Accuphase Laboratories, Inc. (originally known as Kensonic Laboratories, Inc.) – Japanese manufacturer of high-end electronics. Accuphase Laboratories was founded in 1972 by disgraced Kenwood Corporation engineer Jiro Kasuga. Kasuga did not agree with Kenwood’s position in the approach to the development of equipment; many of its developments never reached mass production due to commercial unprofitability for the corporation. After a series of negotiations with Kenwood management, Kasuga creates the Kensonic brand, where it lures several leading engineers from Marantz and Luxman companies.
The name Accuphase was made up of the prefix “ACCU” – from the word accurate, “accurate”, and the word PHASE, “phase”, which is the most important characteristic in sound reproduction technology. This trademark is very suitable for the company’s products, since it reflects this and other important characteristics and penetrates the very depths of sound reproduction technology. In the endless struggle for better quality, which requires a very high level of production organization, it was decided to abandon assembly line methods. In this regard, production volume is limited, and Accuphase brand products can only be purchased in some specialized stores. Accuphase equipment is not subject to the whims of fashion, since it is created, first of all, for the sake of truly high fidelity sound reproduction. This is the main reason why these products have not become the subject of mass production.
If we talk about the technical content of the Accuphase E-650, then in addition to the technologies that the Japanese have been using for years in the development of amplifiers, some innovations have been applied. In particular, the AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) sound volume control concept has been almost completely redesigned and the latest design for separate power supply of MCS+ modules has been applied. AAVA is a revolutionary volume control concept from the ground up, operating exclusively in the analogue domain to provide high quality sound. The E-650 takes AVVA to the next level to achieve unparalleled sound in a more compact form factor.
Aiming for an even higher level of performance set by individual amplifier types, the Accuphase E-650 takes full advantage of the sophisticated design technology Accuphase has accumulated over the years. Featuring optional advanced AAVA volume control, the latest circuit topology, and the highest-grade parts and materials, the E-650 is a non-plus, ultra-integrated amplifier infused with the spirit of the anniversary models.
The AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume control in the Accuphase E-650 uses the same high-rigidity transducer, extruded from a solid aluminum block and featuring a super-massive brass shaft originally designed for the C-2820/C-2420 models. The handle control ensures absolutely smooth operation. Coupled with a dramatic improvement in S/N ratio via low impedance circuitry, the E-650 takes performance and build quality to the next level.
The power amplifier section is configured with the latest topology to ensure fully balanced signal transmission throughout. MCS+ circuit design and current feedback for the amplification circuits provide extremely low output impedance and a damping factor of over 800. Power MOS-FET switches in the audio speaker protection circuit eliminate the need for mechanical relay contacts. Powerful MOS-FET transistors, configured in a triple-parallel balanced design for each channel, greatly enhance the amplifier’s ability to drive low-impedance loads. They work in pure class “A”. The output stage is supported by a powerful power supply with a large toroidal power transformer and high-capacity filter capacitors. The amplifier is capable of delivering 30W x 2 into 4 ohms, 60W x 2 into 8 ohms, 120W x 2 into 2 ohms and 150W x 2 into 1 ohm. A few amplifiers can drive a load of 1 ohm – this is a very good indicator.
Beautiful digital LCD displays mesmerizingly move to the beat of the music. The gold-plated, high-quality speaker connectors allow you to connect spade-type cables. Accuphase E 650 is a multifunctional and widely equipped device that has: tone and balance adjustment, switchable loudness, switching on and off two pairs of acoustics, high-quality adjustable headphone output, built-in module with digital-to-analog converter, built-in module with MM/MS phono preamplifier, phase switch signal at the balanced input (on the rear panel of the amplifier).
The Accuphase E-650 amplifier has a brilliant soundstage and musicality, conveying even the most subtle and hidden nuances of music. Massive radiators are installed inside the case to ensure effective heat dissipation from transistors operating in pure class “A”. This allows them to work much more accurately and save their parameters.
Features of Accuphase E-650:
Digital LCD indicators move to the beat of the music.
Gold-plated high-quality acoustic connectors
Switch on and switch two pairs of speakers,
High-quality adjustable headphone output,
Built-in module with digital-to-analog converter (optional)
Built-in module with MM/MC phono stage (optional)
Signal phase switch on the balanced input (on the rear panel of the amplifier)
Characteristics Accuphase E-650
Output power 2 x 30 Watts at 8 ohms, 2 x 60 Watts at 4 ohms, 2 x 120 Watts at 2 ohms
Reproduction frequency 20-20000 Hz
Signal-to-noise ratio > 97 dB
Total harmonic distortion < 0.01%
Damping factor 800
Operating mode Pure class “A”
Circuit design Fully balanced
Tone control Yes
Inputs 2 pairs XLR, 5 pairs RCA Line + 1 pair Tape, 1 pair RCA and XLR input to the final stage of the amplifier Outputs
1 pair RCA, 1 pair XLR with pre cascade
Acoustic outputs A and B pair
Power consumption 290 Watt
Remote control Yes
Headphone output Jack 6.3 mm
Dimensions 465 x 428 x 191 mm (WxDxH)
Weight 25.3 kg
