Sound:
Accuphase e-406v is the best amplifier I've heard.
Design:
Looks better than new models,simple,little big vu meter

many people have raved about the clarity / sweetness and the excellent build of the accuphase integrated amp line. i am not sure, if i can add any more, but let me share a little experience with you. i have a feeling that accuphase gear is designed to be somehow sensual. distinctive gold colour, engaging sound, classic meters, but the best part is that after a lenghty listening (...late at night) the whole thick alu faceplate is getting lukewarm. when you touch the volume/selector knobs, it feels like a warm, friendly live animal with you. i like it.

Natural, effortless, sound. It's not hifi, it's musical reproduction as itr should be. Unfussy of cabling.

Requires careful attention to source set up and supports.

Already a fan of the Accuphase supremely natural approach to reproducing musical performances, with the entry level E211 playing the part of debutant, the E407V is even more of a open window onto the music, with extra helpings of depth, breadth, and dynamics. It's fussier of the set up, and passes on the quality of the source. Swapping amps led me to examine the source components (Michell t/t, Moerch arm, Pearwood Celeb. cartridge, Plinius phono stage) - why was the impact so underwhelming? Sure enough, one of the turntable's springs had jammed at an angle, restricting movement. Having corrected this mechanical glitch, the veil was lifted, and the sound took off. So, what distinguishes a $3K amp from a $7K amp from the same distinguished manufacturer? The answer does lie partly in the scale and dynamic of the sound. But that's only part of the story. The other difference is a purity of sound, an unflappability and honesty with whatever is fed in via the source. The difference in these terms is even greater, albeit subtler, but turns evenings in into nights out! Truly wonderful sound. Don't worry about all the knobs and buttons - who knows if they're useful, but they don't make a blind bit of difference to the pleasure I have got from the new heart of my system.

Similar Products Used:

Accuphase E211

Power, details, looks.

Price maybe, but all good things are expensive.

The very best. I use it with a Marantz CD14, Celestion Kingston speakers, a Yamamura M6000 interconnect and Straightwire Crescendo speaker-cables. The E406v sounds transparant with very airy highs hand great micro details. It really involves you.