Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pioneer A400 (original) Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Sound Ranger

Model:	A400 (original)
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	£290
Description:	Integrated 'audiophile' Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Pioneer
Manufacturer URL:	Pioneer

Review by Sound Ranger ( A ) on January 22, 2003 at 18:25:21
IP Address: 213.122.80.212

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for the A400 (original)

Pioneer A400 is a no frills ‘audiophile’ amplifier that set the ‘cat among the pigeons’ when it was introduced in 1990. Hi-Fi magazines greeted it with a chorus of praise. Comparisons with amplifiers costing up to £1,000 were made, confirming that the A400 is indeed a ‘giant killer’. It won the coveted Product of the Year by the What Hi-Fi magazine – an accolade that had never before gone to a Japanese company. 25,000 units were sold in the first 18 months, securing an extraordinary 12.8% of the total amplifier market. Soon, the Pioneer A400 attained something of a cult status. A400X model was introduced later but the demand was still for the original A400 and the production continued till 1996.
"There is something ineffably right about the Pioneer A400."
Andrew Gold, What Hi Fi?
"It loves music, the A400". "It loves it with a vengeance"
Mark Payton, High Fidelity Magazine
"Even if your budget extends to £1000, it could be exactly what you are after"
Jimmy Hughes, Audiophile
"As good as amps costing up to a thousand pounds."
Hi Fi Choice
"Best Amplifier"
"Best Buy Overall"
"Product of the Year"
What Hi-fi?
"Best Amplifier"
Hi Fi Choice
Useful Links:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dougr/a400.htm
Hi-Fi Buying Guide: Part 2
http://www.tnt-audio.com/guide/amps_e.html
Hi-Fi Buying Guide: Part 4
http://www.tnt-audio.com/guide/building_e.html

Product Weakness: No longer in production :-(
Product Strengths: Value without sacrificing genuine Hi Fi sound
Seem to produce more power than specified.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Intergarted Amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz
Speakers:	Mission 753 floor standers
Cables/Interconnects:	UBYTE-I by tnt-audio
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 30 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	Carpeted, thick curtains
Time Period/Length of Audition:	7 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No longer in production :-(
Product Strengths:	Value without sacrificing genuine Hi Fi sound Seem to produce more power than specified.