It'll prob last 50 years with a decent service at 30 years. All analog baby. Currently rocking a TOTL Yamaha that is 20 years old and the only thing it doesn't do well is modern digital.
@@Roof_Pizza You’re right. On the strength of Sean’s Luxman L-550 AxII review last fall, I purchased it’s bigger brother the 590. I added a $35 Rocketfish Bluetooth receiver and plugged it in the Luxy. Sounds great with my phone! I’m in the 21st century! Honestly, digital is disposable it moves so fast. All those all-in-one amp solutions will be worth squat when the next new, improved, more up to date model is introduced in the spring.
Just bought a E-280 , came from a Hegel H190 on Totem Metals. This amp is simply incredible. I think it’s worth it’s asking price if your budget allows. I am blown away by the clarity and ease of listening. The tone is simply superb , bass is not boosted like the Hegel and matches the rest of the frequencies perfectly . The build quality is outstanding. Im an instant Accuphase fan for life. Thanks Sean!
Accuphase is completely another level compared to most brands on the market today. Hegel sounds like big bluetooth speaker in comparison. Glad you made the change.
I believe the bass wasn't boosted on the hegel, he simply had more watts, what helped your speaker to become stronger in this part. The lesser powerful Accuphase will probably have less authority in its grasp of the bass boomers.
@@boboutelama5748I think less bass can be a good thing, it allows you to appreciate the mids and overall delivery. I’m running the 280 with Audiovector R3 Arette which are 8 ohm 91dB so 90 watts is plenty for my listening volume.
Accuphase is one, if not, the only leading brand in the world, not only for its sound, for the quality of its components, but for the aesthetics that are unique in the world. The Japanese have achieved the old and the new on their equipment to maintain the validity of their products. Having one of these devices at home is not only having the best sound equipment, but also the feeling of having it all. Thank you Accuphase and thank you for sharing your video. Congratulations!!!
I am very familiar with the E-270 which likely has a near identical sonic signature. So obviously I am happy to hear a validation of my opinion on this model of Accuphase. However that is not why I find this review so compelling, rather it is the balance and context that Sean has brought to the table. He has clearly described what he liked but then placed that in vivid context of who would have a similar preference along with what alternative preferences would be (Luxman), with eloquence and integrity (E280 vs E480). I don't think any reviewer has achieved that to the level Sean has and definitely not in the print journals. In my opinion, with this review Sean has cemented his place as one of the best audio reviewers currently out there.
Oh man, this sounds perfect for me. That comparison with the Luxman was extremely helpful Sean. Nice one, glad you did this one, and have fun in the near future with the E-280. It's stunning, can't wait to see one close-up.
I’m not easily impressed with reviews, but this is …by far..the..best…accurate…and helpful review of a product that I have seen for a long, long time. Did not shoot down the cheaper amp (being an owner of the more expensive one) and the whole review was on a detailed but easy to follow level. I have been lucky enough to have a few nice amps, Gryphon Diablo 300, Rega Isoris, and have just bought a E-270 with DAC-50 (yet to collect) to replace a little Naim Atom, I have CELEF LS-8 and Boenicke W8 speakers, and really think this is going to do what I’m after. As I understand, the headphone amp is good on it as well? Great work, well done.
I was looking at Luxman for my happy end amplifier. I have reviewed all your Accuphase reviews and am convinced that my auditions will be Accuphase vs Esoteric. Thank you Sean for very valuable reviews.
Thanks for the review. I've owned an E-407 for nearly 20 years. It's a great amplifier but I would like your viewers to be aware of Accuphase's harsh service policy. I live in Australia but the amp was originally purchased in Hong Kong. I have scratches on the volume dial and have contacted Accuphase and both the Australian and Hong Kong distributors. Under their policy, the only way to replace the dials is for me to bring the amp to Hong Kong and have their technician install them. There is no option to have a local service agent do the work, or to supply the dials (a trivial 20 second install). Accuphase and their distributors in my region have been very unhelpful. For anyone considering an Accuphase, please be aware that you are going to run into issues if the amp was originally supplied in a different geographical region.
That is just outrageous customer service! Or rather, lack thereof. We live in an interconnected world and people move countries and continents. So silly that at that level of product quality one cannot take ones one product with and have it serviced elsewhere.
I acquired a accuphase cd player from the 80s and it sounds gorgeous even today, but it’s missing the power button and it drives me nuts. Is there any place I can find a replacement?
Thanks for another great review Shaun. I love the Accuphase sound and have the E-480 which I know you love too. Luckily here in the UK it is a little less expensive than over your side of the pond and to me it's worth every single penny, best amplifier I ever owned in the 40 years I have been an audiophile. Thanks again for all your hard work, I highly respect your work.
Superb review. I like how you covered it from so many angles: sound quality, value wise, etc. I'd love to see how the Accuphase 280 compares with the McIntosh MA 530.
Sean, you are now my favorite TV star. Your reviews continue to be informative, fact-filled, well-prepared, concise and entertainingly presented. Also, you are absolutely correct in refusing to air RU-vid sound-clips as they are highly misleading. I currently have no interest in purchasing any hifi equipment now (well, maybe a phono cartridge for Christmas), but you do well keeping me informed of what’s new in the field.
This is quite simply a dream amp for many of us here. The sheer quality of components is enough for me. Something to pass on down to future generations. Like a modern Sansui from the early 70's...
Hi, Thanks for such a wonderful review. I own E-480 (Purchased after watching your review). Hearing that you have ordered the same. I may order as well for my summer home. Long Live Music, Long Live Analogue Sound.
Just moved from Yamaha A-S1200 to Accuphase e280. Man, what a jump. This is a piece of jewellery. Better tighter bass, fuller sound, sweeter tone, more clarity, significantly better low volume performance, and better build. Yamaha is great and I thought I was done until I got e280.
Man Sean that is one sweet looking machine! I love that front panel design. Meters just plain rock. I really like the rear panel layout. Thank you for that awesome under the hood look!
Hi Sean! Thank you for this absolutely great review! They are way to less accuphase reviews on RU-vid in my opinion. As a vintage accuphase owner (c200x with a p400) and an audio buddy owning a whole stack of accuphase gear I totally fell in love with the brand after hearing those on b&w. For me it's the right speaker combo on these amps. From the moment accuphase made their signature gold on their gear it doesn't matter to me wich series it is. You will know that they deliver what you would expect from this brand. Even with their e-2xx entry level line up.
This was a really well done enjoyable review. Thank you. 👏 I used to be into high end hifi but I moved to an oceanside place when I retired and sold all my equipment. I'm worried about spending the money again as EVERYTHING rusts here in a few months and fails. So I do miss it. Also, the ocean waves are always constant. I have extreme sound proofing windows but you still hear the ocean. 😊 so having a clean silent background sound room is pretty much impossible. Furthermore, I prefer the waves than music now. It is so pure and magical. That said, I miss my hifi time to time and need my fill, so I will always come back to this channel and the like to get it. 😊😊 Thanks again brother. Keep doing what you're doing. More people appreciate what you do than you will ever know. 👍
I love your reviews. I have had an E270 before. While it was clean and neutral, it was boring. No jump factor at all... currently running Bel Canto eOne series and am happier. Either way great review! Keep it up!
Thanks Sean . (Sean) I might just HAVE TO add to my collection . Love the build quality screams relability The AAVA Volume/control is built very well thats so important . Very nice controls overalll. Sean Where is all the internal cables/wires ?😆 😆(hidden) Almost a 50 pounder impressive The engineering and build quality is truely impressive.
Excellent review as always. With it's pricing so out of whack in the US, and since one can buy these for a lot less in Japan, the Gray Market on the 480 model especially has to be alive and well. Of course there goes warranty support on an expensive purchase.
Good point. I would also add that it is not just warranty support which is unavailable out of region. No technical support or parts are available outside of the original supply region.
Many people mentioned warranty, but I don't see that matters as much. For every electronic stuff I bought I never counted on warranty. I bought my monitor (professional one), rice cooker etc from Japan and others all the time. I buy high quality stuff and expect them not to have problem or I buy cheap stuff and don't mind to buy a new one. Yes, there is a chance that accuphase does have problem, but the chances are really really low. it would worth the shipping cost back to Japan to get an Accuphase serviced if neccsasry. Or the cost saving even worths you to buy another new Accuphase from Japan down the road when the first one breaks.....
@@oskay4018 Good point. I have never had a big heavy and well made class A/B amp fail me until, after about 30 some odd years of loyal and sometimes very hard service, my 1980s era Yamaha A1000 finally quit, all this without a re-cap along the way. No doubt it was fixable by a vintage repair guy, but it was time for me to move on, so I donated it to him; he was quite happy about that. I have no doubt if a gray market Accuphase amp did have an issue, my vintage amp repair guy could fix it, no problem. Hmmm.. I replaced my old A1000 with a new A-S 1200 bought on sale. The wife would shoot me if I spent even gray market Accuphase money - LOL
The distributor markups on Accuphase are truly insane. I got an E-480 in Japan *for less* than the US price of the E-280. The AAVA Volume control is the killer app either way.
Bro. You could fly to Japan. Have a great 1-week vacation. Buy an E-480. Ship it to the US. Buy a converter. And still be AT or UNDER the cost of the E-480 over here. At least the e-280 is fair given the cost of sea freight, domestic shipping, taxes, import, dealer margins, etc..
@@ZeroFidelity aside for the cost itself, another problem is with that kind of markups for Accuphase gear (and others, obviously) is that when you do a comparison with another amplifier "in the same price range", as you normally do, it is not really fair. The E-280 in Japan is USD 2'750!!! I never understood if the "international" price of Accuphase gear is decided by Accuphase itself or by distributors, here in Switzerland is almost 2x Japanese domestic price, in the U.S. even worse... I love Accuphase, right now I have 7 Accuphase pieces, but ALL of them were bought in Japan and set to the my local voltage by me. In case of a failure and "the local distributor/store does not touch an imported machine"? Well, I'll simply buy another and still be +/- at the cost I would have paid for and official one...
You did a great review of this one. And yes, I said 'great.' You were able to cover ground on its sound signature and the way you used defining words helped me imagine how this would sound like in contrast to a Marantz, a Yamaha, or a Pioneer. I liked and subscribed, man. Keep it up! God bless. P.S. Please do more vintage premium Hi-fi!
I so dread these reviews because we all love audio jewelry that we can pass down to our grandchildren!! So for $5,000 to $7000: Accuphase vs Luxman vs Yamaha?
Shaun, excellent review! My sincere congratulations on the effort put into this and other reviews, which at least for me are very helpful. However, there is one thing that bothers me in the case of Accuphase. Why in Japan Accuphase amplifiers are almost twice cheaper than in the rest of the world? Do you have any thoughts on this?
Most hi-fi companies do their best to set a fair global pricing strategy. In Japan, there are companies that will pass on the savings of removing freight, import fees, and distributor margins, onto their customers. I'm perfectly fine with this strategy as a consumer. Sometimes people in North America enjoy the same arrangement (with brands like Tekton, for example). As a distributor however, I may grumble a bit as it would encourage people to buy direct from Japan and then connect it to converters. It could also paint the picture of me (the distributor) being rather greedy to the outside who has zero understanding of the costs involved with running a distribution company. As always, there's no perfect solution. I'm fine with how things are.
@@ZeroFidelity Thank you for your answer. I like the "local" patriotism used by Accuphase. However, it is a rare case that the price differs so much on the domestic market as compared to the prices abroad. For me, it looks as if Accuphase is selling its products to distributors around the world at a price similar to ordinary users in Japan :)
We buy this stuff because it makes us feel good. Exactly. Perhaps if I can be more personally direct about it, it's an addiction - but in the grand scheme of things, a relatively harmless one (although my Bank of Wife would beg to differ).
I own all high end separates. Yes they sound great BUT, IMO separates are totally over rated. I honestly can not tell a difference or hear an advantage over going the 'full' receiver route-- at least for home audio. The simplicity and beauty of a high end receiver like this one would be my first choice if I had to do it all over again. Love the analog knobs, the view meters, EQ, modular upgrades, and most of all the -- LOUDNESS button!
Sean, THX for your great review!!! as always :) Do you testet the E-280 with Buchardt S400? does the amp deliver enough power for them S400, or will the more powerful E.480 be a better match? THX
J’ai acheté un pour mon cadeau de retraite l’hivers passé, aucun regret,satisfaction 100% , écoute aussi très agréable.le modèle est pleinement puissant avec mes Silver 300 . Très bel appareil. J’ai passé un très bon hiver.
Thanks for the great review! I consider the 550AX2 is the best value of the Luxman’s transistor line. Although it is not the most powerful, neither transparent, nor with the ultimate bass control, it does some musicality and immediacy that you will not find even in the upper models. For the accuphase, I agree that the e280 is their best value. Only the E650 is fully balanced, although all the models have the power amplifier module balanced.
Exactly what do mean technically by " balanced". Does each channel (right & left) consist of two amplifier sections operating (wired) in differential push-pull mode at the speaker terminals ?
Great review and great channel! Im thinking of buying Accuphase 280! Sean ,would Accuphase pair well with Bowers Wilkins speakers in your opinion (since you know B&W sound signature)? Particulary BW 705 S2.Or is Luxman a better match with B&W.Thank you.
I got the 280 a month ago. Beautiful amp, don’t worry about the little plastic knobs as they look great and are of high quality, not a cheap feel. I have the option to upgrade soon to the 4000 when stock is available but I might stick with the 280 as it sounds nice and looks great with all the exposed knobs. Presently running in the DAC60 module, now at about 40 hours, it sounds nice and is an easy listen, not as open as the Eversolo 8 DAC but I think with another 40 or 50 hours it will be a little more open in the mids.
Hi @Zero Fidelity, first off thank you for the energy you put into this hobby for the community. I'm coming to you from Canada and purchased Gresham's Grand Avand Garde. I know you haven't tested those but you did meet their sibling! I currently have pass labs x150.5 driving them with audio research ls16mk iis. I see two paths to go to the next level, double down on their strengths (accuphase/other?) or balance the smoothness with bryston/luxman. What advice would you offer or route would you take?
Hi Sean, have you auditioned the Musical Fidelity Nu-vista integrated? I am looking for something in the $6k to $10k range to drive a pair of Audiovector R3 speakers. I am currently using a MF 3A pre and P140 which are now long in the tooth. I just auditioned the Alluxity integrated and it is extremely listenable, pulls you in and hangs on! Love your channel.
Unfortunately I won't be of any help as I haven't heard the Nu Vista, nor have I heard your speakers. I hear they are pretty clean / slightly forward sounding, which tends to be the reputation of Musical Fidelity as well. Either way, I wish you the best in figuring out a solution!
The real shocker though is the Accuphase E-5000 is the best value in Accuphase's whole line! Sounds amazing with the new Borresen Acoustics Z5 Cryo Edition Speakers..best value in Borresen's whole line
Hi Sean. A new subscriber here. I find your reviews awesome, correct, accurate and even passionate. I'm in my late 20s and I'd like to start setting up my audiophile gear system. There are few or even unexistent specialized retail stores in my country for these type of products. This being said, I kindly ask you for your expert advise. I purchased a Denon DRA-800H Receiver which I chose over a Marantz 5005 integrated amplifier which I found rather simple. I recently got an Audio-Technica 120 usb-bt turntable. My big question lies on the speakers. The only ones that I can get here without having to sell a kidney are the Polk T50 floor stand speakers. I think they might be pretty basic, but there are no others. Maybe some Yamahas, but again the prices are ridiculous. So, what is your take on this please? I appreciate your thoughts.
Hey Jean - I love the T50s! I reviewed them years ago, and think they are an excellent speaker at that price. A warm, yet expressive sound. A few tips: 1). Put those speakers on something solid, like say a thick cutting board. Decoupling them from the floor and getting them a little bit higher really cleans up the bass. 2). When it comes time to upgrade, you're actually better off changing out your receiver or turntable. The T50s' are good enough to where they can be paired to fairly expensive components before they become the weak link. That's my take. Good luck and have fun!
Hi ,having an e360(bought preloved for£3k),can't help wondering if the newer e380 might be the perfect answer,more power etc, same brilliant Accuphase build, sound etc,and not that pricey.After all it will probably last a lifetime as you say.Keep 'em coming.
Great review as usual Sean! Beautiful piece of equipment. Wish the 280 were sufficient to move my speakers but no doubt the 480 would do a better job. But then again, the value is questionable... Even though prices in Europe are sliglty more palatable (for once!)
After your review, I'm in between the Accuphase E280 and Doge 10. Would you ever consider reviewing this Chinese amplifier? I have considered many amps, but these two seem to be great value (and looks).
Nice! I've got a used Adcom preamplifier and amplifier I bought a couple of weeks ago at this used stereo repair shop . Gfa 535 but I have problems with the preamplifier tuner. I had to take it back 3 times to get the FM radio tuner fixed . But for 250.00 a piece I got a good deal. Maybe I should save up for this bad boy!
Gosh, I sold a million of those back in the day. Jason Hanson, retired kicker for the Detroit Lions, bought that same pairing when he first moved to Detroit. Nonetheless, the GFA 535 is a killer little amp, best one Adcom ever made. 60 WPC 8 ohms, 110 WPC 4 ohms. Will drive electrostatic loudspeakers no problem. Ever peek inside it? It’s completely dual mono - there’s 2 power transformers inside, one for each channel. It may image better than that Accuphase because of that 😆😆. That why it’s a GFA ( Great F**king Amp! Yes, it really stands for that. They were high.). The GTP 350 is kinda flat sounding (all ICs) but the tuner - working - sounds great! But waddya want for $350 back in its day? And it was one of the few with a remote back then! Enjoy
my brother had a Accuphase amp and pre-amp in the mid 70's with Magnapans. wish he would have kept it. i saved some money and got a Rega also hand made
What a beautiful amp! When you opened it up all I could think of was: no globs of glue like the crown amp had. I know not a fair comparison but shows the difference between high end and run of the mill. Thanks for another great review of an amp noone ever reviews!
@@RennieAsh Well we could debate who the xls's are marketed too, but my point was the difference in aesthetics between the two. Understandably the $6000 unit should win but is there really any excuse for "globs" of glue deposited in the casing to hold a light part. I think not, it's just hurry and waste. Two things that don't speak well of a product.
Hey Sean. Just wanted to say I hate you! I do! I mean, before this video I was in love with the look of this unit as the most beautiful integrated in my eyes. Now with this review, you tell me how to resist the tempt? Thanks for the great video :)
I think I found my next amplifier. It may take me some time (and money) to find when to buy it. But what to do about other components? Would I need to change my CD transports or speakers? What about streaming? Yes, streaming. Though I really want my next unit to be a 7.2.x theater unit.
The U.S. Accuphase distributor's prices are way higher than in Canada due to greed. That may be a reason to either buy in Canada and damn the torpedos, or buy Luxman.
good review. however for the price? i highly recommend you review or listen to the yamaha A-s1100. i found a open box unit from cal. fof 1,500 bucks. reg. retail about 2800. i absolutely love everything about this sound! those beautiful v u meters and the classic yamaha sound. the build quality is second to none it weighs about 50 pounds. the dead give away?? look at the back panel..10 times better than the accuphase. by the way, i have the yamaha paired with the triangle bro 3 , on your recommendation. couldnt be happier. cant wait to hear the yamaha with my magnepans lrs+ that are on order. keep up the good reviews. 90 into 8 ohms 150 int 4!
I am lucky to own both these amps (well 550AX and E-260 to be precise). They both are great and music to my ears (pun intended). With B&Ws 702s and 705s each sounds slightly different (as they should) but both are a pure audiophile joy. They are Japanese models and was able to buy them really cheap. Accuphase has DA-30 Dac card that is really good and makes this piece more attractive in comparison. Anyway, Japanese electronics are my thing...
Great work, Sean. I’m in the market to drive my Harbeth 40.1 (6 ohm, 86dB). I’m torn between Luxman 509X, or 590AXII, or this Accuphase 280. Any opinion helps. Thanks!
Look..please dont put acu 280 in the same league with 509x and 590ax..Luxman is wheeeey beter..I own 509x and had chance to listen few accuphase integrates(280 about month ago)..Its all good with acc but for me it gets borring after few months you own one..Specialy if you like to listen some rock or some electronic music..its to soft and for me it lacks energy for that kind of music.Its hard to beat 509x with energy and quicknes and for me in the long run i would always pick lux.If you are more into jazz and classical buy 590ax,if you want great all rounder buy 509x
@@vinylseeker867 Glad to hear, since I did purchase the Luxman 509X! It has been great paired with my Harbeth 40.1 speakers. I'd like to think my journey is complete now. My benchmark is how acoustic strings sound. This is as good as it gets. I agree that over time, sluggish tubey gear can be nice at first, but ultimately leave you wanting.
@@palamigos hi,i'm sure you decide right.. i,m in the way of buying dac ..any sugestion aroung 2-3 k mark?I,m actually considering buying rel carbon special sub or dac LOL
@@vinylseeker867 I've been happy for years with my Cambridge Audio DacMagic. I'm interested in upgrading to their new DacMagic 200M, $500, as reviewed in the last Absolute Sound. I have a REL 212/SE sub paired with my Harbeth 40.1 and Luxman 509X. Love it. For me, a great sub like this is a must.
@@palamigos dacmagic is probably not in the same level like your other components like i see..rel 's are ok but like all other subs are difficult to integrate to sound great..even in hilevel conection there are problems to trully blend in..
starting to think in a mid system the DAC is all important. Well maybe not 'all' but next upgrade will be a high end DAC, possibly a Sonnet Morpheus if I can pony up 3k.
I have Luxman amp I purchased a few years back. I have it paired with Tannoy Gold reference speakers. The speakers and the Amp sound beautiful together and I haven't even finished tweaking the setup so I expect even greater things down the down the road. Accuphase reminds me of the Luxman in a gold color. Accuphase is on my bucket list for the future.
@@lmstefanini1 Purchased my Luxman and Tannoy's directly from dealers who both gave me terrific deals on the speakers and amp. I just happened to come across them by accident when I was looking for a certain sound. Was interested in a Mcintosh amp a dealer was selling and he asked me what speakers I was driving. He told me that the Luxman amp was a better choice. He was right.
sounds amazing with 99 db vintage altec lansing speakers and with seas 8 inch fullrange 97 db ,tha amp makes the speakers sound to go out of the walls the 3 d imaging is unbelivle ,you should get one ,by the way the price in the u.s is about 20 % more than allmost every country ,for the lower price range thats a realy good deal ...
You say it doesn't shine with peak dynamics on classical music, but my vintage luxman 5m21 seperates KILLS on classical dynamics, though having identical capacitance in Fahrads (60.000). Does the double mono transformer make such a big difference, I can't imagine...Do you have any idea what could be the problem with the Accuphase? It sounds very alluring otherwise...
Wow. Just bought a pair of Rosso Fiorentino Elba2 and looking for an amp upgrade. Wondering whether the Luxman or the Accuphase would be a better match. The speakers are already warm, so maybe the Accuphase is too warm. LOVE the speakers. Better than my old Cremonas. Thanks for another great review Sean!
Congrats on those Elba 2's. Fantastic speakers. I'm sure the distributor would tell you to try out Norma. If he's willing to offer a demo, try that combo first. Otherwise, I'd lean slightly towards Lux for the Rosso's.
It's weird, I owned an E260 and never thought the knobs were plastic. Even removed for cleaning, they seemed to be high-density composition material maybe?
I have the E-280 and I am fairly certain the input and volume knob are metal. They feel cool and solid to the touch. The power button is likely metal too. As for the smaller knobs like the tone controls and the buttons, these are plastic. It never even occurred to me this was the case since their paint matches perfectly with the metal faceplate.
Depressing as hell that hi-fi stereo systems cost so much these days. 30 years ago, I’d go to a stereo outlet in Philadelphia. They had wall-to-wall amplifiers, stereos, speakers, receivers, and turntables from many brands and price ranges. They were affordable to the average joe. I never imagined that todays hi-fi stereo systems are affordable only to the rich. Had I known, I would have bought a garage full of stereo equipment. Then sell them as vintage and make a profit.
This is a luxury item. It's not built for the average Joe. This one review does not represent even a fraction of whats available in 2022. Today, there is NO shortage of great, affordable hi-fi products to chose from. Example: You can buy a set of Triangle Borea 3's for $319 a pair, new, with warranty, that will humble most similar sized/prized speakers that was sold back in the late 1990's. The choices now are endless and very reasonable in terms of price. Accuphase is not and has never targeted that market.
Hey Sean! Great review as always. Are you sure about prices? 6k for the 280 makes sense since it is 5k in Europe. But the 480 is 8k€ in Europe That would make around 9/9.5k$. However the top of the line e 800 (50watt Class a) is 15k€ in Europe. Or the soon to be released new top of the line accuphase ab amp could be 15k (new top of the line with even more power than the 480). Was just wondering because the price your mentioned of the 480 seems very high compared to the 280. especially when considering pricing in Europe.
Final pricing is left up to the the local distributors. Generally speaking Accuphase has a pretty steep markup outside of Japan but the US markup borders on criminal. The pricing is even odder because the Canadian pricing is so different. And no, Canadian dealers will not sell to US residents. It is what it is. Glad to see the E280 is at least one accessible model in the US, relatively speaking.
I called an authorized dealer (whom I trust) a day before filming the review to make sure my facts were straight. They read directly off their price sheet.