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Accuphase E-480 or Hegel H10+P10

Hi everyone, this is my first post here so I'm very excited.

I have the chance to buy either the Accuphase E-480 or the combination of Hegel H10+P10 (the Hegel combination being a bit less expensive) and was wondering if anyone had some thoughts about these. Because of the current situation listening to them will be very difficult, that's why I chose to ask here.

My speakers are Vienna Accoustics Beethoven Concert Grand so my thinking is that the Hegel combination would have too much power for them but I am curious to see if you have different opinions on this.
I listen to all kinds of music but mostly classical.

Thank you very much for any and all inputs.
Cheers
Ben
benkenobi92
10 responses Add your response
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,535 posts
 
@benkenobi92,

No knock on Hegel but my vote goes to Accuphase E-480. Having owned E-650, the integrated is built for life. Apart from gorgeous aesthetics, the sound is supremely well balanced. The two option boards keeps you future proof without breaking the bank. If you’re passionate about music, Accuphase will enrich your experience each time you cue up a track! 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
my educated guess -- knowing these brands very well but not these specific units -- hegel combo will be crisper clearer (and yes, total overkill in terms of power delivery for your speakers), whereas the accuphase will have a warmer sweeter sound a bit ’bloomier’ but softer in the bass
inna
7,296 posts
 
Accuphase is near top level electronics, I would definitely go for it.
I heard your speakers but not with Accuphase, with McIntosh.
benkenobi92 OP
7 posts
 
Thank you for your opinions, I am leaning to the Accuphase. It comes with two speaker terminals and also has a main in, both of which would be very nice to have. 
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
There's no such thing as too much power. You need to think about transient response. Will you share your thoughts once you make the choice?
benkenobi92 OP
7 posts
 
I will look into that, thank you for your comment. I will keep you updated :)
benkenobi92 OP
7 posts
 
What would you guys suggest between a Accuphase E-600 (Class A) and the E-480 (Class AB) for the same price? I have never had a Class A amp, so I don't know what they sound like. I would appreciate any and all opinions.
prince427c
1 posts
 
I'm late to the party, but I have the Hegel H10/VAC Renaissance Mk ii running Dali Mentor 2s with a Fosgate Audionics 4200 on two 12" subwoofers(custom builds that I haven't found a better of). The H10 has WAY too much power for my Dalis, but I cross them at 80hz and it gives them full reign throughout the entire volume span. They sound infinitely better than I ever thought they had the capability of. If you think you have "too much" power, you probably have "just enough". Feed your speakers what they desire and have some left over. 
mrrui
8 posts
 
I used to have the E480 and it didnt last long in my system. I sold it after a week, lost 12%. Speakers were Tannoy Kensington GRs. I also compared E650 vs Luxman L590AXII in same room, same everything, Tannoy Kensington GRs, Accuphase was harsh and lifeless to my (and my brother’s) ears. I would rather go for a Luxman. Accuphase is overpriced and many people tend to think it is as good as its (over) price. In my country Accuphase is not overpriced, but I would never pick any Accuphase integrated again.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,535 posts
 
@mrrui,

Given your current choice of gear, I can see why Accuphase or Kensington GR’s was not your cup of tea :-)

Accuphase sound is anything but harsh and lifeless. 
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