Accuphase E-202, time to replace?
Dave Calhoun
and more trouble than it is worth. I would like to hear from others as to
their feelings towards this amp and what amp might be a good replacement
for it. I listen to jazz mostly and have Celestian 11 speakers although I
hope to upgrade my speakers to something in the $1500 range eventually.
Thanks,
dave
Michael Presley
Am I wrong or was the E-202 one of their integrated amps--the ones
with the analog dB meters on the front? In any case I remember this
early Accuphase equipment by the name of Kensonic in Europe. It was,
if I remember, a cut above the usual Japanese mass market brands;
similar to Lux in execution and concept, I think, and certianly
aesthtically pleasing to look at.
But as far as repairs go, with the exception of, say McIntosh, 15 year
old gear is likely best left in the closet when its life ends.
Actually, when you think about it, what really lasts that long,
anymore?
Andrew Welker
(Michael Presley) writes:
>Am I wrong or was the E-202 one of their integrated amps--the ones
>with the analog dB meters on the front? In any case I remember this
>early Accuphase equipment by the name of Kensonic in Europe. It was,
>if I remember, a cut above the usual Japanese mass market brands;
>similar to Lux in execution and concept, I think, and certianly
>aesthtically pleasing to look at.
Yes, Kensonic was the name used in Europe. I woudl have to say that
the construction quality of the Accuphase equipment is vastly superior
to that of the old Lux gear.
>But as far as repairs go, with the exception of, say McIntosh, 15 year
>old gear is likely best left in the closet when its life ends.
>Actually, when you think about it, what really lasts that long,
>anymore?
Now, I have to disagree with you here. While the E-202 may not be able
to compete with the likes of Krell and ARC, it is probably still a
descent sounding amp. Unless there is real trouble with the unit I
would not stick it in the closet. It would be worth putting a little
money ($100?) into having it repaired. The build quality of the ole
Accuphase is excellent. I have a T-101 FM tuner that has not had any
work done to it and it still works perfectly. Very few people build
equipment with that kind of longevity these days. I suggest the
original poster keep the amp for a second system.
Andrew Welker
Leo Kao
Presley) writes:
>cal...@gorge.net (Dave Calhoun) wrote:
>>I have a 15 yr old Accuphase E-202. I'm starting to think it may be
>>too old and more trouble than it is worth. I would like to hear from
>>others as to their feelings towards this amp and what amp might be a
>>good replacement for it. I listen to jazz mostly and have Celestian
>>11 speakers although I hope to upgrade my speakers to something in
>>the $1500 range eventually.
>Am I wrong or was the E-202 one of their integrated amps--the ones
>with the analog dB meters on the front? In any case I remember this
>early Accuphase equipment by the name of Kensonic in Europe. It was,
>if I remember, a cut above the usual Japanese mass market brands;
>similar to Lux in execution and concept, I think, and certianly
>aesthtically pleasing to look at.
>But as far as repairs go, with the exception of, say McIntosh, 15 year
>old gear is likely best left in the closet when its life ends.
>Actually, when you think about it, what really lasts that long,
>anymore?
I also have an Accuphase E-202 integrated amp. This is not the one
with db meters on the front. It is also not the one called Kensonic.
As a matter of fact, this machine was one time rated by Hong Kong
Audiophiles as one of the best amp that is extremely good for jazz and
light classic listeners. I am still using it (with an old pair of JBL
4312 speakers (not the new version)) in my bed room without problem
and in my mind this is a piece that can be consdiered as classic and I
will keep it forever. I have 2 other systems. One is White Audio Lab
A250, Audio Research LS7, Sony 707ES, California Audio Lab Zegma DAC,
Harmonic Precison Epsilon Speakers, Kimber KCTG interconnect, Kinber
KCAG Digital Connect and Straightwire Speaker Cable. My other system
is Conard Johnson MF200, Yamaha EX830, Sony C77ESm California Audio
Lab Zegma DAC, Definitive BP10 Speakers, using Monster Cable
interconnect and M1 speaker cable.
According to my opinion, the Accuphase when listening to Jazz music,
it is so smooth that I always feel that it work much better that the
Conard Johnson system which I consider to be very good for Home
Theather application. (In fact, I am using the CJ mainly for movies
now.) However, when comparing with the White Audio Lab,the White
definitely sound a lot smoother and sweet. But the White also cost a
lot more than the E202.
Lately, I have ordered a pair of Golden Tube Audio Amp and I have
planned to use my old Accuphase C200 pre-amp with the Golden Tube. I
have a strong believe that this combination will work out to be very
smooth, sweet and detail. By the way, C200 is also one of the 200
series product released by Accuphase 15-20 years ago. I never give
this unit up as it still sound good and better than a lot of the moden
gears.
I will keep the E202, if I were you.
Michael Presley
>I also have an Accuphase E-202 integrated amp...
>I will keep the E202, if I were you.
There may have been some confusion about my original reply. I would
never advise anyone to sell a working piece of equipment, especially one
of the caliber of Accuphase. I assumed the gear was not working and only
meant to imply that parts for a 15-20 year old amp may not be readily
available, and, if so, after 15 years one probably already received their
money's worth in any case. Also, I only mentioned McIntosh as a brand
worth repairing because I know there are firms which make a living
restoring this brand, regardless of age.
Michael Presley
>Now, I have to disagree with you here. While the E-202 may not be
>able to compete with the likes of Krell and ARC, it is probably still
>a descent sounding amp. Unless there is real trouble with the unit I
>would not stick it in the closet. It would be worth putting a little
>money ($100?) into having it repaired. The build quality of the ole
>Accuphase is excellent. I have a T-101 FM tuner that has not had any
>work done to it and it still works perfectly. Very few people build
>equipment with that kind of longevity these days. I suggest the
>original poster keep the amp for a second system.
I didn't mean to imply the equipment is not good; far from it. Only
that certain "older" gear are easier to repair than others. The
reason I mentioned Mac was that I know certain outfits make a living
repairing and restoring them. I could have also mentioned Dyna in
this regard.
I just had my doubts about availability of parts on something like a
15-20 year old Accupahase amp. You may be interested to know that I
almost bought one of the amps in 1975. I was living in Germany...I
think the integrated amp was about 80 wpc and cost about four or five
hundred dollars, then. Imagine the cost in today's dollars!
Dave Calhoun
I would post the address of an authorized Accuphase repair shop (can you
believe there is one?):
AccutechJ
206 East Star of India Lane
Carson, CA 90746JJ
1-310-324-7406J
I also called to see what a NEW unit would cost. Can you believe $6,000 for
an integrated amp?
I had my E-202 repaired by an apparently un-thorough electronics shop two
years ago and although the unit is only rated at 100wpc they said they
tested it at over 180wpc! I was surprised.
I am going to have the unit repaird one more time, but I am going to move
to to a listening room later or use if for front amplification in a
surround setup eventually.
Here is a tip for anyone needing to repair their gear and not wanting to
spend weeks without music. Go to a rent-to-own store and pick up a receiver
for approx. $20/mo. Maybe not high end, but it's still tunes!
Dave