Accuphase E-800S Integrated Amplifier

About The Accuphase E-800S Integrated Amplifier

The flagship E-800S incorporates the full breadth of Accuphase's accumulated knowledge on integrated amplifiers. The preamplifier section incorporates a Balanced AAVA type volume control, while the power amp stage relies on an instrumentation amplifier principle and six-fold parallel push-pull configuration using power MOS-FETs driven in Class A, driving any loudspeakers to higher dimensions of sound. Enjoy the blissful acoustic space provided during playback with the E-800S.

Balanced AAVA Type Volume Control Circuit: Conventional preamplifiers use variable resistors to adjust volume, which causes contacts to deteriorate and create grit 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 grit. The E-800S relies on Balanced AAVA comprised of balanced AAVA circuits, reducing the overall noise level by 10% compared to conventional models at typical volume positions.

ANCC (Accuphase Noise and distortion Cancelling Circuit): The E-800S’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 (noise density: 1.5 nV/√Hz) 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.

High-Accuracy, High-Rigidity Volume Sensor Construction: The volume sensor mechanism carved from a single aluminium block ensures silky-smooth operation, a weighty operational feel, and accurate position detection. Operations with the remote commander are so quiet that mechanical noise is hardly noticeable.

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.

Power Amplification Stage that Achieves Linear Output: The power amplification stage on both the left and right sides features a large heat sink and employs six-fold parallel push-pull power transistors driven in Class A to provide linear power output of 50 Watts into 8 Ohms, 100 Watts into 4 Ohms, and 200 Watts into 2 Ohms.

Power Supply Circuitry Delivers Steady Power: A strong power supply featuring a massive toroidal transformer and two high-voltage, large filtering capacitors (63,000 μF/63 V) offer a stable power supply at all times.

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 1,000 (guaranteed) extracts the maximum potential from the loudspeakers.

Our Review

The Accuphase E-800S is the kind of integrated amplifier that quietly redefines what flagship performance really means. Drawing on decades of Accuphase expertise, it blends technical brilliance with refined musicality, offering a sound that’s effortlessly rich and deeply immersive. Its Balanced AAVA volume control delivers whisper-quiet, grit-free precision at every level, while the ANCC circuit works behind the scenes to cancel noise and distortion with remarkable finesse. Built like a precision instrument, the E-800S seems carved from solid, giving its controls a satisfyingly smooth, weighty feel. Under the hood, the Class A power stage - driven by a six-fold parallel push-pull MOS-FET setup - offers sublime, linear output that can drive just about any speaker with grace and authority. With a damping factor of 1,000 and a monster power supply, the E-800S doesn't just play music - it sculpts a soundstage that feels almost otherworldly.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Pure Class A Integrated Amplifier
• Integrated amplifier with fully balanced configuration from input to output
• Balanced AAVA type volume control
• High-accuracy, high-rigidity volume sensor construction
• Power amplification stage configured as an instrumentation amplifier
• Six-fold parallel push-pull configuration using power MOS-FETs driven in Class A
• High damping factor of 1,000
• Strong power supply with massive high-efficiency toroidal transformer and large filtering capacitors
• Protection circuitry using MOS-FET switches
• Three sets of balanced inputs
• Dedicated, high-quality headphone amplifier with discrete circuitry
• Speaker output protection circuit guards against short-circuiting
• High-carbon cast iron insulators for superior vibration damping
• Two expansion slots for option boards
• Rated Output (20 to 20,000 Hz)
  • 50 Watts into 8 Ohms
  • 100 Watts into 4 Ohms
  • 200 Watts into 2 Ohms
  • 300 Watts into 1 Ohm
• Total Harmonic Distortion (20 to 20,000 Hz, at rated output): 0.03% 4-16 Ohm Load, 0.05 % 2 Ohm Load
• Intermodulation Distortion 0.01 %
• Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz (+0, –0.5 dB)
• Damping Factor 1,000
• Input Sensitivity
  • Input (Balanced/Line): 100 mV
  • Main In (Balanced/Line): 796 mV
• Input Impedance
  • Input (Balanced): 40 kilohms
  • Input (Line): 20 kilohms
  • Main In (Balanced) 40 kilohms
  • Main In (Line): 20 kilohms
• Max. Input Voltage Input (Balanced/Line) 5.0 V
• Pre Output Voltage: 796 mV
• 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/Line): 105 dB
  • Main In (Balanced/Line): 120 dB
• Power Meters: Bar Graph Meters, Output Voltage (dB) using 30 points, with On/Off switch
• Headphones Jack: Compatible Impedance 8 Ohms or Higher
• Power Consumption
  • Idle: 190 W
  • In accordance with IEC 62368-1: 260 W
  • Stand-by: 0.3 W
• Optional Digital Input Board (DAC-60) Available
• Optional MM/MC Phono Analogue Input Board (AD-60) Available
• Finish: Champagne
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 465 x 239 x 502mm
• Weight: 35.7 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years

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