ACCUPHASE E-3000

The Accuphase E-3000 is an integrated amplifier that embodies the technical and sonic heritage of the Japanese brand's high-end tradition, offering refined performance in a compact but powerful format. It is the evolution of the E-280 and E-380 models, of which it collects and perfects the most significant features. Despite its compact size, it is able to deliver a power of 100 watts into 8 ohms and 150 watts into 4 ohms, ensuring absolute control even on demanding speakers.

The amplification takes place in class AB thanks to a configuration of three bipolar transistors in parallel per channel, capable of withstanding high currents and voltages, ensuring exceptional linearity and long-lasting reliability. The amplifier circuit is structured according to the principle of the instrument amplifier, which allows the generation of a perfectly balanced signal, while the use of balanced feedback with Remote Sensing helps to further lower the output impedance, bringing the damping factor to a remarkable value of 600, thus improving control over the speakers and reducing distortion and noise.

The heart of the volume management is entrusted to the AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) ​​system, an exclusive technology that completely eliminates traditional potentiometers from the signal path. In this further optimized version, the AAVA module is equipped with amplifier buffers placed near the input connectors to minimize induced noise, achieving a level of silence superior to previous models. The integration of the ANCC circuit, which detects and cancels noise and distortion components with a reverse polarity current, allows for even purer and more precise sound at any volume level.

The power supply is massive and robust, with a custom-designed toroidal transformer positioned centrally and flanked by 33,000 µF filter capacitors, while the monoblock architecture physically separates the left and right channels to preserve signal integrity. Attention to mechanics extends to the chassis, with high-carbon cast iron feet isolating the unit from external vibrations. Loudspeaker protection is provided by an ultra-low resistance MOS-FET switch, replacing traditional mechanical relays to further improve reliability and sound quality.

The elegant, streamlined front panel houses large VU meters for a clear view of output levels, while the controls are laid out for ease of use without sacrificing aesthetics. The E-3000 offers two expansion slots on the rear for optional cards such as the DAC-60 for digital inputs and the AD-60 for phono inputs, with easy source selection via the front-panel selector. The phono section’s gain and input impedance are adjustable to accommodate a wide range of MM and MC cartridges.

The E-3000 represents the meeting point between precision engineering and authentic musicality, a machine designed to reproduce every nuance of the recording with dynamics, transparency and naturalness. This amplifier, despite being the most compact of the AB series from Accuphase, offers performance and refinement of a true champion, capable of satisfying even the most demanding audiophiles.

Technical specifications:

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

Pre and power amplifier: 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; double set of speaker terminals (A/B/A+B)

Amplifier 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; photocoupler; temperature sensor

Additional functions: deactivable tone control; phase selector; channel balance; mono mode; -20 dB attenuator; loudness; Tape Loop

Headphone amplifier: Discrete

Indicators: Analog Peak Power Meter; multifunction display

Expandability: 2 slots for optional cards (DAC, Phono, Line); dedicated controls

Feet: High Carbon insulators with high damping

Remote control: Included

Dimensions (W x H x D): 465 x 161 x 422 mm

Weight: 23.1 kg