The Accuphase E-460 is a high-end integrated stereo amplifier, representing a refined iteration in the E-400 series. It incorporates a revolutionary AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume control and features a triple parallel push-pull power MOS-FET arrangement in its output stage. The amplifier is designed to deliver high-quality audio with exceptional reliability and performance.
Function Description:
The E-460's primary function is to amplify audio signals from various sources and deliver them to loudspeakers. Its integrated design combines pre-amplification and power amplification in a single chassis. The AAVA volume control is a key feature, operating purely in the analog domain to maintain high performance and sonic purity without the use of variable resistors, thus preventing performance degradation over time. This approach ensures that the amplification and volume control tasks are integrated seamlessly.
The power amplifier section is built on an instrumentation amplifier principle, allowing for fully balanced signal transmission. It utilizes current feedback design and an improved MCS+ (Multiple Circuit Summing) topology for enhanced electrical characteristics. The output stage employs high-power MOS-FET devices in a triple parallel push-pull configuration per channel, chosen for their excellent frequency response, high input impedance, and thermal stability.
The robust power supply features a massive high-efficiency toroidal transformer and large filtering capacitors (33,000 µF x 2), providing ample reserves for high output power. Logic-controlled relays are used for signal paths, ensuring high sound quality and long-term reliability.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Rated Continuous Average Output Power (both channels operating simultaneously at 20 - 20,000 Hz):
- 260 W/ch into 4-ohm load
- 220 W/ch into 6-ohm load
- 180 W/ch into 8-ohm load
- Total Harmonic Distortion (both channels operating simultaneously at 20 - 20,000 Hz):
- 0.05% into 4 to 16 ohm load
- IM Distortion: 0.01% or less
- Frequency Characteristics:
- LINE INPUT/POWER INPUT: 20-20,000 Hz +0, -0.2 dB (for rated continuous average output)
- 3-150,000 Hz +0, -3.0 dB (for 1 watt output)
- Damping Factor: 200 (with 8-ohm load, 50 Hz)
- Input Sensitivity, Input Impedance:
- LINE INPUT: 190 mV sensitivity for rated output, 14.2 mV for 1 W output, 20 kΩ impedance.
- BALANCED INPUT: 190 mV sensitivity for rated output, 14.2 mV for 1 W output, 40 kΩ impedance.
- POWER INPUT: 1.51 V sensitivity for rated output, 113 mV for 1 W output, 20 kΩ impedance.
- Output Voltage, Output Impedance:
- PRE OUTPUT: 1.51 V, 50-ohm (at rated continuous average output)
- Gain:
- LINE INPUT -> PRE OUTPUT: 18 dB
- POWER INPUT -> OUTPUT: 28 dB
- Tone Controls:
- BASS: Turnover frequency 300 Hz, adjustment range ±10 dB (50 Hz).
- TREBLE: Turnover frequency 3 kHz, adjustment range ±10 dB (20 kHz).
- Loudness Compensation: +6 dB (100 Hz)
- Attenuator: -20 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Input shorted, A weighting):
- LINE INPUT: 107 dB (rated output), 93 dB (EIA S/N).
- BALANCED INPUT: 100 dB (rated output), 93 dB (EIA S/N).
- POWER INPUT: 123 dB (rated output), 100 dB (EIA S/N).
- Load Impedance: 4-16 ohms
- Stereo Headphones: Suitable impedance: 8 ohms or above
- Power Consumption: 92 watts idle (idle), 440 watts in accordance with IEC 60065.
- Maximum Dimensions: Width 465 mm (18-5/16"), Height 181 mm (7-1/8"), Depth 428 mm (16-7/8").
- Mass: 24.4 kg (53.8 lbs) net, 30.0 kg (66.1 lbs) in shipping carton.
Usage Features:
- AAVA Volume Control: Offers 65,536 possible volume steps, providing precise and smooth volume adjustment. The operation feels similar to a conventional volume control, with the knob position detected by a CPU that controls current switches.
- Output Phase Selection: Individually selectable for each input, with visual indication (INV LED).
- EXT PRE Switch: Allows independent use of the power amplifier section by separating the pre-amplifier and power amplifier.
- Option Board Slots: Two slots are available for optional boards, enhancing versatility.
- DAC-30/DAC-20 Digital Input Boards: Feature a high-performance MDS++ D/A converter. The DAC-30 includes a USB port for connecting to a computer for high-resolution music playback (up to 96 kHz/24 bit via USB, up to 192 kHz/24 bit via coaxial). The DAC-20 supports coaxial and optical fiber connections (up to 96 kHz/24 bit).
- AD-20 Analog Disc Input Board: Provides a high-performance phono equalizer for analog records, with MC/MM switching available on the E-460's front panel. Internal DIP switches allow control of MC input impedance (10/30/100 ohms selectable) and subsonic filter on/off.
- LINE-10 Line Input Board: Provides an additional set of unbalanced line inputs.
- Dedicated Headphone Amplifier: Optimized for sound quality.
- Analog Peak Power Meters: For monitoring output levels.
- Loudness Compensator: Enhances bass at low listening levels.
- Tone Controls: Uses active filters for optimum sound quality.
- Speaker Terminals: Two sets of large-size speaker terminals that also accept Y lugs.
- Balanced Inputs: Two balanced inputs to minimize external noise interference.
- Bi-amping Setup Capability: Supports bi-amping with separate amplifiers for LOW and HIGH frequency ranges, provided the speakers have a built-in crossover network and separate inputs.
- Remote Commander RC-200: Supplied for convenient volume adjustment and input source switching.
- Front Panel Display: Shows the volume level as a numeric value (degree of attenuation) ranging from MAX (0 dB) to MIN (lowest setting).
- Function Buttons: Include speaker selectors (A: ON/OFF, B: ON/OFF), recording selector, preamplifier/power amplifier separator, phase selector, tone control (ON/OFF), meter operation (ON/OFF), MONO/STEREO selector, volume level display (ON/OFF), loudness compensator, and MC/MM selector.
Maintenance Features:
- Reliable AAVA Design: The AAVA volume control, being an electronic circuit with fixed-value resistors, eliminates left/right tracking differences and crosstalk, and prevents performance degradation over time, contributing to long-term reliability.
- Logic-controlled Relays: Assure long-term reliability of signal paths.
- Robust Construction: The amplifier's robust power supply and overall build quality contribute to its durability and stable performance over an extended period.
- User Manual and Support: The product is supplied with an AC power cord and remote commander. Further details and support can be found on the Accuphase website. The manual also specifies that the product is available in versions for 120V/230V AC, and users should ensure the voltage matches their AC line voltage.
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