I wanted to share my impressions about the amp I recently obtained.
- Accuphase E800 mini review -
I was in search of a new amplifier to replace my beloved Luxman 595SE, which had served as my go-to solid-state amp for a considerable time. The requirements on my list were simple: it needed to be of Class A (which Luxman no longer provides), and while it should produce pleasing tones, I didn't want it to mimic the sound of a tube amplifier since I already have excellent tube amps. To me, the Solid State amp has to sound like SS not tube-like sounds. I do understand a lot of people looking for like that kind of amplifier but not me.
I explored various brands, but I consistently admired the elegant and minimalistic design of Accuphase. I particularly appreciated the front panel that conceals all the knobs and the attractive rose gold finish. The E800 has 50 watts on 8 ohms and it can dip down to 1 ohms with 300 watts so I do know this amp can be stable on any loads so that was a plus and the S/N is more than 124 db ( most quietest amp I have had ) with 1000 damping factor as a bonus.
I have the Avantgarde Mezzo XD as my reference speakers, which is 5 years old now and I have enjoyed it tremendously over the years. My horn speakers have 108 dB efficiency with an 18-ohm rating, while they can be driven easily with few watts. You really have to match it with the right amplification to make them shine.
I was extremely concerned about my ability to lift the amplifier as it could potentially be too heavy for me. Taking into account the weight of the box, it totals 45 kg, with the actual unit weighing 36.6 kg. Surprisingly, I managed to summon the strength to lift and carry it on my own. I suppose you could consider me the Superman of audio equipment, haha.
And now the fun begins. I connected and cautiously started playing the E800.
To my disappointment, the sound was unpleasantly cold and clinical. It made me question if this could even be considered Class A, maybe it's more like Class Z! I have never encountered an amplifier that produced such terrible sound before! I couldn't shake the feeling that buying this amplifier was the worst decision I've made since saying "I Do" at my wedding (shh).
So I decided to step away for the next three days and let it play. It improved slightly the next day, but the high-frequency sound was still too hot for my taste. I sighed in frustration.
However, after reaching about 50 playing hours this evening, something amazing happened! Suddenly, everything clicked, and I couldn't help but smile. My patience had been rewarded.
The biggest improvement when comparing it to the Luxman is the 3-dimensional sound experience. Art Blakey symbol sound coming right at my right ear. Muddy Waters' guitar strings softly vibrate near my ears, while his calming voice feels like he's right in front of me as if he's in the same room. It gives me chills and makes my skin tingle. After I put one of my favourite pianists Krystian Zimerman's piano sounded so real and I could feel all his hands plus decay just thrilled me.
Also extra 20 watts on Class A is a huge plus I can feel the head room and that air is much improved over the Luxman 595 or 590 I owned. The E800 controls my speakers as she owned it ( if that makes sense )
A friend informed me that this particular amplifier needs 4-500 hours to fully break in or, as some people say, "get accustomed to the sounds." Either way, if it can enhance what I'm currently hearing, it would be a significant benefit for me.
I am currently very satisfied with my E800, and once it reaches 400 hours of playing time, I will attempt it with Harbeth and Falcon as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
