Accuphase P-500 (1985) | Built for Perfect Pitch

Built for Perfect Pitch. There are limits in high-end audio that only the finest components can reach — and only true audiophiles can fully appreciate. The name Accuphase has long been synonymous with uncompromising sound quality, precision engineering, and timeless craftsmanship. Developed by a dedicated team of experienced audio engineers, every Accuphase amplifier is designed and built to achieve a level of performance that pushes the boundaries of modern audio technology. Rather than following short-lived market trends, Accuphase focuses on one goal: absolute sound reproduction combined with elegant, timeless design. The P-500 from 1985 was a Stereo Power Amplifier Engineered for the New Era of High-End Audio. This Accuphase stereo power amplifier combines legendary Accuphase engineering with advanced circuit design to deliver exceptional power, ultra-low distortion, and remarkable stability under all listening conditions. The output stage features six parallel push-pull power transistors per channel, utilizing high-power 150W collector-loss devices for a total of 12 output transistors per channel. With a theoretical maximum output capability of 4,200 watts, the amplifier maintains substantial operating headroom, ensuring outstanding reliability, effortless dynamics, and superior speaker control even at high output levels. To minimize switching distortion at low listening levels, the operating points are precisely controlled so that both the PNP and NPN output devices remain continuously active without signal cutoff. This advanced configuration delivers smooth, natural sound reproduction with exceptional clarity and transparency across the entire frequency range. The driver stage employs high-grade MOS-FET devices operating in a non-switching Class A equivalent configuration with a cascode push-pull topology. The preceding signal stage also utilizes a pure Class A cascode push-pull design, contributing to excellent linearity, low noise, and stable performance from delicate low-level passages to full-rated output power. A direct-coupled input configuration preserves signal purity and musical detail. To protect loudspeakers from potential damage caused by DC drift from connected preamplifiers, Accuphase’s proprietary DC servo system automatically eliminates unwanted DC components while stabilizing the amplifier against temperature-related drift. For maximum system flexibility, the amplifier provides both a standard 20kΩ input and a fully balanced 40kΩ balanced input connection for enhanced noise rejection and improved signal integrity. A built-in subsonic filter eliminates frequencies below 10Hz using carefully selected high-quality components that preserve overall sound quality without affecting the audible frequency range. The amplifier is also equipped with a precision analog power meter capable of directly displaying both dB levels and output wattage. Logarithmic compression enables accurate monitoring across a wide power range from -60dB to +3dB. A dedicated switch allows the meter illumination and display to be turned off when desired. For even greater versatility, the amplifier can also operate in bridged mono mode, transforming it into a high-performance monaural power amplifier capable of driving demanding speaker systems with exceptional authority and control. Specifications: Continuous average power 250W/ch RMS 8ohm | Dimensions (W/H/D) 480x218x445mm | Weight 33,5kg

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