Old Accuphase preamp and A36

[Mattia]

Hi bvdiman
I concur: plenty of good stuff, your sensible advice included!

My longterm plan is to go piece by piece and get the best I can justify for every component so maybe I will not get my usual case of "upgraditis" too soon
Yes in the process I'll have some components that will be bottlenecks for some time, but then I can always enjoy my equipment.

Before deciding to take the electronics a step-up, I worked on "extra". I created a 100% dedicated room, acoustically treated it (single best improvement in sound quality!) and ran a dedicated AC line to it.

So, based on what I learned from all the advices in this thread, the steps I think I'll follow will be:

- 2420 or 2820 preamp (and drive the 303x power section with it for some time).

Then, when the budget allows,
- A-46 power amplifier

Then, when the budget allows,
- DG-58 (if I finally find that the correction is equal or better than MiniDSP Dirac Live, because the construction surely is miles better)

Then, when the budget allows,
- new speakers, even if I really like the sound of the 801 Matrix s3, I would like to try in my room the 802 Diamond (the 800 is too large).

[nvp]

Hi Matia, since (like me) you do not mind buying older models, I strongly recommend you to look at the A-60 power amp. This amp should cost less than a new A-36 while at the same time should be significantly better. Many consider the A-60 amp as the best Accuphase class A power amp. This is because A-60 sounds fuller and more musical than A-65 and A-70.

Regarding a matching pre-amp for the A-60, my recommendations are C-2800 and C-2810. Since Accuphase does not update all its products at the same time, there is always some overlap (i.e. 1-2 years) between older and newer models, which means it is not really possible to clearly distinguish which products belong to the same generation. For example, the A-60 amp was meant to be paired first with the C-2800 pre and then with the C-2810 pre. Similarly, the A-65 was first meant for the C-2810 (and C-3800) then for the C-2820.

Finally, I would not recommend the E-600 for your speakers. While the E-600 is most likely a very fine integrated, 30 watts into 8 ohms are but 30 watts, i.e. you will not be able to play properly music with large dynamic variations. If you decide to go with an integrated amp, then IMO the E-408, E-450 and E-460 integrated are better options for your speakers. In fact if money is a concern, than I would recommend the E-408 and/or E-450 over pre-power combinations like C-21xx & A-3X or C-24xx & A-4x.

[Mattia]

Hi nvp,
yours is another very useful opinion, thank you!
That also brings out the A vs A/B question.

If there are really not big sound differences between the 2 class circuits regarding Accuphase gear, than A/B is surely better for me since the amplifier will be also sometimes used for movies.

In fact, before being hooked by the "Class A" idea, my original idea was either the E-460 or the P-4200 and a preaplifier (maybe a little older one to start).

Plus, I think that with a active equalization, that in my case has to rise some 6dB between 200 and 500hz in my room, maybe a bit of reserve power would be nice.

Wow, so many options, but I like it, it gets interesting

[nvp]

Mattia, if one listens to music with large dynamic variations, e.g. large orchestras and/or big bands, and has large speakers with normal sensitivity, then class A/B Accuphase amps are a better option than the class A ones (IMO opinion of course).

[Mattia]

Well then I have to also add the P-4200 to my listening list. I have read very good opinions everywhere of the sound of this power amplifier, paired with a good preamp.
Then again, the 460 would be a much more cost effective solution.

Well, I really have to find a shop that keeps all this gear and try to book a demo I guess

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Mattia

@ Meltemi

But is it so even for example using a "just yesterday" product like the 2810 with a new power amp?

The E-600 is also very tempting, but (and I know that maybe I am being a bit fool) it doesn't have analog Vu Meter

IMHO preamps have a relatively greater impact on the overall quality of a system than power amps.

The current C-2x20 preamps have a new generation AAVA volume control first presented in the flagship C-3800. And the improvement is not small.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Mattia

Well, I really have to find a shop that keeps all this gear and try to book a demo I guess

There is a shop in Zürich, where you can listen to Accuphase on B&W 802 Diamond.
(I have no commercial interest whatsoever in this shop!)

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by Mattia

Well then I have to also add the P-4200 to my listening list. I have read very good opinions everywhere of the sound of this power amplifier, paired with a good preamp.
Then again, the 460 would be a much more cost effective solution.

Well, I really have to find a shop that keeps all this gear and try to book a demo I guess

+1 on P-4200, considering your current speakers drivability, plus occasionally used for movies.. AB for AV

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by meltemi

My listening experience with Accuphase gear over the past 25+ years repeatedly showed, that it never was a good idea to mix different generations of Accuphase equipment, because you always lost some coherence.

If you are serious about the A-36, I'd suggest you'd go for a preamp of the same generation (i.e. C-2120 / C-2420 or higher) or consider one of their current integrated amps (i.e. E-360 / E-460 or the 30W class A E-600).

Yes, that would be a better way to go. That's why I said ok (but not great) for the preamp he wants to use...

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by Mattia

Brian and Dave, thank you for your inputs!

You're welcome!