Accuphase E-460 or Bryston BP26 / 4Bsst2

I can tell you from my experience, I lived in Japan for 7 years in the late 80's to early 90s and was a frequent visitor to the Pro audio stores there and the electonic district of Akihabara. The thing about Accuphase is that these amps are still hand made in Japan and this is a rarety, therefore, they are of the finest build quality. Almost every pro Audio store featured these as a test Amp for other componentry and speakers. These Amps are only matched by the best on earth. I've never heard anything that sounded better. If you can afford the Accuphase, personaly, I would do it.

I would also go for the Accuphase if I were in your shoes. Make sure you listen to everything before spending your hard saved cash.

Accuphase by a mile. But you really need to choose which one sounds best to you. Because ultimately, you're the one who's gotta live with it.

I am just planning to get the Carbon 7's, for a second system. It is good to hear how much you enjoy them. I have this perenial problem of trying to separate Luxman and Accuphase. They are both Japanese, make large high quality integrated amps and look the same, other than colour.

I know it's been discussed before, but can anyone describe how they might sound different. I would be going for the 100 watt area, Class A/B amps, for either brand, to drive the Carbon 7's.

Is anybody familiar with new Accuphase E-460

I am.
To state the obvious, the 460 is a luxury package that comes at a commensurate price and goes a long way towards justifying that price... in looks, sound & construction quality.

Generally speaking:
It sounds very good in the Accu way -- clear & extended upper frequencies, well above average sense of dynamics (dynamic impact), extended and stable lower frquencies, etc etc, you won't be unhappy with it, I don't think...

It doesn't have the warmth of older class A Accu's -- but it is not strident either and, importantly, it can drive most of the average sized energy-guzzling spkrs out there.

Very nicely engineered as well as pleasantly versatile: it has all sorts of controls, all very well implemented. It also looks

I don't remember the Bryston BP 26 etc, I probably haven't actually listened to it.
However, the two constructors are not at all comparable: Bryston is a reliable, no frills, value-for-money constructor while Accu is more of a luxury constructor. IMO: they are both benchmark players, each in his niche