I'm a proud owner of Accuphase E-380 paired to Wharfedale Lintons and Zu Omens and REL T9i. I was shopping for a McIntosh but once I heard this amp I fell in love with it's warms and clean power on top of it's craftsmanship. Negotiate the price down to beat the Mac equivalent.
Finally got a Accuphase e280. Wow what a beautiful piece of jewellery that sounds like maple syrup. Got an opportunity to listen to e280, Luxman 507z, Mcintosh MA252. Different price brackets but Mac was out in the first listen. MA352 would have been a better comparison but dealer didn’t have it. Mac didn’t have the resolution and was too safe in tonality - less engaging. Luxman had the godly resolution and Accuphase had godly midrange. After back and forth I chose Accuphase just because of their reputation and also the fact that it was a bit cheaper than 507z. I moved up from Yamaha AS1200 which I still love but Accuphase is 2 tiers above. Bass and dampening from this tiny machine is unbelievable.
Man the Accuphase gear looks good, When you opened the door on the E4000 it really reminded me of my old school Sony 6060FW... Obviously no meters on the Sony and the Accuphase is way higher end but the layout is very similar.. Would you guys say the Luxman sounds more like say a Yamaha ?
I have both an Accuphase E-4000 and a Luxman L-509x. I have compared both equally. Connecting them to the same speakers, T+A Criterion transmission line loudspeakers, using the same digital sources, Cary Audio DMS-700 & Marantz SA-10 SACD player, and analogue source, ClearAudio turntable. The E-4000 is more analogue and will be more forgiving with loudspeaker paring. It has more control over the woofers, much higher damping factor, and a fuller bass sound. The Luxman is a bit brighter and livelier. The voicing is very different, Accuphase is warmer and voicing is relaxed - slightly in the middle of the sound stage. Luxman brings the vocal's forward in the sound stage with a bit more of an edge. You will never have listening fatigue with the E-4000 and if you have recordings that have any sibilance the E-4000 will make the listening experience better. The L-509x provides a bit more of a toe tapping experience. The E-4000 a smoother easy listening experience. Want to chill in your listening chair with the lights out, drinking a nice smooth single malt, with Art Pepper or Diana Krall...that's the E-4000. On the other hand, a of pitcher margaritas, with EDM, I think the Luxman is a better fit.
As a only paying and raising parent of 2 kids who are both now in college, I plan on buying 1 of each as a congratulatory gift to myself after they both graduate. Outlaw Audio has a receiver with a tape loop.
Wow! The Accuphase sounded more like a tube amp! Great bass and mids also. Way better to my ear. Great harmonics from the strings. Gotta love tubes. Listening with Elac DBR62's, Class D TPA3251 200 watt amp with Tube Preamp. Maybe you need tubes to hear the difference? I do! Thanks for this demo. Me am surprised 😄
@@os6219 Yes, most of my tube amps have had a lively, full sound. Like professional music production equipment. Not sure why people say tubes are "warm" sounding. I never turn up the treble. Flat is bright enough on my past systems. But I had good JJ tubes, H H Scott stereo and mono block amps, Peavey, Fender, Marshall type tube amps. Would be bright on some B&W speakers. Proper equipment pairing really helps the over all sound stage.
As a proud accuphase c200x/p400/dp57 owner, i just love the sound of accuphase. Its warm, sweet but punchy, very detailed and images as no other brand that i've heard in my house. Couldn't be more happy. It runs on b&w cdm7 nt's btw
@frederikjacob1985 -Are you Danish by any chance? I have audiofil acquaintance who had a setup just like yours minus the B&W speakers. He used a par of Ktema from Italy. He sold it and went with Beolab90 instead. Your name just made me curious, and made me think if you bought that setup. Have a great day! /Chris.
@@chrisvand2678 no I'm from Belgium. Bought my set about 2,5 years ago. Build it slowly up and took me about 2 years to find everything. I really love my cdm7 nt's. They are very close to the 804n's
The original Kenwood engineers back in the 60's left Kenwood and opened up Accuphase as they wanted to build high end gear ...Accuphase is a legendary name in HiFi and only the most discerning and demanding people who listen to music purchase this level of equipment, Accuphase in Japan are extremely detailed and have some of the highest quality control in the world and highest sound precision in the world, anyone who attains this name Accuphase is considered and in the caliber of true High End Audio ....Say the word 'TONE " Lenny ! hee hee hee
I chose to get a Luxman L-509Z recently. I guess I could live with either Luxman or Accuphase because they are both top notch if you’re looking for this type of amp but I’m hereditary bound to Luxman (my dad used to have Luxman through the 70’s and 80’s). Sure they sound different, but that’s also largely defined by the speakers you get. And once you settle in after a couple of weeks and are content, who still remembers what the other brand sounded like? Does it still matter? Did it really sound better? My Luxman L-509Z is hooked up to a pair of Harbeth SHL5plusXD’s and for me it’s heaven. The only itch I still have is getting more vinyl 😂
My ears say the Accuphase has more "air" in the sound. The Luxman is warmer but might be missing something in the mid band. I have the Luxman L100 which is really nice. I like the look of the Accuphase better too.
How does the accuphase pair with the Klipsch forte speakers ? No one near me sells that brand. I mainly play classic rock so looking for an amp to pair with my forte 3 speakers.
Pre Out on the Accuphase very nice! Gives you more options! I know the Luxman has Pre out, but is easily outclassed by the Accuphase! The Luxman still a fantastic beautiful amplifier!
Accuphase now is what Revox whas in the 80's. Pure perfection. I wish I could afford it. Champagne looks amazing. It would be an investment for life. For now I stick with my Revox B200 series. And that is vintage sound and architecture. And the Accuphase line up comes so close to that feeling. I wonder by the way how you guys would like without the beard.😊 For good comparison you should hook it up to the same soeakers....
Ok Ava and I listened to this and we both liked the Accuphase over the Luxman. It sounded like it produced a bigger sound stage. We are still split on Klipsch vs Wharfdale. We both like the gold face of the Accuphase and perfer the larger size and cleaner look of the E-4000. We are suckers for large meters with dancing needles.
The Accuphase somehow has a vintage and modern look. I'm thinking it's got character too. Marantz had character and not the least of which was their lettering font. Accuphase has their unique font under the meters where it says integrated amplifier. The meters and the glass has backlighting, warm for the meters and blue for the cool Accuphase logo. The total look just pulls me in to which it wouldn't hit nearly as hard with silver. Champagne color rules here. Though we aren't looking under the hood, isn't Accuphase known for immaculate circuit boards mated with a tremendously logical and synergistic whole? Pretty much what one would expect from Japanese engineers not particularly constrained by budget restrictions. Not cheap for solid state gear, but warm like tube audio and, perhaps, solid-state gear that holds value better and longer.The amp should still be treasured fifty years on as such. Definitely Accuphase over Luxman, at least here.
I haven't heard any accuphase equipment. When it came to Japanese amps, it was always Yamaha for me ever since I owned the A-1000. With that said, I've always liked tube sound (especially on Klipsch) so this would be an interesting listen for 'modern-day vintage'. As best could be heard between the Luxman and the Accuphase, the Accuphase did seem to have a warmer, fuller sound whereas the Luxman was more neutral. Very interesting. I think the key is the amp/speaker combo. For example, some people may find that the Klipsch Cornwalls may seem to 'bright', but when paired with Accuphase the wound may appear more neutral and warmer. Again, very interesting.
I like it alot however the cream color does not match any decor in my house and sticks out in an audio rack compared to the silver's and black's we normally have.
@@CaBdosdos maybe a nice wood audio rack would help? Since wood has a warmer tone too? I guess maybe I’m less picky on overall gear matching my actual room. Esp as I like walnut furniture which I think works well with the accuphase look
Appreciate the video. However comparing sound between two amps is hard enough through RUclips. But, my feedback is you at least need to use the same speaker and a binaural mic listened to through headphones.
Hard to compare the higher end Accuphase to the entry level one because id the difference in speakers. Maybe I just like the cornwall's sound. but it would be interesting to hear both Accuphase models with the same speakers. Great video though! You guys are the best.
I'm a bit bias as I have the Luxman 509X on my Cornwalls. Love the sound so I'm team Luxman. I auditioned Accuphase before buying along with the Rotel Michi line.
Agree with the big Spendor .......still one of my favourerd speakers ( triple wiring ) Luxman , Accuphase ........both are good , today personally I like the looks of the latter ( timeless) ; old vintage Luxmans are gorgious looking ( and sounding ) What I love is a very deep soundstage a presence without being upfront....and no " LISTENING FATIGUE " !!! Your video alwas bring a smile , something like boys getting in the cookies jar behind their mothers back ! Conclusion .........today I would purchase the Accuphase for long time & troublefree investment . Still have the monster C17 MC head amplifier / class A amplifier ( double mono , double power supply ........total overkill .............
I don’t see how it’s possible to tell the difference between e280 and e4000 when demoed with such vastly different speakers because I have found speakers and room acoustics affect sound more than electronics.
Accuphase is Today's Best Vintage Sound and they are Bad Ass too! TharBamar has the 4000 for his go to set up, he uses the L100 Classic 75s as his reference Speaker set up which is the set up I've got on your SX1280! The Accuphase Rules I M O only one Problem , Just too much Money for me, SX1280 is my Reference Reciever and then I can spend all that extra money on the Rest of my System which KICKS A, Because Just Audio Built tht Reciever and added the updated Speaker hook ups which eliminated a known problem on all the Old Recievers! Awesome Job Again! The Cornwall would be the perfect match! Keep Rollin on Crazy Lenny!
That was more like comparing the cornwall vs the dovedale….to do a more meaningful comparison, both amps have to be hooked up to the same pair of spks. Jus sayin.
Thanks guys, looking at Accuphase vs Luxman right now to go with my B&W’s. Expected the warmer Accuphase to win, but I’ll damned if the Luxman didn’t have magical-sounding vocals. I’m quite torn; may go with the Lux and then warm it up with cables.
You should look at the Vincent Integrated amps. They’re decently priced. Preamp has tubes and the amp section is a/b engineering from Germany. My 50 watt Vincent ($1300) will drive anything that I throw at it. Warm yet detailed sound. I retired my 400 watt hypex class D / Schiit Freya and have never looked back. The Vincent has more grunt. And volume!!!
Like the look of both equally. Sound I think I actually like the Luxman I bit better but the Accuphase is so close. It’s not that will ever afford either.
I liked the sound of the E-280 system better than the E-4000 system, at least to my ears through my headphones. The E-4000/Dovedale system sounded like the lows were over-accentuated for my taste. E-280/Klipsch sounded more balanced to me. On the other hand, I didn't hear any difference in sound of Luxman Vs. the E-280
Not a fan of sound comparison on my computer speakers, however Accuphase seemed to have a fuller sound. More important, what is under that cover build quality is what gets my Vote.
I wouldn't care what colour my amp is, it's down to the SQ. I have a black HT amp and I don't mind the champagne. Having said that, I own a Luxman 505xUII in silver.
Hi guys, nice video. Well, it's very clear that between the 2 Accuphase amps the difference is quite clear. BASS. then, the mid range in the bigger amp is fuller and the high freq is really screacky on the cheaper one. The Luxman I'd say is more balanced, accurate you can say if you look for a more surgically put soundstage. I've been thinking for a long time and finally I pulled the trigger for a system that people can't buy in shops, It's the Buchardt I150 Integrated amp and the S400 Mark II speakers. and it is magnificent. It's bad that the company don't sell through retailers but this way you buy for less than 3 grand a pair of speakers which cost more than 3 times the price. May be in the future those things will be available in shops second hand. Anyway you could check them out even if only out of curiosity and love for really excellent pieces.
I’ll take (and did) the Luxman. Cleaner, more controlled bass, excellent built in phono stage, far more micro detail, and Luxman are less stingy than accuphase on power / current delivery. The only accuphase I liked was my old E-550, because the class A was just a bit more transparent and musical than their bigger solid state amps.
Staring to dig your channel a lot, great Axpona content I’m listening to this demo on 3 week old Cornwall 4’s in American walnut Powered by a McIntosh c52 (love the 8 band equalizer) preamp and Rotel 1592 amp. My next upgrade is the amp obviously I’m on the fence 1). Sell the McIntosh and buy either of these luxman or accuphase range of models 2) stay team McIntosh and buy amps - MC 275 tube and MC 462…get a taste of tube and SState This hobby is turning into a money pit
Sure you care haha but the Luxman sounds “richer” and the little Aquphase sounds more “sparkly” to us although the bigger one was the full package. if we had that kinda money it would be in the tank of the truck and on the kitchen table (at least until November🙏) so stickn with grandpas xylophone until then.
Accuphase sounds over controlled with a overdone feedback loop. The Luxman sounds more relaxed and is an amp I could live with. If in the Nighted States, I would go with something McIntosh or Decware (two years waiting list, I ordered one), if in Europe I would check out the Sugden A21SE (SS single ended class a) or the Sugden A21 AI if you want more like a tube characteristic and MM/MC phono. I own a Sugden A21SE. I run LEAK Sandwich 250 and 200 speakers - the vintage ones. LEAK Sandwich speakers are just in another league. Sugden has also a TDA1543 non-oversampling DAC -Sugden DAC-4 masterclass - with a gorgeous output stage, which works nicely with the Sugden Amps and the LEAK speakers. I respect the Klipsch Forte and Cornwall speakers and if I had the space and money I would check them out with single ended tube electronics. As for an affordable budget system, I would go with a MHDT Paradiese DAC (TDA1543), a vintage McIntosh 1700 receiver and vintage LEAK speakers. In the USA, there are vintage THE FISHER tube amps and receivers often sold cheap, with the will to pay a technician when something tube goes wrong, that is a valid alternative.
Just to clarify. You are hearing an amplifier through your PC Speaker, compressed by youtube, recorded by a microphone with distinctive ability to reproduce sound, placed in a room in front of a speaker combination that suits or suit not the given amplifier.
Great attempt guys. Unfortunately, : 1- you tube does not really allow to get the subtile differences 2- Room/HP/Volume being different, no conclusion can be made remotely. Love your vids However ! Thanks for entertaining us.
Which is why if you really want Accuphase, you can just go the "grey market" import route getting a new JPN 100V model. They pack well and it's built like a tank and in the rare event you need service you can pay out of pocket and still pay MUCH less than what marked up US price is. And they run just fine on our 110-120V system contrary to the scaremongering. In Japan their mains is actually closer to about 106-107V which is why you see most JPN domestic market gear rated as "~100V" 50/60Hz. It's the same electrical system as ours minus a few volts. They make excellent power conditioners and ironically if you also import an Accuphase PS series JPN model it'll convert 120-110V to 100V for your 100V units that want extra peace of mind. I run them both ways for years, with or without. Until Accuphase fixes their US business model they are a poor value despite the god tier build quality and sound chops.
The 280 is a beautiful piece. It's right up someones alley that wants that warm tubey holographic sound and doesn't need a ton of power. The 4000 is definitely more to my taste the grip and drive is obviously on another level and much more a modern sound without sounding cold and lifeless. Don't get me wrong Luxman is fantastic as well, but IMHO Accuphase just exudes quality up another tier and they last forever. Their build quality is as good if not better than the Swiss makes like Nagra or CH charging 3-4x the price. On the other hand it's a shame Accuphase's US business model is so uncompetitive with pricing, especially since these units are essentially the same spec as the Japan models given our electrical system being 99% the same. I also wish they got back into the Multi-Channel game again like they were doing in the early 2000s. The PX600 amp, CX260 pre (music) and that VX700 A/V pre-pro back then was as good/better than anything Theta or Meridian were making at the time. Was about 20 grand in 03! The SACD/DVD-A and dts-CD hype train fizzled out and they went with it, shame as they made a glorious A/V pre in that VX unit. Would love to see them offer a new Class A/B multi-ch, especially as Axiom is wrecking Bryston now a days.
Use checked eBay here in U.K. and used Luxman 509x is around £4k, Accuphase E280 is around £3.5k. Luxman 509x has now been replaced by 509z and is priced at £11k here in U.K. Accuphase E4000 is I believe £9k so certainly in U.K. it seems Luxman have become more expensive than Accuphase.
The color, tiny knobs and LED display all look straight from the 80's instead of a new design paying homage to the past and heritage like Yamaha and Technics do so well so its not really a look for me but I would definitely like to hear it them.
Ciao ragazzi , per quello che si può percepire da un video ,anche se ho ascoltato attentamente con le mie cuffie shenaizer, il piccolo Accuphase mi sembra più chiaro con una gamma bassa meno invadente... Ciao bel video...
Still find it strange that nobody carry’s or test the accuphase e-800 , like there’s no interest for this amplifier at all , I begin to ask myself if the old Jays bad review of it has something to do with that . But anyway, for me one of the very best integrated amps irrespective of price ……….really !
I tryed out massive chunks of the offers at Luxman and Accuphase, but it was on previous generations. Those two brands are not making any gift to the other. Both are top notch depth, dynamic, attack, and sound reproduction. There is just one small difference between the two of them. The make quality of Accuphase is insane and the aftersale service is really high end. In the past, Luxman also was nearly 50% less expensive, due to the fact the brand was sold by a fan of those amplifiers, and he was only taking 30% margin on them. This allowed Luxman to be a worthy opponent to Accuphase. Those times have now gone and Luxman competes in the same price category now.
Margin system is to blame for that. In Japan, the boutique buys directly from Accuphase, there is a 50% margin, but lots of reseller are reducing this margin to 30% to trigger better sales. Now, your american boutique makes a 30% margin on an amp they bought from the distributor. Distributor margin is undisclosed, but is often in between 150%-350%, the hifi field has completely f-cked up margins. And it's THIS you are paying.
Hey you missed my first comment, But TOM WINS, The Klipsch Classic Lines and Accuphase. Are you not JBL Distributors? Spendor 100 and 200 are AWESOME!!! Cmon Lenny!!!!
I'm a proud owner of Accuphase E-380 paired to Wharfedale Lintons and Zu Omens and REL T9i. I was shopping for a McIntosh but once I heard this amp I fell in love with it's warms and clean power on top of it's craftsmanship. Negotiate the price down to beat the Mac equivalent.
Love me some Accuphase! I'd buy it on looks alone! CLASSIC!
💯💯💯
Finally got a Accuphase e280. Wow what a beautiful piece of jewellery that sounds like maple syrup. Got an opportunity to listen to e280, Luxman 507z, Mcintosh MA252. Different price brackets but Mac was out in the first listen. MA352 would have been a better comparison but dealer didn’t have it. Mac didn’t have the resolution and was too safe in tonality - less engaging. Luxman had the godly resolution and Accuphase had godly midrange. After back and forth I chose Accuphase just because of their reputation and also the fact that it was a bit cheaper than 507z. I moved up from Yamaha AS1200 which I still love but Accuphase is 2 tiers above. Bass and dampening from this tiny machine is unbelievable.
Man the Accuphase gear looks good, When you opened the door on the E4000 it really reminded me of my old school Sony 6060FW... Obviously no meters on the Sony and the Accuphase is way higher end but the layout is very similar.. Would you guys say the Luxman sounds more like say a Yamaha ?
I have both an Accuphase E-4000 and a Luxman L-509x. I have compared both equally. Connecting them to the same speakers, T+A Criterion transmission line loudspeakers, using the same digital sources, Cary Audio DMS-700 & Marantz SA-10 SACD player, and analogue source, ClearAudio turntable.
The E-4000 is more analogue and will be more forgiving with loudspeaker paring. It has more control over the woofers, much higher damping factor, and a fuller bass sound. The Luxman is a bit brighter and livelier. The voicing is very different, Accuphase is warmer and voicing is relaxed - slightly in the middle of the sound stage. Luxman brings the vocal's forward in the sound stage with a bit more of an edge.
You will never have listening fatigue with the E-4000 and if you have recordings that have any sibilance the E-4000 will make the listening experience better. The L-509x provides a bit more of a toe tapping experience. The E-4000 a smoother easy listening experience. Want to chill in your listening chair with the lights out, drinking a nice smooth single malt, with Art Pepper or Diana Krall...that's the E-4000. On the other hand, a of pitcher margaritas, with EDM, I think the Luxman is a better fit.
Art Pepper! Yup Accuphase 4000 here I come!
Too bad the US distributor of Accuphase is ripping off US customers with their insane price increases..
The NEW distributors have been fixing that!
Yeah exactly
@@ThatGuyWithTheBeardit’s great to hear that! I noticed that the pricing for the new EX000 models is not as insane as the older models.
@@ThatGuyWithTheBeardGood to hear!
As a only paying and raising parent of 2 kids who are both now in college, I plan on buying 1 of each as a congratulatory gift to myself after they both graduate. Outlaw Audio has a receiver with a tape loop.
We will be ready when you are!
The larger Accuphase certainly provided lower bass but was that the Wharfedale speakers?
I’d say a bit of both, but the speakers do get much lower
Thanks, Lenny! Was looking forward to this one
Yeap the accuphase seemed to be a fuller sound, hard to tell to much if not there.
Summer vacation with the family or buy an Accuphase...decisions decisions. Great video!!
That is a decision! Thanks!
Wow! The Accuphase sounded more like a tube amp! Great bass and mids also. Way better to my ear. Great harmonics from the strings. Gotta love tubes. Listening with Elac DBR62's, Class D TPA3251 200 watt amp with Tube Preamp. Maybe you need tubes to hear the difference? I do! Thanks for this demo. Me am surprised 😄
Thought it was quite the opposite. Accuphase being much brighter
Glad you liked it!
@@os6219 Yes, most of my tube amps have had a lively, full sound. Like professional music production equipment. Not sure why people say tubes are "warm" sounding. I never turn up the treble. Flat is bright enough on my past systems. But I had good JJ tubes, H H Scott stereo and mono block amps, Peavey, Fender, Marshall type tube amps. Would be bright on some B&W speakers. Proper equipment pairing really helps the over all sound stage.
22:35 Yamaha's knocking. "Let me in boys!"
Oh it’s coming!
Accuphase is far superior to Mcintosh.
As a proud accuphase c200x/p400/dp57 owner, i just love the sound of accuphase. Its warm, sweet but punchy, very detailed and images as no other brand that i've heard in my house. Couldn't be more happy. It runs on b&w cdm7 nt's btw
@frederikjacob1985
-Are you Danish by any chance? I have audiofil acquaintance who had a setup just like yours minus the B&W speakers. He used a par of Ktema from Italy. He sold it and went with Beolab90 instead. Your name just made me curious, and made me think if you bought that setup. Have a great day! /Chris.
@@chrisvand2678 no I'm from Belgium. Bought my set about 2,5 years ago. Build it slowly up and took me about 2 years to find everything. I really love my cdm7 nt's. They are very close to the 804n's
Audio Excellence in Canada talks about a massive horizontal sound stage.
The Accuphase definitely had more depth and presence, that I could notice listening on my couch.
Accuphase is my next piece of equipment. One of the only integrated amps with meters I don’t own yet.
We have one for ya!
The original Kenwood engineers back in the 60's left Kenwood and opened up Accuphase as they wanted to build high end gear ...Accuphase is a legendary name in HiFi and only the most discerning and demanding people who listen to music purchase this level of equipment, Accuphase in Japan are extremely detailed and have some of the highest quality control in the world and highest sound precision in the world, anyone who attains this name Accuphase is considered and in the caliber of true High End Audio ....Say the word 'TONE " Lenny ! hee hee hee
Dang I forgot to tell that story!!!
I thought the Accufase sounds more detailed.
Is the digital number display is constantly blinking like that?? Thanks….
Both are great, even through YT! Clearly on the Luxman side for me!
Great to hear you could tell differences over YT
Using good earbuds, I heard more presence with the Accuphase. The music just became more alive and engaging.
I preferred the sound of the Accuphase. Cornwalls are my dream speaker. That Dual is my ideal turntable. Crazy Lenny needs a package giveaway!
The color of the Accuphase looks similar to conrad-johnson.
It sure does!
The Accuphase has a awesome look. I like the color/tint. Thats a endgame piece of equipment.
I chose to get a Luxman L-509Z recently. I guess I could live with either Luxman or Accuphase because they are both top notch if you’re looking for this type of amp but I’m hereditary bound to Luxman (my dad used to have Luxman through the 70’s and 80’s). Sure they sound different, but that’s also largely defined by the speakers you get. And once you settle in after a couple of weeks and are content, who still remembers what the other brand sounded like? Does it still matter? Did it really sound better?
My Luxman L-509Z is hooked up to a pair of Harbeth SHL5plusXD’s and for me it’s heaven. The only itch I still have is getting more vinyl 😂
My ears say the Accuphase has more "air" in the sound. The Luxman is warmer but might be missing something in the mid band. I have the Luxman L100 which is really nice. I like the look of the Accuphase better too.
Totally agree!
How does the accuphase pair with the Klipsch forte speakers ? No one near me sells that brand. I mainly play classic rock so looking for an amp to pair with my forte 3 speakers.
Oh for sure that’s a good pairing, I love it on the Cornwall so it will sound great on the forte!
I have the e280. I love it.
Thanks and congrats on that!
Pre Out on the Accuphase very nice! Gives you more options! I know the Luxman has Pre out, but is easily outclassed by the Accuphase! The Luxman still a fantastic beautiful amplifier!
Love the Champagne look on the Accuphase!
Probably off-topic, and not as versatile, but I’d be going with the Yamaha A-S2200.
You will love it!
so you want me to compare the sound using different speakers?
Accuphase now is what Revox whas in the 80's. Pure perfection. I wish I could afford it. Champagne looks amazing. It would be an investment for life. For now I stick with my Revox B200 series. And that is vintage sound and architecture. And the Accuphase line up comes so close to that feeling. I wonder by the way how you guys would like without the beard.😊 For good comparison you should hook it up to the same soeakers....
Ok Ava and I listened to this and we both liked the Accuphase over the Luxman. It sounded like it produced a bigger sound stage. We are still split on Klipsch vs Wharfdale. We both like the gold face of the Accuphase and perfer the larger size and cleaner look of the E-4000. We are suckers for large meters with dancing needles.
Great input John! Hope you guys enjoyed today’s video! Trying to keep up with 5 a week along with 1 a week on the other channel!
Can you do comparison with Yamaha 3200
Yup!
Great video Lenny and Tom! :)
Thank you very much!
The Accuphase somehow has a vintage and modern look. I'm thinking it's got character too. Marantz had character and not the least of which was their lettering font. Accuphase has their unique font under the meters where it says integrated amplifier. The meters and the glass has backlighting, warm for the meters and blue for the cool Accuphase logo. The total look just pulls me in to which it wouldn't hit nearly as hard with silver. Champagne color rules here. Though we aren't looking under the hood, isn't Accuphase known for immaculate circuit boards mated with a tremendously logical and synergistic whole? Pretty much what one would expect from Japanese engineers not particularly constrained by budget restrictions. Not cheap for solid state gear, but warm like tube audio and, perhaps, solid-state gear that holds value better and longer.The amp should still be treasured fifty years on as such. Definitely Accuphase over Luxman, at least here.
Love the input! Thanks so much for sharing, these are meant to last 50 years!
Accuphase sounded brighter but not too bright. Luxman sounded a little more muted. A love the vintage sound, so I think I would take the Accuphase.
I haven't heard any accuphase equipment. When it came to Japanese amps, it was always Yamaha for me ever since I owned the A-1000. With that said, I've always liked tube sound (especially on Klipsch) so this would be an interesting listen for 'modern-day vintage'. As best could be heard between the Luxman and the Accuphase, the Accuphase did seem to have a warmer, fuller sound whereas the Luxman was more neutral. Very interesting. I think the key is the amp/speaker combo. For example, some people may find that the Klipsch Cornwalls may seem to 'bright', but when paired with Accuphase the wound may appear more neutral and warmer. Again, very interesting.
Thanks for sharing! Just did a video the other day on the Luxman tube integrated if you haven’t watched it yet
Some people don’t like the look of accuphase? Are those just blind people?
I like it alot however the cream color does not match any decor in my house and sticks out in an audio rack compared to the silver's and black's we normally have.
@@CaBdosdos maybe a nice wood audio rack would help? Since wood has a warmer tone too?
I guess maybe I’m less picky on overall gear matching my actual room. Esp as I like walnut furniture which I think works well with the accuphase look
Appreciate the video. However comparing sound between two amps is hard enough through RUclips. But, my feedback is you at least need to use the same speaker and a binaural mic listened to through headphones.
Definitely gonna be a fun one
Great video..!!! What switch are you using?
Hard to compare the higher end Accuphase to the entry level one because id the difference in speakers. Maybe I just like the cornwall's sound. but it would be interesting to hear both Accuphase models with the same speakers. Great video though! You guys are the best.
Well said! Thanks Alan!!
I had a buddy with Accuphase and some original Bose 702. That Amp gave those Bose a workout
Accuphase sounds incredible like Bob Weir and the Dead.
Why can't these companies make multichannel tech.
I'm a bit bias as I have the Luxman 509X on my Cornwalls. Love the sound so I'm team Luxman. I auditioned Accuphase before buying along with the Rotel Michi line.
Agree with the big Spendor .......still one of my favourerd speakers ( triple wiring )
Luxman , Accuphase ........both are good , today personally I like the looks of the latter ( timeless) ; old vintage Luxmans are gorgious looking ( and sounding )
What I love is a very deep soundstage a presence without being upfront....and no " LISTENING FATIGUE " !!!
Your video alwas bring a smile , something like boys getting in the cookies jar behind their mothers back !
Conclusion .........today I would purchase the Accuphase for long time & troublefree investment .
Still have the monster C17 MC head amplifier / class A amplifier ( double mono , double power supply ........total overkill .............
I don’t see how it’s possible to tell the difference between e280 and e4000 when demoed with such vastly different speakers because I have found speakers and room acoustics affect sound more than electronics.
It's the Wharfedale sound that gives the Accuphase a wholesome sound whether it's the 280 or 4000. The Klipsch is leaner and less whole.
Love the content. How does the Advance Paris stack up against the Accuphase? I love everything about accuphase but the price :)'
Sounds like an idea for a future video?
Was gonna ask same thing, being I could see it in the background. Love the blue lights on that thing
Accuphase is Today's Best Vintage Sound and they are Bad Ass too! TharBamar has the 4000 for his go to set up, he uses the L100 Classic 75s as his reference Speaker set up which is the set up I've got on your SX1280! The Accuphase Rules I M O only one Problem , Just too much Money for me, SX1280 is my Reference Reciever and then I can spend all that extra money on the Rest of my System which KICKS A, Because Just Audio Built tht Reciever and added the updated Speaker hook ups which eliminated a known problem on all the Old Recievers! Awesome Job Again! The Cornwall would be the perfect match!
Keep Rollin on Crazy Lenny!
280 sounded a little warmer/fatter than e4000, e4000 sounded more composed/colder/refined, is really a matter of taste
Interesting take! Thanks for sharing!
@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard and of course it could be speakers that colored the sound
That was more like comparing the cornwall vs the dovedale….to do a more meaningful comparison, both amps have to be hooked up to the same pair of spks. Jus sayin.
@@ganck1147 yes it could be the speakers
Thanks guys, looking at Accuphase vs Luxman right now to go with my B&W’s. Expected the warmer Accuphase to win, but I’ll damned if the Luxman didn’t have magical-sounding vocals. I’m quite torn; may go with the Lux and then warm it up with cables.
You should look at the Vincent Integrated amps. They’re decently priced. Preamp has tubes and the amp section is a/b engineering from Germany. My 50 watt Vincent ($1300) will drive anything that I throw at it. Warm yet detailed sound. I retired my 400 watt hypex class D / Schiit Freya and have never looked back. The Vincent has more grunt. And volume!!!
Why don't you try the fm300a clone recommended by the German RUclipsr?
Accuphase E- 5000 best Accuphase ever made. But 10 grand on eBay. Luxman 509x close at half the price on eBay.
Nice review
Thanks!
Like the look of both equally. Sound I think I actually like the Luxman I bit better but the Accuphase is so close. It’s not that will ever afford either.
Can’t compare the 280 and 4000 using different speakers. Wasted opportunity.
I liked the sound of the E-280 system better than the E-4000 system, at least to my ears through my headphones. The E-4000/Dovedale system sounded like the lows were over-accentuated for my taste. E-280/Klipsch sounded more balanced to me.
On the other hand, I didn't hear any difference in sound of Luxman Vs. the E-280
Dealers should ban Accuphase until they can get in line with the Japanese imports prices that are HALF! Of US Retail!!!
same for luxman
Not a fan of sound comparison on my computer speakers, however Accuphase seemed to have a fuller sound. More important, what is under that cover build quality is what gets my Vote.
I wouldn't care what colour my amp is, it's down to the SQ. I have a black HT amp and I don't mind the champagne. Having said that, I own a Luxman 505xUII in silver.
Luxman 550ax for around 3 grand is better than the E-280 for more than double the price. Audiodrom don't lie guys.
Hi guys, nice video. Well, it's very clear that between the 2 Accuphase amps the difference is quite clear. BASS. then, the mid range in the bigger amp is fuller and the high freq is really screacky on the cheaper one. The Luxman I'd say is more balanced, accurate you can say if you look for a more surgically put soundstage. I've been thinking for a long time and finally I pulled the trigger for a system that people can't buy in shops, It's the Buchardt I150 Integrated amp and the S400 Mark II speakers. and it is magnificent. It's bad that the company don't sell through retailers but this way you buy for less than 3 grand a pair of speakers which cost more than 3 times the price. May be in the future those things will be available in shops second hand. Anyway you could check them out even if only out of curiosity and love for really excellent pieces.
I’ll take (and did) the Luxman. Cleaner, more controlled bass, excellent built in phono stage, far more micro detail, and Luxman are less stingy than accuphase on power / current delivery.
The only accuphase I liked was my old E-550, because the class A was just a bit more transparent and musical than their bigger solid state amps.
Thats why you should buy a class a Accuphase and not AB.
Sorry, Luxman is the McIntosh of Japan and the phono stage is included. Accuphase is so over priced in North America it’s criminal.
In Europe is even more expensive
Staring to dig your channel a lot, great Axpona content
I’m listening to this demo on 3 week old Cornwall 4’s in American walnut
Powered by a McIntosh c52 (love the 8 band equalizer) preamp and Rotel 1592 amp.
My next upgrade is the amp obviously
I’m on the fence
1). Sell the McIntosh and buy either of these luxman or accuphase range of models
2) stay team McIntosh and buy amps - MC 275 tube and MC 462…get a taste of tube and SState
This hobby is turning into a money pit
Haha thanks for joining in the daily conversation! You know we do trade ins right haha
Sure you care haha but the Luxman sounds “richer” and the little Aquphase sounds more “sparkly” to us although the bigger one was the full package. if we had that kinda money it would be in the tank of the truck and on the kitchen table (at least until November🙏) so stickn with grandpas xylophone until then.
We will be ready for you when you are looking! Thanks for joining the conversation!
Accuphase sounds over controlled with a overdone feedback loop. The Luxman sounds more relaxed and is an amp I could live with.
If in the Nighted States, I would go with something McIntosh or Decware (two years waiting list, I ordered one), if in Europe I would check out the Sugden A21SE (SS single ended class a) or the Sugden A21 AI if you want more like a tube characteristic and MM/MC phono.
I own a Sugden A21SE.
I run LEAK Sandwich 250 and 200 speakers - the vintage ones. LEAK Sandwich speakers are just in another league.
Sugden has also a TDA1543 non-oversampling DAC -Sugden DAC-4 masterclass - with a gorgeous output stage, which works nicely with the Sugden Amps and the LEAK speakers.
I respect the Klipsch Forte and Cornwall speakers and if I had the space and money I would check them out with single ended tube electronics.
As for an affordable budget system, I would go with a MHDT Paradiese DAC (TDA1543), a vintage McIntosh 1700 receiver and vintage LEAK speakers.
In the USA, there are vintage THE FISHER tube amps and receivers often sold cheap, with the will to pay a technician when something tube goes wrong, that is a valid alternative.
Just to clarify. You are hearing an amplifier through your PC Speaker, compressed by youtube, recorded by a microphone with distinctive ability to reproduce sound, placed in a room in front of a speaker combination that suits or suit not the given amplifier.
4:50. ON MY END LUXMAN HAD WAY MORE MIDBASS WARMTH
Accuphase is brighter and more detailed with biggee sound stage
Great attempt guys. Unfortunately, :
1- you tube does not really allow to get the subtile differences
2- Room/HP/Volume being different, no conclusion can be made remotely.
Love your vids However !
Thanks for entertaining us.
Thanks for that! We strive for entertainment!
I would buy the Luxman. The Accuphase is way overpriced. In Japan you can buy Accuohase for 1/3 what they charge here in the states. Rip Off
Which is why if you really want Accuphase, you can just go the "grey market" import route getting a new JPN 100V model. They pack well and it's built like a tank and in the rare event you need service you can pay out of pocket and still pay MUCH less than what marked up US price is. And they run just fine on our 110-120V system contrary to the scaremongering. In Japan their mains is actually closer to about 106-107V which is why you see most JPN domestic market gear rated as "~100V" 50/60Hz. It's the same electrical system as ours minus a few volts. They make excellent power conditioners and ironically if you also import an Accuphase PS series JPN model it'll convert 120-110V to 100V for your 100V units that want extra peace of mind. I run them both ways for years, with or without. Until Accuphase fixes their US business model they are a poor value despite the god tier build quality and sound chops.
The 280 is a beautiful piece. It's right up someones alley that wants that warm tubey holographic sound and doesn't need a ton of power. The 4000 is definitely more to my taste the grip and drive is obviously on another level and much more a modern sound without sounding cold and lifeless. Don't get me wrong Luxman is fantastic as well, but IMHO Accuphase just exudes quality up another tier and they last forever. Their build quality is as good if not better than the Swiss makes like Nagra or CH charging 3-4x the price. On the other hand it's a shame Accuphase's US business model is so uncompetitive with pricing, especially since these units are essentially the same spec as the Japan models given our electrical system being 99% the same. I also wish they got back into the Multi-Channel game again like they were doing in the early 2000s. The PX600 amp, CX260 pre (music) and that VX700 A/V pre-pro back then was as good/better than anything Theta or Meridian were making at the time. Was about 20 grand in 03! The SACD/DVD-A and dts-CD hype train fizzled out and they went with it, shame as they made a glorious A/V pre in that VX unit. Would love to see them offer a new Class A/B multi-ch, especially as Axiom is wrecking Bryston now a days.
Tons of power for doing what ? Have a rock show in a hangar? Use 80 dB Speakers ???
Use checked eBay here in U.K. and used Luxman 509x is around £4k, Accuphase E280 is around £3.5k. Luxman 509x has now been replaced by 509z and is priced at £11k here in U.K. Accuphase E4000 is I believe £9k so certainly in U.K. it seems Luxman have become more expensive than Accuphase.
I'd have to be in a different tax bracket to afford an Accuphase.
The E-280 sounded much better than the Luxman, to my ears at least.
Through your computer speakers.....mmmm.
@@stevemurrell6167 If everything else is the same...yes, assuming your hearing is still OK.
The color, tiny knobs and LED display all look straight from the 80's instead of a new design paying homage to the past and heritage like Yamaha and Technics do so well so its not really a look for me but I would definitely like to hear it them.
@3:24 Luxman L-507Z vs E-280 Accuphase
@16:48 E-280 Klipsch vs E-4000 Wharfdale
Really wanted both to be closer together later in the video but I was already to far in making it
Accuphase sounded “brighter”.
Champagne color I am not a fan of. I would prefer black.
Ciao ragazzi , per quello che si può percepire da un video ,anche se ho ascoltato attentamente con le mie cuffie shenaizer, il piccolo Accuphase mi sembra più chiaro con una gamma bassa meno invadente... Ciao bel video...
Comparing Mcintosh to Accuphase is an insult to Accuphase.
sccuphase sounds "warm"? detailed and exported to the high register yes, but not warm
Lou man prices have gone up here in the U.K. plus Luxman no longer offer class a transistor amps
I love the Accuphase E-280 champagne color, the layout of the controls, and features. I do not love the price 😊
Still find it strange that nobody carry’s or test the accuphase e-800 , like there’s no interest for this amplifier at all ,
I begin to ask myself if the old Jays bad review of it has something to do with that .
But anyway, for me one of the very best integrated amps irrespective of price ……….really !
I have just stuck to those 2, no reason just can’t have them all
Champagne is great.
Luxman all day long. Depth and attack
I tryed out massive chunks of the offers at Luxman and Accuphase, but it was on previous generations.
Those two brands are not making any gift to the other.
Both are top notch depth, dynamic, attack, and sound reproduction.
There is just one small difference between the two of them. The make quality of Accuphase is insane and the aftersale service is really high end.
In the past, Luxman also was nearly 50% less expensive, due to the fact the brand was sold by a fan of those amplifiers, and he was only taking 30% margin on them. This allowed Luxman to be a worthy opponent to Accuphase. Those times have now gone and Luxman competes in the same price category now.
Japan's McIntosh.?..please, a little bit of respect...
$6950 in USA, $3500 in Japan 😑 price cost the double in USA!!!
Margin system is to blame for that. In Japan, the boutique buys directly from Accuphase, there is a 50% margin, but lots of reseller are reducing this margin to 30% to trigger better sales.
Now, your american boutique makes a 30% margin on an amp they bought from the distributor. Distributor margin is undisclosed, but is often in between 150%-350%, the hifi field has completely f-cked up margins. And it's THIS you are paying.
@@boboutelama5748 Good to know but is insane! I wish Accuphase do something and brings better prices in USA.
Hey you missed my first comment, But TOM WINS, The Klipsch Classic Lines and Accuphase. Are you not JBL Distributors? Spendor 100 and 200 are AWESOME!!!
Cmon Lenny!!!!
Haha thanks for doing another comment then!! Appreciate you commenting on all the videos. We aren’t JBL haha
Luxman as good and better depending on model. Oh and it's about 50 percent less.😮
Not interesting. But the A36 and l550AX2 in Class A style are 🤔
At some point a second goat comes along...... He at least has a bit more modest voice.....
That’s indeed a little sound demo ,…….and what a flawed music to compared them .
Accuphase the winner
More bass. But you loose that bit of breezy treble on the lower end Accuphase.
I'll take a Accuphase everyday. The soundstage the sweetness.