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Technics sr u 1000 ... vs Accuphase e-480

Two different animals, yes... two different approaches... two different aesthetics... 

I get all that.  

A new Technics 1000 costs about the same as a used Accuphase e-480... 

My thoughts - and questions - revolve around the Technics as having more advanced technology and possibly at least as good of sound quality (?) warm-side-of-neutral perhaps for a cheaper price than the more old-school Accu... the Tech can even monitor and customize the output to individual speakers' impedances... 

but the Accu is such jewelry and has the nice old-school touches like actual knobs for bass/treble and such, plus a modular DAC (although supposedly the internal dacs of the Technics are superb).  That said, the Technics is pretty nice to look at as well.

I'm less concerned about phono playback, btw, although supposedly the Tech already has a great phono section built in and the Accu would require a further purchase of a modular phone section as well as the further purchase if desire a dac for it... 

Thoughts? 

curtdr
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,226 posts
 

I have the Technics SU-G700M2 and would love to be able to upgrade to the SR-U1000 but I can't afford to. There's something wonderful with the sound Technics is getting these days. For me, it would be no contest, get the Technics.

All the best,
Nonoise

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@curtdr 

Here is a cursory synopsis of the Technics from What Hifi review. No doubt both this and the time tested Accuphase 480 amplifier have very happy owners. What is the likelihood of hearing either/both and judging directly?

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Technics’ top integrated amplifier is a breathtakingly ambitious technological marvel, and an entertaining listen too

Pros

  • +

    Innovative engineering

  • +

    Strong feature set

  • +

    Bold, entertaining sound

Cons

  • -

    Lacks rhythmic precision and dynamic punch

  • -

    Sound staging could be more expansive

erik_squires
16,892 posts
 

There are two things your ears can't enjoy:

  • Resale value
  • Sense of modernity

An impedance compensating digital amplifier certainly is more modern, but without hearing it myself I have no idea if it's worth anything to my ears.  Same for the idea of measuring gear based on retail potential.

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