2. amps-preamps
  3. 1123645104

Accuphase E408, E407 or E530 ?

Hi, my system consist of Sonus Faber Concerto speaker, Marantz SA15-S1 SACD player & I am using a old vintage Accuphase E206 integrated amp.

I would like to upgrade my E206 to a higher model integrated amplifer. I am thinking about the above models.
Any advise ?

I thought of going from integrated to pre-power but I think an integrated should work as well as a pre-power amp.

I am using Elco HPC-10SP power cord & Crystal Clear Audio Studio Reference RCA interconnect for my SACD player .

I thought of getting the E408 ( S$6250 in Singapore here ) but comparing it to the E407, I can't really see a difference. Is it worth while ?

E530 is a class A 30 Watts amp. As compared to E408, the sound should be much warmer but is 30 Watts too little.

I am intending to upgrade to a floorstanding speaker down the road ( eyeing on the JM Lab Utopia Be model ). No intention to upgrade to electrostatic speaker & will keep to box speaker.

I like all kind of music/song but not into heavy metal rock.

Thanks in advance.
jeremy
seurat
63 posts
 
Jeremy, of the models you list I've only heard the 407, and IMHO it's a great amp.
The new one 408 (it replaced the 407) it's more complex design in terms of topology.
The 530 is a class A amp, and uses Mosfet transistors, it should have a diferent sonority, as you say warmer.
One of the great things of Accuphase amp is that he plays all kinds of music, not only classical or jazz.
Power can be an issue, because of the music you listen, how you listen, the size of the room and your speakers, then you should consider the amp with the higher power rating.
Whatever your choice, you will be a very happy customer.
jeremy OP
44 posts
 
I had just went down to Accuphase dealer. They are clearing out their E530 at a special price of S$6500. As compare to the price of E408, its just S$250 more. Now, I really don't know which one to buy ???

The size of my living room is 4.15 m X 4 m.
jeffjarvis
257 posts
 

Buy the E530. You will own a special piece of equipment.
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
no 30 watt 'a' for fabers....lots of power is the thing. your 206 is a highly sought after classic. why upgrsde to the newer 'not much bang for the buck' stuff. its prettier but it doesn't smoke the oldies
jeffjarvis
257 posts
 

My room to quite a bit larger than yours and my Sugden 34watt Class A amp powers my 805s and my Sonus Faber Cremonas with ease.
Last week I took my amp and listened to the 803Ds and it played at house shaking levels.
Have not had the volume control past 9oclock position and I like loud music.

The E530 is more expensive for a reason. I was told that because of the design, the highest quality components are used. Rolls Royce quality capacitors etc. They just cost more.

I was very skeptical of the low power rating to so I humped my "power hungry" N805s to the Accuphase dealer, hooked up the E407 and E530. No lack of power, probably more slam from the Class A amp.

I ended up purchasing with the Suden Masterclass, since the local Accuphase Dealer was a dickhead.

Below is a copy of a corespondence from Accuphase when I questioned them about matching the E530 with the Sonus Fabers:

"You do not need to pay special attention to speaker impedance, since the E-530 has an excellent drivability to low-impedance speakers amazingly down to 1-Ohm. My personal opinion, in terms of sound characteristics, as the Cremona shows beautiful musicality, transparent, dynamic and vivid sound, it is much of an excellent companion for the E-530."

Accuphase
More to discover