Name: AC-6
Brand: Accuphase
Price: 5790.0 EUR
Availability: InStoreOnly

Accuphase AC-6: An Exceptional MC Phono Cartridge to Rediscover Your Vinyl

The Accuphase AC-6 phono cartridge is a moving coil (MC) model incorporating the latest advances in design and manufacturing. Its extruded aluminum body features an elegant gold finish achieved through anodization. The base on which the magnetic circuit is mounted is made of extruded titanium, chosen for its exceptional rigidity, lightness, and corrosion resistance. A surface treatment with gold ion plating further enhances its hardness.

The 0.3 mm diameter solid boron cantilever stands out for its excellent propagation speed of 16,200 m/s, surpassing beryllium (12,870 m/s) and approaching diamond (18,350 m/s). It thus transmits the micro-vibrations captured by the diamond with great fidelity to the magnetic circuit. The latter is equipped with a powerful neodymium magnet of grade N50, the most efficient currently available, with an energy product 9 times greater than Alnico magnets.

A Diamond Cut for Perfect Groove Reading

The stylus tip is a semi-line contact profile diamond (3 μm x 30 μm). This geometry ensures precise groove tracking, both in the amplitude (longitudinal) and line (vertical) directions. The large contact surface in the vertical axis reduces distortions related to the pinching effect, allowing faithful reproduction of the finest details engraved in the vinyl.

High-Flying Technical Specifications

With a frequency response extending from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, the AC-6 covers the entire audio spectrum. Its output voltage of 0.4 mV at 1 kHz is average for MC cartridges and will pose no problem for phono preamplifiers. Its very low internal impedance of 1.8 Ω promotes optimal energy transfer. Channel separation exceeds 30 dB at 1 kHz, and channel balance remains within a 0.5 dB margin. The compliance of 8 x 10-6 cm/dyne makes it suitable for medium to high mass tonearms.

Luxurious Design in Harmony with Accuphase Electronics

A true micromechanical jewel, the AC-6 boasts impeccable finishing. It is delivered in a superb extruded aluminum case featuring the champagne hue so characteristic of Accuphase facades. High-precision diamond machining completes its refined aesthetic. Mounted on a high-end turntable, it will harmonize beautifully with the brand’s electronics.

A Cartridge Designed for Musical Listening

Thanks to the use of noble materials and uncompromising design, the Accuphase AC-6 reproduces the finest nuances engraved in the groove with astonishing musicality. Its precise and dynamic playback enhances the texture of the instrument, the timbres, and the emotion of the performer. It invites the audiophile to rediscover their records in a new light, respecting the authenticity of the musical message.

The AC-6 is part of the lineage of Accuphase phono cartridges, whose history dates back to 1979 with the AC-1. Representing the fifth generation, it benefits from all the accumulated experience and the latest technological advances to offer ultimate playback capabilities.

What are the advantages of the AC-6’s boron cantilever?

The 0.3 mm diameter solid boron cantilever has a very high propagation speed of 16,200 m/s, surpassing beryllium and approaching that of diamond. It transmits the micro-vibrations captured by the stylus to the magnetic circuit quickly and without loss, resulting in sound reproduction of great precision and fidelity.

How does the shape of the stylus contribute to reproduction quality?

The diamond stylus features a semi-line contact profile of 3 μm x 30 μm. This geometry ensures precise tracking of the groove in both longitudinal and vertical directions. Its large contact area in the vertical axis reduces distortions related to the pinching effect, allowing faithful reproduction of the finest details engraved in the vinyl.

What are the characteristics of the AC-6’s magnetic circuit?

The magnetic circuit is equipped with a neodymium permanent magnet of grade N50, the most powerful currently available. Its energy product is 9 times greater than that of traditional Alnico magnets. This high magnetic power allows for a usable output voltage with few turns in the coils, thus reducing impedance to 1.8 Ω and promoting optimal energy transfer.

Which tonearms can be paired with the AC-6?

With a compliance of 8 x 10-6 cm/dyne, the AC-6 is suitable for medium to high mass tonearms. Very light tonearms are not the best choice to fully exploit its potential and benefit from optimal groove tracking.