing unless it's over-driven into clipping. Sometimes noise is audible (hum, hiss, or whine in the background). With power amps, noise and power about the only thing I worry about. Noise is tricky because audibility also depends on the sensitivity of your speakers, how close you are to the speakers and ambient room noise. And if you are talking about other devices, the audibility of the noise also depends on the gain of your power amp.

The dynamic range of an amplifier is limited by noise on the quiet side and power limits on the loud-side. If you're not hearing noise or distortion the amp isn't affecting dynamics. You'd describe noise as noise rather than a loss of dynamics. Clipping is a "bad kind" of dynamic compression and it's perceived as distortion, not a loss of dynamics.
Most "dynamics" come from the recording. I like the term "dynamic contrast" when describing a performance or recording, and "dynamic range" for the equipment or storage-transmission channel.

Audiophoolery talks about the real characteristics of sound quality.

Of course the important thing is what you HEAR but a proper blind listening test can be humbling.

Definitely 100% makes sense... on paper (from the manufacturer), the specs & numbers they are putting in for FR, SNR, power ratings, etc look very darn good (for the price I paid)... the question there is how real are those, right? All I can say is I compared it with my Emotiva BasX A1 monoblocks, which are well reviewed from youtubers & HiFi forums. My ears tell me this clone amp is on another level as the A1s, that is my gauge. As for how I rate the dynamics, I listen to a couple of tracks & albums like:
* The Last Samurai movie soundtrack album (Hans Zimmer)
* Never Die Young album (by James Taylor)
* plus a few music tracks recommended by Gemini AI to test dynamics & other HiFi characteristics =)
For movies, I play scenes from Saving Private Ryan, Pacific Rim, Top Gun Maverick. I listen to the contrast between the softest nuances and the most powerful peaks in the audio content... the faster & clearer the transitions are, the better! Before I had the Emotivas & this clone amp, I was only using my Marantz AVR to drive my electrostatic speakers, and man... they had minimal dynamics, sounded pretty thin, & distorted easily on some of those test tracks/movies LOL. I don't listen too loud, maybe 90db max would be my maximum before my ears start hurting (my listening room is small).

Note that my electrostatics speakers (Martin Logan Source) would dip below 2ohms on high peaks... so they are not easy to drive. That's why I got an outboard amp that can provide the power/current, and splurged a little by getting two sets of amps LOL

 

[khaliss]

also, the E-406 amp is completely silent (zero hiss/hum, etc) when I put my ear next to both speakers & turn the volume maximum all the way, with nothing playing.

 

[Iluzun]

I’ve an A60 Accuphase ‘clone’ and my experience mirrors yours. For under $600 shipped it has been the best performing amp I own. Topping
PA7+ in comparison sounds ‘soulless’. Mine has dual 400w transformers. Subjectively, music sounds beautiful. I’ve went and ordered
a Goldmund Telos 600 clone w/dual 700’s. I’ve a pair of Musician Knight 1s I’ll likely pair w/such. Congrats on your purchase.
For what it’s worth another reviewer noted of the A60…
“A60+ is a fast amp, highly dynamic, tight bass, precise imaging and believable voices. Overall it's an excellence value for money. Quote from diyaudio.com old thread, by df96, the late highly respected member of this community. The quote is below and contains an extra useful information. "a60 has flat frequency response like a pancake from dc to 50-60 khz. Exactly this characteristics makes its sound so pleasant. It doesn't roll-of in the audible region at all. It has perfect square wave response even at several hertz. It should be noted that a60 doesn't have vanishingly small thd but it is dominated by the pleasant 2nd harmonics."

Tax/tariffs are changing the landscape but the products represent real value. I briefly heard the FirstWatt F8 clone and it sounded exactly as described. A lot can get lost in
translation but the essence of the original seems to remain intact, ‘cloned’. Remarkable times…

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1100920622/pages/all-items.html?productGroupId=40000005901055&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_7943215.1_0_2&storeId=1100920622&sortType=bestmatch_sort&shop_sortType=bestmatch_sort

 

[khaliss]

I’ve an A60 Accuphase ‘clone’ and my experience mirrors yours. For under $600 shipped it has been the best performing amp I own. Topping
PA7+ in comparison sounds ‘soulless’. Mine has dual 400w transformers. Subjectively, music sounds beautiful. I’ve went and ordered
a Goldmund Telos 600 clone w/dual 700’s. I’ve a pair of Musician Knight 1s I’ll likely pair w/such. Congrats on your purchase.
For what it’s worth another reviewer noted of the A60…
“A60+ is a fast amp, highly dynamic, tight bass, precise imaging and believable voices. Overall it's an excellence value for money. Quote from diyaudio.com old thread, by df96, the late highly respected member of this community. The quote is below and contains an extra useful information. "a60 has flat frequency response like a pancake from dc to 50-60 khz. Exactly this characteristics makes its sound so pleasant. It doesn't roll-of in the audible region at all. It has perfect square wave response even at several hertz. It should be noted that a60 doesn't have vanishingly small thd but it is dominated by the pleasant 2nd harmonics."

Tax/tariffs are changing the landscape but the products represent real value. I briefly heard the FirstWatt F8 clone and it sounded exactly as described. A lot can get lost in
translation but the essence of the original seems to remain intact, ‘cloned’. Remarkable times…

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1100920622/pages/all-items.html?productGroupId=40000005901055&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_home.pcShopHead_7943215.1_0_2&storeId=1100920622&sortType=bestmatch_sort&shop_sortType=bestmatch_sort

My E406 is still running strong, zero issues so far (knock on wood)... it seems to sound better also! I've made more modifications to my setup since then, & also acquired the "clone" C2860+ preamp

Thanks for your feedback on the A60... I'm now considering the A75 clone as my next upgrade

 

[EERecordist]

It looks very nicely built. Can you get a closeup of the n- and p- channel transistor part numbers? IXYS is now owned by Littelfuse and their parts are on Mouser, but there are quite a few 30A versions.

 

[khaliss]

sorry, but I have it placed on the AV rack & it's such a hassle to remove it now... just watch the review of the Musmys E-405 by HiFi-Zone on youtube, they are pretty similar inside.... as far as components, transistors, capacitors, etc