2. amps-preamps
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Accuphase E380 upgrade?

Would it be worth to use my 1yr trade up program and trade my E380 for the the new accuphase E4000, which is basically the new E480 or just add a used $3-$4,000 amp to my e380? The upgrade would cost $7,000 here in the united states to go to the E4000, which is a lot.

OR...I could jump to a Hegel H590 for $3,500?

Speakers are B&W 804S which are 90db. the e380 sounds great, just wondering your thoughts? TIA....

duketbrd88
erik_squires
15,697 posts
 

The 480 has 1 additional pair of transistors per side, in addition to a beefier power supply. This would imply better control over bass and impedance dips, especially around 100 Hz (based on the single impedance curve I found for your speakers).

On the other hand, if you like the sound, having a stiffer amp may change the tonality. If you listen at low volume most of the time, stay where you are. If you want to turn it up and could use a little more punch, upgrade.

erik_squires
15,697 posts
 

PS - The 480 is similar in terms of output stages to the Luxman 507 which you might consider as a price gauge.  I've not heard any Accuphase so I can't really comment on whether you should switch or not. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,261 posts
 

@erik_squires , you never give up on recommending Luxman to everyone who wants to upgrade, do you?🤣

bigtex22's avatar
bigtex22
83 posts
 

Why upgrade if you’re happy with the current setup?

shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 

If you are haapy with your amp, I am of the opinion that your money be better spent on upgrading Dac or streamer or even better turntable if you spin LP.

 

Thomas

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