The Accuphase P-800 is a Balanced Stereo PowerAmplifier. Completely balanced powerful output stage consisting of two sets of 7 parallel push-pull transistor pairs, outstanding low-impedance drive capability, separate power supplies for left and right channels, balanced input.
The impedance of loudspeakers on the market varies considerably, ranging from about 2 ohms to 16 ohms. With a direct-coupled amplifier, driving such a wide impedance range with equal aplomb is almost impossible. An output stage designed for optimum performance at 2 ohms will deliver less power into 8 to 16 ohms. Conversely, the performance of an amplifier optimiozed for about 4 to 8 ohms suffers at 2 ohms and it will not be capable of driving 1-ohms loads. The P-800 incorporates a special design to deal with a wide range of load impedances. The applied voltage of its output devices can be switched to a lower value, to provide the high current capability required by low-impedance loads. This results in a truly amazing guaranteed rating of 600 watts into 1 ohm and 400 watts into 2 ohms, with undiminshed sound quality. To achieve such stunning performance the output stage of each power unit employs two sets of seven parallel push-pull pairs of wide-band transistors with a maximum power dissipation of 130 watts each. This amounts to 14 pairs or 28 transistors per unit, totaling a maximum powe dissipation of 3,6 kilowatts. These truly astounding figures testify to the no-holds-barred Design approach of the P-800.
To let you monitor its performance, the P-800 incorporates two symmetrically arranged analog level meters. The output meters are large analog meters symetrically arranged. They can directly read the output power in decibel units over a range as wide as from -60(0.0004 watts/8ohm) to+3 (800 watts/8ohm) dB. The meters can be activated and deactivated ot the illumination of the meters can be turned on or off by a switch. Except for the power switch, all controls are located behind a hinged subpanel door in the lower section of the front panel. The panel is finished in brushed gold aluminium, giving the P-800 an appearance of simple elegance. The visual appeal of the amplifier is further enhanced by the side panels made of exquisite persimmon-wood.
The beautiful and simple elegance of this amplifier's external appearance belies its awesome performance. But when turned on, it speaks unmistakably through music. Technical data: Continuous Average Power Output (20 to 20,000 Hz) Normal load operation (THD 0.01%) 600 W/ch 4 ohm, 400 W/ch 8 ohm, 200 W/ch 16 ohm | Total Harmonic Distortion 0.01% with 4-16 ohm load | Frequency Response: 20 to 200,000 Hz +/-0dB for rated output | Damping Factor: 200 | Signal to Noise: 125 dB | Dimensions: 481*239*489 mm | Weight: 47.2 kg.