Accuphase amplifier choice


Hello All,

I have decided to upgrade my Parasound A21 amplifier looking for a more refined sound. The following are the amplifiers that I have in my mind:

Accuphase A-48s
Accuphase P-4600
Coda No. 8 (meterless)
Coda 16.0 (meterless)

Currently I am leaning largely to Accuphase. My dealer says that the Class A 48s will sound better with my ProAc D48R. But I am worried that I will lose dynamics since the Accuphase is only 50W into 8 Ohms. But it doubles all the way into 1 ohm.

The P-4600 is a higher wattage amp and I think it should be able to drive the D48R with ease because it doubles down to 2 ohm load. So I am not concerned with it's ability to drive the ProAcs.

I do have some feedback on the P-4600 from another thread here and appreciate it. But now looking for some comparisons.

Has anyone compared/experienced the Accuphase Vs Coda amplifiers? Any feedback is appreciated.

milpai

milpai and others,

Reading the inputs to this post filled me with amp-envy -- not really.

I've been in this hobby for decades, but while my system sounded quite good I had an underlying feeling it could be better for my last go-round.  I'd long been aware of Accuphase's reputation for build and sound quality.  At the same time I'd been using separate amps (often mono blocs) and preamps/line stages and their products seemed beyond my means.

In deciding to look for my "last" system I also wanted to simplify.  That meant finding an integrated amp.  Finding a couple of helpful reviews online I decided to take a chance at the shallow end of the Accuphase pool.  I've been very pleased by that decision.  My new integrated amp is extremely well built, offers a full array of controls, and most importantly delivers a top level of musical satisfaction.

So my reason for commenting is to encourage anyone reading this post who may feel these components are beyond them, not to ignore the lower levels of Accuphase product lines.  They can still be wonderfully rewarding.

@pryso EXACTLY!  I am fortunate to have owned (and even heard) some rather decent components but I knew my Accuphase A-48S amplifier was special the moment I turned it on. But once it broke-in, WOW!  The synergy with my other Accuphase components is a match made in heaven. My A48-S amplifier is a testament to what Class-A amplifiers truly are - it's natutal and highly detailed with excellent transient response.

@fire_water "But once it broke-in, WOW!” 

all Accuphase amps run 50+ hrs at the factory before final test, recording measurements data, and releasing to customers! 

@liquidsound "The A48 is built like a tank"

tank is built for one / few battles, Accuphase for decades! 

@milpai - there are two amp inefficiency problems, one is power consumption by the amp itself, the other, and more problematic for me is removing heat from the house by running air condition! 

AI is not correct, higher idle power will generate presumably higher electricity bill, unless you will run P4600 24/7 at max sound level! LOL