ACCUPHASE E-3000

The Accuphase E-3000 is an integrated amplifier that encapsulates the technical and sonic heritage of the Japanese brand’s high-end tradition, delivering refined performance in a compact yet powerful form. It stems from the evolution of the E-280 and E-380 models, incorporating and refining their most significant features. Despite its modest dimensions, it is capable of delivering 100 watts into 8 ohms and 150 watts into 4 ohms, ensuring full control even with demanding loudspeakers.

Amplification is handled in Class AB through a triple parallel push-pull configuration using bipolar transistors per channel, capable of withstanding high current and voltage, ensuring exceptional linearity and long-term reliability. The amplification circuit is based on the instrumentation amplifier principle, which allows for the creation of a perfectly balanced signal, while the use of balanced feedback with Remote Sensing further reduces output impedance, achieving an impressive damping factor of 600. This enhances speaker control and reduces distortion and noise.

At the heart of volume control lies the AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) system, a proprietary technology that eliminates traditional variable resistors from the signal path entirely. In this newly optimized version, the AAVA module features buffer amplifiers placed close to the input connectors to minimize induced noise, resulting in a quieter performance compared to previous models. The integration of the ANCC circuit, which detects and cancels noise and distortion components by injecting an inverted-polarity current, delivers an even purer and more accurate sound at any volume level.

The power supply section is robust and massive, with a custom toroidal transformer placed centrally, flanked by 33,000 µF filter capacitors, while the monoblock architecture physically separates the left and right channels to preserve signal integrity. Mechanical design is also carefully considered, with high-carbon cast iron feet isolating the unit from external vibrations. Loudspeaker protection is entrusted to an ultra-low-resistance MOS-FET switch, replacing traditional mechanical relays to further enhance reliability and sound quality.

The front panel, both elegant and functional, features large VU meters for clear output level monitoring, while the layout of the controls is designed for intuitive operation without sacrificing aesthetics. The E-3000 offers two expansion slots on the rear for optional boards such as the DAC-60 for digital inputs and the AD-60 for phono inputs, with source selection made easy via the front selector. The gain and input impedance of the phono section are adjustable to accommodate a wide range of MM and MC cartridges.

The E-3000 represents the perfect blend of precision engineering and authentic musicality, a machine designed to reproduce every nuance of a recording with dynamics, transparency, and naturalness. Despite being the most compact Class AB model in the Accuphase lineup, it delivers performance and sophistication worthy of true high-end status, capable of satisfying even the most demanding audiophiles.

Technical Specifications:

• Output Power per Channel: 100 W into 8 Ohms; 150 W into 4 Ohms
• Operating Class: AB
• Frequency Response: 3 Hz – 150 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.05% from 4 to 16 Ohms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): up to 122 dB
• Volume Control: AAVA with 5 parallel buffers; ANCC technology
• Preamp and Power Amp: separable sections; AV Bypass / Home Theatre Pass Through compatible
• Inputs: 2x balanced XLR; 5x unbalanced RCA; Power In RCA; Recorder In/Out RCA
• Outputs: Pre Out RCA; dual speaker terminals (A/B/A+B)
• Amplification Stage: symmetrical Mono Block; triple parallel Push-Pull
• Output Technology: Current Feedback; Balanced Remote Sensing
• Damping Factor: 600
• Power Supply: custom toroidal transformer; 2x 33,000 µF / 71 V capacitors
• Input Selection: via logic-controlled relays
• Protections: low-resistance MOS-FET; photo-coupler; temperature sensor
• Additional Features: defeatable tone controls; phase selector; channel balance; mono mode; -20 dB attenuator; loudness; Tape Loop
• Headphone Amplifier: discrete components
• Indicators: analog Peak Power Meters; multifunction display
• Expandability: 2 slots for optional boards (DAC, Phono, line); dedicated controls
• Feet: high-damping High Carbon isolators
• Remote Control: included
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 465 x 161 x 422 mm
• Weight: 23.1 kg