Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Supports both bi-amping and bridged modes
- Solid build quality and understated finish
- Offers flexibility in preamp gain matching thanks to a variable gain selector (16-28dB)
- Two sets of speaker terminals
Product Considerations
- Champagne color might not be to everyone's taste
- Sensitive to the choice of audio cables, using the wrong ones can make the sound overly warm and lethargic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Accuphase E-650 (integrated amplifier), the A-48 paired with the C2150 pre-amp provides a definitive next level with masses of agility, impressive dynamics and scale along with that ability to constantly uncover little musical details
- Vs Vitus RI-101 integrated, the A-48 was much warmer and more laidback
- Vs Accuphase P-4500, the A-48 makes a very strong case for itself
- Vs Pass Labs XA30.8, the A-48 had a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The Accuphase A-48 is a well-built amplifier with multiple useful features that is able to bring out the best in music. The amplifier has great control over the speakers and brings a sense of realism.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
A-48S
- Positioning: The entry-level Class A stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
- Description: Offers excellent sound quality with its 6-parallel push-pull MOS-FETs, providing 50 W into 8 ohms. Compared to the A-80, it has a slightly lower power output but maintains a high damping factor of 1,000, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms and those with a moderate budget.
A-80
- Positioning: A mid-range Class A stereo power amplifier, developed as a stereo version of the A-300.
- Description: Delivers a refined sound with its 10-parallel push-pull MOS-FETs, offering 65 W into 8 ohms. It provides more power than the A-48S.
P-4600
- Positioning: A mid-range Class AB stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
- Description: Features 6-parallel push-pull power transistors, delivering 150 W into 8 ohms. It offers a higher power output than the A-80, with a damping factor of 800.
A-300
- Positioning: A high-end Class A monophonic power amplifier, marking Accuphase's 50th anniversary.
- Description: Features 20-parallel push-pull power MOS-FETs, providing 125 W into 8 ohms. It offers superior performance compared to the A-80.
P-7500
- Positioning: The flagship Class AB stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
- Description: Uses a 10-parallel push-pull power transistor architecture, delivering 300 W into 8 ohms. It surpasses the P-4600 in power and performance, with a damping factor of 1,000.
Read the reviews

Manufacturer's notes
- Power Output: 360 watts into 1 ohm (music signals)
- Damping Factor: 800
- Signal/Noise Ratio: 117 dB
- Power Supply Capacitors: 60,000 μF
Our take on the brand
Used
Accuphase
What if you spend a bit more?

The P-7500 is our flagship model Class AB stereo power amplifier that provides supreme driving performance. The power amplification stage uses a 10-parallel push-pull power transistor architecture, providing a rated output power of 300 W / 8 ohms that vastly exceeds that of conventional models. Boasting an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB and a damping factor of 1,000, it can effortlessly drive massive speakers and create musical recreations overflowing with energy. The P-7500 brings out the best of any speaker, allowing you to enjoy never-before experienced soundscapes.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Outstanding design, reflecting over 50 years of experience
- Signals are amplified without adding even a hint of its own signature
Product Considerations
- Heavy amplifier (50 kg), so assistance may be needed when moving it
- May be overkill for smaller speakers, as it is Accuphase's most powerful amplifier to date
- Could be more revealing of the sonic characteristics of connected preamplifiers or variable output sources
Takeaway: The Accuphase P-7500 is a high-end stereo power amplifier that delivers clean and linear amplification, suitable for demanding speakers. Its robust build and excellent measurements ensure a neutral listening experience, making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand

The A-80 is a Class A power amplifier developed as a stereo amplifier version of our 50th anniversary A-300 model. Optimizing the 10-parallel push-pull power MOS-FETs in the output stage produces an output power of 65 W into 8 ohms, 130 W into 4 ohms, 260 W into 2 ohms, and 520 W into 1 ohm. Rigorous investment into new, cutting-edge noise reduction technologies has achieved a sense of presence and minute expression that rival live performances. The A-80 power amplifier perfectly fuses modern technology with the wealth of knowledge Accuphase has amassed in its pursuit of perfect sonic expression.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A sense of presence and even the smallest manifestations of musical expression can compare to live performance
- Seductive, smooth, and articulate midrange
- Deep, punchy, and powerful bass
- Versatile, it plays all sorts of music really well, especially acoustic music which it brings out in its most beautiful form
- Beautifully made without being visually overwhelming
Product Considerations
- Some may wish it was more powerful
- High frequencies may not be as extended or airy as some other amplifiers
- It runs hot, but not so hot that it heats up the room
- For audiophiles wanting to hear the biggest soundstage, the most transparent sound, the fastest speed, or the most lifelike attack, there will be other amplifiers that will do those things better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Accuphase E5000 integrated amp, it sounded very similar
- Sounded 85-90% as good as the Soulution 710, but at half the price
- Compared to Soulution, the '710' plays deeper, plays in an even more refined way, and delivers an even more tangible and more resolving sound
- The presentation was a bit more 'forward' than with the Soulution, and it was also more pronounced
Takeaway: The Accuphase A-80 is a captivating amplifier that offers a blend of musicality, versatility, and beautiful design. It is a great choice for those who love music, especially acoustic, and appreciate a seductive and inviting sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful, able to drive any speaker at any level with ease
- Delivers a new dimension in realism at any volume level, exposing the timbre of bass instruments unlike ever heard before
- Reveals harmonic quality of instruments and voices
Product Considerations
- Heavy, weighing 140lb (63.5kg), requiring assistance for moving and unboxing
- High running temperature (55-65oC across the chassis) and draws 500W from the wall when idle
- When speaker cables are terminated with spade lugs, caution is advised as the posts are close together
- Output is floating—it should not be connected to any loudspeaker with a grounded 'black' terminal
- BAT components take a long time to "break in" (400-500 hours of use)
Takeaway: The BAT REX 500 is a very powerful amplifier that drives speakers with ease and reveals new levels of realism in familiar recordings. It is a must-audition for those seeking reference-level power amplification.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
- Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
- Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
- Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
- Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end
Product Considerations
- The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
- Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
- Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
- Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
- Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Known for combining the musicality of tube amplifiers with the precision and power of solid-state amplifiers.
- It provides a transparent sound with steel control, without the electronic 'shine' associated with transistor amplifiers.
- Exceptional bass performance, described as deep, explosive, and completely controlled.
- Homogeneous frequency range, offering a very high degree of transparency and control.
- Offers an ability to resolve even the finest musically significant details.
Product Considerations
- Requires a substantial amount of space due to its multi-component design.
- The sound offered might be 'too beautiful' for some listeners, as it is not 'brutal' or 'terse' enough.
- Requires care in using its switches to avoid shutdowns.
- Some reviewers note it was 'dark sounding' on the highs, though it did not lack information.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Quad ESL loudspeakers, it surpasses the musicality and clarity achieved with many tube amps, rivaling even high-end options like Lamm Industries ML2.2 and Miyajima Laboratory 2010.
- The ASR has better bass and is more transparent than MBL, however, it lacks the grace that MBL offers.
- Compared to Rogue 180W monoblocks, the ASR Emitter II delivers better bass.
- The ASR Emitter II has slightly better bass control than Manley Neoclassic 500, but the Neoclassic 500 has a more marvelous style of fiddling.
- Compared to Edge and Audio Research, the ASR is darker sounding.
Takeaway: The ASR Emitter II Exclusive offers a combination of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, making the listening experience a very involving one. It provides exceptional control and detail across the entire frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers power while handling subtlety and fine detail with aplomb
- Presents an engaging and naturally organic soundstage
- Offers switchable Ultralinear and Triode tube configurations
- Hand-wired, hand-soldered, and hand-assembled
- The top end is silky, resolved, and decent, resulting in no listening fatigue
Product Considerations
- The bass is not that punchy as with the best high-end amplifiers
- The amplifier can be demanding towards the acoustics of the room due to its heavy-on-bottom balance
- Limited power handling that does not allow for playing too loud
- The 80S sounds more homogenous, although the listening is rewarding and entertaining
- Ensure existing speakers will work with the Reference 80S to satisfaction before purchase
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simaudio Moon 860A v2 power amplifier, the voice of Hana was warmer and velvetier through the Audio Research—a bit more human for my ears—although the sound was slightly less transparent and less controlled
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 80S is a tube power amplifier that delivers precision and subtlety. If high-end audio is desired and a lot of power is not necessary, the Reference 80S could be a good fit for a listening space.
Video review
Our take on the brand

Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses Moon's new distortion-canceling amplifier circuit, which is incredibly precise.
- Runs as efficiently as possible, yet as close as possible to class A.
- Capable of playing at any volume level, from a whisper to a scream.
- Delivers 200 watts per channel.
- Delivers good stereo, with very powerful dynamic range.
Product Considerations
- Only available in a two-tone 'panda' color scheme (silver sides with a black front panel) at the moment, though this may change with demand.
- Existing Moon aluminum bridges for stacking components are not compatible with this model.
- Moving the 35kg power amp can be a bit of a struggle.
- Although it has a lot of heat sinking, and it does get warm, it's not pulling a huge amount of energy out of the wall at any given volume level.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Hegel H20—the 761 has additional refinement, additional resolution, and is much smoother, but doesn't lose any detail in the music.
Takeaway: The 761 is a very capable amplifier that gives the potential to drive at any level and has the power to play precise, fine-sounding music. It can be used in bridged mode and works in balanced and single-ended configurations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Supports both bi-amping and bridged modes
- Solid build quality and understated finish
- Offers flexibility in preamp gain matching thanks to a variable gain selector (16-28dB)
- Two sets of speaker terminals
Product Considerations
- Champagne color might not be to everyone's taste
- Sensitive to the choice of audio cables, using the wrong ones can make the sound overly warm and lethargic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Accuphase E-650 (integrated amplifier), the A-48 paired with the C2150 pre-amp provides a definitive next level with masses of agility, impressive dynamics and scale along with that ability to constantly uncover little musical details
- Vs Vitus RI-101 integrated, the A-48 was much warmer and more laidback
- Vs Accuphase P-4500, the A-48 makes a very strong case for itself
- Vs Pass Labs XA30.8, the A-48 had a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The Accuphase A-48 is a well-built amplifier with multiple useful features that is able to bring out the best in music. The amplifier has great control over the speakers and brings a sense of realism.
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