Hans Castorp43
Member
I've just bought a used Accuphase E-212 (2005). It was supposed to have been fully tested by the hifi dealer I bought it from (online). Visually, it looks perfect, not a scratch anywhere. To my astonishment, it sounds really, really bad, which makes me think that, perhaps, there's something wrong with it. By all accounts it is supposed to be a warm amplifier. There is not even a hint of warmth in the sound. It sounds terribly shrill, thin and not high end at all. Bass is muddy and weak. It is a 90w amp but I had to turn it up a lot more that my HK 430 for it to sound anything. The overall sound characteristic is really dull and lifeless. While the headphones sounded a tad better, it was still the same really cold and unengaging sound. To your experience, should it really sound like that? I understand that better cables and associated equipment can enhance a thing or two but not the entire sound profile, surely. What am I to do? I refuse to believe that this is the sound half world is lusting after and pays €3000 for the displeasure.
I tested it with Castle Ricmond 3i, some Sommercable bi-wire speaker cables, a Thorens turntable (with Nano phono) and Denon TU-400. Granted, not high end gear but the fundamental tonality of the Accu should be evident. My HK 430 sounds incredible with the same gear.
I tested it with Castle Ricmond 3i, some Sommercable bi-wire speaker cables, a Thorens turntable (with Nano phono) and Denon TU-400. Granted, not high end gear but the fundamental tonality of the Accu should be evident. My HK 430 sounds incredible with the same gear.