Accuphase E-280
Accuphase's entry-level integrated amplifier with high-resolution solid-state performance and modular expandability
Overview
The Accuphase E-280 is a 2-channel integrated stereo amplifier made by Accuphase, a small private company in Japan. It succeeds the E-270 and sits in a lineup with the E-270, E-380, E-480, and E-650. It's described as the brand's entry-level amplifier. The sound is characterized as lush and warm yet open and detailed, with a balance of precision and smoothness. It has a headphone amplifier section and supports bi-amping. The chassis is solid and the internal layout is carefully done, which contributes to sound fidelity and listening sessions without fatigue.
Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.94"h x 18.31"w x 16.54"d |
| Rated power | 90 watts into 8 ohms |
| Rated power | 120 watts into 4 ohms |
| Power Output (Stable to) | 1 ohm |
| Damping factor | 500 |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.05% |
| Signal to Noise Ratio (dB) | Line 107, Main 122, Balanced 96 |
| Amplifier Class | Class AB |
| Channels | 2 |
| Analog Inputs | 5 (Line) |
| XLR Inputs | 1 |
| Analog Outputs | 2 (Preamp) |
| XLR Outputs | 1 |
| Headset Jack | Yes |
| DAC | No, Optional DAC-60 Module |
| Voltage | 120/220/230 |
| Power Consumption (Watts) | 249 |
| Product Weight (lbs.) | 45 |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
| Color/Finish Name | Beige |
Design
The E-280 is a Class AB design with bipolar transistors in a double parallel push-pull configuration. The power stage uses a current feedback amplification topology based on the instrumentation amplifier principle. It has Accuphase's AAVA volume control, logic-control relays for a minimal signal path, and a low-impedance output circuit. The power supply has a massive high-efficiency transformer and large filtering capacitors. Protection circuitry uses MOS-FET switches. Two rear-panel expansion slots take previous option boards, including the optional DAC-60. The remote control is aluminum, and the feet have subtle foam. Despite the high output, it stays cool during extended use, and the build quality is top-notch.
Context
The E-280 is Accuphase's entry-level integrated amplifier. It succeeds the E-270 in a lineage that goes back to the 1973 E-202, the company's first integrated model. Compared with its predecessor, it has a more relaxed midrange, with greater transparency, precision, and bass articulation. It competes in a category described alongside high-end brands like McIntosh, Luxman, and Boulder, and offers refinement previously reserved for higher-tier models. Accuphase was founded in 1972 by former Kenwood engineer Jiro Kasuga and began as Kensonic, producing early models like the P-300 amplifier and C-200 preamp.
Market
The E-280 has a claimed failure rate of around 0.03%, and the chief engineer personally handles repairs. It was originally priced at $6,995 and currently sells for $4,067.66 on the secondary market. It works best with speakers of 4 ohm or higher impedance and 88+ dB sensitivity. Very demanding loads may put it into protection mode.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog — archive.org
- Catalog (1991) — archive.org