Accuphase E-3000
The Accuphase E-3000 is a next-generation integrated amplifier that brings flagship-level engineering to a more accessible form. It succeeds the E-280 and E-380, blending the warmth and musicality of Accuphase’s legacy with modern refinements in power delivery, signal purity, and control.
Design and Build Quality
The E-3000 is unmistakably Accuphase—beautifully finished with brushed gold aluminum, analog VU meters, and robust, precisely weighted knobs. Weighing in at over 23kg, it is solidly built and designed to suppress mechanical vibration through heavy-duty cast iron insulators. The front panel is clean, symmetrical, and exudes both sophistication and functional elegance.
Amplification and Power Delivery
Rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (150 watts into 4 ohms), the E?3000 delivers its power through triple-parallel push-pull Class AB output stages. The amplifier benefits from a high damping factor (600), which allows for excellent control over loudspeakers, particularly in the bass region. Accuphase’s balanced remote sensing technology ensures precise feedback and stable output regardless of speaker cable length or load.
Volume Control and Circuitry
At the heart of the amplifier is Accuphase’s proprietary AAVA (Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume control. Unlike traditional potentiometers, AAVA maintains signal integrity by controlling volume without introducing resistance into the signal path. This is complemented by the ANCC (Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit), which reduces noise and distortion even at low levels, preserving dynamics and clarity across the volume range.
The E-3000 also employs a current feedback topology to ensure excellent phase accuracy, resulting in fast transient response and lifelike detail. Its power supply features a massive toroidal transformer and large filter capacitors that provide ample current reserve for dynamic peaks.
Connectivity and Expandability
The amplifier offers both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs, along with pre-out and main-in jacks for integration with external components. Two expansion slots allow users to install optional modules—such as the DAC-60 for high-resolution digital inputs or the AD-60 for MM/MC phono stages—making the E-3000 a highly flexible centerpiece of any audio system. Additional tone controls, mono and phase switch, and a high-quality headphone output further enhance its versatility.
Sound Quality
The E-3000 is designed to deliver a refined, neutral, and natural sound. Bass is deep, tight, and well-controlled thanks to the high damping factor, while the midrange remains fluid and uncolored. High frequencies are extended yet never harsh, preserving detail without becoming analytical. Imaging is precise, and the soundstage is wide and stable, lending itself equally well to classical, jazz, and modern genres.
Its musical presentation is both authoritative and graceful—offering the kind of emotional engagement that Accuphase amplifiers are known for. Even at lower volumes, the sound retains its richness and nuance, a testament to the benefits of the AAVA volume system.
Everyday Use
In daily use, the E-3000 is intuitive and enjoyable. The tactile feel of the controls, the visual feedback from the meters, and the stable operation all contribute to a user-friendly experience. Despite its sophisticated internals, setup is straightforward, and its internal architecture is designed for long-term stability and serviceability.
Conclusion
The Accuphase E-3000 strikes a near-perfect balance between power, elegance, and musicality. It delivers top-shelf performance in a single-box solution, with the flexibility to grow alongside your system thanks to modular expansion. For listeners seeking long-term investment in an integrated amplifier that delivers both technical excellence and emotional resonance, the E-3000 is a standout choice.
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