Thread: Am I crazy to consider buying a 100v Accuphase off EBay?

I’m simplifying my main system. Parting with the Shindo and considering an Accuphase E-650. Local dealer tells me it’s discontinued. Nothing for sale in US versions but a good selection from Japan on Ebay. And the pricing is fantastic in comparison.
Is using a voltage transformer a big negative? I know Accuphase is dead reliable but would I have difficulties getting it serviced somewhere in North America?
Thanks in advance!

Accuphase is notorious for offering ZERO support and will refuse to send any parts for any unit not bought in your home country. There are plenty of people who have written about having this happen to them in the audio forums.

So proceed with caution.

My understanding is that Accuphase is actually lower priced in Canada than the US and the US distributor has taken a lot of heat on the forums for their pricing.

What voltage do you have in Canada? I thought it was same as US - 110V should be OK, I'd have thought.

But I wouldn't buy from Japan myself. I did buy an Accuphase A36 from a Danish Accuphase dealer who sent it to me in the UK. I'd have pondered longer if it was a private sale.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Accuphase is notorious for offering ZERO support and will refuse to send any parts for any unit not bought in your home country. There are plenty of people who have written about having this happen to them in the audio forums.

So proceed with caution.

My understanding is that Accuphase is actually lower priced in Canada than the US and the US distributor has taken a lot of heat on the forums for their pricing.

Your reply is enough to convince me it’s a bad idea. I was just very tempted by the great pricing. In Canada we basically pay the same dollar amount for retail but our dollar is worth almost 30% less. Go figure.
I see a Luxman in you avatar. That’s the only other brand I’m considering. Can I get your thoughts on the Luxman and what speakers you use?
Cheers!

Originally Posted by Hear Here

What voltage do you have in Canada? I thought it was same as US - 110V should be OK, I'd have thought.

But I wouldn't buy from Japan myself. I did buy an Accuphase A36 from a Danish Accuphase dealer who sent it to me in the UK. I'd have pondered longer if it was a private sale.

Yes, we have 110v just like the US.
Thank You

Originally Posted by Katoomer

Your reply is enough to convince me it’s a bad idea. I was just very tempted by the great pricing. In Canada we basically pay the same dollar amount for retail but our dollar is worth almost 30% less. Go figure.
I see a Luxman in you avatar. That’s the only other brand I’m considering. Can I get your thoughts on the Luxman and what speakers you use?
Cheers!

I am currently using the La Scala's by Klipsch. I have tried and owned many, many amps and I love the Luxman more than any of the others I've ever owned over the last 30 years. It has both the braun (like many amps) but also has the delicacy that many don't along with a very pleasing sound balance.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

I am currently using the La Scala's by Klipsch. I have tried and owned many, many amps and I love the Luxman more than any of the others I've ever owned over the last 30 years. It has both the braun (like many amps) but also has the delicacy that many don't along with a very pleasing sound balance.

Nice! I had LaScala II before I switched to my current DeVore 0’96s. Is that the 509X? My local Luxman dealer has a great deal on used but never turned on 509X. 10k cad vs 14k plus tax for a brand new one. He didn’t have it available for listening. Just a 505uXII in a terrible listening room so it was hard to get a good impression.

Originally Posted by Katoomer

Nice! I had LaScala II before I switched to my current DeVore 0’96s. Is that the 509X? My local Luxman dealer has a great deal on used but never turned on 509X. 10k cad vs 14k plus tax for a brand new one. He didn’t have it available for listening. Just a 505uXII in a terrible listening room so it was hard to get a good impression.

Yup - 509X. And the La Scala's (latest AL5 version) sound so smooth and sweet with it. No harshness at all.

I will say the several Luxman amps I've used ALL required at least 300 hours of burn in. the 509x really sounded best after 350 hours.

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Yup - 509X. And the La Scala's (latest AL5 version) sound so smooth and sweet with it. No harshness at all.

I will say the several Luxman amps I've used ALL required at least 300 hours of burn in. the 509x really sounded best after 350 hours.

Thank You Michael, you’ve been very helpful. Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by Katoomer

Thank You Michael, you’ve been very helpful. Much appreciated!

Glad to help. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

All Accuphase components that I have opened used multivoltage transformers. Changing the AC input voltage was just a question of moving a few cables. Not as easy as having 100/115/230V switch inside, but a piece of cake for any tech.

Originally Posted by Speedskater

I don't know about Canada, but US AC line voltage has been well above 110 Volts since World War II. In many cities it's drifting towards 125 Volts.
At my house, it's almost always over 120V.
While I also don't know anything about Accuphase equipment, much legacy and boutique equipment gets unhappy with high line AC voltage.

My voltage is reading 242 today so only 2 V from nominal 240. We rarely experience anything more than very small changes from default. My Accuphas (bought from 230 V EU) was always very happy on UK 240 V

The nominal supply voltage is 230 V +10%/−6%, so 242V is within spec.

Too much money and no need for that much power with my DeVores

Update:
I just made a deal on a 110v Canadian model E-600 on Canuck Audio Mart for $9000 cad. Less money than I was expecting to spend. Mint unit from a top seller. Pretty excited to hear it in my system with my DeVores. Thank You everyone for all your help.

Originally Posted by Katoomer

Update:
I just made a deal on a 110v Canadian model E-600 on Canuck Audio Mart for $9000 cad. Less money than I was expecting to spend. Mint unit from a top seller. Pretty excited to hear it in my system with my DeVores. Thank You everyone for all your help.

Great! Let us know how you like it when you receive it.

I love accuphase and have always thought it would pair well with devores. Look forward to your report.


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Originally Posted by maxdog923

Canadian voltage is 120V, just like the US. Have an E650 Accuphase myself , purchased here. Not Sure where the 110 V comes from , but it's not our power standard.

I should have said 120V standard NA voltage