Accuphase E-700 Integrated Amplifier
Accuphase E-700 Class A Integrated Stereo Amplifier Accuphase's entry point into pure Class A integrated amplification, built with technology drawn from the brand's 50th anniversar y flagship. A New Generation of Class A The Accuphase E-700 is the successor to the long-running E-650 and the amplifier that opens the door to pure Class A listening within the Accuphase integrated lineup. It draws directly on engineering developed for the E-800, the model built to mark Accuphase's 50th anniversary, and applies that engineering at a more attainable point in the catalog. The result is 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms in pure Class A operation, rising to 70 watts into 4 ohms, 140 watts into 2 ohms, and a peak of 160 watts into 1 ohm. Those numbers sound modest next to high wattage Class AB amplifiers, and that is by design. Class A operation trades raw output for linearity, keeping every output device biased on and active regardless of signal level, which is what gives Class A amplification its characteristic smoothness and freedom from crossover distortion. Balanced AAVA and the ANCC Noise Canceling Circuit At the heart of the E-700's preamplifier section is Accuphase's Balanced AAVA volume control, short for Analog Vari gain Amplifier. Rather than using a conventional variable resistor to set volume, which changes impedance as it's adjusted and can subtly color the signal, AAVA controls gain electronically across more than 65,000 discrete steps, so the signal path itself never changes character regardless of listening level. Working alongside AAVA is ANCC, the Accuphase Noise and Distortion Canceling Circuit. ANCC detects noise and distortion introduced at the earliest stage of the volume control's current to voltage conversion and injects a canceling signal of reversed polarity to eliminate it before it reaches the rest of the circuit. Accuphase states the combination reduces output noise voltage by 11 percent compared to the outgoing E-650, with a guaranteed signal to noise ratio of 103 decibels. Fourfold Push Pull Power Amplification The power amplifier stage is where the E-700 makes its clearest step up from its predecessor. Accuphase moved from a three element parallel push pull MOSFET output stage in the E-650 to a four element configuration in the E-700, the same basic architecture used in the Class A power amplifier A-80. Adding a fourth output device per channel increases both current delivery and long term reliability, and it's a meaningful part of why Class A output climbed from 30 watts in the E-650 to 35 watts here. The output stage is fed by a large toroidal transformer and a newly developed 56,000 microfarad filter capacitor bank, giving the amplifier a deep reserve of current for demanding musical peaks even though it never leaves Class A operation. Fully Balanced From Input to Output and a Damping Factor of 1,000 Signal integrity matters as much as raw power in a component at this level, and the E-700 keeps its signal path fully balanced from the moment it enters the amplifier to the moment it reaches the speaker terminals. That balanced architecture, combined with the low output impedance of the four element output stage, gives the E-700 a guaranteed damping factor of 1,000 into an 8 ohm load, a 25 percent improvement over the E-650 and a figure that matches Accuphase's own A-80 power amplifier. Damping factor describes how tightly an amplifier controls speaker cone movement after a signal stops, and a figure this high means the E-700 can grip low frequency drivers with authority, which matters especially with harder to drive speakers. Expansion Slots and What They Add The E-700 ships without a built in DAC or phono stage, and that's intentional. Two expansion slots on the rear panel accept Accuphase's optional DAC-60 digital input board or AD-60 phono equalizer board, and both can be installed at the same time. The DAC-60 adds USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs with support up to 384kHz PCM and DSD256. The AD-60 adds a moving coil and moving magnet capable phono stage with four selectable MC input impedance settings and fixed gain of 66dB for MC and 40dB for MM cartridges. For vinyl listeners building a system around the E-700. Where the E-700 Sits in the Accuphase Lineup Buyers comparing Class A Accuphase integrated amplifiers are usually weighing the E-700 against the E-800S, the true flagship of the line. The E-800S delivers roughly 50 watts per channel in Class A and sits at a meaningfully higher price point, with a more elaborate feature set to match. The E-700 gives up some of that headroom and polish but keeps the core of what makes Accuphase's Class A amplifiers distinct: the Balanced AAVA volume control, ANCC noise cancellation, and a fully balanced signal path, at a price that puts pure Class A ownership within reach of more listeners. For anyone who wants the Accuphase Class A sound without stepping up to flagship pricing, the E-700 is the amplifier built specifically for that decision. Key Specifications Price: $16,975.00 Amplifier Type: Fully balanced Class A integrated stereo amplifier Output Power: 35W per channel into 8 ohms, 70W into 4 ohms, 140W into 2 ohms, 160W peak into 1 ohm Output Stage: Fourfold parallel push pull MOSFET, pure Class A Damping Factor: 1,000 guaranteed (8 ohm load) Volume Control: Balanced AAVA with ANCC noise and distortion canceling circuit Frequency Response: 3Hz to 150kHz (+0/-3dB) Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.03% (8 to 16 ohms), 0.05% (2 to 4 ohms) Signal to Noise Ratio: 103dB guaranteed Inputs: 5 RCA line inputs, 2 balanced XLR inputs, unbalanced and balanced preamp in Outputs: Balanced and unbalanced preamp out, monitor/recorder loop, headphone jack Expansion Slots: 2, compatible with DAC-60 digital input board and AD-60 phono equalizer board (sold separately) Speaker Terminals: Dual sets (A, B, or A+B) Remote Control: Included Finish: Champagne gold front panel with illuminated VU meters Dimensions (W x H x D): 465mm x 191mm x 428mm Weight: 24.9kg Warranty: Full manufacturer's warranty through Accuphase's authorized U.S. distributor when purchased from an authorized dealer such as All Elite Audio. Confirm current term at time of purchase. Why Buy From All Elite Audio All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer, which means every E-700 we sell is backed by full manufacturer support and a genuine, non gray market warranty. Our team can walk you through matching the E-700 to your speakers, help you decide between the DAC-60 and AD-60 expansion boards, and set up the amplifier properly once it's in your home. Call: 443-402-5055Text: 443-402-5064Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 FAQ Does the Accuphase E-700 have a phono preamp built in?No, the E-700 does not include a phono stage as standard. It has two expansion slots on the rear panel, and one of them can be filled with the optional AD-60 phono equalizer board, which supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with four selectable MC impedance settings. If you plan to run a turntable, either build the cost of the AD-60 into your budget or plan on using a separate outboard phono preamp connected to one of the line level inputs. All Elite Audio can help you decide which route makes more sense for your specific turntable and cartridge. How does the E-700 compare to the Accuphase E-800S?The E-800S is Accuphase's true flagship Class A integrated amplifier, delivering roughly 50 watts per channel in Class A along with a more elaborate feature set and a correspondingly higher price. The E-700 uses the same fundamental technologies, Balanced AAVA volume control, ANCC noise cancellation, and a fully balanced signal path, but at 35 watts per channel and a lower price point. Most buyers choose between the two based on speaker sensitivity and room size rather than sound quality alone, since both share the same design philosophy. If your speakers are efficient and your room isn't oversized, the E-700 delivers the core Accuphase Class A experience without flagship pricing. What does Class A operation actually mean for sound quality?In a Class A amplifier, every output transistor stays active and biased on at all times, whether the amplifier is playing loud passages, quiet passages, or silence. This avoids the crossover distortion that can occur in Class AB designs when output devices switch on and off around the zero crossing point of the signal. The tradeoff is efficiency. Class A amplifiers run hotter and produce less output power per watt of electricity consumed than Class AB designs, which is why the E-700's rated output of 35 watts looks modest on paper compared to Class AB amplifiers at similar prices. In practice, many listeners find that Class A wattage goes further than the number suggests, since the amplifier is delivering exceptionally clean power throughout its entire range. What is a damping factor of 1,000 and why does it matter?Damping factor is a measure of how well an amplifier controls the movement of a speaker's woofer after the electrical signal driving it stops. A higher damping factor means the amplifier can more effectively stop the speaker cone from continuing to move on its own momentum, which keeps bass tight and prevents boominess or overhang. The E-700's guaranteed damping factor of 1,000 is a 25 percent improvement over its predecessor, the E-650, and it means the amplifier can maintain tight control even over speakers with demanding, low impedance woofers. This is one of the reasons the E-700 pairs well with a wide range of speaker types rather than being matched to any one style. Can the E-700 be used as a preamplifier or power amplifier only?Yes. The E-700 includes both balanced and unbalanced preamp outputs as well as amp inputs on the rear panel, so it can function as a standalone preamplifier feeding a separate power amp, or as a power amplifier being driven by an external preamp. A selector on the front panel lets you choose between these configurations. This flexibility makes the E-700 a reasonable long term investment even if your system evolves toward separates down the road. Does the E-700 have tone controls, and can they be bypassed?Yes, the E-700 includes balanced tone and balance controls accessible behind a hinged flap on the front panel, along with a mono/stereo switch and a loudness compensation circuit. All of these can be switched out of the signal path entirely when you want the purest possible route from source to speaker. Having them available but defeatable gives you the flexibility to correct for room or recording issues without committing to coloring every recording you play. What is the difference between the DAC-60 and AD-60 expansion boards, and can I install both?The DAC-60 is a digital input board adding USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs with support for high resolution PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD256, effectively turning the E-700 into a DAC equipped amplifier for digital sources. The AD-60 is a phono equalizer board for turntables, supporting both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Because the E-700 has two expansion slots, both boards can be installed simultaneously, giving you a fully equipped amplifier that handles digital sources and vinyl without any outboard boxes. All Elite Audio sells both boards separately and can install them for you. How much power do I actually need, and will 35 watts per channel be enough?The right amount of power depends heavily on your speakers' sensitivity and the size of your room, and Class A watts tend to feel more substantial than the same wattage figure from a Class AB amplifier. For most bookshelf and moderately sized floorstanding speakers in a typical living room, 35 watts of clean Class A power is genuinely plenty, and the E-700's damping factor and current delivery mean it won't run out of composure during dynamic peaks. If you're running large, inefficient speakers in a big room, it's worth talking to our team about whether the E-700 or a higher output model like the E-800S or one of Accuphase's Class AB integrated amplifiers is the better fit. Where can I buy the Accuphase E-700?All Elite Audio, located at 1921 York Rd in Timonium, Maryland, is an authorized Accuphase dealer and carries the E-700 with full manufacturer backing. You're welcome to visit our showroom to hear it in person, paired with the speakers and sources you're considering, before making a decision. Call us at 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to check current availability, ask about expansion board options, or set up a listening appointment.
