Accuphase E-3000 Integrated Amplifier

About The Accuphase E-3000 Integrated Amplifier

The E-3000 integrated amplifier emerged from the path forged by the technologies used in high-end equipment. Among this amplifier’s constituent elements, the vitally important volume control circuits incorporate AAVA that employs the ANCC principle. The power amplifier section produces balanced signals relying on the instrumentation amplifier principle while simultaneously creating a robust output stage through three-fold parallel push-pull power transistors driven in class AB. Every moment spent immersed in the vibrant playback of the E-3000 is one to relish.

AAVA Volume Control Circuit: Conventional preamplifiers use variable resistors to adjust volume, which can cause contacts to deteriorate and create rasping as well as increase noise at normal volume levels. AAVA, however, produces multiple, widely varying signals from the input signal and controls volume by changing the combination of those signals. This achieves minimum noise levels at all volume levels without any rasping.

ANCC (Accuphase Noise and distortion Cancelling Circuit): The E-3000’s I-V conversion amplifier uses the ANCC principle. ANCC uses a secondary amplifier to cancel out noise and distortion from the main amplifier. The secondary amplifier utilizes a low noise amplifier to increase the effect of the ANCC. Incorporating this ANCC in the AAVA I-V conversion amplifier drastically improves noise performance, particularly when transitioning from low volume settings to typical volume positions.

Power Amplification Stage Configured as an Instrumentation Amplifier: The instrumentation amplifier circuitry’s equal impedance on the + and – sides and exceptional external noise suppression provide optimal performance for an audio amplifier.

Balanced Remote Sensing: Balanced remote sensing improves the damping factor by feeding back the GND at the same time as the signal output from the speaker terminals.

Robust Power Amplification Stage: The power amplification stage on both the left and right sides features a large heat sink and employs three-fold parallel push-pull power transistors driven in Class AB to provide rated, high-power output of 100 Watts into 8 Ohms and 150 Watts into 4 Ohms.

High Damping Factor Brings Out the Full Potential of Speakers: The damping factor represents the amplifier’s ability to drive the speakers. A damping factor of 600 (guaranteed) extracts the maximum potential from the loudspeakers.

Power Supply Circuitry Designed for Optimum Stability: A strong power supply featuring a massive transformer and two high-voltage, large filtering capacitors (33,000 μF/71 V) offer a stable power supply at all times.

Our Review

The Accuphase E-3000 integrated amplifier is a well-thought-out piece of gear that brings a lot of the clever tech from their top-end models into a more approachable setup. At the heart of it is the AAVA volume control system, which ditches the usual variable resistors in favour of a smart signal-combining method that keeps things quiet and clean, even at lower levels. The ANCC technology backs this up by using a secondary amp to cancel out any unwanted noise or distortion. The power amp section runs balanced signals using an instrumentation amp layout, keeping noise out and detail in, while the solid Class AB output stage with three-fold push-pull transistors gives it plenty of grunt - 100W into 8 Ohms and 150W into 4. It’s also got a high damping factor and robust power supply that help your speakers sound their best without breaking a sweat. All up, it’s a beautifully designed amplifier inside and out and is perfect for anyone who wants solid performance with a relaxed, refined edge.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Class AB Integrated Amplifier
• Rated Output (20 to 20,000 Hz)
  • 100 Watts into 8 Ohms
  • 150 Watts into 4 Ohms
• Total Harmonic Distortion (20 to 20,000 Hz, at rated output): 0.05 %
• Intermodulation Distortion 0.01 %
• Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz (+0, –0.5 dB)
• Damping Factor 600
• Input Sensitivity
  • Input (Balanced/Line): 142 mV
  • Main In: 1.13 V
• Input Impedance
  • Input (Balanced): 40 kilohms
  • Input (Line): 20 kilohms
  • Main In: 20 kilohms
• Max. Input Voltage Input (Balanced/Line) 5.0 V
• Pre Output Voltage: 1.13 V
• Pre Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Gain
  • Input (Balanced/Line) to Pre Output: 18 dB
  • Main In to Speaker Output: 28 dB
• Tone Controls Turnover Frequency and Adjustment Range
  • Bass: 300 Hz ±10 dB
  • Treble: 3 kHz ±10 dB
• Loudness Compensator: +6 dB (100 Hz)
• Attenuator: –20 dB
• S/N Ratio
  
  • Input (Balanced): 96 dB
  • Input (Line): 107 dB
  • Main In: 122 dB
• Power Meters: Logarithmic Peak Level Display of Output in dB or %
• Headphones Jack: Compatible Impedance 8 Ohms or Higher
• Power Consumption
  • Idle: 69 W
  • In accordance with IEC 62368-1: 185 W
  • Stand-by: 0.3 W
• Optional Upgrade Digital Input Board (DAC-60) Available
• Finish: Champagne
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 465 x 161 x 422mm
• Weight: 23.1 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.