Accuphase C-2300

Detailed Presentation of the Accuphase C-2300 Stereo Preamplifier

The Accuphase C-2300 is a high-quality stereo preamplifier designed by the renowned Japanese manufacturer Accuphase. As the successor to the C-2450 model, it ranks as the second preamplifier in the brand’s lineup, just below the C-2900. This product embodies Accuphase’s expertise in high-end audio, combining advanced technologies with meticulous construction.

AAVA Technology

At the heart of the C-2300 is the AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) system, a proprietary technology from Accuphase. This innovative system allows for fully analog volume control without using a traditional potentiometer. AAVA offers exceptional precision in volume adjustment while preserving the quality of the audio signal. This approach significantly reduces noise and distortion, enhancing sound clarity and transparency.

Dual-Mono and Symmetrical Architecture

The C-2300 features a complete dual-mono architecture, with entirely separate circuits for each channel, including transformers and power supply circuits. This design ensures optimal channel separation and minimizes interference. Additionally, the device uses a fully symmetrical topology, which helps reduce noise levels by about 10% compared to its predecessor.

Total Control Over Sound

The C-2300 offers numerous possibilities to fine-tune the sound according to preferences and system. The 4-band tone control (bass 40/125 Hz, low midrange 500 Hz, high midrange 2 kHz, treble 8/20 kHz) allows for precise tonal balance adjustments.

A loudness compensator enhances bass levels at low listening volumes to compensate for the ear’s reduced sensitivity in this range. The Mono function combines the left and right channels to check the mono compatibility of recordings.

The included RC-250 remote control provides access to all functions, including input selection, volume adjustment, and tone and balance adjustments. A -20 dB attenuator allows for instant volume reduction if necessary.

Comprehensive and Upgradable Connectivity

With 5 unbalanced RCA line inputs and 2 balanced XLR inputs, the C-2300 can interface with numerous sources. An additional “EXT PRE” input allows for the addition of another preamplifier. The outputs are also generous with 2 RCA line outputs, 1 XLR output, and 1 recording output.

Two slots at the back can accommodate optional cards: MM/MC phono input (AD-60), USB/coaxial/optical digital input (DAC-60), additional line input (LINE-10). The C-2300 can thus evolve according to needs.

The headphone output on a 6.35 mm jack is supported by a dedicated discrete component amplifier, capable of driving headphones of 8 Ω and above. Its extremely low output impedance preserves the full dynamics of the headphones.

Functional and Elegant Design

True to Accuphase’s aesthetic, the C-2300 features an elegant champagne finish and an anodized aluminum chassis. Its dimensions (465 x 150 x 405 mm) and weight (19.3 kg) reflect a robust design, reinforced by high-carbon cast iron feet to dampen vibrations.

The front panel features two large knurled knobs for source selection and volume control. The latter is mounted on a solid brass 8 mm shaft inserted into a machined aluminum block. The volume sensor mechanism is decoupled from the chassis by silent blocks to prevent any unwanted vibrations.

A fold-down panel conceals the secondary controls (tone adjustments, gain adjustment, balance, subsonic filter, MC phono load, etc.). The red LED display indicates the volume level, selected source, and current settings.

Technical Specifications

Audio Features

• Balanced AAVA volume control
• 4-band tone control (40 Hz, 125 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz, 8 kHz, 20 kHz)
• Silent and smooth volume potentiometer
• Separate power supplies and independent amplifiers for left and right channels
• Phase setting memory for each input
• High-reliability signal switching relay with logical control
• High-quality headphone amplifier

Controls and Display

• Output selector
• Phase selector
• Attenuator
• Volume compensator
• Gain selector
• Balance adjustment
• Volume level display
• Display on/off button

Connectivity

• Multiple inputs: 5 line and 2 balanced
• Balanced inputs and outputs
• Recording outputs
• External preamplifier inputs
• Headphone jack
• 2 slots for optional cards
  • Compatible cards: DAC-60, AD-60, LINE-10
  • With DAC-60: digital-to-analog converter (DAC) input selection, sampling frequency display
  • With AD-60: moving coil / moving magnet (MC/MM) selection, subsonic filter activation/deactivation, moving coil (MC) impedance selection
  • Additional cards for digital signals and analog recordings

Guaranteed Specifications (with AD-60)

• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.005% (20 – 20,000 Hz)
• Frequency response: 3 Hz – 200 kHz (0, –3 dB)
• Nominal input level:
  • Balanced / Line: 252 mV
  • AD (MC): 0.126 mV
  • AD (MM): 2.5 mV
• Nominal output level: 2 V
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • Balanced / Line input: 111 dB
  • AD (MC): 68 dB
  • AD (MM): 80 dB
• Gain: 12 dB, 18 dB, 24 dB
• Volume compensation: +6.0 dB (100 Hz)
• Headphone output level: 2 V (40 Ω)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 465 × 150 × 405 mm
• Weight: 19.3 kg

Included Accessories

• Power cord (2 m)
• Audio cable with AL-10 plugs (1 m)
• RC-250 remote control