• About
    • About HFA
    • HFA Awards
    • Associated Equipment
    • Banners on HFA
    • HFA Analytics Data
    • HFA Audio Setup History
    • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
    • Sitemap
    • Contact
  • HFA Awards
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Amplifier
      • All Amplifier Reviews
      • Integrated Amplifier
      • Preamplifier
      • Power Amplifier
      • Phono Preamp
    • Loudspeaker
      • All Loudspeaker Reviews
      • Passive Speaker
      • Active Analog Speaker
      • Active Digital Speaker
    • Digital
      • All Digital Reviews
      • CD Player
      • SPDIF DAC
      • USB DAC
      • Music Server
      • Network Player
      • Digital Recorder
      • Digital Interface
      • Audio Software
    • Turntable and Accessories
      • All Turntable and Accessories Reviews
      • Turntable
      • Tonearm
      • Phono Cartridge
      • Turntable Accessories
    • Cable
      • All Cable Reviews
      • Analog Interlink
      • Phono Interlink
      • Speaker Cable
      • Power Cable
      • Digital Cable
    • Accessories
      • All Accessories Reviews
      • Racks / Stands / Feet
      • Tuning / Tweaks
      • Power Connector
    • Industry Update
  • Insights
    • All Insights
    • Analog Insights
    • Cable Insights
    • Connector Insights
    • Digital Insights
    • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
    • Generic Insights
    • System Synergy Q&A
  • Specials
  • Show Reports
    • All Show Reports
    • Alkmaar Audio Show
    • Chattelin Audio Systems
    • Dutch Audio Event
    • Enosound
    • HifiDeluxe
    • HifiLive
    • Munich High End
    • XFi
  • Classics
    • All Classics
    • Analog Classics
    • Digital Classics
  • Links
  • About
    • About HFA
    • HFA Awards
    • Associated Equipment
    • Banners on HFA
    • HFA Analytics Data
    • HFA Audio Setup History
    • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
    • Sitemap
    • Contact
  • HFA Awards
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Amplifier
      • All Amplifier Reviews
      • Integrated Amplifier
      • Preamplifier
      • Power Amplifier
      • Phono Preamp
    • Loudspeaker
      • All Loudspeaker Reviews
      • Passive Speaker
      • Active Analog Speaker
      • Active Digital Speaker
    • Digital
      • All Digital Reviews
      • CD Player
      • SPDIF DAC
      • USB DAC
      • Music Server
      • Network Player
      • Digital Recorder
      • Digital Interface
      • Audio Software
    • Turntable and Accessories
      • All Turntable and Accessories Reviews
      • Turntable
      • Tonearm
      • Phono Cartridge
      • Turntable Accessories
    • Cable
      • All Cable Reviews
      • Analog Interlink
      • Phono Interlink
      • Speaker Cable
      • Power Cable
      • Digital Cable
    • Accessories
      • All Accessories Reviews
      • Racks / Stands / Feet
      • Tuning / Tweaks
      • Power Connector
    • Industry Update
  • Insights
    • All Insights
    • Analog Insights
    • Cable Insights
    • Connector Insights
    • Digital Insights
    • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
    • Generic Insights
    • System Synergy Q&A
  • Specials
  • Show Reports
    • All Show Reports
    • Alkmaar Audio Show
    • Chattelin Audio Systems
    • Dutch Audio Event
    • Enosound
    • HifiDeluxe
    • HifiLive
    • Munich High End
    • XFi
  • Classics
    • All Classics
    • Analog Classics
    • Digital Classics
  • Links
scroll down for more
Integrated Amplifier Reviews

Accuphase E-280 – Mini Review

Christiaan Punter 21 December 2022 5 Comments
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Retail price in the NL including 21% VAT: 5.250 euro

After reviewing the Accuphase E-260 integrated amplifier in 2015 I was immediately enamored with it. When its successor, the E-270, later visited my premises courtesy of Evert Rebel of AudioAanZee, this only further cemented my desire to have one for myself. Due to various circumstances, this never materialized, and in 2019, I purchased an Ayon Spirit III for the secondary setup. For a tube amplifier, the Spirit III has an exceptionally robust presentation with uncommonly solid bass and it served me well during the time that I investigated tube amplification. Throughout the reviewing of various other integrated amplifiers, I’ve been very happy with it, but the Accuphase remained in the back of my mind.

As a result of obtaining ever better sound in the main listening room, I started desiring more transparency and precision in the secondary system, as well as the potential to drive a wider range of loudspeakers. Also, to be honest, I am just too impatient to wait for the Ayon amp to go through its warm-up and cool-down cycles, before being able to perform a power cable or speaker cable swap. Thus, the idea formed to replace the Ayon with a brand-new Accuphase amp.

The centrally-placed foot in the photo is one of three Ansuz Darkz C2T feet placed strategically underneath to perfectly complement the amp’s solidity and focus while adding some extra clarity in the midrange.

Thinking back to my time with the E-260 and the E-270, even though I have heard them some time apart, I believe the latter was maybe slightly tighter in the bass but otherwise very similar. I would describe them both as very neutral and robust, yet lively, and beautifully expressive, if comparatively lacking some refinement and fluidity in the treble. I’d say that’s fair enough at the price point but if this is of paramount importance, this is actually one of the aspects that any of the higher-end Accuphase amplifier models cater to just perfectly.

Accuphase E-270, heard in 2019 with my then Wilson Watt/Puppy 8, as well as in the secondary system with the Xavians.

Nevertheless, this “unbridledly enthusiastic” aspect served the entry-level amplifiers very well and made them stand out from other amplifiers on the other end of the spectrum. The ones that were decidedly more fluid and refined were usually also a little too well-mannered and just not quite as communicative and enthusiastic as the Accuphase.

Ultimately, there’s only so much that can be done at this price point, right? Wrong! As it turns out, uniquely, the E-280 provides the tight and punchy bass and overall solidity of the E-260 and E-270 and combines this with a richer and lusher midrange that is still commendably neutral, and a deliciously liquid and highly refined treble. Although it is very detailed, it’s sonic presentation is very much the opposite of clinical or dry. This is quite remarkable as this level of refinement would formerly require stepping up to a higher-tier model.

The E-280 is a transistor amp and thankfully it does not try to hide its inner workings by emulating a stereotypical tube sound. It is fast-paced but relaxed at the same time. The amp remains upbeat, controlled, and well-detailed but combines these traits with a rich and velvety tonality in the midrange and an ever-so-subtle golden glow.

Counter-intuitively, the Ayon may be a tube amp but it isn’t warm or lush. However, it does sound a little thick and dark compared to the Accuphase. Moreover, the E-280 can be said to sound more liquid.

In comparison with the Ayon Spirit, the E-280 is similarly solid and lively but massively more transparent and precise. It has a much tighter and much more articulate bass along with much higher resolution. Also, in terms of the perceived frequency spectrum, the Accuphase comes across as much more linear, although it does sound slightly reticent and relaxed in the midrange. But this is also what makes it such a smooth listen in spite of its high level of precision and control.

The E-280 is flanked by Xavian Perla Esclusiva speakers, a Thorens TD-1601 turntable, and an Ayon CD-10 II CD player. On the bottom are the Thorens power supply, a two-box AVIDHIFI Pulsare II phono stage, and an Antipodes EX Music Server. The interlinks and speaker cables are Driade Flow Link Reference 808 and Flow Reference 808 and the power cable for the E-280 is a GigaWatt LC-2 EVO. That Ayon CD player, by the way, is nominated to be replaced with an Accuphase player;-)

Like its predecessors, the E-280 offers lots of inputs and a very complete range of facilities such as dual speaker connections (separately switchable), pre-amplifier-out and power-amplifier in connections (the latter conveniently switchable from the front panel), tape monitoring, mono, phase, attenuation, and tone controls, and even a loudness function.

Introduced with the E-270, there’s also a direct digital input selector for the DAC Option Boards (rather than the E-260’s automatic selection) that works with the DAC-60, DAC-50, and DAC-40. I’m not sure about the DAC-30 board.

Besides the upgrade of the sound quality, the E-280’s facilities have also been further enhanced. Instead of the single Option Board slot, it now offers two slots so that one could fit, for instance, both a DAC-60 board and an AD-50 Phono Stage. Alternatively, one could fit a Line-10 board for an extra pair of analog inputs. Incidentally, these slots are compatible with all previous Option Board models. The only exception is that some of the older generation boards cannot be controlled from the amplifier’s front panel selectors.

The IR remote control is made almost entirely of aluminum and offers access to all the amplifier’s important features, as well as offering basic controls for a CD player. I love the attention to detail, for instance, the subtle yet effective soft foam feet on the bottom.

The DAC-60 board is currently not available but I managed to find a second-hand DAC-40, the same model that I already liked so much during the E-260 review. Hearing it again now I can only confirm what I found earlier, which is that the DAC board offers superb quality. I can only imagine what the DAC-50 and DAC-60 would add.

Conclusion

The E-280 possesses a sound that is fast, articulate, and toe-tappingly rhythmic at its core yet gently lush and timbrally natural, with a level of resolution and refinement that is rare in this price category. While the cost of ownership in the high-end world keeps rising, it’s comforting to find that Accuphase’s entry-level amplifier remains sensibly priced while offering an immaculate level of fit and finish.

Associated Equipment

External Links

Manufacturer: Accuphase

Distributor Accuphase Benelux:
Hi.Fine
Postbox 9253
4801 LG Breda
The Netherlands
TeL. +31[0]613672768
Fax. +31[0]765204389
Website : www.hifine.nl

Related Posts
McIntosh and Jeff Rowland
Viva Verona XL SE Triode mono Power Amps
Harman Kardon AVR760
Marantz NR1501 surround receiver
Naim UnitiQute Network Player and Amplifier
Naim Uniti Network Player, CD player and Amplifier
Accuphase E-260
Devialet Expert 120 and 200
Accuphase
  • Share This:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email
Christiaan Punter Owner of Hifi-Advice.com

5 Comments

  1. Leroy says:
    22 December 2022 at 11:52

    Hi Christiaan,

    Nice amp and loads of people desire it, I think.
    Accuphase get’s compared a lot to the Luxman amps, have you ever had the opportunity to compare these two brands?

    Reply
    1. Christiaan Punter says:
      22 December 2022 at 14:40

      Hi Leroy, alas, I’ve heard Luxman amplifiers at audio shows but have never owned one, nor have I ever heard the two brands side by side. As such, I can’t provide any useful feedback.

      Reply
      1. Leroy says:
        22 December 2022 at 14:55

        Thank you for your reply! 😉 And congrats with the Accuphase.

        Reply
  2. Jon says:
    1 January 2023 at 22:04

    Lovely new amp Christian we don’t see Accuphase reviewed nearly enough. And Happy New Year!
    Cheers,
    Jon

    Reply
    1. Christiaan Punter says:
      1 January 2023 at 22:24

      Best wishes for 2023, Jon! Indeed, Accuphase should be reviewed more often! And to put my money where my mouth is, I have another Accuphase review planned;-)

      Reply

Your comment Cancel reply

All comments are welcome but I regret that I no longer have the time to respond to all questions. To increase the likelihood of a response, please make sure that your question is on topic and referring to the product that was reviewed. First-time comments need to be manually approved which incurs a short delay. After the initial approval, successive comments will appear right away. Do not use links as these will automatically mark the message as spam. Your email address is required but it will not be made public.

 

Categories

  • Accessories Reviews
  • Active Analog Speakers Reviews
  • Active Digital Speakers Reviews
  • Alkmaar Audio Show
  • Amplifier Reviews
  • Analog Classics
  • Analog Insights
  • Analog Interlink Reviews
  • Analogy Records
  • Apogee Acoustics Company Special
  • Audio Software Reviews
  • Audiophile Insights
  • Cables Insights
  • CD Player Reviews
  • Chattelin Audio Systems
  • Connectors Insights
  • Digital Cable Reviews
  • Digital Classics
  • Digital Insights
  • Digital Interface Reviews
  • Digital Recorder Reviews
  • Digital Reviews
  • Dutch Audio Event
  • Enosound
  • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
  • Generic Insights
  • HFA Audio Setup History
  • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
  • HifiDeluxe
  • HifiLive
  • Industry Update
  • Integrated Amplifier Reviews
  • Marantz & Philips Classics
  • Munich High End
  • Music Server Reviews
  • Network Player Reviews
  • Passive Speakers Reviews
  • Phono Cartridge Reviews
  • Phono Interlink Reviews
  • Phono Preamp Reviews
  • Power Amplifier Reviews
  • Power Cable Reviews
  • Power Connector Reviews
  • Preamplifier Reviews
  • Racks / Stands / Feet Reviews
  • Rhapsody
  • Show Reports
  • SPDIF DAC Reviews
  • Speaker Cable Reviews
  • Specials
  • System Synergy Q&A
  • Tonearm Reviews
  • Tuning / Tweaks Reviews
  • Turntable Accessories Reviews
  • Turntable Reviews
  • Uncategorized
  • USB DAC Reviews
  • XFi

BRANDS

  • A&B Systems
  • A10 Audio
  • Aavik
  • Acapella
  • Accuphase
  • AcousticMatters
  • Acustica Applicata
  • Aequo Audio
  • Aidas
  • Akiko Audio
  • Analog Domain
  • Analogy Records
  • Analysis Audio
  • Analysis Plus
  • Ansuz
  • Anthem
  • Anti-Cables
  • Antipodes
  • APL
  • Apogee
  • Apogee Acoustics
  • Aqua
  • Arcam
  • Aries Cerat
  • Artesania
  • ASI
  • Astin Trew
  • atm audio
  • A Tube High Fidelity
  • AudioAanZee
  • Audio Aero
  • Audio Club Premier
  • Audio GD
  • Audiolab
  • Audiolympic
  • Audiomeca
  • Audio Note
  • Audionote
  • Audio Origami
  • Audio Physic
  • AudioQuest
  • Audio Research
  • Audio Synthesis
  • Audio Technica
  • Auralic
  • Aurender
  • Aurum Cantus
  • Avalon
  • AvantGarde
  • AVID
  • AVIDHIFI
  • Ayon
  • Ayre Acoustics
  • B&W
  • Bals
  • Bang & Olufsen
  • Behringer
  • Belden
  • Benz
  • Bergmann
  • Black Rhodium
  • Boenicke Audio
  • Bowers & Wilkins
  • Bricasti
  • Bryston
  • Burmester
  • Børresen
  • CAD
  • Cardas
  • Care Orchestra
  • CAT
  • CEC
  • CH Precision
  • Classé
  • Clearaudio
  • Concert Fidelity
  • Conrad Johnson
  • Consonance
  • COS
  • Curious Cables
  • D'Agostino
  • DAD
  • Dali
  • Daniël Hertz
  • Daudio
  • dCS
  • Degritter
  • Denafrips
  • Denon
  • Devialet
  • Devore
  • Diptyque
  • Doepke
  • Driade
  • DS Audio
  • Dynavector
  • Dynavox
  • E&T
  • EC-Designs
  • Echole
  • Elac
  • Electrocompaniet
  • Elijah Audio
  • EMAG
  • EMMLabs
  • Emotiva
  • EMU
  • Enosound
  • Esoteric
  • Euphony
  • Exogal
  • Fadel Art
  • Fezz Audio
  • FIM Gold
  • Final
  • Final Touch Audio
  • Finite Elemente
  • FoilFlex
  • Franco Serblin
  • Furutech
  • Fusion Audio
  • Gauder Akustik
  • Genelec
  • Gigawatt
  • GiK
  • Goldmund
  • Graham Audio
  • Grandinote
  • Grimm Audio
  • Gryphon
  • Gustavson Audio
  • Hanze Hifi
  • Harman/Kardon
  • Harmonic Technology
  • Harmonix
  • Heaven's Gate
  • Hifi-Tuning
  • HiFi.nl
  • High Fidelity Cables
  • Hofa
  • Holo Audio
  • Home Audio Fidelity
  • IeGO
  • Ikigai
  • IMF
  • Isotek
  • Jadis
  • Jay's Audio
  • Jeff Rowland
  • Jena Labs
  • JMF Audio
  • Jorma Design
  • Joseph Audio
  • JPLAY
  • JVC
  • Kemp
  • Kharma
  • Kimber
  • KingRex
  • Kinki Studio
  • KlinktBeter
  • Kora
  • Krell
  • Kroma Audio
  • Kupp
  • Lapp
  • LAST
  • Lector
  • Leema
  • Lejonklou
  • LessLoss
  • Line Magnetic
  • Linn
  • Logitech
  • LOK
  • Loudness War
  • Luxman
  • M2Tech
  • Mad Scientist
  • Magico
  • Magnan
  • Magnepan
  • Mamba Audio
  • Manley Labs
  • Marantz
  • Mark Levinson
  • Marten
  • Martin Logan
  • Matrix
  • MBL
  • McIntosh
  • Melco
  • Melody
  • Meridian
  • Metrum Acoustics
  • Michell
  • MIT
  • MJ Acoustics
  • Mogami
  • Mola-Mola
  • Monitor Audio
  • Monrio
  • Moon
  • Musical Fidelity
  • Mytek
  • Nagaoka
  • Naim
  • Naiu Laboratory
  • Nakamichi
  • NBS
  • Niels Setup
  • Nordost
  • NuPrime
  • Ohm Audio
  • Olive
  • Onkyo
  • Onzow
  • Origin Live
  • Ortofon
  • Oyaide
  • Panasonic
  • Paradigm
  • Parasound
  • Pass Labs
  • Philips
  • Pink Faun
  • Pioneer
  • Precision Audio
  • PrimaLuna
  • Proceed
  • PS Audio
  • PUUR AVD
  • Pylon Audio
  • Qln
  • Qobuz
  • Quad
  • R.T.F.S.
  • Raidho
  • Reference Sounds
  • Reference Tweaks
  • Rega
  • Rein Audio
  • REL
  • Resonator Stockholm
  • Revel
  • Ricable
  • Roon
  • RTFS
  • SAT
  • Schiit
  • Shakti
  • Shuguang
  • Shunyata
  • Shure
  • Signal Projects
  • Siltech
  • SME
  • SolidSteel
  • Solid Tech
  • Sonic Frontiers
  • Sonos
  • Sonus Faber
  • Sony
  • Sooloos
  • SOtM
  • Soulution
  • Sound Anchor
  • Sound Lab
  • Spectral
  • Spotify
  • Stealth
  • Stillpoints
  • Straight Wire
  • Sw1x
  • Symo
  • Synergistic Research
  • Synology
  • Synthese
  • T+A
  • Taiko Audio
  • Tascam
  • Teac
  • TechDAS
  • Technics
  • The Chord Company
  • Thorens
  • Transparent Audio
  • Trends
  • Tung Sol
  • Unison Research
  • UpTone Audio
  • VAIC
  • van Damme
  • van den Hul
  • van Medevoort
  • Vermeer Audio
  • Vermouth Audio
  • Vibex
  • Vifa
  • Vincent
  • ViRa High End
  • Viva
  • Vivid Audio
  • VTL
  • Wadia
  • Wattgate
  • Way Cables
  • Weiss
  • Western Electric
  • Widealab
  • Wilson Audio
  • Wilson Benesch
  • Winyl
  • Wires 4 Music
  • Wireworld
  • Wolf von Langa
  • Wooden Bull
  • Xavian
  • xFyro
  • Xindak
  • XLO
  • Yamaha
  • Zanden
  • Zesto
  • ZYX

Visit HFA on Social Media

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

LEGAL

Privacy Policy

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. All rights reserved © 2021 - hifi-advice.com.
  • Contact
  • Home