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Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier

It is a very exquisite preamplifier that now succeeds the Accuphase C-2850 Precision Stereo Preamplifier in the form of the new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier. A solution that ranks near the top of the product class at Accuphase Laboratory Inc.

The new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier is a preamplifier that is almost at the top of this product group of the Japanese high-end HiFi manufacturer Accuphase Laboratory Inc.

The Japanese promise a solution that is positioned directly below the reference preamplifier Accuphase C-3000 Precision Stereo Preamplifier, and from which it takes over many features through technology transfer.

Accuphase C-2850 Precision Stereo Preamplifier – Versatility Top Priority

It is a well-known fact that a preamplifier has the central role of acting as an interface for the various source devices in a hi-fi chain. In this respect, the new preamplifier from Accuphase Laboratory Inc. is extremely versatile, because hardly any user will actually be able to use the connections offered here.

The back of the Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier is littered with connections, both in unbalanced form as a pair of RCA sockets and in balanced form as XLR.

The new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier is also well-equipped for integrating other devices, such as outputs for processors, tape decks and, of course, power amplifiers or active loudspeaker systems.

In short, there is hardly a scenario that cannot be realised with the new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier.

Optional Phono Preamplifier – Accuphase AD-2900 Phono Equalizer Expansion Unit

Some will be a little surprised to learn that no phono preamplifier is provided ex works. As with the predecessor, an optional solution is provided in the form of the Accuphase AD-2900 Phono Equalizer Expansion Unit. This, however, provides a truly outstanding phono preamplifier that hardly needs to shy away from a comparison with explicit specialists. Of course, it is designed for both MM and MC cartridges and offers all options for individual adjustment. This can be done directly via the front panel of the preamplifier.

Integrated headphone amplifier

An integrated headphone amplifier is part of the basic equipment of the new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier, and again, this is a particularly high-quality, discrete tool that can effortlessly drive a wide range of headphone models, making the purchase of a separate specialist for this task obsolete.

Technology transfer from the top model

As mentioned in the introduction, Accuphase Laboratory Inc. has also opted for a technology transfer within its own product range for the new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier, this preamplifier thus features some distinctive characteristics of the top model Accuphase C3900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier.

The new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier is also based on a discrete input stage with current feedback and a high amplification factor.

A very important feature, however, is the so-called AAVA design. AAVA stands for Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier Technology and describes the concept used here for volume control, which according to Accuphase Laboratory Inc. is virtually essential for the overall quality of an amplifier. This is where a preamplifier is elevated to a completely different level compared to other concepts.

AAVA was first used in the Accuphase C-2800 Precision Stereo Preamplifier and has been continuously improved ever since.

  • Foto © Accuphase Laboratory Inc. | Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier
  • Foto © Accuphase Laboratory Inc. | Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier
  • Foto © Accuphase Laboratory Inc. | Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier

This model now uses a Balanced AAVA Volume Control, so that both the dynamics and signal quality can be kept at the highest level, and every detail of the music reproduction can be presented.

Other key features of the new Accuphase C-2800 Precision Stereo Preamplifier include logic-controlled relay switching for input selection, the usual flexible adjustment and individual tone control, but also a power supply designed for maximum performance free of interference based on separate toroidal transformers and two 10,000 μF filter capacitors each for the left and right channels.

The solid cabinet of course presents itself in the design language of the Japanese, which has been tried and tested for years, and now rests on newly developed feet, whereby the manufacturer speaks in this respect of a construction made of cast iron with a high carbon content and excellent damping properties.

Price and availability

The new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier should be available in specialist shops within the next few days. However, according to information from the sales department, demand for many solutions from Accuphase Laboratory Inc. can sometimes lead to longer delivery times. In any case, the recommended retail price is € 22,700.

Getting to the point

The Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier is a new high-end preamplifier from the renowned Japanese hi-fi manufacturer Accuphase Laboratory Inc. and it is no coincidence that it ranks right below the reference in this class, the Accuphase C-3000 Precision Stereo Preamplifier. Through technology transfer, the new preamplifier has received many exciting features from its big brother, so it is not surprising that the manufacturer refers to the new Accuphase C-2900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier as an outstanding solution.

PRODUCTACCUPHASE C-2900 PRECISION STEREO PREAMPLIFIER
Price€ 22.700,-
BrandACCUPHASE
ManufacturerAccuphase Laboratory Inc.
Distribution AustriaR.M.S. State of the Art Audiovisual Products
Distribution GermanyP.I.A. Hi-Fi Vertriebs GmbH
Distribution Switzerlandcebrands.ch AG
More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG
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Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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