E-480 is coming
 

Here's a look...

https://storage04.dropshots.com/phot...008/073309.jpg

Curious about the improvements over the 470...

I see here only optical changes. The only thing that will probably be better is the damping factor of 500 in the 470 to over 600 in the 480.

Power is the same
AAVA is the same

That should really be everything.? The 480 are totally unnecessary

Accuphase doesn't put out a newer product unless there are real and measurable performance increases.
I would suspect that along with a higher damping factor you'll see lower distortion and noise numbers.

and more importantly, does it sound distinctly better than the predecessor?

Another reason could be due to component obsolescence and/or manufacturing improvements?

~$5250 in Japan = well over $10K in NA. That's some expensive shipping.

lol

way to high.:nono:

i think there is no reason for 470 owner to change to the 480. Never

i can promise the 480 doesnt sounds better then the 470.however the measurable performance increases says.

How do you know this? I think you would have to compare the two before making a sweeping statement like that.

The whole pricing thing and how were all getting "ripped off" has been discussed to death, IMO
It is what it is.

But for some.. they just can't let go.

https://storage04.dropshots.com/phot...925/185648.jpg

:goodpost:

I never understand this thought process.
Audio is the only technology that stands still and doesn't improve? Old stuff always sounds better than new gear? How wrong!

Official News Release
 

Integrated Stereo Amplifier / E-480

Initial Production : In the Mid of November, 2018

E-480 is the successor of E-470
Specifications & Features
- Ultra low noise with improved AAVA system
- High Damping Factor : 500 -> 600
- Newly developed speaker protection circuit
- Refined power meter
- DAC & AD option boards are applicable

http://accuphase.co.jp/model/e-480.html

http://accuphase.co.jp/cat/e-480.pdf

True. It is what it is. Accuphase must be happy with US sale numbers. It seems they won't change their strategy. Those who have issue with Accuphase's outrageous prices, there are plenty fish in the sea. Go out there and hunt it.:banana:

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum ..... and as I'm trying to rebuild my system I'd like to ask .... E650 or E470/E480 for choice of an integrated to drive a pair of ProAc D2 speakers? I know one is class A and the other(s) is AB. Is the sonic differences between the two 'types' of integrated amplifiers noticeable (dynamically)? I've never owned class A gear and look at the wattage and think 30 watts may not convey dynamically some rock and large scale orchestral music. My local dealer does not stock either amp simultaneously to do a direct A-B comparison.

Well said audiolover82. It's clearly evident that the importer is quite happy with his pricing structure and market share in the US. It's also apparent that Accuphase is satisfied with volume of products sold here. Until the expectations of either Accuphase or the importer change, there is no compelling reason to change pricing.

I have owned an E470 and an E600. Both have been superbly crafted and provide excellent performance. I enjoyed both pieces very much.

I personally could not justify the prices of their other gear if I decided to move up the Accuphase food chain. But that's just me. Others on this forum have made that journey and they all seem to be VERY satisfied with their decisions!

Admittedly, Accuphase does not necessarily offer the best value as compared to certain other brands but if one has a problem with the price of Accuphase, there is a whole world of other choices - as you stated!

Slartybardfast… Welcome to AA! :wave:

Hi Slartybardfast and welcome to the Forum

For the ProAc D2 a suitable amp power of 30Wpc to 150Wpc is specified.
The E-650 is guaranteed for 30W@8Ω, 60W@4Ω, 120W@2Ω. In addition, the E-650 is the only integrated Accuphase amp featuring the balanced AAVA volume control otherwise only available in the flagship preamp C-3850.
Power should be no issue. If you can afford the E-650, go for it. It is currently one of the very best sounding integrated amps on the market.
If price is an issue, go for an E-480 or even an E-370.

Martin

Hi meltemi,
Thanks for the info, I was wondering whether the 30 watts minimum of the E650 would be enough to get the ProAc D2 'going' sufficiently and not drive the amp into clipping with orchestral crescendos if I'd turned up the gain (every now and then).

Under 8 ohm load, the E650 is Class A for the first 30 watts then A/B up to 75 watts.

Glad you enjoyed your Accuphase Journey. I think Accuphase has a more grip on pricing than US Distributor itself. Axiss Audio is also a distributor of Soulution but we don't see any complain on their pricing structure. It's not like Axiss audio decided to pick on Accuphase and jacked up the prices. Accuphase is in high end audio business for long time and I doubt they let any distributors walk all over them and keep extra cash on their pockets.:nono:

the big jump
 

and what about the difference between an E-470 or E-480 compared to a couple of C-2120/P-4200?

and between a E-650 compared to a couple of C-2120/A-36?

Is it worth the jump?

Having my Focal Utopia Scala v2, that are easy to drive, an integrated may be enough. That's what a very good experienced hifi-dealer told me.

A significant jump would only be there with a C-28x0. Who agrees? Who not?

The only ones, who can tell you, are your own ears.

Martin

yes sure!
this is absolutely right!
and surely not the reviews in the specialist journals, who are paid to write marvelous reports!
however, the experience of owners is very useful;
so, maybe some other ears have heard a major or a minor difference.
and yes, I fully agree, our ears are all different!
L'utopiste

Running a Pass Labs XA-30 into ~95 db Paradigm Personas 9H....So loud I have to turn it dow, and I've only seen the meters wiggle...they have NEVER moved ..You amp has lots of power in my world! Efficient speakers rock!!

Just seen this discussion and might be able to add a few notes. First, the integrated amps are all great but they do get better as you go from 270 to 370, 470 and 600. Now, the 650 seems to be a big step up from the 600. I have heard the 650 but not on my system. So hard to say how much of a step it is from the 600 but I have been told by somebody who has done the direct comparison, it is a significant step. When Accuphase releases a new product it is always a step up. Sometimes a small, sometimes a big step. However, with all this said, the source is still the most important thing and it is more important to spend a lot of the money there. Even the E270 is already very, very good. Anybody who gets into Accuphase should also be aware that it is all about time coherency. this is where the name Accuphase comes from. So Accuphase can give you a very musical system but it really needs the entire system to be serious about time coherency. Otherwise, the Accuphase will not shine.

mblssmp2 , welcome too the Forum :)

thanks mblssmp2
this helps a lot!
and yes, the source is very very important
I always thought that the loudspeaker is the centre, with a good amp
but yes, the source is essential, I know this now, since I have the esoteric k-01x
now I still need an amp to place it between the esoteric and the focal Scala utopia...

E-480 English and German brochure available for download here:

http://www.accuphase.com/model/e-480.html

Most impressive page 12 of the Technical Information showing how meticulously Accuphase develop their gear and test almost every single component before they build it into a new model. Wow!

Martin

Thanks, Martin.
As the pic shows,that's an amazing amount of parts tested and used before they got it right where they wanted. They leave no stone un-turned!

I'm undecided yet whether to buy the new Accuphase E 480 or the Class A E 650. My dealer has both but listening conditions there are subpar, with traffic noise coming in and no possibility of fast switching between the two. Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the E 470 or E 480 with the E 650?

I would team the amplifier with the Accuphase SACD player DP 750. By the way, what do you pay for the DP 750 and E 470 / 480 in the USA? Is it normal to get a discount off the official list price? I live in Switzerland where prices are high. I was surprised to see that in Japan you pay about half of what you pay in Switzerland (don't know whether before or after tax).

Thanks for info and tipps.

Herbie49 Welcome to the Forum :)

US prices are ridiculous, compared to Japan (even adjusting for currency exchange). Does not surprise me that Swiss prices are also high.

I suggest Class A if you can afford it. To my ear, it is well worth the price in the accuphase line.

Well i did listen to the Accuphase E-650 played with B&W 802D3 , all Audioquest wired and streaming with Aurender....to my ears the 650 is really good , quiet , good soundstage...its better than my E-470 , although how much is hard to say as i heard the setup during a trip to Germany , and as i only visited this dealer this one time there are many unknown factors at play.

I am with the same dilemma, E-470 / 480 or E-650, or even separates... But I will have a few audio sessions soon and should have a better idea.

Please remember:
Accuphase service and warranty is only possible in the country the device was originally destined to (at least labour goes to the expense of the corresponding distributor).
Power supply voltage in Japan is only 100V-120V.

Preferable E-650 (Class A + fully balanced pre like C-3850) or separates up to C-3850 + 2x A-250 according to your budget.
DP-750 "requires at least" E-650.

Martin

I have been told that the resell value in Germany of Accuphase bought through PIA is much higher than when bought through another source.

what about esoteric?
 

Did you ever consider Esoterics for your v2?