● Revolutionary AAVA volume control ● Output stage with high-power transistors in parallelpush-pull arrangement delivers high quality power: 90 watts x 2 into 8 ohms ● Instrumentation amplifier principle for power amplifier input stage allows fully balanced signal transmission● Logic-control relays for shortest signal paths ● Strong power supply with massivehigh-efficiency transformer and large filtering capacitors ● EXT PRE button allows separate
use of preamplifier and power amplifier sections ● Numeric indication of volume level

Integrated amplifier with AAVA volume control − Power amplifier section
featuring high-power transistors in parallel push-pull configuration, together
with robust power supply, realizes low impedance in output stage. Rated for 90
watts of quality power into 8 ohms, with damping factor of 200. Current feedback
amplifier topology assures excellent phase characteristics in high range, andinstrumentation amplifier principle enables fully balanced signal transmission.
The Accuphase E-200 series of integrated
amplifiers occupies a central position in
the Accuphase lineup, and enjoys enduring
popularity both in Japan and abroad.
The E-260 stands firmly in this tradition,
harnessing the technology advantages of theseries in a new format. It represents a major
overhaul of the E-250, reflecting latest design
technology and featuring the same advanced
AAVA volume control as the higher-ranked
models E-560, E-460, and E-360. The result
is a classy integrated amplifier that brings out
the full musical splendor of every source.
AAVA is a revolutionary principle that
redefines the concept of volume control fromthe ground up, operating purely in the analog

domain for high performance and ultimatesound. Starting with the ultimate, top-of-theline preamplifier C-3800, it has received highpraise as a crucial ingredient for sonicexcellence in preamplifiers and integratedamplifiers.
The preamplifier and power amplifier sectionsof the E-260 are separate circuits that rival
discrete components in performance andsound. With a simple flick of the EXT PRE
switch, the preamplifier can be detached fromthe power amplifier, allowing the sections tobe used individually.
The power amplifier block is configured as anadvanced instrumentation amplifier, whichenables fully balanced signal transmission

throughout. Together with the highly
acclaimed current feedback principle, thismakes for even better electrical characteristics. In the output stage, high-power audio
grade transistors are arranged in a parallelpush-pull configuration which significantly
enhances the capability to safely drive
low-impedance loads.
Output operation is sustained by the power
supply with a massive power transformer andlarge filtering capacitors. This provides
high-quality power output of 115 watts x 2 into
4 ohms or 90 watts x 2 into 8 ohms, alongwith a damping factor of 200, thanks to theredesigned circuitry.

AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) Volume Control
AAVA is a radically different volume control principle that eliminates all variable resistors from the signal path and uses analog processing to provide top-notch performance and sound quality.
Because the music signal is not affected by changes in impedance due to variable resistors, high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion are maintained at any volume control setting.
■ Volume control resolution■ AAVA means analog processing
AAVA adjusts the listening volume by means of 16 weighted V-I converter amplifiers
The AAVA circuit converts the music signal from a voltage into a current, controls
which are controlled by current switches. The number of possible volume steps set
gain by means of current switches, and then reconverts the current into a voltage.
by the combination of these converter amplifiers is 2 to the power of 16 = 65,536.
The entire process is carried out in the analog domain.
■ Input buffer amps use 5-MCS topology■ Same operation feel as a conventional high-quality volume control
One of the factors that have a bearing on possible noise in an AAVA arrangement is the input
Operating the volume knob feels exactly the same as with a conventional control,
buffer design. By connecting five high-performance amps in parallel, excellent S/N ratio is assured.
and as before, operation via the remote commander is also possible.
■ AAVA maintains high S/N ratio and uniform frequency response■ Attenuator and balance control also implemented by AAVAAAVA does not introduce a change in impedance at any volume setting.
The functions of the attenuator and the left/right balance control are covered by theConsequently, there is no deterioration of S/N ratio, and frequency response remains
AAVA circuit as well, eliminating the need for additional circuit stages. Keeping thetotally uniform. The benefits are especially apparent at settings that correspond to
configuration simple helps to maintain high performance and sonic purity.
normal listening levels, because the tonal quality is not altered in any way.
■ Display shows volume level as numeric value■ No more left/right tracking error or crosstalk
The volume level (degree of attenuation) as set with AAVA is shown as a numericBecause AAVA is an electronic circuit employing fixed-value resistors, there areindication in the center of the front panel. The indication ranges from MAX (0 dB) tovirtually no left/right tracking differences even at very low volume levels. Since
MIN (lowest setting).
channels can be kept separate, crosstalk also ceases to be a problem.
16 current switches(65,536 possible combinations)

AAVA configuration in E-260

12I-V Converter
Reconversion ofcurrent into voltage

122Input music signal
123＋Current

BUFFER

INPUT

I-V

OUTPUTvalues areadded

5-MCS

LEVEL DISPLAY

1215

1216

V- I Converter

Conversion into current
with 16 weighting stages(1/2 - 1/216)

CPUAAVA operation principle
The music signal is converted into 16 types ofweighted current by V-I (voltage - current)
converting amplifiers [1/2, 1/22, ... 1/215, 1/216].
The 16 currents are turned on or off by 16
current switches, and the combination ofswitch settings determines the overall volume.
The switching operation is controlled by aCPU according to the position of the volume
control knob. The combined signal current
forms a variable gain circuit that adjusts thevolume. Finally, the combined current isconverted back into a voltage by an I-V(current-voltage) converter.

VolumeBalance
Attenuator

CPU detects position of volume knob
and operates current on/off switches
according to knob position

Volume knob is turnedand position is detected■ CPU assembly for control of AAVA
and various other functions■ AAVA volume control assemblywith higher integration densityof components and circuitry

Logic relay control and line inputs/outputs
Option board slot

Protection circuitry■ Supplied remotecommander RC-200
Allows volume adjustment
and input source switching

Large power transformer
Massive heat sinkand power amplifier PCB
Preamplifier power
supply PCB

Large filtering capacitors

Massive heat sinkand power amplifier PCB

AAVA volume control PCB■ Power amplifierassemblies with parallelpush-pull output stage,
instrumentation amplifier,and current feedback
amplifier, directly mounted
to large heat sink

■ Instrumentation amplifier
principle in power amplifier
sectionAllows fully balanced signal
paths throughout, from input
to output, including signal
input stage. Current feedback
circuit topology ensures outstanding high-range phasecharacteristics.
+ B3+ B2++ B1

Q7Biasstabilizer

Q9Q 11Q 13

Q5–Q1Q3NFB
NETWORKINPUTOUTPUTNFBNETWORKBiasstabilizer

NFB
NETWORK

Q2–

Q4
Q6+Biasstabilizer

Q 10
Q8Q 12

Q 14– B1– B2– B3Circuit diagram of E-260 power amplifier (one channel)■ Power amplifier unit withhigh-power transistors inparallel configuration delivers
ample power: 115 watts/channel into 4 ohms or 90watts/channel into 8 ohms.
High-power transistors■ Hefty high-efficiency
transformer and large
filtering capacitors(22,000 µF x 2) provide
ample reserves.
■ EXT PRE buttonand preamplifier
output/power amplifier
input connectors
allow independent
Large power transformer
Filtering capacitors
use of pre andpower amplifier sections.
■ Option board slot allows system
expansion. Realize digital input
capability (USB, coaxial, optical) or
analog record playback. With
AD-20 board, MC/MM switching on
EXT PRE button
MC/MM selector
E-260 front panel is possible.
■ Redesigned NFB path results inminimized output impedance and adamping factor as high as 200.
■ Two sets of large-size speakerterminals accept Y lugs and enablespeaker bi-wiring.
■ Tone controls using summing
active filters for optimum
Large speaker terminals
sound quality.
■ Loudness compensatorfor enhanced sonic impact
at low listening levels.
■ Versatile array of inputs
including balanced inputs
to shut out external noiseinterference.
■ Balanced inputs with phaseselection capability.
Line input and output connectors■ Logic-controlled relays assure high and balanced input connectors
sound quality and long-term reliability.
■ Analog peak power meters formonitoring output levels.
■ Dedicated headphone amplifier
optimized for sound quality.
■ "High Carbon" cast iron insulator
feet with superior damping characteristics further enhance sound quality.
Highly reliable parts selected for sound quality

Connection example for bi-amping setup
In a bi-amped setup, the speaker units for theLOW frequency range and HIGH frequency range
are driven by separate amplifiers with equal gain,
for even better sound quality.
Left loudspeaker

Right loudspeaker− ○＋ ○＋ ○−○HIGH
LOWRIGHT− ○＋ ○＋ ○−○HIGH
LOWLEFT− ＋− ＋E-260

Digital Input Board● The E-260 provides one＊The speakers musthave a built-in
crossover network andseparate inputs for
LOW and HIGH range.
＊The example shows asetup with anadditional power
amplifier for the low
frequency range.

Option Boards
slot for an option board
on the rear panel.
● Option boards can beused to implement
direct connection of digital
signals for high-quality
music playback, or to
implement high-quality
playback of analog records.
● The Analog Disc Input
Board AD-9/AD-10 can
DAC-30AD-20
also be used. In thisPhoto shows an example for option board installationcase, the MC/MM buttonon the front panel of the E-260 has no effect. MC/MMswitching must be performed on the board.

● COAXIAL: 75-ohm coaxial cable

Sampling frequency 32 kHz - 192 kHz, 24 bit resolution● OPTICAL: Optical fiber cable

Analog Disc Input Board

DIP switches control MC input impedanceand subsonic filter on/off.

Digital equipment

Digital (S/PDIF) outputUSB cable

To INPUT
CD player

B connector（ withup Typeto 96 kHz/24 bit （Power amplifier (P-4100, A-35 or similar)

DAC-30

62 dB

Gain:

36 dB

MM Input impedance: 47 kilohms(up to 96 kHz/24 bit)＋ − ＋ −

Analog output

Gain:

MC Input impedance: 10/30/100 ohms (selectable)

Optical fiber cable
RIGHT

AD-20

This board serves for playback of analog records. It
contains a high-performance, high-gain phono equalizer.
● Internal(up to 192 kHz/24 bit)

LEFT

Sampling frequency 32 kHz - 96 kHz, 24bit resolution
USB cable (with Type B connector)Sampling frequency 32 kHz - 96 kHz, 24 bit resolution● USB:● MC/MM switching is possible on the front panel of the E-260.

Coaxial digital
cableFrom PRE OUT

DAC-30Features a high-accuracy MDS (Multiple DeltaSigma) ++ type D/A converter for impeccable sound.
The USB port allows connection to a computer witha downloaded music library for playback ofhigh-resolution data with optimum sound quality.

Line Input Board
ComputerConnection example for DAC-30■ Front panel

LINE-10

This option board provides an additional set ofunbalanced line inputs.

E-260 Guaranteed Specificationsqwe[Guaranteed specifications are measured according to EIA standard RS-490.]● Continuous Average Output Power (both channels driven, 20-20,000 Hz)
115 watts per channel into 4 ohms
105 watts per channel into 6 ohms
90 watts per channel into 8 ohms
● Total Harmonic Distortion (both channels driven, 20-20,000 Hz)
0.05% with 4 to 16-ohm load
● Intermodulation Distortion 0.01%r

tyu io!1!0!2 !3 !4 !5● Frequency Response

HIGH LEVEL INPUT/POWER INPUT
20 - 20,000 Hz +0, -0.2 dB (for rated continuous average output)
3 - 150,000 Hz +0, -3.0 dB (for 1 watt output)● Damping Factor

200 (For rated output with 8-ohm load, 50 Hz)● Input Sensitivity,
Input Impedance

!6 !7

Input
HIGH LEVEL INPUTBALANCED INPUTPOWER INPUT■ Rear panel
Option board
installation slot

!8!9@0 @1@2

Input sensitivity

Input

For rated output For 1 W output (EIA) impedance

134 mV
134 mV
1.07 V14.2 mV
14.2 mV
113 mV

20 kilohms
40 kilohms
20 kilohms● Output Voltage,Output Impedance

PRE OUTPUT: 1.07 V, 50 ohms
(at rated continuous average output)● GainHIGH LEVEL INPUT → PRE OUTPUT : 18 dB
POWER INPUT→ OUTPUT:28 dB● Tone Controls

Turnover frequency and adjustment range
BASS:
300 Hz ±10 dB (50 Hz)
TREBLE: 3 kHz ±10 dB (20 kHz)● Loudness Compensation +6 dB (100 Hz)@4 ★

@3q Input selector
LINE 3 / LINE 2 / LINE 1 / CD-BAL / CD
TUNER / OPTION
w Peak power meters
e Volume level indicationr Power switcht Preamplifier/Power amplifier separator (EXT PRE)y Phase selectoru Mono/Stereo selector
i Speaker selector
OFF / A / B / A+Bo Recorder selector
OFF / ON / PLAY
!0 Balance control!1 Bass control!2 Treble control!3 Tone control ON/OFF button!4 Loudness compensator ON/OFF button!5 MC/MM selector!6 Attenuator ON/OFF button!7 Headphone jack
!8 Line inputs
TUNER / CD / LINE 1, 2, 3
!9 Recorder inputs and outputs@0 Preamplifier outputs@1 Power amplifier inputs@2 Left/right speaker output terminals (2 sets, A/B)
@3 CD inputs (balanced)@4 AC power connector ★

● Attenuator−20 dB● Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Input shorted (A weighting)
S/N ratio at rated output
HIGH LEVEL INPUT
105 dBBALANCED INPUT
91 dB
POWER INPUT
122 dBInput

EIA S/N
95 dB
94 dB
101 dB● Power Level Meters

Logarithmic compression, peak reading meters, output dB/% scale● Load Impedance

4 - 16 ohms

● Stereo Headphones

Suitable impedance: 8 ohms or higher● Power Requirements

AC 120 V/220 V/230 V 50/60 Hz (Voltage as indicated on rear panel)● Power Consumption

49 watts idle
245 watts in accordance with IEC 60065● Maximum Dimensions Width 465 mm (18-5/16")
Height 151 mm (5-15/16")
Depth 420 mm (16-1/2")● Mass20.0 kg (44.0 lbs) net
26.0 kg (57.3 lbs) in shipping carton■ Supplied accessories:● AC power cord
● Remote commander RC-200

Remarks★ This product is available in versions for 120/220/230 V AC. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.
★ 230 V version has an Eco Mode that switches power off after 120 minutes of inactivity.
★ The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

●Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.

http://www.accuphase.com

K1205Y PRINTED IN JAPAN

850-2176-00（B1）