Accuphase E-800 Integrated - Is it any good ?? 

Well done Jay, you just told it as you found it and at last a reviewer who is not frightened or apprehensive to be honest. You give an indicator of your opinion and its up to us to audition the same amp to see whether we agree or not agree (preferably with the same system as yours to be exact...)

I only have experience with one Accuphase product, and that is the well known C-200 preamplifier. This was the centerpiece of my dad's hifi system when I was a boy. It sounded lovely. Mind you, that is a vintage Accuphase piece, not a new one like the one shown here.

you are the amplifier wisperer ,you have a gift ,you have a conection with the gear you buy unlike anyone ive heard keep it real jay!

I made a comment here on the lack of hi end audio options in Las Vegas but to be fair there is an small company here that is great for vintage audio repair refurbishing etc so Im very thankful for these guys. It’s nice to be able to buy vintage and know I have help I can rely on.

I really love the Accuphase sound and have done ever since the mid 70's when I owned a C200/ P300 combo. I had to downsize to an E202 and loved that too. I now have a C2110/ P4200/ DP4300 with Sonus Faber Elipsa's and it's always opening night when I listen. I've owned many Lux products over the years 507X/ L308/ L309 and was impressed...then.

Sound and look are superb

What a great review. Thank you

I 100% agree with you about the USA distributor for Accuphase, Axiss Audio. It's nice someone is bringing this up. I was actually just thinking about this, this week. The only fair priced component that is sold is the entry level E-270. Everything else in the line- up is ridiculously over priced. I checked the prices in other countries and the distributor in the USA has set the prices by far at the highest. It is ruining Accuphase in the USA. Ruining their market share and their reputation. Because of this I have nothing good to say about the distributor, Axiss Audio. Greedy and some blank swear words come to mind. Considering how well Accuphase products are made, what little warranty work is probably needed for them, I see no justification for these high prices. I don't recall seeing a lot of ad space bought for Accuphase either. IMO, Accuphase needs to drop Axiss Audio as soon as possible. BTW, I generally prefer the warmer sound of Accuphase over Luxman. To each their own. However, Luxman is obviously better value in the USA.

Totally agree Accuphase pricing is out of this world outside of Asia.

You are corrected about the price level. I am in Toronto. The MSRP of integrated is 30% over the MSRP in Asia.

For me in the Uk, I’ve ordered a Luxman L-550axii Class A 20watt integrated. A great match for my Klipsch forte 3,99db sensitivity speakers.

Wow sunk it. Thanks for the truths.

I agree with your assessment and your right to call this out. It kills a great brand. I like Accuphase but price is totally wrong here in the UK. Luxman much better value.

Dood, everything you said about the distributor is my major complaint about Accuphase in the US. I mean to say you hit the nail on the head is a gross understatement. Finally someone is saying it on social media. Honestly the manufacturer should do something about this, because as you said they are killing the brand in the US. Accuphase in Japan is about the same money as Luxman, and that is how it should be in the US. This is honestly a really great brand, and should be sold more competitively. Thanks for doing this video, and you have a new subscriber. Glad I found your channel. Keep it up brother.

Thank you Jay, would want your view on Pass Labs INT-60 .

Like your honest feedback...

Thanks so much for the video! I was trying to figure out my next purchase and looking at TOTL integrateds vs separated in the $10k range when this one caught my attention(import) but now I feel that this Accuphase is not for me. Thanks again!

​ @Jay's Audio Lab Sorry but Wrong Speakers, Wrong Music. I have Accuphase A250, and C3900, and PS1230. My systems can match any high end system out there. Sorry, but you just have not heard the real potential of Accuphase. Although I agreed with you on the pricing but then the high end cables are ridiculous as well.

Thanks for your honesty that is the problem with most reviews nothing negative

I am very happy with my ATC SIA-150 (original) and my black piano lacquer SCM 35 connected with 3 wire per speaker QED Silver Anniversary XT BI-WIRE Speaker Cable... amazing incomparable sound...

Thanks for "keeping it real" Jay. The price of perfection can not stand alone on its on merits. At some point, these high end products simply have to prove superiority over their competition. With such lofty pricing nearing "price no object" territory. In that stratosphere it should sound "perfect"? However. In the real world of most of us, an "affordable" gem that sounds close to perfection is a more worthy accomplishment. My most expensive owned amplifier set was a BAT VK-500 with the "Batpack" and it's matching pre. That was about $10k on electronics. That was my pinicle. My sensibilities and pockets did not allow any further indulgences in sound futility. I ended up "downsizing" and selling most of my audio gains for a vintage Sansui AU-D11ii integrated amplifier. The noise floor isn't as low as the balanced BAT of course, but the Sansui strength lies in it's transient response. That excitement and engagement my BAT rig simply did not have for all its money invested.

You dont need a step up/down transformer, because the transformator in the amp is already made for other voltages. It just needs to be connected differently. I bought a luxman directly from japan and also switched the transformator for 230v in my country

I love Accuphase, but I completely agree their pricing is crazy. Especially, U.S. dealers charge about 30% more than most other countries. Their price really is hurting the brand.

I used to have C3850+A200 in my room. I felt the same way. Not worth the money and they lacked power. But I am quite happy with DP900/Dc901. Still Luxman D08u. And Esoteric K1 sounded more organic and cost less.

Hello, Jay. Your opinion and advice is very important in choosing between two integrated amplifiers: Gryphon Diablo 300 vs Accuphase E 800. Which one, in your opinion, is the most universal and, from your point of view, musical. I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

TY sir

Jay, you should review an Audionet Humboldt integrated, direct competition for the Dag Momentum integrated.

Agree with you 100% about the Accuphase distributor murdering the line in the USA. I simply won't pay that obscene markup. I've got no problem with a distributor making a reasonable buck, but Accuphase prices are a shakedown in the US, pure and simple. Ordinary guys like me can't justify the markup, and it's not high end enough for Daddy Warbucks. So what are they trying to accomplish with such pricing? I'd own Accuphase twice over if it weren't for the distributor's BS, but maybe peasants are irrelevant to their business model so good for them I guess?

Good product. It’s about the pricing !!!!

Never had accuphase products but heard them a few times and liked it. But, even in Europe where the prices are lower than the US, i don't really think they are priced correctly when you compare it with "similar" Luxman or even with the new Yamaha products. Really like your honest opinions and your channel, keep up the good work.

.....I began my pediatric teething on high-end audio forty years ago, in 1981. At that time Lux's 1975 M-6000 had more than established its status as a world benchmark performer. At six years old, three of them were doing nightclub duty at a premier Philadelphia venue, and they were GALACTICALLY FABULOUS. My 02 Series Amp, and Preamp have remained my de-facto standard since I first purchased them 33 years ago in 1988. I will never give them up. Accuphase will forever keep its crown title on aesthetics, but it MUST PASS SUSTAINED NIGHTCLUB HIGH-POWER OPERATION TO JUSTIFY THESE HIGH PRICES in my rule book. Phase Linear, Hafler, and The big Citation Line from Harman Kardon have done this and garnered worldwide esteem, and respect.

5:20 'I haven't heard the progression integrated by I am sure it doesn't beat it'. A good summary of Jay's approach to audio. LOL.

Thank you for your honest review. You have earned yourself a new subscriber. It is unfortunate that Accuphase is unacceptably overpriced in North America because they do make really great amps.

Accuphase Japan need to watch this

I believe that the distribution problems in USA have penalized a product and this is not good. The Accuphase E800 is not an integrated suitable for Wilson and it does not matter if other integrated are better than this. To evaluate a product you have to put it in the ideal conditions to work and this has not been done.

Thank you very much Jay. I’ve been a fan of Accuphase and so wanted a full system but the cost is just insane. I’m fully obsessed with Luxman now. All their gear is absolutely amazing. My current 590AXII is stunning. It has it all. Will drive almost any speaker beautifully. Soundstage on my Luxman is big, open, 3D, sweet, ballsy, has depth and is layered. A true grand slam home run. Keep up the great work.

I highly recommend you take the time listening to more Accuphase products. Having lived in Japan and owner of the 3850, A-70 & DC-37 running my Franco Serblin Ktemas I love them. I spent many hours listening to Luxman in Japan and I was not impressed in comparison. Now, you are 100% correct with the markup. I purchased all my gear in Japan. I agree, the mark up kills the brand and it does not compare to the price point. I think the mark up jaded your ability to truly evaluate the product. I could be wrong. The customer service, the quality and the experience can never be replaced I had with Accuphase. I met the owners, visit the shop in Yokohama and it truly gave me a positive experience. Now, perhaps this bias my opinion on the Accuphase product. Respect your honesty, please keep them coming. Thank you

Thank you for this video. I got an offer from the dealer at 10500 USD but your review makes me think twice and planning to drop the deal.

I really share your opinion regarding the prices of the Accuphase brand.

In europe depending of $ exchange rate this E-800 price was about 16 500$ - 18 000 $ and even cheaper in Japan

Very well said Mr. Jay! In this Audiophile generation, There is a saying (from a high end manufacturer..." I will build a speaker system and sell it for $675.000.00 / pair [ one of the best meticulously designed, calibrated and well-respected company in this planet ] that cost maybe $15,000.00 to $30.000.00 or less on parts and labor. Overheard in an interview or talks between CEOs of High End Audio companies during one Electronic show "...somebody will buy this for their mansions, palaces, private clubs, etc.. The main target customers are the rich, millionaires, billionaires, celebrities and maybe Elon Musk. The distributors overpriced the hell out of the product!! The Accuphase Co, (being a Class A amp) did not reach the limelight and recognition it deserved like Luxman, Shindo or the 2.3 wattt tube amp.

Its just your local USA market problem! In Europe another situation : in Norway E-800 you can get for 15 000 $ Other moment I not see Luxman L-590 Mark II thats actualy is just 30 W in A class and as we know for every AClass watt you need to pay exra 😃 Third: As I know in my experience Accuphase E-650 need to burn in min 100-200 hours! I expect E-800 need too no less to burn in My Accuphase A-75 non stop burn in in a 3 weeks after purchase and gives more and more effect from:”What a f...k till Wou Wou!!! Magic came💪🎌😂🎼🎼🎼🔥🔥🔥👍🏻 Best regards Alex

So far I have owned one Accuphase and two Luxmans. In the wrong order. Wrong order, because I bought the amp I should have bought the last, and the once that I later bought I should have bought earlier. I began my high-end (if it's appropriate in the context) amplifier journey with Accuphase. But was sold on Luxman somehow (too much praise in the my local audiophile circle). I sold Accuphase and bought Luxman. One latest, one a blast from the past. None come even close to the Accuphase. I regret selling it everytime I put on the music. The Accuphase sold in a heartbeat, at my asking price. I am stuck with Luxmans though. Too much haggling and takers not interested enough. If it helps someone: I bought my Accuphase the first time I heard it, right on the spot. The first time I heard a Luxman (a vintage one) I passed.

In Hong Kong the retail price is 11,500usd. And you can easily get 10-20% discount

How would you compare Luxman M10x versus Accuphase?

What is the name of the album. Who is the artist. Very interesting review Jay.

The Lux was already sweet...

Actually the older Accuphase models are even more warmer sounding as compared to the newer one. Actually i owned the E800 and I don't really feel it's warm sound as compared to Tube Amp but it's more of a sweet sounding.

To be a competent reviewer, you must have both your reference system, and a system that relates to them product under review. Did you really expect great sound quality from a class a amp into the Wilson’s? It’s more than average impedance that characterizes how difficult a load a speaker is to drive. Peaks and valleys in ohms as well as phase angle are all known to audiophiles. You could have borrowed some Fyne audio speakers from the dealer and properly evaluated the synergy. My esoteric class a 30 wpc was an awful match for my 91 sba paradigms, while waiting for my Fynes. The 702 and the fo3 are a match in heaven

I had E-560 driving my Sashas 1 speakers for a long time. I was pleased with the sound, but when I changed my amplification to Mark Levinson 585, the presentation I’ve got was much better. This E-800 would be more appropriate for people with tiny listening spaces, like I used to have. For rooms like yours and mine, it doesn’t stand a chance compared to the other products you have.

Jay , ...i know it is not really not your market ( less high end) . But maybe you could help me . I still want to ear this e800 ( i am due to an upgrade ) speakers are going to be harbeth 40.3xd , Would you have a couple of recommendations on an good value integrated in the 20.000 euro region ? ( or less .....) I like tubes , and have had almost only tubes the last 25 years , but i am open to every suggestion , Only think : i am very , very , prone to audition fatigue ! Thanks !

you are hundred percent right

Surely Pass Labs, A USA brand, would be better purchase? They sound fantastic too. Something that is imported is going to cost more because of shipping and import taxes.

12:55 You're comparing two brands with a better/worse, and I'd say they're just different sounds. The Accuphase has a more elegant sound, the Luxman house style seems a little more brash or crisp. To me the Accuphase sounds a bit more like your room is hung with velvet curtains or something. BTW this may also account for the perceived volume. You can crank my bridged A-45's to levels that cause hearing damage and they still don't "sound loud" if you know what I mean. I actually don't know precisely what that difference is--slight cut or boost 4k-8k? But it's there. I noted it when auditioning equipment, then later I read the exact same opinion in the press.

The Wilson Audio Sasha go slightly below 2Ohm at around 100Hz (just saw stereophile impedence measurements) - so that´s mainly the point - it´s not about wattage and efficiency it´s the electric load that causes the feeling of low power. 2ohm are very critical to almost any amp especially Class A ones. They are created to give you the smoothest sonics - not to destroy your hearing. Your 2 ohm Speakers are critical to drive and the need an awful lot of current - pretty much not the best fit for a Class A Design overall. But you are right - Accuphase is way overpriced. I own a Pre/Poweramp combination - almost exactly like the E800 (C2150+A48) running into a pair of Harbeth M40.2 and it´s running pretty pretty good. Impedence doesn´t drop under 6ohms - That´s the key for that pairing...

you are correct the e 800 cannot move the sasha ,i have a 99 db vintage altec lansing loudspeaker ,try to listen to the accuphase with speakers that are 95 db and up and then maybe yoy will change you mind about comparison with luxman .....

Just wandering. Did you try different cables and wires. Sometimes a bad hand shake between amp and speakers. Just a thought. Heard Accuphase on Magicos and Sonus Faber and the sound was cohesive. Both portrayed good synergy!

Soft but strong... rounded upper mid and top. Sound hollow...

Prices in US HAS TO be lowered! I Have been traveling to Japan very often and price for E650 is same as Luxman L509x.....in US is close to double :)

We want to hear some sample of the music

Good Heads up

E-800 is mesured 90W at 8 Ohms 165W at 4 Ohms , 272W at 2 Ohms and 360 W at 1 Ohm with damping factor 500 at 4 Ohm Luxman 590AX is 79W at 8 Ohms and 142W at 4 Ohms with damping factor 74

Here in europe the accuphase is about 15.000 euro; i listened to it with audiovector and the somus faber electa amator III, inboth cases no problems ; i tendto think the audiovector was really good

I'll take the PASS LABS INT250 $12,000

The more I look at integrated amps the more I think the Diablo 300 at $16K makes a lot of sense. For best value I think the Luxman L-509X looks very good too. Thanks for the video!

Hi ! From your experience, what is the integrated that has the best natural sound and resolution which makes you saying : woaaaaa ! Thanks.

Your other stuff is not good enough to hear the full potential of this Accuphase

I bought E800. This amp is extremely well built and engineered. Luxman is great but this is better. The sound is top deck although not at the league of Dan DAgostino Progression integrated amp. However, it is better in built quality and reliability.

Hay all i am from Hong kong. The price is only usd9000 to 10000max here. It is definitely overpriced in the USA. Of course maybe tax or dealer .agent fees issue.

great review, no BS. Straight review. Thank you Jay!

The luxman 590axii does NOT compare to e800; really needed them side by side.

Agreed. Between the Accuphase and Luxman, i find Luxman has a much better valued line-up. In fact, Both are priced very similarly in Japan, no idea why Accuphase costs so much more in the US. I think people mistook Luxman as mass-market, etc because after alpine tookover, they manufactured everything from black box that anyone can find in walmart, to top of the line monobloc like M05 M07/08 in the 80s. In fact, their High-end line has always been priced above Accuphase. For instance, the monobloc B1000f - which eludes anything coming out from Accuphase factory. As for the sound, I find Luxman is very neutral, clean, and extended. It may lack a bit in excitement as i find they intentionally smitten the transient edge for fluidity, but in return it sounds very fluid, silky and well dimensional with good decay, just like tubes. Accuphase, on the other hand, sounds unnatural with strong emphasise in mid-range and upper bass , limited dynamic , strong treble/bass roll-off with a very unnaturally slow decay-transiant. It doesn't sound like music nor any real musical instrument sounds like that at all. That's why you can tell every-time that an Accuphase electronics are playing, coz they make every speakers sound the same (just like BOSE). Every material from rock to jazz sound the same with Accuphase, which is why i got rid of them within months. If you live in Europe, Gryphon, Jadis, Burmester, b Dartzeel, Soulution, etc is a much better pick than Accuphase. The same way for Mcintosh, Audio-Researh, Boulder, Ayre, D.Agostino, Conrad-Johnson if you live in the US. Still, for what they retail for in Japan (E800 costs around 7500 usd, where P7500 and A75 (poweramp) is like 10,000 usd : www.audiounion.jp/ct/news/article/1000002752/ (I used to live in Japan, this is where locals shop for hi-fi. you can see Luxman MSRP in japan for reference: www.audiounion.jp/ct/news/article/1000001271/ (M10x costs more than both P7500 & A75), they're good products, but not at the price they re going for across the globe. If you like the sound, there is nothing wrong with paying 15,000 usd/euro for product that retails for 8,000 usd eleswhere, but for most people, i agreed with Jay that E800 is not an competitive product at that price brucket - just my 2 cents.

I’m posting frequently on FB Stereo sites I belong too with more than 15k members...

Jay...thanks for the video. But I disagree with your assessment that E-800 lacks soul, emotions, liveliness. Maybe your Wilson’s are not the right match. Try them with Tannoy’s and you will know what Accuphase can do. In direct comparison, my E-650 (30W) smoked Luxman L-509X with Canterbury’s (96db). If you got anything right in this video is distributor greed to mark up Accuphase in the US market. No doubt the inappropriate pricing continues to hurt the brand.

it's 15000 € all included in France

I have bought the E-800 a couple of months ago, here in Hong Kong it cost me exactly $10k. I couldn't be happier with it but I agree that there is no way it is worth $20k plus.

Your the first person I have heard who says an Accuphase is underpowered. Also fool enough to compare with a luxman.

Sometimes the importer of these minor brands are making a killing, or even foolishly doing themselves damage by trying to get too much mark-up and thus lowering their own sales. OTOH the overhead of importing anything can be pretty rough: warranty, FCC testing, advertising and test units to the reviewers, financing for inventory, import duties, accountants, taxes, an employee lawsuit for whatever reason, etc. etc. etc. It's hard to tell which group your importer's in. But when I went to get my Krell 400xi (US $2500, UK $5000) adjusted to run off UK power, the importer boss drove up in a CL65AMG, which was like a $200k car at that point...

It doesnt beat an amp you didnt even hear at that time... That statement is just ridiculous ps, it costs 15k euros in Europe. Plus, the E800 makes music. This thing grooves man.. Try 'n sit strill while listening to it...

In Germany 15 000 Euro for the E.800

japansk High-end audio när den är som allra bäst

In Europe the E800 costs 14.900€!

Maybe a class AB Accuphase would have done a better job

Where I live Accuphase costs as much as comparable devices from McIntosh. No idea why they are so different in the US.

With this price you can buy now half an apoartment...It should be perfect...

Colour = champagne!

Wrong speaker matching with this amplifier.

It simply does not belong in this system, totally different religion of sound. But yeah, I still agree with your verdict, there is something fishy about the new Accuphase sound and lack of emotion/power coupling like you said. Well spotted. I think it would sound better on Tannoy/ATC/Harbeth like speakers with an opposite sounding Cardas cable and different powerbox and streamer. Thanks for the vid, I felt you covered this well.

Same problem in Australia. The distributor wants easy money.

it's an issue in Canada too. I love Accuphase products but, I'm not going to be price-gouged. Audio costs enough as it is. It IS a good product but, being price gouged should really not be encouraged. Why they are doing this I don't know because I would have pulled the trigger on one of these but, I'm not going to now and I'm not alone. It's too bad. I really like the smooth presentation of the Accuphase. At this point though? I'm sticking with McIntosh.

you got balls!! ....you just a subscription from me

Accuphase is first and foremost designed for the Japanese audio market. You need to understand their taste and the motivation of the designers instead of comparing the price and say not as good as brand XXX and cannot drive my Wilson Audios. I guess the mark ups by the dealers also do not help.

E-800 costs 15k euros in the EU

The preamp section of accuphase is more sophisticated than luxman and ads no audible distortion at any volume level and is kind of like a gain switch more than volume resistors or pot.

Somewhat disagree with Jay. I think E800 is the best sounding integrated amp out there.

I paid 500 $ for a Yamaha HTR 2071. Its good for my needs. I don't need a Disco.

Opinions , derived from : personnal taste ! Theres a guy on another channel , someone i praise and have a lot of respect for , ( a hint : not english spoken) , that puts this e-800 above everything else he own's ( d' agostino progression - pass labs pre-power [ which ones i cannot remenber-) and a lot more amplifiers , he goes so far to say that this e800 beats most of what he heard from pre-power combinations , Now.....that someone has a preference for neutral components to the side of the warm spectrum , From what i understand you like neutral above all , So i would say fortunely theres an amp for everyone of us there , but every taste is different , Last , the speakerd with wich you tested this amp were far from ideal ! ( electric sinergy speaking here - nummers ......) Having sayd all of this , i never heard this amp , ( pretend to do it one day) until there , i cannot afirm 100% certain that i like the e800 . Anyway , good channel and good review nevertheless

It sounds closed in and constrained.

THANKS JAY, FOR MAKE THINGS CLEAR ON ACCUPHASE!!! I'M 100% AGREED WHAT YOU ARE TRY TO MEANT ON ACCUPHASE👌 MY TAKE ON ACCUPHASE IS IT GOT SOME KIND OF PROCESSED WITH ( SUGAR) COATED SOUND!!! AND I KNOW MY THOUGHT IS WEIRD😏 ANYWAY THANKS FOR CLARIFY THINGS YOU DID WITH ALL YOUR GEAR & T.C, BYE 👍🙂

Absolute right for the comment. @jay's audio lab at least you have a real point of view. Thank you Man.