2. amps-preamps
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Class A: Accuphase vs Pass Labs house sound?

I have always been fascinated with Accuphase (Japanese audio in general). I've never heard an Accuphase amp in person. I've heard Pass class a/b amps a few times. I own a FirstWatt j2. One thing I really like about the feature set of Accuphase that it includes a gain level control. I would find that handy since I have 101 efficient (measured at 98db) Zu speakers. Since I run a tube pre, tube hiss can be an issue if I do not keep tabs on the gain when choosing components. No worries with the J2 since the gain is super low. However, I may look to upgrade my amp in the future. Pass 30.8 is something that looks like a nice unit. Also the Accuphase A-48 or A-30.

Just curious if anyone has compared both...sound wise and build wise

 

 

aberyclark
havocman
350 posts
 

I totally agree I've heard both and I think the Pass sounds more real and natural, if I didn't have the Sim audio w8 I would definitely choose a pass labs.

mrmeaner
44 posts
 

Sugden IA-4 Masterclass. Pure Class A from the pioneers of it. 

runwell
280 posts
 

Accuphase more dark and more refined.

Pass open and transparent.

Obviously,most people like  pass 

The top 3 brand on this forum are pass lab, luxman, audio research. Why these 3?  The reason is their house sounds attract you  in some way.

 

 

pr
50 posts
 

So you've never heard an V-fet amp !

 

You can read on an audiongon forum (V-fet)

the comparation than Yamaha B3 and Accuphase A-47, the Yamaha is the winner and the Sony ta-N7b is still considered the best japanesse power amp transistors.

jonwatches1
125 posts
 

My understanding is that Accuphase prices in the US are much higher than ROW, because the distributor is Lord Voldemort, or something like that (Accuphase gear in Canada seem to be priced like Luxman).  I wonder (a) if the distributor thing is true - any insight is appreciated; and b) if they’d be better received at a different price point and, therefore, comparison level

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