The Future of Audio■Audio is a cultural treasure nurtured over many years
Ever since the dawn of audio technology, there is an
ongoing debate whether the sound of audio equipment
should be as transparent as possible or display acharacteristic of its own, much like a musical instrument.
Whichever side of this argument one favors, it is a factthat the reproduction chain from the microphone to theloudspeaker has come a long way. The accumulation oftechnology has made it possible to increasingly eliminate colorization, resulting
in the sound that we have today. But this fact notwithstanding, there is practicallyno speaker that sounds exactly like another, nor is one amplifier exactly thesame as another. Even products using digital technology have their own
particular sonic characteristics.
Audio technology has evolved to a very sophisticated level. However, thesound of two pieces of equipment may differ, even if their measurement data are
the same. This indicates that measurement technology has not yet advanced toduplicate the full depth of human sensory perception. This uncharted territory iswhere the joy and creativity of audio is born.
Paradoxically, the ideal state of audio equipment is one where the equipment
itself disappears, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the music.
With regard to an amplifier, this means stepping up the level of the recorded
signal and correctly delivering it to the loudspeakers without introducing
distortion. However, this is easier said thandone, and so far the only means of determining
whether the speakers are being correctly driven
by the amplifier is a subjective evaluation bylistening to the sound. Furthermore, theprogram source, player, amplifier, speakers,
and room acoustics all have certain
characteristics that interact with each other,resulting in many different tonal variations.
Just as humans have different preferenceswith regard to the taste of food, there are1differences in the type of sound that people prefer. One of the pleasures ofhigh-end audio is finding components that match one's ideals and bringing them
together in the quest for the ultimate sound. Actively creating one's own soundcan be seen as an act of self-expression.

■Creating brilliant soundMusic is difficult to explain in words or put into writing. Fortunately, there is ameans of reproduction called audio which makes it possible to transport theambience of a concert venue into one's own home for musical enjoyment. But inrecent years, the possibilities go even beyond faithfully recreating the concert
hall or stage. One now has the means at hand to create sound according to
one's preferences or to match the room and the occasion.
There is a wide diversity in how one can enjoy music, including individual
preferences for different music genres,
different approaches to the perception
and the concept of sound, different
sensibilities and different environments inwhich to listen. This great variety is whatmakes audio so interesting. Music is nota tangible thing that can be touched orseen, but it has enormous power to movethe soul.
The world of audio offers an opportunity to pursue a lofty goal, putting
something together that expresses one's sensitivity through the medium ofsound. Audio components are a tool for listening music where good sound leads
to limitless inspiration.

■Why sonic differences?
Technical specifications and figures are certainly important criteria forassessing the quality of reproduction equipment, but intangible musical nuances
and ambience are expressed in various ways by equipment from different
manufacturers. And it is just this expression that determines the value of theproduct. However, even with the most advanced measurement tools, it is as ofyet not possible to fully analyze these differences in expression. Each of the2elements that make up a product affects its musical character in subtle ways.
Therefore we have chosen an approach whereby elements are replaced
individually and music is then reproduced again under the same circumstances,
allowing us to judge the effect by ear. Through this demanding and painstaking
process, where judgment is entrusted to human sensibility, we carefully andgradually hone the musical expression of a product. At Accuphase, repeatedlistening tests at this stage are allocatedabout as much time as technicaldevelopment.

■The joys of audio
The mission of Accuphase is toprovide audio components with highadded value that can be used in full confidence for a very long time. Audio
products make for a sophisticated and rewarding hobby, but they are of course
not a necessity of life. One can do without them. But music on the other handenriches our sensibilities and is an essential part of what makes us human.
Being able to listen to music freely, at any time and in one's own fashion, that iswhat makes audio so precious. Accuphase feels privileged in being able tocontribute to this joyful activity through our products.

■The diversification of audio sources
Audio components exhibit various subtle differences in their sound, but thetypes of sound sources used to reproduce music also are wide and varied, sothat there is no absolute measure. The range of available options includes
mature packaged media such as SA-CD and CD,
as well as analog records and FM broadcasts,
both of which are enjoying a kind of revival atpresent, and then there are the latest digitalofferings for high-resolution music distribution andstreaming. All of these play an important role in
the enjoyment of music.
Accuphase heartily welcomes the increase in
great music sources. We aim to design products3that can easily handle the coexistence of various sources and are able to bringout their inherent potential to the fullest. Reflecting the progress of performancethrough outstanding sound is our goal, as we meet the challenge of exploring
how hardware and software can continue to complement each other.

■The Accuphase product portfolio
Within the audio sector, Accuphase specializes in high-end audio, developing,manufacturing and marketing amplifiers, players, and related products. We limit
our activities to this field because we believe that world-leading components canonly be created in an environment of deep understanding and through dedicatedefforts to foster the ultimate in craftsmanship.

Our four key categories are power amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated
amplifiers, and SA-CD/CD players. The audio industry in general is not expected
to experience strong growth in the near future. However, by bringing our unique
technological know-how for example to products such as clean power supplies,
voicing equalizers, and channel dividers, we are demonstrating the possibilities
for truly exceptional products in the Accuphase tradition. Through active andconsidered use of digital and software technology, we will be aiming to create a
new audio market.

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■The force of continuity
Continued existence as a company is of course essential. We have toenhance our corporate structure and rely on a solid basis for continuing ouractivities, also for the sake of all customers who own Accuphase products.
Being able to move confidently into
the future hinges not only on the appeal(sound quality, performance) of ourproducts, it also relates to our uniquecorporate policy and management
stance and the focus on quality, which
we are perpetuating as a company.
With each model change, performanceis pushed further upwards, in such a way that is unmistakably reflected in soundquality. This is the driving force that sustains our continuity.
Putting the customers first, never betraying their trust, working diligently tobuild the company's reputation slowly but surely thereby increasing the brandvalue, these are the things that sustain Accuphase in the long run.

■The future of high-end audio
High-end audio has never been a large market. In view of social factors suchas the declining birthrate and advancing age of users, a market expansion
cannot realistically be expected. But music has unlimited possibilities, and it will
be around for as long as humans are alive. If the aim of Accuphase is defined as
nurturing the audio culture necessary to the human race, the future of audio nolonger seems uncertain.
Audio is an avocation, and as such, accommodates a wide variety of individual
preferences and interests. The components that play music in the future, evenmore than now, will have to be developed so as to meet the consumption needsof the user, offering not only high added value, excellent sound, and high quality
but also excitement, satisfaction, and intangible charm which appeals to thehuman senses and emotion.

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As a company, we operate on a small scale but
we aim to create new added value informed bymature sensibility and technology. We will
maintain and enhance our brand to remain ameaningful presence and a source of inspirationand influence.
And above all, we understand that the trust of
our customers is paramount, as we together takethe culture of audio into the future. Being
appreciated by customers inspires us to continue
making products that soothe the heart andnurture the spirit.

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