Search for an Integrated Amplifier

denjo · « **Reply #180 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 10:04 am »

CAUTION: When connecting any digital source to a DAC, always make sure that the amplifier and digital source is OFF before making the connections!

Well, I only learnt the importance of this rule yesterday when the local Bryston technician traced the problem (occasional inability to switch from analog to digital) to the built-in DAC board. It seems the switching IC on the board was damaged by my swapping of digital connectors!

Best Regards
Dennis

bb357 · « **Reply #181 on:** 1 Dec 2008, 01:13 pm »

Chairguy,
I am considering the purchase of an sx-a9 and pd-d9. How do you like the a9 so far?

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #182 on:** 1 Dec 2008, 02:32 pm »

Quote from: bb357 on 1 Dec 2008, 01:13 pm

Chairguy,
I am considering the purchase of an sx-a9 and pd-d9. How do you like the a9 so far?

I like it a whole lot

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62043.0

I've not used the internal amps yet, but I will shortly to find if it's as pleasant to listen to as my tube amps (the shorter signal path of using the internal amps should be of some benefit). I would have to liken it's sound thus far as utterly smooth with very high levels of clarity....rather than ballsy or gutsy. I think that might be how Class A (which it does in low power states as it would be as a preamp/tuner) tends to sound to one's ears.

Remember it's only 55watts/8 ohms, so mate it with speakers that don't require gravitas for power

John

denjo · « **Reply #183 on:** 3 Dec 2008, 11:20 am »

Just received my Accuphase E-450 (with internal DAC and phono). I've had it on for about an hour, straight out of the box and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed! I don't normally gush over a product straight out of a box but the Accuphase is phenomenal straight of the box!! The build quality is first rate. It even has rear caps for unusued inputs!! And, the dual dB meter is absolutely gorgeous!! The knobs and buttons turn with Lexus-like quality, as I had expected. The internal DAC was a doddle to instal. Just slide a card and tighten two screws. Same with the phono card!! Although the remote is not quite as beautiful as the Bryston remote, its still quite a hefty gem, champagne color, just like the Integrated.

After an hour, its only slightly warm - way cooler than the Bryston.

i think I am going to like the Accuphase very much!!

Frisco · « **Reply #184 on:** 3 Dec 2008, 04:50 pm »

Congrats Dennis

.........good to see that you're enjoying it so far..... .....of course we need to see some high quality pics when time permits aa

IronLion · « **Reply #185 on:** 3 Dec 2008, 05:01 pm »

Would love to see some pics of the Accuphase as well. I've been following your thread as I myself am looking for an end-all integrated and am considering the Accuphase 450 also. Would be interested to hear your impressions over the next week or so.

pardales · « **Reply #186 on:** 3 Dec 2008, 05:14 pm »

Congrats! Hope it plays out well over time.

denjo · « **Reply #187 on:** 4 Dec 2008, 02:34 am »

Hi Guys

Thanks for encouraging words! Yes, I hope the Accuphase works out once I've had more time to get familiar with it. I am not much of a shutterbug but I will try to take some pics of the Accuphase with its dual meters and my SB3's virtual VU meters!

Best Regards
Dennis

denjo · « **Reply #188 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 01:05 pm »

Finally my search for an Integrated Amplifier has just ended with the acquisition of the Accuphase E-450!

For those of you who have faithfully followed my journey, many thanks for your support and encouragement. For some who feel inclined to "downgrade" and simplify your system, I can do no more than unequivocably recommend the Accuphase E-450 Integrated Amplifier! It is simply the BEST Integrated Amplifier that I have ever heard. I may not have listened to ALL the Integrated Ampliifers out there - and, consequently the possibility that somewhere out there, there could be one that sounds better - I really don't care!! If there is, my ignorance is bliss! If there isn't, the Accuphase E-450 could well be the most musical integrated amplifier that I have listened to. The Accuphase E-450 is EVERYTHING that I had ever wanted of an integrated amplifier. It has taken me almost a year since I resolved to simplify without compromise to musicality! I am truly happy and satisfied! I can now share with Shakespeare when he said, "If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess..!"

Happy listening!

Dennis

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #189 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 03:08 pm »

Allright Dennis - the Holy Grail (for you) has been found

It's a rare relief when an audiophool finds it - and oft fleeting at that - but it's great to revel in it while the sheen glows upon the situation

John

denjo · « **Reply #190 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 03:28 pm »

Hi John

Thanks for your encouraging words. You always have a good word for everyone!

Yes, I found my Holy Grail after a couple of false starts but I must say it has been a great learning experience for me this last year!

Best Regards
Dennis

JIMV · « **Reply #191 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 04:44 pm »

Whoa...that is one expensve unit at around $4500 list. I am glad you found what you wanted and am more than a little envious.

Enjoy

Zero · « **Reply #192 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 04:52 pm »

Dennis - Congrat's on finding the one that entwines love and simplicity! My integrated is an end game for me as well. It's a saweeeeeeeeet feeling isn't it?

Enjoy the new toy, and the music that it plays!

denjo · « **Reply #193 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 04:53 pm »

JIMV

Yes, ouch! That is the list price without the DAC and phono! But I can say that the DAC is phenomenal and the phono is close behind.

Thatnks for your post!

Best Regards
Dennis

denjo · « **Reply #194 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 04:56 pm »

Hey Sean

Good to hear from you! You are still enamoured with the Karan, yes? Glad to know that you have found your audio equipment bliss!

Enjoy too!

Just a thought: if you ever get a chance to review the Accuphase (any piece), grab it! I feel sure you won't be disappointed!

Best Regards
Dennis

Frisco · « **Reply #195 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 04:57 pm »

So now that you got the lights down low and the meters bouncing........just relax and enjoy the music my friend

May I ask what's become of your Bryston? using it as your second system? traded it in?

denjo · « **Reply #196 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 05:02 pm »

Hi Frisco

Good question! I guess I will try to sell it if the price is right, otherwise I will have the second best system in my office!

The Bryston is excellent but when you place it next to the Accuphase, undeniably the Accuphase is the better amplifier, in all respects except the remote!

I wish I could one day own a vintage piece like your well restored Marantz!

Take care,

Best regards
Dennis

Frisco · « **Reply #197 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 05:05 pm »

If you really want that vintage Marantz.......your day will come

It's all about "Karma"
If I can help you in anyway in the future, don't hesitate to ask

cheers.....

denjo · « **Reply #198 on:** 5 Dec 2008, 05:14 pm »

Thanks Frisco! I might just take you on your word one day!

Aloha!

Best regards
Dennis

denjo · « **Reply #199 on:** 14 Dec 2008, 01:47 pm »

While I am taking my time to evaluate the sound/musical virtues between the Accuphase and Bryston B100, I thought I would highlight some of the important differences by way of omissions or additions.

Accuphase E-450 v Bryston B100 SST
1. Accuphase has dual dB meters which can be switched off;
2. Accuphase has No standby switch - just an on or off switch;
3. Accuphase DAC Card has only 2 inputs - one RCA and the other Toslink;
4. Accuphase has dual speaker binding post (for bi-wiring), with a switch that allows 2 separate pairs of speakers to be connected (switch A, switch B or switches A and B);
5. Accuphase has no mono toroidal transformers (just one HUGE toroid), but circuits are dual mono, one for left the other, right;
6. Accuphase headphone socket does not automatically mute speakers, one must switch speakers off for headphone listening;
7. Accuphase DAC and phono cards are simply installed behind by sliding them into the rails and finger tightening 2 screws each;
8. Acuphase has no mute button but has an attenuator which cuts the sound down to a whisper;
9. Accuphase Digital sources cannot operate simultaneously; one has to be switched off.
10. The Accuphase remote, though nicely laid out, is nowhere as elegant as the Bryston remote;
11. Accuphase has tone controls for treble, bass and even a 6 dB boost for late night listening;
12. Accuphase has no external heatsinks. The heatsinks are internal;
13. The Accuphase source selector Source is in detents (but can be controlled via remote)
14. The Accuphase green logo lights up even though the dual meter lights are switched off;
15. The Accuphase build quality is much more refined;
16. The Accuphase unused inputs are provided with plastic caps and inputs are one on top of the other;
17. The Accuphase weighs almost 50 lbs, the Bryston is much lighter at about 35 lbs;
18. The Accuphase runs only slightly warm, the Bryston is a sizzler;
19. The Accuphase manual is very detailed and comprehensive, more so than the Bryston's;
20. The Accuphase top plate is grilled while the Bryston's is completely sealed from dust.

Well, that about sums the differences. if there are any others that I can recall, I will post them in another thread.

Best Regards
Dennis