Adding an Accuphase A-46

Good point Spinaker01, I was under the impression that the power amp section of the E-560 shuts down when used as a preamplifier. I'll have to check this with the dealer, as well as various prices of preamps if I decide to upgrade. Thanks.

Actually, I just checked - the E-560's brochure states that an Ext Pre button allows separation of the preamplifier from the power amp section, so I don't think excess heat will be generated if used only as a preamplifier. Thanks for warning anyway Spinaker01.

OK cool, that makes sense and would be a good feature option on all integrateds that have pre-outs.

You're welcome, Classact. Yeah, you could sell the E-560 and get a different preamp. But I don't see going through that hassle as the E-560 makes an excellent preamp.

I talked to one of the guys from the Accuphase factory at CES last week, and he highly recommended the A-46. He said it doesn't give up that much sound-wise to the A-65 and A-200. At a much more advantageous price.

I wish I could have asked him about your situation, but that's life.

You can always email them via their form or email the US distributor, Mr. Menzano.

Food for thought for you.

Hi Classact,

I have also answer your other post about the E-560, so maybe this reply is a bit redundant. However, I disagree with some of the things mentioned so far.

Firstly, IMO using the E-560 as a pre-amp is a (big) compromise. Not only it will perform below the entry level Accuphase pre-amp, i.e. C-2110 but you will have only one set of rca output. That is, no balanced pre-out outputs which are important when using fully balanced power amplifiers (e.g. any Accuphase power amps). The C-2410 is in a totally different class than an E-560, and the C-2810/C-2820 are another level higher than C-2410/C-2420.

Secondly, Bgpowell is certainly right about the relation between power and loudness. However, often that is not the whole story. While the A-46 it will not go much louder than the E-560 (though loud enough), it will be much more relaxed when driving difficult loads (or any loads for that matter), it will have better control over the woofer, a more stable soundstage and a more precise stereo image.

IMO the question you should ask is not whether to keep the E-560 (you should go for a dedicate pre-amp), but which power amp to buy, the A-46 or the P-6100. How many watts are you using when listening to music (check out the meter indication on your E-560)? If you listen often to large orchestrates and/or big bands, then you will be better off with a P-6100 power amp. All class A power amps (even the A-65) will eventually clip.

Good lick and keep us posted.
Paul