AVID ACCENT is a pure analogue integrated amplifier delivering 70W at 8 ohms in Class A/B operation. Its design is derived from AVID's Reference preamp and monophonic amplifiers, priced at a staggering 200,000 euros. The ACCENT runs cool, indicating a low bias in Class A, with most power coming from Class B operation.
Priced at a reasonable €5,200, the ACCENT features a Pellar phono stage and a discrete Class A headphone amplifier (not just an OpAmp). The whole is housed in a sturdy metal chassis, and you won't find any digital technology here, as one would expect from a renowned turntable manufacturer.
While more powerful and versatile Class D integrated amplifiers, including DACs, streamers, OLED touchscreens, and voice controls are available for half the price (or even less), you might wonder why someone would choose the AVID ACCENT over these cheaper, more modern alternatives. Read on to find out.
Interview with Conrad Mas
Conrad Mas recently visited Portugal, and I had an interesting conversation with him. You can watch the interview in the video below, where he discloses some of his principles.
Hi-Fi with a face
Conrad believes that potential consumers of AVID's amplifiers primarily listen to LPs and prefer to be close to their audio systems, so he initially thought a remote control was unnecessary. However, in response to market preferences, he has decided to include a simple remote-control option for the ACCENT model (as well as the Integra), which allows users to adjust the volume and mute the sound.
This remote is built with the same robust construction characteristic of all AVID products. Despite this addition, users still need to use the amplifier's rotary knob to select different audio sources.
I have always preferred the feel of the AVID Pattern design rotary volume knob. It was a pleasure to touch that polished ‘cogwheel’—once I finally found the power switch was hidden underneath the amplifier.
AVID ACCENT remote control: a weapon of MAS destruction
Conrad Mas believes that the Chinese currently dominate the digital world—and, in his words, do it better and cheaper. In this context, the ACCENT has the advantage of never becoming outdated, as it doesn't require constant firmware updates. AVID amplifiers do not rely on the latest trendy chips that quickly fall out of fashion; therefore, they are timeless and retain value over the years.
Despite any anti-globalist ideologies, there are solid reasons to consider purchasing an AVID ACCENT amplifier. The sound quality is exceptional, and I would highlight the impressive build quality. Additionally, it's reassuring to know that this product is entirely made in the UK. Lastly, it should be noted that Conrad Mas, the mentor behind AVID HiFi, endorses it.
AVIC ACCENT back panel : only analogue connections available.
All-Thrills and No-Frills
ACCENT is what Americans refer to as an all-thrills-and-no-frills integrated amplifier. This means it lacks ‘unnecessary’ features, such as preamp or subwoofer outputs. Its primary function is to amplify low-level analogue signals and deliver them to the speakers. The amplifier does not include balanced inputs; instead, it offers four RCA line inputs. While pseudo-balanced inputs could be included, Conrad Mas chooses not to offer them.
However, it does provide phono inputs (MM/MC) with gain via DIP switches and impedance adjustment (Load plugs) based on the Pellar phono amplifier.
The headphone output alone justifies purchasing the ACCENT, especially for those like me who do not own a turntable. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The volume potentiometer is the notably smooth ALPS RK27 'Blue Velvet'. A rare feature of this model is the mono switch, which is particularly useful for positioning speakers in a room. This pressure switch helps achieve a well-defined centre focus, providing a solid starting point for speaker placement.
AVID ACCENT: metal work of art
The ACCENT is quite heavy, weighing 14.5 kg, mostly due to its internal 617 VA toroidal transformer and the capacitor bank with a reserve of 40,000 µF. This setup ensures an ample power supply, accommodating any variations in speaker impedance.
The weight is not attributed only to its core components. Its robust metal casing, along with a 1 cm thick brushed aluminium front panel, significantly adds to its heft. The impressive "A" logo is elegantly carved along the entire height of the panel. The volume and source selection buttons are also made from machined aluminium, highlighting AVID's advanced metalworking capabilities.
The ACCENT design strikes a fine balance between simplicity and professionalism without being overly simplistic. Everything is built to look and feel durable. You'll be disappointed if you expect flashy lights; the ACCENT prioritises high-quality sound above all else.
Critical listening
I used Transparent Valhalla cables to connect the ACCENT to an Oppo universal CD player and the streamer/DAC section from my Rose HiFi RS520. At the other end, I paired it with the modest Sonus Faber Concertino speakers, which I have only heard perform at this level when I matched it with a 10,000-euro Krell K300i amplifier.
One of the best single-ended solid-state headphone amplifiers I have ever heard.
I plugged in my modified Hifiman HE1000 and the Austrian Audio ‘The Composer’, and I was genuinely amazed: This is one of the best single-ended solid-state headphone amplifiers I have ever heard. It's not just the neutrality of the sound that impresses—it's also the power!
With speakers, the sound remains neutral, rich in detail, and open. It features a controlled bass and a midrange that avoid the artificial euphony that appeals to so many audiophiles.
ACCENT is an Arabian thoroughbred: spirited and fast, like the wind!
And it's a good thing the ACCENT has a remote control. I often didn't have time to run to the volume knob to turn it down. Such is the dynamic response. In equestrian terms, ACCENT is an Arabian thoroughbred: spirited and fast, like the wind! And you can have it in black too.
Review soundtrack
- Patricia Barber's voice on the album ‘Modern Cool’ is a masterclass in vocal texture reproduction while maintaining micro dynamics and all the subtle inflexions despite the ever-present rhythm section and percussion.
- Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus, from the album ‘Mingus Ah Um’, honours Lester Young. Please pay attention to the exceptional control and articulation of the bass lines, which maintain the authority and natural decay of the notes while underpinning John Handy's saxophone performance. As you listen, let the entire album play through. The recording is outstanding, and the AVID ACCENT appreciates good music—so do I.
- Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan's baton, showcases ACCENT's exceptional control in complex situations. It skilfully maintains the clarity and resonance of the strings, the power of the brass, and the emotion in the vocal parts without turning the tonal and rhythmic variations into a chaotic mess.
- Listen to Teardrop from Massive Attack's album ‘Mezzanine’. This track offers a holographic soundstage that makes the speakers seem to disappear, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich stereophonic imagery crafted in the studio. You'll find yourself searching for the delicate keyboard chords while Elizabeth Fraser's voice appears to float above the syncopated beat of the percussion.
AVID without LPs is like a garden without flowers
A reviewer who ‘doesn't have a turntable’ at home shouldn’t have the audacity (mea culpa) to analyse an AVID amplifier. Therefore, I wanted to conclude this review by listening to the ACCENT at Exaudio, using an AVID Diva II turntable as the source in a system featuring a pair of TAD ME-1-S speakers.
Despite the alleged superiority of analogue sources, I stand by everything I've said about ACCENT's performance with digital sources. I enjoyed Patricia Barber again, now in Blackbird from the LP ‘Nightclub’, and the soundstage depth in Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by André Prévin, left me spellbound.
But it was not until Dee Dee Bridgewater came on stage with One Fine Thing from the double LP ‘Dee Dee's Feathers’, accompanied by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, conducted by trumpeter Irwin Mayfield, that the superiority of the LP became too obvious to be denied.
Here's a video recording of that audition. The sound was recorded 'live' with a Nagra SD. It is shown here as circumstantial proof of the alleged superiority of vinyl. Even though you can hear a few pops, the sound is spectacular.
And I rest my case.
Closing arguments:
The AVID ACCENT is a purely analogue solid-state integrated amplifier designed for audiophiles who value long-term musical enjoyment over the fleeting satisfaction of the latest digital devices. It is built to last in a constantly changing world. As the song goes, ‘The Times They Are a-Changin'.’ Are we back to the LP era? Conrad Mas is betting on it.
Technical specifications
- Type: Class AB, 2-channel integrated amplifier
- Analogue inputs Four line inputs. One phono input with adjustable gain for MM or MC Digital inputs: None
- Power output: 70Wpc @ 8 ohms Harmonic distortion: 0.03% at 80% power, 8ohms, at 1kHz
- Phono input: Gain 48dB, 60dB and 70dB; Input resistance 47k ohms (can be adjusted with loading plugs) Input capacitor 100pF
- Distortion Less than 0.03 % Noise MM -81dB MC -67dB (high setting) RIAA accuracy +0.5dB, 5Hz-70kHz (Neumann HF correction)
- Line input:
- Input impedance 82k ohms
- Frequency response 5Hz->80kHz ±1dB Signal-to-noise ratio 97dB at 50watts, A weighted
- Headphone load range 20-600 ohms Headphone maximum output 9V rms into 600 ohms
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 470mm x 110mm x 410mm Weight 14.5kg Price: €5,200
- Manufacturer AVID Hi-Fi Ltd www.AVIDhifi.com +44 (0)1480 869900