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Looking for upgrade of Accuphase E-480

Hi

I have an Accuphase E-480 with B&W 803D3 speakers and Lumin T2 streamer/DAC. I spent many hours during the last year tuning my system with cables and placement. Although I am very happy with listening to well recorded/mixed tracks, I have got a problem listening to all the other tracks, that don't show an optimal sound image. The high frequencies often are still too present.

Since I have checked everything else (power supply, cables, placement, room etc.) I went to a store comparing the E-480 with other Accuphase Amps on the 803D4 speakers (I brought my cables and streamer). The E-5000 was wider in the mids and a bit smoother in the treble, but still too forward for me. I tried this one at home too.

The E-800 class A integrated amp was very smooth and soft compared to the E-480, but also less clear and detailed what I was missing. It was clear, that my ears wanted more, than my E-480 could bring, but also more than the E-800 and E-5000 could bring. It crossed the border of the integrated amps to the separates.

So I listened to the C-2850 with the A-75 class A amp. It was smooth and detailed, emotional and precise. The sound in the way I was looking for. A whole different league.

Since this is a very heavy, expensive and power consuming solution I want to get sure, if it is the right thing. I can only afford this when I buy used.

So did anybody compare different separate combos for the 803D3, that go in the direction of the C-2850/A-75? And how would you compare different options to the Accuphase? Is there something else I should try?

Please only comment, when you really heard other options on these speakers. The 803D3 are quite difficult to drive.

Thanks for your ideas! :)

edin123
edin123 OP
11 posts
 

Thank you for your comments.

Good point to consider the C-3850. I have never compared alle the preamps. And I have time, I can wait until there is a good offer in my region.

I use a Shunyata Alpha v2 for main power to the Isotek Sigmas and the rest are Kharma power cables I got very cheap and which are very good though. For signal I use a Refine Audio Ultima Musica XLR. Refine make the best signal cables I have ever tested in my region. For ethernet streaming I use Ansuz cables, also the best I have ever tested.

Does anyone have compared class A versus class A/B poweramps? Is it the same, as with the integrated, that A/B is a bit more detailed, but edgy and cooler and class A are smoother, warmer and rounder?

 

About the speakers: I know of course that the D series of B&W have diamond tweeters. :)

The 803D3 can sound harsh with the wrong electronic such as Rotel or Classé or T&A etc. I heard them with a Michi Rotel X5 which was very thin sounding and harsh, compared to the E-480. On a hifi exhibition i heard the 801D4 with Classé Delta amps. It almost hurt my ears, so harsh was the treble. But I also know, how beautiful the B&W can sound, when they fit with the electronic. And as I wrote, with the class A Accuphases (E-800, 2850/A75) it was far away from forward. It’s always the combo speaker <> electronic that makes the sound. The 803D3 are difficult to drive, when you buy just anything. But with the right match, they are wonderful.

jsbail
368 posts
 

I don't think your B&W speakers will sound good with bad recordings with anything but the very warmest amplifier. Your Accuphase will sound great on most recordings with Proac or Sonus Faber speakers, and they are still quite revealing.

edin123 OP
11 posts
 

Thanks. I know the Sonus Faber kind of speaker sound. This is not, what I am looking for. Too much "wooden" sound, too little resolution and 3D imaging for my taste.

I know, that a smoother sounding speaker will work smoother with the E-480. But I am looking for a high resolution, warm and smooth sound, as with the class A Accuphase combos and the B&W's. Did you hear that once?

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

I have read that with Accuphase , Tannoy speakers are the best.

And their aestetics are nice.

edin123 OP
11 posts
 

Thanks, but my question was more like:

Who has audibly compared different separates on the 803D3 (like Accuphase or Pass Labs etc.)

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