Discovering the AccuPhase Laboratory: A Closer Look at Their Range of Amplifiers, including E-800, E-650, E-380, E-280, E-4000, and E-5000

AccuPhase is a Japanese company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, and digital signal processors. Their products are known for their exceptional sound quality, reliability, and elegant design.


One of the key features of AccuPhase's amplifiers is their proprietary AAVA volume control technology. AAVA stands for Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier, and it is a unique circuit design that uses a series of stepped attenuators to control volume levels. The AAVA circuitry ensures that the volume control operates with high precision and minimal distortion, resulting in a clean, transparent sound that is faithful to the original recording.

AccuPhase offers a range of amplifiers to suit different budgets and requirements. Let's take a closer look at some of their most popular models:

1. E-800: This is AccuPhase's flagship amplifier, and it is designed for the most demanding audiophiles. The E-800 delivers a whopping 50 watts of power per channel into 8 ohms, and it can drive even the most demanding speakers with ease. The E-800 features a fully balanced circuit design, with separate power supplies for each channel, and it uses high-quality components throughout.
2. E-650: The E-650 is a slightly more affordable option that still delivers exceptional performance. It delivers 30 watts of power per channel into 8 ohms, and it features a fully balanced circuit design and AccuPhase's proprietary AAVA volume control. The E-650 is a great choice for those who want top-notch performance without breaking the bank.
3. E-380: The E-380 is a stereo amplifier that delivers 120 watts of power per channel into 1 ohm. It features a high-current power supply and AccuPhase's AAVA volume control, as well as a range of other advanced circuitry. The E-380 is a great choice for those who want a powerful and versatile amplifier that can drive a wide range of speakers.
4. E-280: The E-280 is a more compact amplifier that still delivers exceptional performance. It delivers 120 watts of power per channel into 1 ohm, and it features a high-current power supply and AccuPhase's AAVA volume control. The E-280 is a great choice for those who want a high-performance amplifier that won't take up too much space.
5. E-4000: The E-4000 is a four-channel amplifier that delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It features a fully balanced circuit design and AccuPhase's AAVA volume control, as well as a range of other advanced features. The E-4000 is a great choice for those who want to drive multiple speakers in a home theater or multi-room audio setup.
6. E-5000: The E-5000 is a five-channel amplifier that delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It features a fully balanced circuit design and AccuPhase's AAVA volume control, as well as a range of other advanced features. The E-5000 is a great choice for those who want to drive multiple speakers in a home theater setup.

Accuphase E-4000

AccuPhase's E-4000 and E-5000 amplifiers are two of the company's most impressive offerings, and they are designed to deliver exceptional performance in multi-channel audio setups. Here are some of the key features and audiophile technology that you can expect from these amplifiers:

Upgrade Your Home Audio Experience with Polk Audio's Command Bar and React Bar

Polk Audio is known for their innovative designs and engineering, which they use to deliver outstanding sound quality and user experience. They also use cutting-edge technology to produce their products, such as Dynamic Balance® drivers, patented PowerPort® technology, and more.


One of the most popular products from Polk Audio is their soundbars, which include the Polk Command Bar and React Bar. 

The Polk Command Bar is a smart sound bar that offers a variety of features to enhance your home audio experience. Here are some of its key features:

• Amazon Alexa built-in: With Amazon Alexa integration, you can control your music and other smart home devices with just your voice. Simply ask Alexa to play your favorite tunes, set reminders, or control your smart home devices.
• Wireless subwoofer: The Command Bar comes with a wireless subwoofer that provides deep, powerful bass. This allows you to enjoy your music, movies, and TV shows with rich, immersive sound.
• Bluetooth connectivity: The Command Bar also offers Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device.
• HDMI ARC: The soundbar features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which allows you to control the soundbar with your TV remote. This makes it easy to switch between inputs and adjust the volume without having to use multiple remotes.
• VoiceAdjust technology: The Command Bar also includes Polk's patented VoiceAdjust technology, which lets you customize the voice levels in movies, TV shows, and sports broadcasts. This means you can adjust the volume of dialogue to your liking, making it easier to hear conversations and understand what's being said on screen.

  

  Polk Audio Command Bar

Easy setup: Setting up the Command Bar is simple, thanks to its easy-to-follow instructions and included cables. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to install in any room.

The Polk React Bar is another soundbar from Polk Audio that is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality. It features Polk's also includes patented VoiceAdjust™ technology, a wireless subwoofer and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a compact design.

Night Mode: The React Bar features Night Mode, which reduces the bass and increases the voice levels to make it easier to hear dialogue 

at lower volumes. This is particularly useful if you like to watch movies or TV shows late at night without disturbing others in your household.

Both the Polk Command Bar and React Bar are great options for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar that delivers exceptional sound quality and functionality. They are also both very reasonably priced, making them a great value for anyone on a budget.

In conclusion, Polk Audio is a well-respected audio equipment manufacturer known for their high-quality products and innovative engineering. Their soundbars, including the Polk Command Bar and React Bar, are great options for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system. With features like Amazon Alexa integration and VoiceAdjust™ technology, these soundbars deliver exceptional functionality and sound quality at an affordable price point.

If you are not sure yet which product is suitable for your home, you can run the advice sequence: Help me choose, on the Polk website home page.

Hifi show Leiden – An exciting line-up of the latest HIFI technology

This year, on the 30^th of November and 1^st of December, the 4^th edition of the Hifi Show from The HIFI Studio Number One was held at the Holiday Inn at Leiden, Netherlands.  Former years when the show was held were 2012, 2014 and 2016.

There were 12 rooms booked at the Holiday Inn to present the latest in hifi development and a lot of high-end brands were presented. Among the brands there were a few of my favorites:

Accuphase

Dynaudio

Monitor Audio

Naim Audio

Anthem (Paradigm)

Roksan

Yamaha

We arrived at 11:00 on Saturday. We were invited at the welcome desk to enter our names for a lottery, with a chance of winning a nice prize! Well, that is a small effort, so why not?

The real hot items during the show were the audiophile digital music streamers and servers. There was a lot of choice and it seems that a lot of brands are making their own software and hardware these days, with a comprehensive number of features and functions.

Aurum Cantus, wereldklasse voor een hele scherpe prijs

Het merk Aurum Cantus is ontstaan in 1994 en het is een oorspronkelijke Chinese fabrikant. Sinds 2001 is er een samenwerking ontstaan met de Italiaanse luidsprekerfabrikant ATD. Aurum Cantus produceert voor de eigen ontwerpen maar levert ook units als OEM product aan derden.

Aurum Cantus betekent 'Gouden Lied' en als je naar de speakers luistert begrijp je het meteen.
De speakers klinken echt fantastisch! Het merk is nog onbekend in Nederland en wordt nog maar in weinig zaken verkocht. Het is onbegrijpelijk als je de speakers ziet en hoort.

Het design ziet er heel verzorgd uit. Hoogwaardige constructie en materialen. Het oogt ook nog eens stijlvol. Een succesformule zou je zeggen, vooral als je naar de prijzen vraagt. Ze scoren hoog wat betreft de prijs/kwaliteit verhouding, ontwerp en sound in high end hifi.

Polk Audio TSi300, een staande ovatie!

Polk Audio  TSi300

Polk Audio is een producent van high performance audio produkten, en het grootste audiomerk van Directed Electronics Inc. In Nederland is Polk Audio nog geen bijster populair merk. Maar daar komt de komende tijd hopelijk verandering in.

De TSi Serie luidsprekers tilt de standaard voor geweldig klinkende luidsprekers, die ook nog eens betaalbaar zijn, naar een hoger niveau.

De TSI-serie zit tussen de Monitor-serie en de RTi serie in.
De TSi300 is de meest compacte staande speaker in de TSI-serie. De betaalbare prijs en kleine footprint betekent dat ze kunnen worden gebruikt als de frontspeakers in een home theater setup, of als de belangrijkste luidsprekers in een stereo-setting zonder dat je ruimte op je boekenplanken moet vinden of extra speaker accessoires moet kopen.

Onkyo TX-NR609, klaar voor de toekomst

Key Features

• THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified
• HDMI® Support for 3D Video and Audio Return Channel
• Network Capability Delivers Internet Radio and Network Audio Streaming via Ethernet
• 4K Video Upscaling and Processing via Qdeo™ Technology
• Audyssey DSX™ and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz

Uiterlijk

Onkyo heeft het uiterlijke design een makeover gegeven, met een eenvoudigere look qua knoppen. Het ziet er opgeruimd en overzichtelijk uit. De hoofd-of basisfuncties zitten op de goede plekken en de volumeknop met een wit verlichte rand ziet er geweldig uit en voelt ook zo.

Het display is groot en makkelijk af te lezen. Alle info die je nodig hebt staat erop.
Onderaan op de voorzijde zie je een van de vele HDMI ingangen. Ook een hoofdtelefoon-aansluiting, een composiet video ingang, een USB-poort (voor een iPod/iPhone of opslag apparaat) en ook een ingang voor de setup microfoon die meegeleverd is.

JBL LS80 Speakers maken indruk!

JBL LS80 Speaker

Eerste oogopslag: mooie grote, statige en mooi afgewerkte speakers

De speakers

Op het eerste gezicht zul je je misschien niet realiseren dat nieuwe LS80 JBL luidsprekers iets bieden, dat weinig andere home hi-fi luidsprekers kunnen bieden. Dat 'iets' is een compressie driver. Deze zijn vaker te vinden in professionele P.A. systemen en in veel van de monitor luidspreker systemen die worden gebruikt in opnamestudio's.

In het geval van de LS80, is de vorm van het hoorn type gepatenteerd door JBL, met de naam 'BiRadial'. 

In feite is er een veel betere energie-overdracht dan bij een dome-tweeter.
Hoewel de compressie driver zeer geschikt is voor het leveren van een hoge efficiëntie, is het normaal gesproken een nachtmerrie als het gaat om de frequentie response en dispersie, voor HiFi begrippen. Zo niet bij de Bi-Radial horn, het gepatenteerde ontwerp van JBL omzeilt dit 'probleem'.

Boven de Bi-Radial horn aan de voorkant van de LS80 is een 19mm polyester-film ring radiator super-tweeter.
JBL's Waveguide zit er om de efficiëntie van de tweeter aan te passen zodat deze overeenkomt met de efficiëntie van de compressie driver eronder.
Bass en de lagere midden frequenties worden geleverd door twee identieke bas / midrange drivers drivers met een diameter van 200mm. Zoals je zou verwachten van JBL, zijn dit zeer indrukwekkend units.