Accuphase
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Specs
| Amplification type | Pure Class-A |
| Rated output (8 ohms) | 65 W per channel |
| Rated output (4 ohms) | 130 W per channel |
| Rated output (2 ohms) | 260 W per channel |
| Damping factor | 1000 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0 -0.2 dB (rated output), 0.5 Hz to 160 kHz +0 -3.0 dB (1 W) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.03% (4 to 16 ohms), 0.07% (2 ohms) |
| Signal to noise ratio | 123 dB (rated output, input shorted) |
| Gain | 28.0 dB |
| Input sensitivity | 0.91 V (rated output, balanced/unbalanced) |
| Input impedance | 40 kilohms (balanced), 20 kilohms (unbalanced) |
| Power consumption | 211 W (idle), 260 W (per IEC 62368-1) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 465 x 240 x 515 mm (18.31 x 9.45 x 20.28 in) |
| Weight | 44.6 kg |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Accuphase dealer by All Elite Audio. New Accuphase A-80 units include the full Accuphase USA manufacturer warranty of 3 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any service or setup questions.
What's in the Box
- Accuphase A-80 stereo power amplifier
- Detachable AC power cable
- Owner's manual
- Warranty documentation
Overview
The Accuphase A-80 is a pure Class-A stereo power amplifier that sits at the summit of Accuphase's stereo amplification lineup. Built around a massive, meticulously engineered power supply and a heavily paralleled output stage, it delivers effortless current into difficult loudspeaker loads while preserving the liquid tonal purity that defines Class-A operation. It is a statement piece designed for listeners who want authority, refinement, and long-term reliability from a single chassis.
Engineering highlights include Accuphase's Multiple Circuit Summing (MCS+) topology and current feedback amplification, which together lower distortion and noise while maintaining exceptional high frequency stability. The output stage uses many pairs of power transistors connected in parallel to achieve an extraordinarily high damping factor, giving the A-80 iron-fisted grip over woofers. Instrumentation-grade construction, extensive heat sinking, and Accuphase's characteristic build quality mean the amplifier runs its Class-A output cleanly and consistently.
The A-80 is intended for the serious audiophile assembling a reference-grade system. Paired with an Accuphase precision preamplifier and revealing loudspeakers, it offers a combination of delicacy, dynamic ease, and tonal saturation that rewards careful system matching. It can also be bridged for monophonic operation when even greater output and channel separation are desired.
Key Features
- Pure Class-A operation for low distortion and natural, liquid tonality
- Instrumentation-grade construction with Accuphase's signature build quality
- Current feedback amplifier topology for excellent high frequency stability
- MCS+ (Multiple Circuit Summing) circuitry to reduce noise and distortion
- Many parallel-connected output transistor pairs for very high damping factor
- Massive high-capacity power supply with large toroidal transformer
- Balanced and single-ended inputs with selectable operation
- Bridged monophonic mode for higher output and improved channel separation
- Large analog output level meters with adjustable illumination
How the A-80 Compares
Accuphase A-80 vs Accuphase A-300
The A-300 takes the pure Class-A philosophy to monophonic form, dedicating an entire chassis to each channel for maximum current delivery and channel separation. The A-80 delivers the same tonal character in a single stereo chassis, making it the more compact and elegant choice for one-box reference stereo. Choose the A-300 pair when your loudspeakers or room demand the ultimate in scale and grip. See the Accuphase A-300.
Accuphase A-80 vs Accuphase A-48S
The A-48S is the step down in the Class-A stereo range and shares the same fundamental voicing of natural warmth and refinement. The A-80 offers a larger power supply, higher damping factor, and greater dynamic reserves for driving demanding loads with more ease. Listeners with efficient speakers or smaller rooms may find the A-48S ideal, while the A-80 suits reference systems and more challenging loudspeakers. See the Accuphase A-48S.
Accuphase A-80 vs Accuphase P-7500
The P-7500 is a high-power AB stereo amplifier built for very high wattage into low impedances and large rooms. The A-80 instead pursues the liquid purity and tonal saturation of pure Class-A operation. Reach for the P-7500 when raw output into demanding loads is the priority, and the A-80 when the last word in Class-A refinement is the goal. See the Accuphase P-7500.
Accuphase A-80 vs Luxman M-10X
The Luxman M-10X is a powerful stereo amplifier with its own distinctive voicing and generous output capability. The Accuphase A-80 offers the tonal character and delicacy that pure Class-A design is known for, along with Accuphase's very high damping factor. Both are reference-class choices, so the decision comes down to sonic character and system synergy rather than any hierarchy. See the Luxman M-10X.
Recommended Speakers and Preamplifier
The A-80 rewards revealing, well-built loudspeakers and an Accuphase preamplifier that preserves its purity. These pairings balance the amplifier's Class-A refinement with its considerable current delivery.
- Marten Parker Trio Diamond The diamond tweeter and ceramic drivers reveal every nuance of the A-80's liquid Class-A midrange, while the amplifier's high damping factor keeps the bass tight and controlled.
- Gauder Akustik Capello 100 DV This transparent, dynamically capable floorstander thrives on the current reserves and grip of the A-80, delivering speed and detail without any hint of hardness.
- Spendor Classic 200Ti A refined, full-range classic design that pairs beautifully with Class-A warmth, using the A-80's authority to anchor its rich lower registers.
- Accuphase C-2900 Preamplifier A precision stereo preamplifier that matches the A-80's noise floor and resolution, forming a coherent reference Accuphase front end with balanced connectivity.
- Accuphase C-3900S Preamplifier For the ultimate flagship pairing, the C-3900S brings the highest level of Accuphase preamplification to fully exploit the A-80's transparency and dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of amplifier is the Accuphase A-80?
It is a pure Class-A stereo power amplifier, sitting at the top of Accuphase's stereo amplification lineup.
How much power does the A-80 produce?
It is rated at 65 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 130 watts into 4 ohms, and 260 watts into 2 ohms, all in pure Class-A.
Why does a Class-A amplifier have a lower wattage rating?
Class-A operation is inherently less efficient because the output devices conduct continuously, which produces very low distortion and natural tonality at the cost of headline wattage.
Can the A-80 drive difficult loudspeaker loads?
Yes. Its rated output doubles as impedance halves and its very high damping factor gives it strong control over demanding loads.
Can the A-80 be used as a monoblock?
Yes, the A-80 offers a bridged monophonic mode for higher output and improved channel separation when two units are used.
What is the damping factor of the A-80?
The A-80 has a damping factor of 1000, achieved through many parallel-connected output transistors.
Does the A-80 have balanced inputs?
Yes, it provides both balanced and single-ended inputs with selectable operation.
What preamplifier should I use with the A-80?
An Accuphase precision preamplifier such as the C-2900 or C-3900S is an ideal match for connectivity, noise floor, and voicing.
How is the A-80 different from the A-48S?
Both share the same Class-A voicing, but the A-80 has a larger power supply, higher damping factor, and greater dynamic reserves for more demanding systems.
How does the A-80 compare to the A-300?
The A-300 is a monophonic design offering one chassis per channel for maximum scale, while the A-80 delivers the same character in a single stereo chassis.
Does the A-80 run hot?
Class-A amplifiers dissipate heat continuously, so the A-80 uses extensive heat sinking and should be placed with good ventilation around it.
What are the output meters for?
The large analog meters display output level and add to the amplifier's visual presence, with adjustable illumination.
How heavy is the A-80?
It weighs approximately 44.7 kg, reflecting its massive power supply and robust construction.
What are the dimensions of the A-80?
It measures approximately 477 mm wide, 240 mm high, and 514 mm deep.
Is the A-80 suitable for large rooms?
It performs well in a wide range of rooms, and with efficient or revealing speakers it delivers effortless dynamics. Very large rooms with demanding speakers may also consider the A-300 monoblocks.
What speakers pair well with the A-80?
Revealing, well-engineered speakers such as Marten Parker Trio Diamond, Gauder Akustik Capello 100 DV, and Spendor Classic 200Ti pair beautifully with its Class-A character and control.
What circuit technologies does the A-80 use?
It employs Accuphase's current feedback topology and MCS+ circuitry to lower distortion and noise while maintaining high frequency stability.
Does the A-80 come with a warranty?
Yes, it includes a 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.
Is All Elite Audio an authorized Accuphase dealer?
Yes, All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer, so your A-80 arrives new with full manufacturer warranty support.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer offering genuine products, full manufacturer warranty coverage, expert system matching advice, and dedicated support before and after your purchase.
