Thread: Accuphase A-70

27k retail. I don't think the Pass XA.8 is on the same level as Accuphase in performance or build quality

Originally Posted by Design Audio Video

27k retail. I don't think the Pass XA.8 is on the same level as Accuphase in performance or build quality

Depends on the speaker - but I will say Accuphase build quality is second to none.


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How are you liking the A-70 Jock? How do you think it compares with your old P-6100?

No comparison.

The A-70 is heads above the P-6100. More finesse, wider and better placed soundstage, sweet mids and tight bass. The P-6100 has more power if you absolutely need it, but it doesn't have the Accuphase soul that their Class A products have.

Which is a better rocker? I found the P-6100 to be a bit on the bright side when paired with the C-2420 and played on more aggressive music. Of course that could have been my Focal Scalas.

The A-70 is definitely not as bright as the P-6100. Could be really great with the Focals, but I haven't heard that combo. The A-70 in it's power range sounds almost identical to the A-200s.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

Which is a better rocker? I found the P-6100 to be a bit on the bright side when paired with the C-2420 and played on more aggressive music. Of course that could have been my Focal Scalas.

Did you ever take a listen to the Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 integrated? If so, your thoughts?

Not yet but will later this month I hope.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

Did you ever take a listen to the Musical Fidelity NuVista 800 integrated? If so, your thoughts?

I installed my new A-70 in my system yesterday and have run it a few hours so far. Very impressive thus far and quite different sounding than my previous A-65. The A-70 sounds more powerful, smoother and has better bass. The meters indicate one watt or less of power output at normal listening levels with my 92 db efficient Focals. I am waiting to decide which preamp to run it with. This is without a doubt one of the finest amplifiers on the market.

That's great Pete !!!

Accuphase amps need Accuphase preamps, in my opinion.

Congrats

Congrats Peter. I bet the Focal Scala V2's are singing sweetly tonight.


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Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

I installed my new A-70 in my system yesterday and have run it a few hours so far. Very impressive thus far and quite different sounding than my previous A-65. The A-70 sounds more powerful, smoother and has better bass. The meters indicate one watt or less of power output at normal listening levels with my 92 db efficient Focals. I am waiting to decide which preamp to run it with. This is without a doubt one of the finest amplifiers on the market.

Very cool. congrats! Now you wanna make me get it more and more, lol.

Originally Posted by Design Audio Video

27k retail. I don't think the Pass XA.8 is on the same level as Accuphase in performance or build quality

Good to know...

Go for it Dave. Life's too short for fantasy. Believe me, Accuphase beats the pants off Bryston and Pass Labs.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

Go for it Dave. Life's too short for fantasy. Believe me, Accuphase beats the pants off Bryston and Pass Labs.

True, and is that right. How so? Food for thought there...

Selling my C-2420 Preamp. Just upgraded to the C-2820, courtesy of Design Audio Video. If anyone is interested, I will make a smoking deal on it. It's in perfect condition.

Accuphase is beautiful and is built like a tank and sounds incredibly good. It's a truly great company, but unfortunately, in the USA, the market is almost zero and with that they have no resale at all. I can't get any true bites on my two A-70s that came out last October, even at $10,000 a piece. It's really sad. But the market says what it wants and is willing to pay.

Jock: These units typically re-sell for around 50% of MSRP. I wouldn't sell for any less than $14K on the A-70. You may need to pack your patience though. The entire high end market has gone through a lot of changes in the past several years and no expensive equipment sells quickly these days. If you put a $300 amp on Audiogon, it sells within a week however. I know, because I sold a 20 year old B&K amp a while back in a very short time.

I started with E-460, then moved to the current pre-power combination.
It's true, in Japan they cost much much less, especially considering the major currency devaluation this year.

I almost got a A70 and the price quoted (from official dealer) is at around US$13000 here in China.
Then I thought my current 2420 could be too weak for the A70 and went for the Mark 532H instead.
Still keeping my cute little A35, which is enough for most of my small speakers.

Just checked,a brand new a70 costs less than US$9000 in Japan.
Don't mean to upset the Accuphase owners in the US

The entire high end industry has gotten pricey. Anyone look at the price tags of D'Agostino, Soulution, Dartzeel or even Mark Levinson lately? Amps costing between $30-60K are commonplace nowadays. Preamps are much the same story. The bargain leaders are out there for sure, but may not offer the build quality, longevity or sonics that the more expensive gear does. In my opinion, Jock's A-70 is an absolute mind-blowing steal at $11K, or $15K for that matter. Heck, the last Krell Evo 402e produced retailed for $18K. Mark Levinson 53's are $50K.

Since there has been certain currencies falling like a stone, I wonder how that will A. Affect manufacturers in that country and B. Dealers in that country.

I know many Canadian dealers and distributors have told me they will be focusing on the many great Canadian products like Kronos, Tenor, Bryston and many more PLUS European made gear because U.S. gear with the exchange rate difference has become too expensive.

Conversely, will this make Canadian made gear more attractive abroad? European gear, for the most part, is already quite expensive comparatively, so I'm not sure that the weakness of the Euro will have much of any impact.

And since when is what something costs in Asia a valid yardstick of what it costs in the US? Everyone knows about the rampant currency manipulation over there. Virtually everything's cheaper. It's a real issue over fair trade that will likely come up in the current Presidential debates.

Accuphase has always been regionally priced better for the Australian market. Conversely, given the strength of the USD/AUD, U.S. Hi-Fi product is now at unobtainable price points. This is despite the fact that U.S. product is specifically manufactured for this region. I would also question the relevance of US FTA as U.S. manufacturers certainly do not price discriminate for markets in which they operate. Quite the contrary, we have always paid more for US goods regardless of the FX situation.

Steve: How much is McIntosh over there? It's rather affordable in the US.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

Steve: How much is McIntosh over there? It's rather affordable in the US.

McIntosh | Klapp Audio Visual

price rise expected soon.

About 60% over what we pay here in the US, looks like.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

About 60% over what we pay here in the US, looks like.

I bought when the AUD was 10% above USD parity levels. I don't expect to ever see those prices here again which have now doubled since 4 years ago.

So bottom line fellow sharks. If you buy imported gear, you will pay import duties, plus freight, plus distributor markups, plus currency exchange differences. If you buy American, you will pay the domestic prices. Take your pick. I suppose there are a few good domestic manufacturers left. Or you could fish on Audiogon and pay half price for anything used.

Originally Posted by dfwmediagroup

So bottom line fellow sharks. If you buy imported gear, you will pay import duties, plus freight, plus distributor markups, plus currency exchange differences. If you buy American, you will pay the domestic prices. Take your pick. I suppose there are a few good domestic manufacturers left. Or you could fish on Audiogon and pay half price for anything used.

Sorry to be abrasive, but the bottom line is that markup. I've priced the freight, taxes, customs and all of that Jazz trying to buy Accuphase from Japan. Meaning go over there and buy one and ship it from there, or a big maybe through Price Japan. Either way, it's not that much, in the grand scheme of things. Of course there are grey market companies who operate here in the US and all you have to do is pay their price and of course run the units with external transformers, but this is said to degrade the sound.

AS far as high end prices go, the most ridiculous have to be FM Acoustics and Boulder just off the top of my head if you want the really really good stuff in their lines. Both of those companies, say 20 years ago, were still expensive but nothing like they are now. I mean $80000 for just an amp? Come on, really? You can, of course build a monster system that really stomps like an elephant but with the grace of a butterfly with that kind of money if you shop right.

I'd be surprised if the Japs would let you even buy an export model off the shelf in person...
You don't want to buy their 100v domestic stuff.

From what I heared,100v can be easily converted into 230v by resetting the jumper inside.
Of course, you need to open up the case.
I know many converted-Accuphase users here and they often laugh at me for buying the 230v version(40% premium).

Originally Posted by robhifi

From what I heared,100v can be easily converted into 230v by resetting the jumper inside.
Of course, you need to open up the case.
I know many converted-Accuphase users here and they often laugh at me for buying the 230v version(40% premium).

I believe so. Any competent tech should be able to do it, or you might be able to diy. Exactly. However, doesn't rewiring kill the resale value? And I would imagine it would be tough to sell say a 230v version in the US. You would have to concentrate on an outside market, and vice versa there in the Far East and Europe. Also, if something goes wrong with it, I know for sure the authorized Accuphase repair shop here in the US (AccuTech) will refuse to work on it. They may have cornered the market on parts as well, meaning they're the only shop that can get them here in the US. I can't say for sure for other countries however.

Originally Posted by Steve

I'd be surprised if the Japs would let you even buy an export model off the shelf in person...
You don't want to buy their 100v domestic stuff.

Correct, it'll be the 100v model(s) The export stuff goes right to the distributor. Not 100 percent on that though.

Originally Posted by robhifi

From what I heared,100v can be easily converted into 230v by resetting the jumper inside.
Of course, you need to open up the case.
I know many converted-Accuphase users here and they often laugh at me for buying the 230v version(40% premium).

Yes in China "anything goes" (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). In Australia, there are electrical safety compliance standards and regulations.

Originally Posted by Steve

Yes in China "anything goes" (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). In Australia, there are electrical safety compliance standards and regulations.

Which possibly means it may not even make it out of customs to your door, true?

Originally Posted by Dave

Which possibly means it may not even make it out of customs to your door, true?

You cannot import and sell product without certification or an approval certificate.

Selling second hand electrical goods are supposed to be tested and tagged.

Originally Posted by Steve

You cannot import and sell product without certification or an approval certificate.

Selling second hand electrical goods are supposed to be tested and tagged.

That's pretty stringent. Here in the US, as long as the item (say an Accuphase amp) is for your personal use, it'll go through customs. After inspection of course.

Originally Posted by Steve

Yes in China "anything goes" (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). In Australia, there are electrical safety compliance standards and regulations.

China "anything goes"? Come on, where did u get that impression from?
Anyway, Accupahse's internal voltage switch is no different or more complicated than other brands （NAD etc) which has a external switch instead.
I've never heared any safty problems from my friends.
Again, Accuphase is known for life time reliability.

The only problem in your country could be the custom clearance.

The only difference between the 100/120/240V Accuphase models are the voltage labels on the box and the unit.

Internally, it is the very same product. All you have to do, is move one wire inside. Some companies make it easier, by putting a voltage switch inside (which does the same thing, but without using any tools), but that is often considered 'to easy' by distributors.

anyway, if you have a tech manual you can do it yourself (you need to know which wire to move). If not, you can give it to any competent tech to do it for you.

I have somwhere the Accuphase 800/801 tech manual in PDF, if anyone needs it. I believe all Accuphase gear are identical, down to wire color code used.

Originally Posted by robhifi

China "anything goes"? Come on, where did u get that impression from?.....

Seriously....Ummmmm....dhgate.com, Alibaba? And all the shite that comes out of Jiangsu, Guangdong etc...F A K E, C O U N T E R F E I T, P R E T E N D.

How could anyone seriously consider buying anything from a ChiFi dealer?

This combined with the fact that Accuphase builds them like a tank, not having a warranty isn't too much of a risk. They just don't go bad. So its a hard argument to convince somebody not to buy from Japan and save a whole bunch of money. I bought mine from a US dealer but I "get" why people don't.

Originally Posted by Elberoth

The only difference between the 100/120/240V Accuphase models are the voltage labels on the box and the unit.

Internally, it is the very same product. All you have to do, is move one wire inside. Some companies make it easier, by putting a voltage switch inside (which does the same thing, but without using any tools), but that is often considered 'to easy' by distributors.

anyway, if you have a tech manual you can do it yourself (you need to know which wire to move). If not, you can give it to any competent tech to do it for you.

I have somwhere the Accuphase 800/801 tech manual in PDF, if anyone needs it. I believe all Accuphase gear are identical, down to wire color code used.

Originally Posted by Steve

Seriously....Ummmmm....dhgate.com, Alibaba? And all the shite that comes out of Jiangsu, Guangdong etc...F A K E, C O U N T E R F E I T, P R E T E N D.

How could anyone seriously consider buying anything from a ChiFi dealer?

Seriously Steve,every nation has its own problems.
Nevertheless,"anything goes" is a very harsh comment to be made on any country, being small or big, rich or poor.

I was just sharing my knowledge of Accuphase and nothing more.

Mutual respect makes a great forum wouldn't you agree?

Originally Posted by Elberoth

The only difference between the 100/120/240V Accuphase models are the voltage labels on the box and the unit.

Internally, it is the very same product. All you have to do, is move one wire inside. Some companies make it easier, by putting a voltage switch inside (which does the same thing, but without using any tools), but that is often considered 'to easy' by distributors.

anyway, if you have a tech manual you can do it yourself (you need to know which wire to move). If not, you can give it to any competent tech to do it for you.

I have somwhere the Accuphase 800/801 tech manual in PDF, if anyone needs it. I believe all Accuphase gear are identical, down to wire color code used.

You are absolutly right on that Elberoth.
The voltage label is a piece of paper/plastic sticking at the back of every Accuphase machine.

Originally Posted by Harris4crna

I love this thread. So much good info and insight on the Accuphase A-70. First, has anyone heard this amp with a pair of Franco Serblin Ktemas? I recently visited the Newport Hifi show and spoke with a gentleman stating he loved the Ktemas with Accuphase. Now, he did not state which Accuphase equipment was matched with the Ktemas. I am really excited to first hand listen to the A70. I am moving to Japan in a few weeks. I am glad to hear the price is incredibly lower in Japan than the US. If the A70 works well with the Ktemas than i may make the plunge. If not, ill probably just keep my Simaudio 860a. I have a feeling the A70 will blow away the moon. Ill inquire about the voltage conversion when i get there and how difficult it will be to convert from the native 100 to 110 when and if i decide to move back to the states. To be continued....

Harris, the closest I can think of is A60 paring Sonus Faber Amati at my friend's place.
He used to have Mark levinson mono(50w class A) driving the Amati and is very happy with the replacing A60.
Both speakers were created by the late same designer, correct?
I read a long review(Japanese Stereo Sound magzine Chinese version) comparing Guarneri Evo with Franco Serblin Accordo few days ago.
The reviewer liked Accordo a little more. The reference amp used was A200.

As far as know, no official Japanese Accuphase dealer would do the voltage conversion for you, no matter how easy it is.
They have signed an agreement on that to "protect the interest of the oversea dealers".

Originally Posted by robhifi

Seriously Steve,every nation has its own problems.
Nevertheless,"anything goes" is a very harsh comment to be made on any country, being small or big, rich or poor.

I was just sharing my knowledge of Accuphase and nothing more.

Mutual respect makes a great forum wouldn't you agree?

Mutual respect has nothing to do with the fact that "anything goes" when it comes to Chinese attitude towards copyright, dealership rights and intellectual property.

I certainly have no respect for the blatant IP theft that goes on in your country, the dumping of counterfeit products onto the rest of the world and diminishing real value of genuine quality built product brands. There are certain brands that I can't buy anymore because the rife Chinese counterfeiting has totally F####ed brand integrity. You country has a lot to answer for to the international community who indeed helped it's development. The western world gave your country the power to manufacture, remember that.

I certainly don't agree with what you are advocating. i.e. Grey importing of Accuphase product that is not manufacturer rated and approved for use in a particular country irrespective of how easy it is to modify the goods, jumper or otherwise. Such product automatically becomes worthless except for the original market for which it was intended. And then, you would be hard pressed to get proper resale back from the Japs.