The Accuphase E-405, released in October 1989, was designed from the outset with the goal of advancing the state of the art in integrated amplifier performance. To achieve this aim, the amplifier consists of a separate pre-amplifier and power amplifier section which are housed in a common enclosure. Even the power transformers are, rectyfying circuitry etc, are separate for the two sections.
In the power amplifier section, five pairs of transistors are used in a parallell push-pull configuration to ensure drastically improved drive capability. The advantages of this approach are apparent not only under extreme low-impedance load conditions, but also when driving speakers in the 4 to 8 ohm range. Drive current supply always remains stable and reliable. The power amplifier stage with its massive power transformer, large 33,000uFx2 filtering capacitors and 170 W/channel rating into 8 ohms (250W/channel into 4 ohms, 350W/channel into 2 ohms) far surpassed the domain of conventional integrated amplifiers at the time.
The pre-amplifier section features the same design as a high-end stand-alone pre-amplifier, with a 20dB line amplifier stage and 30dB phono stage which are powered by their own power transformer and rectifiers. Separate stabilizer circuits ensure totally uniform current supply and prevent interference between the respective amplifier stages.
Ok that sounds all very well, but very theoretical (and perhaps boring)
How does this heavy (26kg) beauty actually sound in real life?
Well, many people have tried to describe the unique sound of Accuphase, but the best and most accurate description I’ve read so far, which I think is very true also for the E-405, is this: “It is like an iron fist in a velvet glove!”. It produces a very detailed, warm and full sound at the same time. The music appears natural, and your ears won’t get tired even after a very long listening session, which is perhaps not something that is too common.
I am currently running my amplifier with an Accuphase DP-70, a very musical and analogue vintage CD player from the same period as the E-405, and a pair of unique Swedish concrete speakers – Rauna Leira II. I also have a Marantz CD94 (CD player from early 90’s), and I sometimes switch between this one and the Accuphase DP-70 to hear the difference.
Viewed separately, each of these units are known for their clarity and live-like sound (although you probably have never heard of the Rauna Leira before…).
Taken together, the sound is definitely not bad, but can be improved. There is something missing, which I am trying to figure out. The cables I have for the moment are of unfamiliar origin, and I think that the sound can perhaps be improved by simply changing these.
New speaker cables and new inter-connectors have been ordered, but not yet received.
I have also bought new (second hand) speakers, Dunlavy Aletha, which I would like to test in my system. I didn’t buy these because I am not satisfied with my Rauna Leira, but because of the overall positive reviews that I have read about the Dunlavy Aletha.
Last but not least, I may get a second-hand Accuphase E-408, with a view to replacing my E-405.
If you have had any experiences with any of these models, please do not hesitate to write a few lines and share your views. All views, positive as well as negative, are welcome.
To be continued…..