Accuphase E-5000 Precision integrated Stereo Amplifier

Description

The new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier is supposed to present itself as a high-performance integrated amplifier operating in Class A/B, it even takes the role of a new flagship in this class, but at the same time defines a new model series, according to the Japanese high-end HiFi manufacturer Accuphase Laboratory Inc. One thing is certain: this new stereo integrated amplifier is a more than worthy system to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the traditional hi-fi company Accuphase Laboratory Inc. in a fitting manner. Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier – The new flagship on its 50th birthday Amplifier systems from Accuphase Laboratory Inc. have always been characterised by being among the finest systems of their kind. It is therefore obvious that the developers set themselves particularly high goals when it comes to a round anniversary. The new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier is therefore supposed to feature all the expertise that has been gathered over the past five decades. This also means that it offers all the relevant technologies that Accuphase Laboratory Inc. is known for in the amplifier category.

Tigh-power Class AB amplifier As already described, the Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier uses a classic Class AB amplifier stage. We have already mentioned that this is the most powerful amplifier of this class at Accuphase Laboratory Inc. to date, ranking directly below the Accuphase E-800, which, as we know, uses Class A. The description “powerful” can be taken literally here. And the description “mighty” can be taken literally, as the new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier measures no less than 465 mm in width, 211 mm in height and 502 mm in depth. This means that it weighs in at a considerable 33.8 kg. So you should really think about whether the hi-fi rack in which you want to place this behemoth is actually designed for it. But also when it comes to power, the new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier does not show any weakness and delivers a proud 240 watts to speaker systems with an impedance of 8 ohms. On speaker systems with an impedance of only 4 ohms, a whopping 320 watts are available. According to the manufacturer, this is the highest power that a stereo integrated amplifier from Accuphase Laboratory Inc. can offer. In addition, the new stereo integrated amplifier is designed in such a way that it has an enormously high damping factor. This ensures that the new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier can effortlessly control almost any loudspeaker system at any time and bring out the full potential of the speakers. According to the manufacturer, the amplifier is based on a completely symmetrical signal processing and a mono-block design, so that the best possible channel separation is guaranteed and each channel strip is provided with optimal conditions for impeccable quality. A look inside shows that the powerful power supply based on a highly efficient toroidal transformer and capacitors with 40,000 μF are centrally located. They are flanked on the left and right by the power amplifier modules with power transistors in a fivefold parallel push-pull circuit in class AB operation, whereas the preamplifier is arranged directly parallel to the front. Foto © Accuphase Laboratory Inc. | Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Balanced AAVA Volume Control The preamplifier once again relies on so-called Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifiers, also known simply as AAVA modules, whereby two are used per channel. According to Accuphase Laboratory Inc., the AAVA is a radically different volume control principle than the usual methods, eliminating all variable resistors from the signal path. AAVA is also used for balance control. Although the volume control itself is not directly integrated into the signal path, but only serves as a sensor for control signals, it has a remarkable attention to detail. Not only is a solid 8 mm thick metal axle used, but the transmission is also ingenious down to the last detail. Even the DC motor, which is also used here, has been designed for minimal operating noise and a floating bearing, and the entire construction rests in a CNC-milled aluminium block. The input selection is done via a switching logic in connection with relays and of course all options like phase setting for each input, loudness compensation, tone controls etc. are available, which one is used to from Accuphase Laboratory Inc.

Impressive variety of connections A look at the rear panel shows that this is a real control centre of the first order, because it is virtually littered with interfaces of all kinds. In addition to dozens of inputs and outputs in the form of RCA sockets, there are also balanced inputs and outputs in the form of XLR connectors, and there are even four pairs of solidly designed screw terminals (A/B configuration) for connecting the speakers. Two expansion slots and, of course, an integrated headphone amplifier must not be missed.

Classic Accuphase design Needless to say, the new Accuphase E-5000 Precision Integrated Stereo Amplifier presents itself in the classic design line of the traditional brand Accuphase Laboratory Inc. The front is adorned with a panel with two backlit VU meters and a centrally arranged LED display, flanked by two massive rotary encoders. Below this, behind a hinged cover, are numerous controls for individual adjustment.