New Accuphase A-48 class A amp

[chadisrc]

Originally Posted by paltomare

Thanks for this info. I was on the fence with this exact component decision to make two weeks ago, without the luxury of hearing either component. Decided to go pre/power and now just waiting for them to come in.

Very cool, please post your thoughts once you have had a chance to listen. Would love to hear about it.

[jesuisunutopiste]

Originally Posted by kimurastanley

I have a chance to listen to E650 and C2420+A48 in the same system. Pretty amazed with the pre-power combo as compared to the great E650.
There is more ease and effortlessness, with better separation and better control of the system.

I did this too a while ago with the C-2120 + A-47 compared to the E-650.
In addition, I compared the C-2120 + p-4200 to the E-470. At the same time.
So I tested four systems. With an Accuphase source on Focal Sopra 2 loudspeakers. Audioquest cabling.

Conclusion: yes, the combo pre/power is clearly "better" than the integrated.
(and this what not the 2420 and not yet the 48 !)
The dilemma is A (48) or AB (4500)? (or E-650 and E-480).
You cannot say that one is better than the other.
They are different. Like red and white wine.
(or wine and beer ...).
Really a question of taste.

I had the chance to get the C-2120 + P-4200 at a very good price, but I am tempted by a A-something, because the majority prefers A-class Accuphase amplification.
But I wonder if I would be happier with that...

[kimurastanley]

Originally Posted by jesuisunutopiste

I did this too a while ago with the C-2120 + A-47 compared to the E-650.

In addition, I compared the C-2120 + p-4200 to the E-470. At the same time.

So I tested four systems. With an Accuphase source on Focal Sopra 2 loudspeakers. Audioquest cabling.



Conclusion: yes, the combo pre/power is clearly "better" than the integrated.

(and this what not the 2420 and not yet the 48 !)

The dilemma is A (48) or AB (4500)? (or E-650 and E-480).

You cannot say that one is better than the other.

They are different. Like red and white wine.

(or wine and beer ...).

Really a question of taste.



I had the chance to get the C-2120 + P-4200 at a very good price, but I am tempted by a A-something, because the majority prefers A-class Accuphase amplification.

But I wonder if I would be happier with that...

There is an interesting comparison bet class A vs AB.

What is the difference you heard? Unfortunately i did not have chance to compare with accuphase AB amp.

[jesuisunutopiste]

There are probably thousands of comments to that question what makes A different from AB. You have some hours to read the different posts?

In summary for me, the AB is more powerful, adapted to rock and large orchestra, it is very rapid and dynamic.

The class A is nuanced, very nice timbres, wonderful for voices and small ensembles.

I tried to be positive for both...

When I auditioned both it was with several Accuphase demo discs. Some pieces sounded better with A, others with AB.

At the end, it is a question of taste. You have to experience.

But in fine the better is to have both, impossible to find a compromise

[Pancho]

Originally Posted by meltemi

Sorry, but I cannot honestly answer your question. Too many unknown parameters to me. I do neither know the Luxman nor your speakers, and there is also no information about your sources or your cabling.

I once had the opportunity to listen to P-4200 vs. A-47, but on speakers and in an environment I knew. To my ears, the A-47 had some advantages over the P-4200, so personally I would have chosen Class A in this context.

Generally speaking, you need to find the optimum balance for your system. All components (sources, amps, speakers and cables) should eventually be chosen to match your sonic taste.
The only way to find your personal optimum is by doing a lot of (comparative) listening.
In this context you should not try to listen for differences you could describe in words, but rather rely on your emotional reaction to the music.
Do you feel more relaxed with a particular choice than with another? Do you get tired of listening more quickly with one choice than with another? Do you feel, you like one sonic character more than another?

Martin

Thank you very much....looks like I am marching towards the A48. Thank you for your time.

[Subdood]

I would give the Luxman 900u a listen
I a/b an A47 to a Luxman 900u and the Luxman definitely had more grip and the music just seemed to flow with ease from the speakers dynaudio C2 new model.
I also like class A but I have to say the Luxman smoked the A47.
My opinion but the store owner also agreed and he really wanted to get rid of the A47

[Pancho]

Could I ask which pre-power combo you ordered ?

I live in a place where Accuphase is not represented and it is a tough decision to make - cause of the price tag and once purchased - it wont be easy to return or exchange and stuff like that.

A48+C2450+DC37 OR E480+DC37 how would these combination fare in terms audio quality? Or would you say forget about Accuphase DAC unit (DC37) ?

I know standalone DAC's are always better that the built in or optional boards (like D50) - but DC37 - does the performance justify the cost ? Its a 2014 model - and probably time to phase them out right ?

Could the members share their views please ?

Originally Posted by paltomare

Thanks for this info. I was on the fence with this exact component decision to make two weeks ago, without the luxury of hearing either component. Decided to go pre/power and now just waiting for them to come in.

[mblssmp2]

I would simply never spend that much money without a proper audition. The investment is so significant that you should be able to justify flying to a place first where you can actually listen to the equipment. One thing you will always find with Accuphase is as you spend more it gets really better but then there are so many things that affect the musicality of your system that you also need to think about cables and the rack.

[Weirdcuba]

I am a big accuphase fan (just see my signature), but would not buy the dc37 at this time. To be sure, it’s a fabulous piece, but lots has happened in the digital world and it seems that it should be updated soon. I have no idea of timing, but I would hate to buy it only to have it quickly outdated within the accuphase line.

[chadisrc]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

I am a big accuphase fan (just see my signature), but would not buy the dc37 at this time. To be sure, it’s a fabulous piece, but lots has happened in the digital world and it seems that it should be updated soon. I have no idea of timing, but I would hate to buy it only to have it quickly outdated within the accuphase line.

Yeah it seems many have switched to FPGA's including Esoteric. It would be nice to see Accuphase take this route as well. It would give customers a nice upgrade path.