Accuphase amplifier choice

@milpai Sometimes us audiophiles (including yours truly, of course) use terms like ’warm’ or ’neutral’ rather loosely. I would like to understand why you think Accuphase Class A is ’warmer’? More importantly, how are you interpreting this term?

The reason I ask is that many people sometimes conflate a slight roll off in the upper frequencies as ’warm’. Yet others think warm is the same as lack of details.

From my experience, having lived with Accuphase A-80- for almost 10 months now (i.e., I’m done with the honeymoon phase :)), there’s nothing warm about the amp. In fact, there’s a certain sparkle (not to be confused with bright or etched) in the treble region which can only be attributed to class A. The sound is liquid smooth, balanced, and natural without exaggerating any areas of the frequency response. Further, it has a very high damping factor and tons of reserves in the tank that deliver regardless of the wattage numbers. 

Having lived with class A, AB, and D amps, all I can tell you is that class A watts are more than what mere numbers suggest. Without exception, all my class A amps sound much more potent compared to the same wattage in class AB or D. I’m sure someone will slap me with "watts are watts" and "all watts are the same" argument, but I’m just sharing my personal experience.

At the end of the day, it is your system, your room, and your ears. Just because I favor class A doesn’t mean you will share my enthusiasm. You might still prefer AB after all. However, if there’s a possibility of auditioning the A48S in your system, I highly recommend it. Reviews and opinions only give you a partial picture. 

But either way, even if you go with Accuphase class AB, it is still an Accuphase and will make you very happy. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

@arafiq After watching many videos, going though a ton of user reviews, posing tons of questions to AI (including my room setup, speakers, ancillary equipment, listening habits, room treatments, etc) and pulling my leftover hair I saw that most users feel that Accuphase Class A amps sound has some "warmth" and sounds rich (in a nice way).

I really wish that I could do a comparison of the A48S with the P-4600. Not sure if you are aware - but I have the Proac D48R loudspeakers and they are not as efficient as your or @lalitk or @fire_water speakers. But TBH, even my dealer from whom I got the speakers suggested the A48S. He has always suggested me good stuff. But I am worried that the A48S might run out of steam on the type of music I listen to. I hardly listen to Classical/Chamber/Orchestral music. Mine is vocals, classic rock, folk, and other various genre (Yello, Brian Bromberg, Infected Mushroom, others). There is a lot of bass in them and the music is super dynamic.

One of the latest revelations was that the Accuphase Class A amps operate in class A up to their rated output, but can go into Class AB after that. Except for the 1 video I have posted above(with Magico S3), I have not found other users using the A48S with inefficient speakers. Hence the hesitation to to with the A48S.

As @arafiq pointed out:

 

"there’s nothing warm about the amp. In fact, there’s a certain sparkle (not to be confused with bright or etched) in the treble region which can only be attributed to class A. The sound is liquid smooth, balanced, and natural without exaggerating any areas of the frequency response"

I totally agree with him.  The highs in Accuphase Class-A are detailed yet smooth and non fatiguing so I think people misinterpret this as WARM. Accuphase handles the the highs very well but I think their Class-A is a little more richer. I can listen to my music all night long.  There's weight behind the music but it's natural and not forceful. Honestly I can't really describe what I hear other than I'm completely satisfied with my Accuphase A-48S and C2300 preamplifier.  BTW, both the amplifier and amplifier have gain controls! All this said,  I can easily live with the P4600. 

I’m sure someone will slap me with "watts are watts" and "all watts are the same" argument,

@arafiq 

Someone might, but it won’t be me 😃

Watts are definitely not the same. For example, one Krell / Mark Levinson watt is worth 2.8 Carver watts or 13.5 NAD watts.

@devinplombier haha! isn't that the truth. I completely agree with the NAD reference, especially their class D offerings ;)

@milpai My speakers are 88 db @ 4 ohms, so even less efficient than yours. My A-80 has zero trouble driving them. In fact, it drives them better than my previous Vitus amp which was a behemoth. But, I can see why you would be wary of forking out the cash for A48S just in case it's not able to control your speakers. Either way, I am 100% sure you will be thrilled with any Accuphase. They're all fantastic.