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Review 1 of 3
Price Paid:
$1400.00
from shop in Akihabara, T Summary: I've owned more than two dozen amplifiers already in my 20 years as an audio enthusiast and these include expensive audiophile models I bought and sold after a year of use but I never got to dispose of my Accuphase E-302.
It doesn't sound as sweet as higher-priced British audiophile brands but its overall quality beats most brands I've owned. It has the low frequency depth, mid-range punch and clean high you rarely find in other amplifiers. I understand it was sold at $2,750 in the US when I bought in late '80s in Tokyo but it's well worth its price. It makes all my speakers sound good. Details you don't hear even in expensive brands come out clean on my Accuphase E-302 and Celestion SL600 combination. It also goes well with my old JBL 4311 when I play those hot popular tracks.
I have often thought of upgrading this one with newer and more expensive Accuphase models but everytime I audition one here in Manila or in Tokyo, I can't hear any improvement compared with my E-302. Power at 120wpc at 8 ohms and 180wpc at 4 ohms is sufficient even for big listening rooms. Strengths: Clean transparent sound from high to low frequencies. Solid craftsmanship indicating it's built to last to make up for its comparatively expensive price. Weaknesses: Nothing reallyh except the faceplate design isn't as impressive as other similarly prices amplifiers. The new models look good though. Similar Products Used: Luxman LV-109, Quad 77, Sony TA-N90ES, Krell KAV-200, Musical Fidelity A120
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