2. amps-preamps
  3. 177840-174572

Marantz Ruby PM KI amp vs Accuphase e-480 or e-380

So... does the Marantz "economies of scale" trump here? Can they make just as good of luxury product for cheaper than the more "boutique" brand? Sound quality -wise, is the Ruby PM KI amp just as good or better (though without the features) as the Accuphase e380 or e480...?

My preference is detailed but perhaps on the warm side of neutral...

Could run either of ’em w a bluesound node going through the Ruby SACD player dac, so consider that the source(s).  Just consider that to be my inputs, into the Ruby and/or Accuphase amps, to control that point.  So the question is about the amps. 

And btw... I know there are plenty of other choices... but let's keep this discussion focused to my question at hand; I've heard all the arguments for all the other possible amps in this world, and I'm down to these two for the purposes of my question; I'm not interested in hearing about a bunch of other brands.

Another related thought, although it would likely void the warranty, if I bought an Accuphase, say the 480, in Japan ... could it be easily "rewired" to be American power (110/120) ? A high end repair shop ought be able to do that for a couple hundred bucks I’d think, or am I mistaken.

curtdr
hgeifman
2,263 posts
 

The Marantz Ruby amp might be worth a listen. Please see:

”PM-KI Ruby exclusively focuses on transfixing audio performance. A fully discrete, two-stage, current-feedback design with separate power supplies for the preamplifier and power amplifier section, it outputs a robust 200Wpc into four ohms and 100Wpc into eight ohms. This rare gem also arrives with a MM/MC phono preamplifier with a Marantz Musical Premium Phono EQ circuit as well as Marantz HDAM technology throughout for exceptional high-resolution signal purity and the cleanest pathway through the amplifier. A toroidal transformer strictly dedicated the preamplifier for added precision, proprietary HDAM SA3 modules for optimal dynamics, and a linear volume control with all-new components further ensure what you hear goes beyond the believable”.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,523 posts
 

Just looking at the guts of the units, the Marantz is nowhere near the Accuphase amps. The Marantz has small caps, small transformer and small heatsinks. 100 cheap wpc can run out of steam pretty quick. Get the E-480. 

hgeifman
2,263 posts
 

+1, Agreed. Get the Accuphase E-480 amp.  

Post removed 
corelli
1,008 posts
 

@russ69   The transformer and caps you note ONLY power the preamp section.  It is a class D design and superior to their prior class AB amp designs.  The amp has its own switching power supply.  The sound is excellent and the power delivered into low impedance loads is extremely high.  Nothing wimpy about this intergrated.

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