Integrated amplifiers — Accuphase E-800S

The E-800S is an accomplished Class-A precision integrated stereo amplifier from Accuphase, sitting above the E-700 with considerably greater output power and mass. The E-800S represents Accuphase's more ambitious current statement in Class-A integrated amplifier engineering.

Key specs that matter

Three balanced XLR inputs and five single-ended inputs are provided. Output power is 50W into 8 ohms, rising to 100W into 4 ohms - considerably more than the E-700's 35W/70W while remaining modest by solid-state amplifier standards, reflecting the inherent power limitations of pure Class-A operation. Damping factor is an extraordinary 1,000, matching the E-700. At 465 x 239 x 502mm and 35.7kg, the E-800S's considerable weight reflects the substantial heatsinking required for genuine Class-A operation at this power level.

Sound and use context

Expect the exceptionally smooth, richly textured character pure Class-A amplification is broadly celebrated for, with the extraordinary 1,000 damping factor providing exceptional bass control combined with considerably greater power headroom than the E-700.

Pairing

The 50W/100W output pairs best with notably efficient loudspeakers to achieve satisfying dynamic headroom, given the inherent power constraints of Class-A operation, though the increase over E-700 offers somewhat more flexibility.

Alternatives

Accuphase's own E-700 offers a more compact, somewhat less powerful alternative within the same broader Class-A integrated catalogue.