Accuphase 40th Anniversary Models

[TommyC]

Guys, I placed an order for the C3800 and A200.

Why did I not wait for the C38x0? Here are my rationale.

Being a perfectionist (or OCD), I want the pre to match the power amp cosmetically. I spent several weeks studying Accuphase photos and product museum on the internet. What I found was there are subtle design changes between different generations.

No two flagship preamps look identical. Even the more recent flagships 2800/2810/3800 look different if you look very carefully. I'm talking about face plate only. The colour and brightness of the "Accuphase" insignia also varies slightly with different generations.

For each of their flagship preamp, there's a matching mono-amplifier. The pair have identical cosmetic design.

C-290 (1993) with A-100 (1991) Class A
C290V (1998) with M-2000 (1997)
C-2800 (2002) with M-8000 (2002)
C-2810 (2006) with M-6000 (2008)
C-3800 (2010) with A-200 (2012) Class A

My guess is that the upcoming C-38x0 (2015) will be paired with M-x000 (2015/16). M-6000 is due for a replacement. If Accuphase follows its history, there will be small cosmetic changes to the C-38x0, which will make it look slightly different than the A200.

Since I want class A, C3800 and A200 are my best choice. Plus, being 40th anniversary models don't hurt either.

[bvdiman]

Tommy. Wow. Congrats!!

When are you expecting your new babies? Pics when delivered would be cool.

[Higgens]

Great choices, Tommy. Best wishes with your new hardware.

[audio bill]

Accuphase gear just exudes class, and the pleasure it provides its owners every time you interface with it is priceless. Congrats on your purchase, I'm sure it will give you a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

[Banter]

Great choice Tommy! Hope our GTA dealer got your business.

[NOLG4EVR]

Originally Posted by Banter

Great choice Tommy! Hope our GTA dealer got your business.

Who is the Accuphase dealer in Toronto?

[Banter]

Planet of Sound on Queen St. Toronto. They also have a branch in Ottawa. Our CDN list as same amount as US list, but in Canadian dollars. Good discounting too. Sam Seguin in Toronto is store manager.

[NOLG4EVR]

Originally Posted by Banter

Planet of Sound on Queen St. Toronto. They also have a branch in Ottawa. Our CDN list as same amount as US list, but in Canadian dollars. Good discounting too. Sam Seguin in Toronto is store manager.

Wow. Considering the recent drop in our dollar Accuphase is a relative bargain here. I can foresee in the near future that will change if our dollar goes much lower.

[Masterlu]

Tommy... Congrats, you have impeccable taste!

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by TommyC

Guys, I placed an order for the C3800 and A200.

Why did I not wait for the C38x0? Here are my rationale.

Being a perfectionist (or OCD), I want the pre to match the power amp cosmetically. I spent several weeks studying Accuphase photos and product museum on the internet. What I found was there are subtle design changes between different generations.

No two flagship preamps look identical. Even the more recent flagships 2800/2810/3800 look different if you look very carefully. I'm talking about face plate only. The colour and brightness of the "Accuphase" insignia also varies slightly with different generations.

For each of their flagship preamp, there's a matching mono-amplifier. The pair have identical cosmetic design.

C-290 (1993) with A-100 (1991) Class A
C290V (1998) with M-2000 (1997)
C-2800 (2002) with M-8000 (2002)
C-2810 (2006) with M-6000 (2008)
C-3800 (2010) with A-200 (2012) Class A

My guess is that the upcoming C-38x0 (2015) will be paired with M-x000 (2015/16). M-6000 is due for a replacement. If Accuphase follows its history, there will be small cosmetic changes to the C-38x0, which will make it look slightly different than the A200.

Since I want class A, C3800 and A200 are my best choice. Plus, being 40th anniversary models don't hurt either.

Congrats! Enjoy in good health. I'd say you made a good choice!