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.
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
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?
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.
Thank you for your reply! 😉 And congrats with the Accuphase.
Lovely new amp Christian we don’t see Accuphase reviewed nearly enough. And Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Jon
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;-)
Hi Christiaan,
Thank you for this mini review, I like the way you describe your findings!
I have a Densen B130 integrated amp (2×80 watts/8 ohm), which I bought in 2008 and this amp did a great job with Martin Logan Vantage. I always thought that the Vantage was a bit dark sounding, and I tried a several amps , but with Densen the sound ended up just fine for my taste.
Recently I traded the Vantages in for the Impression 11A and these are a lot brighter and more transparant sounding than the Vantages. Now I feel the Densen amp comes a little short in terms of control, it sounds a bit flat and thin, especially in the mids. What I do like about Densen is the lively, airy and quicksilver sound.
So my question is, do you think that this Accuphase is capable of driving the Martin Logan Impression 11A?
And would its sonic signature be more on the dynamic and airy side to fit my preference? Or do you think that Nuprime AMG or Kinki Studio EX M-1, which you’ve also reviewed with the 11A’s, are more suitable?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Edwin, glad to hear you like my review:-) You’re right, older Logans tend to sound darker than later ones. This is in part due to their evolving design but at least partially also an effect of the foils aging. The Accuphase will have absolutely no issues driving the 11A’s but it has a very different character from the Densen. Especially now that it is more run-in, it still has great bass and lots of refinement but the midrange is rather relaxed and for my taste lacks the expression and bite that the E260 and E270 did have. With that in mind, if you like the immediacy of the Densen, I don’t think you will prefer the Accuphase sound. The AMG-STA is really nice for what it costs, it is very linear and transparent, as well as highly refined, but it would also require a preamp. I did compare the AMG-STA to the Accuphase’s power amp section while still using the latter’s preamp section but that was not an improvement. If you want maximum expression and slam, then indeed the Kinki EX M-1 integrated might indeed be a good choice for you. Another option is the AVM Ovation A 6.2 which may be the best integrated amp that I heard with Logans. But it costs double E-280 money so it may be outside of the projected price range.
Hi Christiaan, thank you for your extensive answer. The way you describe the sound of the Accuphase, this would probably not be my taste. The AVM is probably more up my alley, I think I’ll look for that. A challenge in terms of budget though! But hey, who said that this hobby would be easy and cheap? 🙂 Thanks for your insight so far!
E280 combine with monitor audio gold 200? Van den hul revelation cables, it seems low for a 280,
Have a sugestion if my speakers and Cables can lead a e280 in high level?
A better amp will often surprise as it wrings more performance from a speaker (even more affordable ones) than with amplifiers of the same price class. In other words, you will sure hear a sizable portion of the benefits, although it depends on the amp that you are coming from. In my view, the Monitor Audio Gold 200s are more than capable of showing the difference between a 2500-euro amp and one that costs double. There’s room for upgrading or changing speaker cables. Most Van den Hul cables tend to be smooth and relaxed. In general, I would recommend using transparent and lively cables with the E-280.
I have no experience with cables, which model would be more transparent? of the ones you know. what they recommend is to go for a high-end amplifier, instead of making several upgrades trying to reach the top
DNM speakers cables maybe.
a friend said, run away from input devices of any brand, including accuphase. just for the project. And it indicated me at least the medium levels like the e380. all worth it, because it’s already another project. And also get a good source
I think you mean entry-level models? I would caution against thinking in black and white like that. I can confirm that the entry-level Accuphase amp offers a lot of what the bigger models offer at a relatively reasonable price. Also, bigger and more powerful is not always better in every respect. But yes, if you can spend twice as much, an E-480 is even better in certain aspects. But please don’t assume that base models must by definition be something to run away from.
Hi Christiann,
Have you tried PowerSync ULTRA on E-280 and compared it with LC-2? I am curious about the spaciousness and the organic presentation it would bring to E-280.
Best wishes,
Onuralp
Sure, but the E-280 is already inherently very spacious as well as rather smooth (certainly after a few months of use) and a little relaxed. Using the PowerSync ULTRA with the E280 certainly does further increase the spaciousness as well as tonal saturation, but with this amp, it leads to a sound that I feel is too relaxed.
Hi Christiann,
My setting is Bryston BDP-3 + E-280 with DAC 60 + Fransco Serblin Accordo. From your reviews and replies, I think Powersync ULTRA for BDP and LC-2 for E-280 could be a good fit for my system. Would you agree? Best wishes
That sounds like a good plan to me. The Accordo’s are plenty lively and expressive. Two LC-2 EVO would likely be too much but the mix of the two different cables will likely be ideal also give you room to tweak and experiment.