Happy_Listener said:
I would be buying blind (or is that deaf). No dealers around here. I'm only going by reviews, message boards like this, and youtube videos.
In Luxmans favor it's $500 cheaper and has a phono MM/MC included. In Accuphase's favor it uses MOSFET devices (something I prefer) usally gives a smoother tube like sound from my experience and it looks like the build quality might be just a touch better, maybe?
Right now I have Harbeth P3ESR's. I may be changing over to some Sonus Faber Olympia 1's. My turntable will also be upgraded soon as well from a Rega RP40 to perhaps an Acoustic Signature.
The pairing of Accuphase and Harbeth is a magical sound... any reason why you're thinking of changing to SF Olympica 1? I have heard that model and wasn't at all impressed, but of course that's just my opinion. If you have the room and budget, when the time comes, perhaps go up the range of Harbeth.
The Class A models of Accuphase will have a warmer SQ, but the E550, E560, or the E600 are very expensive... The E270 is A/B and whilst not as warm as the Class A models, I wouldn't describe it as cold and analytical, somewhere in the middle, just right in fact and of course you do have tone controls.
I bought my first Accuphase, the E350 blind which I would never normally do, butfrom all I read, I had a strong hunch it would be a good buy and I wasn't disappointed.
To be honest, which ever one of the brands you choose, I'm sure you will be very happy.
Be sure to keep us updated.
Mac
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