Accuphase Experiences

This is a video from the SWAF in Dallas, this past weekend. Many Accuphase components, including the AC-6 cartridge. The first 2 songs are from the Accuphase 770 SACD. The third song at the end is analog. There amp is the A-80.

Wow, that speaker looks unfortunate....a face that only the father (tinkering in his garage) could love.

I have an Accuphase C260 Control Preamp and an Accuphase A20y Class A amp. As I live in a codo I have to respect that timing is everything when listening for me. Low to moderate listening volumes is my usually listening level. The compensator on the preamp helps with low level listening.love the sound of my Accuphase pieces especially when delivering acoustic music ie. Double Base sounds precise and just right. Not overemphasized or foreign, it is especially wonderful for it's  mids and recessed highs, with just the right amount of cymbal and snare. It’s always a struggle to pic the Accuphase or my tube gear.

Adrian of Audio Excellence Canada has a refreshingly unique series of videos and reviews on youtube. He recently picked up the Accuphase line, and did a review of the A-80 amplifier. He summarizes the sound qualities, and compares them to some of the other high end brands he carries. I feel his summary of the "Accuphase Sound" is spot on, and is exactly characterizes what I've heard by putting  the C3900 pre in my system with my very neutral Gryphon amp. It’s worth a view.

Sorry. Been busy and forgot to post the results of my amp auditions. 
 

I liked the Bryson 4b3 demoed with the same DAC, Streamer and Speakers I own. The amp was very dynamic with a nice soundstage. Nothing to complain about but nothing that was significantly different from my current amp. This audition was at Overture in Delaware where I purchased my Streamer, DAC, and Speakers. 
 

My current system is

Aurender N20 Streamer, MSB Discrete DAC, Harbeth C7es-XD Speakers and the Benchmark AHB2 amplifier. 
 

I then auditioned the Accuphase P-4600. Few dealers around me but I found BEK in Allentown PA that actually had a P-4600 on demo and they had Harbeth Speakers. In this case the 5s. Eric who is the owner used a Accuphase preamp and a Chord DAC. The Accuphase sounded wonderful.  Very natural with a beautiful midrange and an expansive soundstage. It was however almost twice the price of the Bryston. So I wanted to give it some thought and maybe hear the Bryston one more time. The next morning I called Eric at BEK and told him while I really like the Accuphase I was conflicted over the price difference with the Bryston. After some discussion Eric gave me a great deal and since I really preferred the Accuphase I ordered it. It’s coming on the next shipment to the distributor which was scheduled to leave Japan on April 10. So hopefully I get it by end of April. 
 

BEK is A 90minute  drive from me. As part of the deal Eric is going to deliver and set up the amp for me which is great as its shipping weight is 80 lbs while amp is 66lbs. 
 

Bottom line is the Accuphase amp and sound had the exact characteristics that appeal to me and the characteristics I was able to detect listening to the YouTube demos especially the ones from Asia that are extremely good recordings.