[Paolo4223]

I have a Luxman 550 AXII which I use as backup to a Conrad Johnson control amp. I'm considering replacing the Lux with either a new Accuphase E-280 or a demo E-480. Primary speakers are Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage. I'm a tube guy at heart with a musical sweet tooth. However I do want a solid-state integrated as back up to my tube gear.

For those of you who have heard both the E-280 and the E-480, can you please give me a sense of which amp is the sweeter or dare I say a bit more"euphonic?" or perhaps to the warm side of "neutral?" I like the Luxman but it does sound dry to me at times which can be unpleasant. I cannot audition Accuphase before I buy.

Tone, balance and loudness controls are a must. Most of my listening is via a Gold Note DS-10 streamer to either jazz or classical in a small room, and at moderate volume levels. I have a pair of small REL subs. I may get a pair of Magnepan LRS+ as a change from the GH's.
Thanks very much.