Accuphase C-2900

Accuphase C-2900 Stereo Preamplifier

The C-2900 is the latest addition to the high-end stereo preamplifier range from the Japanese manufacturer Accuphase. As the successor to the C-2850 model, it ranks just below the flagship C-3900 in the brand’s hierarchy. True to Accuphase’s philosophy, the C-2900 combines uncompromising design, cutting-edge technologies, and impeccable build quality to deliver top-tier sound performance.

Full Dual Mono Design

To preserve every detail of the most subtle musical performances, the C-2900 adopts a full dual mono design. Each channel, left and right, benefits from its own amplifiers, encased in 8 mm thick aluminum chassis that isolate them from interference and vibrations.

This separation extends to the power supply, with a dedicated toroidal transformer for each channel, housed in a cast aluminum case with heat dissipation fins. Newly developed high-capacity 10,000 μF filter capacitors provide abundant energy reserves to effortlessly handle load fluctuations.

A Massive Chassis with Remarkable Damping Properties

To prevent any microphony and undesirable sound coloration, the C-2900 is built on an extremely rigid chassis, precision machining being a must. The power transformers are thus isolated in separate compartments from the rest of the circuits.

New to this model, high-carbon cast iron feet make their debut. Their shape and composition have been specially designed to effectively dissipate vibrations, contributing to the preamplifier’s extraordinary transparency in sound reproduction.

At the Heart of the C-2900: AAVA Circuits

The great strength of the C-2900 lies in its symmetrical AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) amplification circuits. This proprietary technology uses electronic volume control based on current-voltage converters. Unlike traditional potentiometers, AAVA offers optimal precision across the entire adjustment range, without the drawbacks of variable resistors (wear, noise, lack of precision).

In the C-2900, the AAVA circuits are doubled to achieve fully symmetrical signal operation from input to output. This “Balanced AAVA” configuration reduces noise levels by about 20% compared to a classic asymmetrical design. Each channel has its own power transformer and high-capacity filter capacitors (40,000 μF in total).

Handpicked Components

Accuphase has selected the highest quality components to equip the C-2900:

• Custom-made 10,000 μF filter capacitors
• High-capacity power transformers
• High-performance transistors and integrated circuits
• Fluorocarbon resin printed circuit boards with gold-plated copper tracks
• Reinforced chassis with optimized heat dissipation

Each element has been carefully chosen and tested through listening to contribute to the device’s exceptional sound quality.

Comprehensive Connectivity for Optimal Integration

The C-2900 is particularly versatile in terms of connectivity. Its rear panel is packed with asymmetrical (RCA) and symmetrical (XLR) jacks, allowing you to connect a wide range of sources: CD/SACD players, turntables, tuners, etc. Dedicated outputs for external processors and tape recorders complete the connection possibilities.

On the amplification side, the C-2900 naturally has outputs to power one or more stereo or mono power blocks, or even directly active speakers. Whatever the components of your hi-fi system, this preamplifier will adapt with ease.

Questions / Answers

What are the main improvements of the C-2900 compared to the C-2850?

The C-2900 features the new “Balanced AAVA” version of volume control circuits, which reduces noise by 20%. It also has a more precise and quieter volume position sensor. Finally, the optional phono module AD-2900 offers a 29% improvement in signal-to-noise ratio compared to the AD-2850.

Is the C-2900 also suitable for headphone listening?

Absolutely. It includes a dedicated high-quality headphone amplifier with symmetrical push-pull output stages. The available power allows you to fully exploit the potential of the most demanding headphones. A front panel selector allows you to adjust the gain to the headphones used.

What are the advantages of AAVA volume control compared to a traditional potentiometer?

The AAVA system offers better precision and linearity across the entire adjustment range. It does not suffer from the issues of variable resistances (wear, loss of precision, background noise). The Balanced AAVA version of the C-2900 provides an additional gain in signal-to-noise ratio.

Can the C-2900 be used with moving coil (MC) phono cartridges?

Yes, provided you install the optional phono module AD-2900. It accepts both MM and MC cartridges and offers numerous settings:

• MM/MC selection
• MC load impedance: 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000 Ω
• Gain: 34/40 dB (MM), 64/70 dB (MC)

Is the C-2900 difficult to integrate into a hi-fi system?

No, its varied and comprehensive connectivity allows it to be easily connected to any type of source and power amplifier. Its numerous adjustment possibilities (gain, phase, loudness, etc.) give it great versatility to adapt to all systems. The only minor drawback is its large size, which requires space in a rack.

• Balanced AAVA volume control circuit
• Newly developed volume sensor mechanism for quieter and smoother operation.
• Fluorine resin-based material with low dielectric constant and low loss glass fabric
• Gold plating on the copper foil surface is used for the signal circuit board.
• Toroidal transformer and filter capacitor (10,000 μF × 4)
• Power supply circuit with independent left and right configuration

Connectivity

• 5 RCA line inputs and 2 XLR line inputs
• 1 RCA input and 1 XLR input for external phono preamp
• 2 preamplified outputs RCA and XLR
• 1 headphone output 6.35 mm jack
• 1 pair of RCA Play/Rec inputs for recorders

Amplification and Settings

• Gain switch function to adjust total gain (12/18/24 dB).
• High-quality headphone amplifier with discrete configuration equipped with a parallel push-pull output stage.
• Output selector
• Phase selector
• Attenuator
• Sound compensation
• Gain selector
• Balance control
• Headphone jack
• Headphone level selector

Display and Design

• Input display that can be turned on/off and volume display with high visibility.
• Display on/off button
• Carefully selected natural wood, “honkime” mirror-finish wooden case crafted by professional artisans.
• Advanced high-carbon cast iron isolator with excellent vibration damping characteristics.

Guaranteed Specifications (with AD-2900 installed)

• THD: less than 0.005% (20 – 20,000 Hz)
• Frequency response: 3 Hz – 200 kHz (0, –3 dB)
• Nominal input:
  • BALANCED/LINE: 252 mV
  • AD (MC): 0.16 mV/0.08 mV
  • AD (MM): 5.0 mV/2.5 mV
• Nominal output: 2 V
• S/N ratio:
  • BALANCED/LINE INPUT: 113 dB
  • AD (MC): 79 dB/ 73 dB
  • AD (MM): 91 dB/ 85 dB
• Gain: 12 dB/18 dB/ 24 dB
• Volume compensation: +2 dB/+4 dB/+ 6.5 dB (100 Hz)
• Headphone output level: 2 V (40 Ω)

Compatibility

• With AD-2900 installed:
  • MC/MM selector
  • Equalizer gain selector
  • MC input impedance selector

General

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 477 × 156 × 412 mm
• Weight:
  • Without AD-2900: 24.2 kg
  • With AD-2900 installed: 25.1 kg
• Supplied accessories:
  • Power cord (2 m)
  • Audio cable with ASL-10B plugs (1 m)
  • Remote control RC-250