E-480 is coming

[jesuisunutopiste]

480 (AB) or 650 (A) is really a question of taste.
You can do the same with a P-4500 versus a A-47 (or A-48).
And go up higher the ladder.
I tested all this, and I prefer the AB-class, but probably being an exception...
Everybody runs for the class A when it comes to Accuphase.
The AB have not the same reputation and are more difficult to re-sell!

BUT: like with cedar or spruce in guitars, the best is to have both

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by jesuisunutopiste

480 (AB) or 650 (A) is really a question of taste.
You can do the same with a P-4500 versus a A-47 (or A-48).
And go up higher the ladder.
I tested all this, and I prefer the AB-class, but probably being an exception...
Everybody runs for the class A when it comes to Accuphase.
The AB have not the same reputation and are more difficult to re-sell!

BUT: like with cedar or spruce in guitars, the best is to have both

The power amp section E-650 (A) versus E-480 (AB) is one criterium.
But please do not forget the preamp section.
The E-650 is the only amp with a balanced preamp section like the C-3850.
All other preamps and integrated amps (e.g. E-480) only have a unbalanced preamp section.

Martin

[Littleyin]

What is the actual impact of the E-650's balanced AAVA on sound? Is there a more specific statement?

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Littleyin

What is the actual impact of the E-650's balanced AAVA on sound? Is there a more specific statement?

More transparency and naturalness (that's at least what my C-3850 does)

[bstnyc]

Hi there,

I am in the market for the C3850 + A75/P7300 combo. Wanting to compare the Accuphase AB/A amping, I demo the following options driving a pair of 802D3 a couple of weeks ago (dealer did not have the exact combo that I wanted for demo):

- E480
- E650
- E650 + P7300 (P7300 driving both highs and lows)
- E650 + P7300 biamping (E650 driving the highs while the P7300 driving the lows)

Between the E480 (AB) and E650 (A), as many had already pointed out, the E650 has the rounder/sweeter sound, but is a bit loose in the lows and not as dynamic/detailed comparing the the E480.

The E650 + P7300 biamping is basically combining the strengths of E480 + E650, then take it a step futher in the lows, details and dynamism. This combo beats out the other three options in my personal opinion. However, my dealer indicated that the C3850 + P7300/A75 combo will be even better in all aspects...will definitely try to demo that before I make the purchase.

Based on my test results, I would go with your option 3 if you plan to get a P7300 in the future. Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by Littleyin

Hi everybody, I have bought B&W 802D3

But I have not decided to buy E480 or E650

now I have no enough money to buy pre-amp and power-amp

my plan:

1. E480 -> in the future add A250 -> final replace E480 with C3850
2. E480 -> in the future add P7300 -> final replace E480 with C3850
3. E650 -> in the future add P7300 -> final replace E650 with C3850

Which plan is better?

[Littleyin]

1. C3850 + P7300
2. C3850 + A250

What is the difference between the sound performance of the two?

[hifihut]

First off, option 2 is way more money. I like a more powerful and detailed sound so I would go the P7300 or M6200 route

[hansjurg]

Originally Posted by jesuisunutopiste

480 (AB) or 650 (A) is really a question of taste.
You can do the same with a P-4500 versus a A-47 (or A-48).
And go up higher the ladder.
I tested all this, and I prefer the AB-class, but probably being an exception...
Everybody runs for the class A when it comes to Accuphase.
The AB have not the same reputation and are more difficult to re-sell!

BUT: like with cedar or spruce in guitars, the best is to have both

With E-800, it became clear E-650 is very noisy (I think 30% more noise than E-800).

[Accuphase]

@hansjurg

What exactly do you mean with 650 is louder then 800

[grey17]

For anyone considering the E480 (or any Accuphase integrated) there is a pretty detailed and glowing review of the E480 on the 'Zero Fidelity' YouTube channel.