Accuphase E-800S

The E-800S represents the culmination of over five decades of Accuphase expertise in high-fidelity amplifier design. This evolution of the E-800 integrates a new Balanced AAVA volume control with ANCC technology and a reinforced power supply. Operating in pure Class A dual-mono, it delivers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms with a damping factor of 1000, enabling it to drive any loudspeaker with authority and musicality.

A monumental build in the service of sonic purity

With its imposing dimensions (465 × 239 × 502 mm) and 35.7 kg weight, the E-800S showcases uncompromising construction. The front panel sports Accuphase’s signature champagne-gold finish, enhanced with gold rings and the brand’s two iconic analog VU meters.

The chassis features a fully dual-mono architecture with independent heat sinks per channel. This separation ensures perfect isolation and contributes to the 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio, improved by 1 dB compared to the E-800. The volume knob, machined from solid aluminum, is mounted on a floating mechanism with silicone rubber to isolate vibrations.

Balanced AAVA volume control: a breakthrough technology

The Balanced AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) system revolutionizes traditional volume control. Instead of variable resistors, it converts the signal into 16 binary-weighted currents, offering 65,536 theoretical steps with 0.2 dB increments. The E-800S uses two AAVA modules per channel in a symmetrical configuration, eliminating mechanical wear and channel imbalance.

The new ANCC circuit actively cancels noise and distortion, particularly effective at low levels. The integrated tone control (±10 dB bass/treble) is implemented without additional components in the signal path.

Exceptional Class A amplification

The power stage employs six pairs of Fairchild MOS-FET transistors per channel, capable of 33 amperes. Power doubles with each halving of impedance: 50W/8Ω, 100W/4Ω, 200W/2Ω, up to 300W/1Ω with a musical signal. This linearity reflects the robustness of the power supply, comprising a toroidal transformer and two 63,000 μF capacitors (versus 60,000 μF on the E-800).

The damping factor of 1000 ensures absolute control over the loudspeakers. Protection uses MOS-FET switches (1 mΩ resistance) rather than mechanical relays, guaranteeing sonic transparency and instantaneous protection.

Sophisticated protection and comprehensive connectivity

Connectivity includes three balanced XLR inputs and five unbalanced RCA inputs, XLR/RCA pre-out outputs for bi-amping, two pairs of binding posts, and a dedicated headphone output. Two slots accommodate optional boards: DAC-60 (USB/coaxial/optical with dual ESS ES9016K2M) and AD-60 (MM/MC phono preamplifier stage).

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between the E-800S and the previous E-800?

The E-800S primarily brings a new Balanced AAVA volume control with ANCC technology, reducing noise by 1 dB (105 dB versus 104 dB). The filtering capacitors increase from 60,000 to 63,000 μF per channel, and several internal optimizations improve thermal management and circuit protection.

Is 50 watts sufficient for demanding speakers?

The E-800S’s 50 watts in Class A are not comparable to an equivalent Class AB rating. Its exceptional current capability (up to 33A) and damping factor of 1000 allow it to drive demanding speakers with authority, including those dropping to 2 or even 1 ohm.

Can the E-800S be used for bi-amping?

Yes, the XLR and RCA pre-out outputs allow you to add an external power amplifier. Gain is calibrated for compatibility with other Accuphase amplifiers, making pairing with an A-48S in a bi-amped setup especially straightforward.

Are the optional boards necessary?

No, the E-800S works perfectly without any add-on boards. The DAC-60 is for users who want to integrate digital sources directly, while the AD-60 will delight vinyl enthusiasts with its high-performance phono stage.

Technical specifications

Amplification and power

• 100% fully balanced amplifier from input to output
• Ultra-precise balanced AAVA volume control
• Class A push-pull MOS-FET power stages
• Linear power output:
  • 50 W / 8 Ω
  • 100 W / 4 Ω
  • 200 W / 2 Ω
  • 300 W / 1 Ω (music signal)
• Exceptional damping factor: 1000
• Massive power supply: toroidal transformer + 2 × 63,000 µF
• Premium construction: machined aluminum volume sensor, cast-iron insulators

Audio performance

• Total harmonic distortion: 0.03% (4–16 Ω) / 0.05% (2 Ω)
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.01%
• Frequency response:
  • 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
  • 3 Hz – 150 kHz (±3 dB at 1 W)
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • 105 dB (line / balanced inputs)
  • 120 dB (main in)

Connectivity and controls

• Inputs: 3 × XLR + 5 × RCA + 1 × main in (XLR / RCA)
• Outputs: pre-out XLR / RCA + 2 pairs of speaker binding posts (A / B)
• Headphones: dedicated output (≥ 8 Ω)
• Tone controls:
  • bass ±10 dB (300 Hz)
  • treble ±10 dB (3 kHz)
• Other functions:
  • loudness +6 dB (100 Hz)
  • attenuator −20 dB
  • mono / stereo selector
  • L / R balance via AAVA
  • speaker protection

Available options

• DAC-60: high-performance DAC (2 × ESS ES9016K2M)
• AD-60: MM / MC phono preamp with impedance selector + subsonic filter
• LINE-10: additional line input

Physical characteristics and power consumption

• Dimensions: 465 × 239 × 502 mm
• Net weight: 35.7 kg (45 kg packaged)
• Power consumption:
  • 190 W (idle – Class A)
  • 260 W (IEC 62368-1)
  • 0.3 W (standby)