Accuphase E-470

[jet787]

This a general Accuphase question. I am interested in a E-470 or E-480. That being said I have done some research on the pricing and won't go into that discussion. My question is does the voltage get modified for the U.S market via a switch or other hardwire change? Is it a big deal or can any repair shop make the change. I know that Accuphase won't service electronics that weren't purchased in your native country. If a unit is out of warranty, then it seems other repair shops could service it if needed. Of course I would like to save some money and don't honestly understand the pricing scheme outside of Japan.

[Masterlu]

I will simply say, it is not a switch.

[jet787]

Yes it may not be a switch but jumpers that need to be rearranged on a terminal block.

[Masterlu]

There are no jumpers either.

[Formerly YB-2]

The other significant problem is the lack of schematics for a tech to work from if there is a problem on a 'gray-market' unit. Accuphase will not provide any schematics or proprietary parts (of which there are more than a few) for an unauthorized repair. You roll the dice and you take your chance that you will not have any problem(s).

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by jet787

Of course I would like to save some money and don't honestly understand the pricing scheme outside of Japan.

There is a simple explanation for the pricing scheme outside Japan.

In Japan Accuphase delivers directly to the retailers (no distributors in between) and all warranty and repairs are done by the factory.

Outside Japan Accuphase delivers to the distributor of the corresponding country and the distributor delivers to the appointed Accuphase retailers in that country.
The distributor has to run a service point on his own expense including some stock of spares. Running such a service point is not for free (location, equipment, technician)!
The distributor has to carry all the expenses for warranty (labour).
Original replacement parts and assembly modules are only available to the distributors service point.
The service manuals are only available to the distributors service point under a non disclosure agreement.

If you do not buy through the official distribution channel in your country, you will have no warranty, no original spare parts and no service at all.

Martin

P.S. I'm in full accordance with message #85 above from 'Formerly YB-2'.

[jesuisunutopiste]

I agree with the policy of Accuphase. This is very serious and this is why you have spare parts even 40 years later, and this is also why the material maintains high prices on the second hand marked.
However, as a convinced European, I do not understand the different distributor schemes in Europe. We are far away from the USE (United States of Europe).
Imagine that your distributor in Alabama will not repair an Accuphase because it was bought in Florida...
This is still happening in Europe.
The distributors in Europe did not understand that we have no longer borders...

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by jesuisunutopiste

I agree with the policy of Accuphase. This is very serious and this is why you have spare parts even 40 years later, and this is also why the material maintains high prices on the second hand marked.
However, as a convinced European, I do not understand the different distributor schemes in Europe. We are far away from the USE (United States of Europe).
Imagine that your distributor in Alabama will not repair an Accuphase because it was bought in Florida...
This is still happening in Europe.
The distributors in Europe did not understand that we have no longer borders...

One of the very few (perhaps only) downsides to living in Europe!

[jbomd]

Gentlemen:
I note that some of our very high end audiophiles seem to prefer using the Accuphase integrated amps versus separate amp and preamp?

Other than cost is there a reason for this? I'm a huge Accuphase fan on a limited budget!

[Canonicus]

Originally Posted by jbomd

Gentlemen:
I note that some of our very high end audiophiles seem to prefer using the Accuphase integrated amps versus separate amp and preamp?

Other than cost is there a reason for this? I'm a huge Accuphase fan on a limited budget!

The sound quality of Accuphase integrated amps are very,very good. Just read what's available online and user comments on this forum. Most important are comments made by Ivan in a previous post. He states that (at least in the case of the E-650), you'll almost attain the reproduction qualities of the top separates. That says a lot! So going integrated is a great way to get the Accuphase house sound for much less and it takes up less space and you don't have to spend extra for cables and PC's. A huge bargain for the price,imo.