Accuphase amplifier choice

@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.

@fire_water Currently, I'm using a tube preamp -- Octave HP500 SE, but I'm intrigued by the Accuphase preamps. Did you by any chance use another preamp with your A48? Just wondering if you can describe the improvements you hear compared to other preamp brands. Thanks.

@arafiq it got quite overwhelming and I don’t remember every brand or model. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to demo any Accuphase amplifiers with tube preamplifiers. I did have a McIntosh MA12000 integrated amplifier which I enjoyed very much. I miss the McIntosh’s 8 band EQ though but luckily my Accuphase C2300 has some EQ which works exceptionally well especially in an untreated room regardless of what the self proclaimed audio ""experts" will tell  you. Before anyone goes ballistic on me, Accuphase is actually well-known for producing highly sophisticated equalizers known as Digital Voicing Equalizers. 

@milpai For what it’s worth, I ran the P-4600 for about three weeks with ATC SCM50 passives. ATC has super clear, open midrange and top notch highly refined tweeter. I have had many experiences with Class A amps (not Accuphase) and understand the dimensional Class A vibe and tone pretty well. The P-4600 , to my ears had this smooth liquidity highly reminiscent of the Pass Labs Class A amps I have heard (and Plinius ) and yet it’s got the drive and dynamic authority of a powerful class AB amp. It’s truly a marvelous amp. The ATCs let you know immediately if something is not dialed in. With the P-4600 it was super fluid, refined, and dynamic. I can’t imagine any music lover/ audiophile not being happy with the amp, but that’s just me. My suggestion is, don’t overthink this. The P-4600 will be awesome with your speakers. 

I find that both the Accuphase P-4600 and A48-S amplifiers are great, super-fast, punchy, clean and bost effortless macro dynamics.

Sonically, I find that the A48-S is more delicate and sweeter with rich-tones. I can attest to the fact that Accuphase Class-A amplifiers are known to produce authentic timbres and a spaciously layered, soundstage. I can only imagine what the A80 can do!

Yes ATC 50 passive spkrs are incredible but the first time I heard the 100 actives I was floored. But this is a different  topic.  Will the Accuphase A-48S drive ATC passive 100s? I'm not sure. Maybe the P4600 can,  but the P-7500 and A-80 most definitely will. ATC could easily be my next spkr so If it was me,  I'd  go with the A-80.