Accuphase · E Series

Accuphase E-280 Integrated

$6,995

Accuphase · E Series

The E-280 is the entry point to Accuphase: a 90-watt-per-channel integrated amplifier with the same AAVA volume control as the flagship models, built by hand in Yokohama.

Price is for one unit.

90 W/ch
into 8 Ω (120 W/ch into 4 Ω)
AAVA
volume control, 65,536 steps, no potentiometer
500
damping factor
45 lb
20.4 kg

Authorized Accuphase dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome

The story

The E-280 carries Accuphase's defining technology into its most affordable amplifier. AAVA, the Accurate Analog Variable Amplifier, controls volume with sixteen weighted current-to-voltage converters switched in combination, giving 65,536 possible settings with no variable resistor in the signal path, so the sound does not thin out or lose balance at low levels. The power stage is built as an instrumentation amplifier with double parallel push-pull bipolar transistors, current-feedback topology and balanced remote sensing, fed by a large transformer and 30,000 µF of filter capacitance.

Around the core are five line inputs, two balanced inputs, a recorder loop, pre-out and main-in jacks for bi-amping, a headphone jack and two option slots for the DAC-60 digital board or AD-60 phono board. Ninety watts with a damping factor of 500 suits efficient to moderately demanding speakers in small and medium rooms. Accuphase now lists the E-280 as discontinued with a successor in preparation; the new E-3000 sits just above it. Call us for current availability.

Key technologies

  • AAVA volume control. Accuphase's Accurate Analog Variable Amplifier replaces the volume potentiometer with weighted current-to-voltage converters switched in combination, so there is no resistive element in the signal path and no change in impedance or frequency response as you turn the knob.
  • Instrumentation-amplifier power stage. Balanced from input to speaker terminals, with current-feedback amplification for stable high-frequency phase behaviour.
  • Balanced remote sensing. Feeds the ground reference at the speaker terminals back to the amplifier, raising the effective damping factor at the speaker rather than at the chassis.
  • Two option slots. Accept Accuphase's DAC-60 digital input board (USB, coaxial, optical) and AD-60 MM/MC phono board, or a LINE-10 line board, so the amplifier grows with your system.

Finishes

  • Champagne gold anodized aluminum front panel

Accuphase builds every component in a single finish, so there is nothing to choose. The champagne-gold front panel has been the house signature since 1972.

Specifications
Type Integrated stereo amplifier, Class AB
Rated output (20 Hz–20 kHz, both channels) 90 W/ch into 8 Ω; 120 W/ch into 4 Ω
Output stage Double parallel push-pull bipolar transistors, instrumentation-amplifier configuration
Total harmonic distortion 0.05% (4–16 Ω)
Frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/−0.5 dB (line input); 3 Hz–150 kHz, +0/−3 dB (main in, 1 W)
Damping factor 500
Inputs 5 line (RCA), 2 balanced (XLR), main in, recorder play; 2 option slots (DAC-60 / AD-60 / LINE-10)
Outputs Pre out 1.07 V / 50 Ω, recorder rec, headphones (8 Ω or higher), speakers
Signal-to-noise ratio 107 dB line, 96 dB balanced (A-weighted, input shorted)
Power consumption 52 W idle; 249 W maximum
Dimensions (W × H × D) 18.3 × 5.9 × 16.5 in (465 × 151 × 420 mm)
Weight 45 lb (20.4 kg)
Sold as Single unit

Accuphase E-280 product page and specifications

Accuphase lists the E-280 as discontinued, with a successor model in preparation.

Where it sits in the range

The most affordable Accuphase integrated. If your speakers are hard to drive or your room is large, step up to the E-3000 or E-4000.

Add the DAC-60 board for USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, or the AD-60 board for a moving-magnet / moving-coil phono input. For a dedicated phono stage, see the C-57.

Reviews

Plan your Accuphase system with Pearl Audio

Pearl Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer in Portland, Oregon. We can help with system matching, delivery and setup, and arrange a listening appointment. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.

The Pearl Audio experience

How we work with you

A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.

  1. 01

    Listen first

    Hear the E-280 Integrated by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.

  2. 02

    Delivery and installation

    We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.

  3. 03

    Support for as long as you own it

    We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.

  4. 04

    A path for what comes next

    Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.

Search