Blending the purely analog AAVA volume control circuit with sophisticated technology inherited from the C-2850 results in a superb S/N ratio and a refinement of expression that brings new clarity to the music. The utterly smooth operation feel of the volume sensor assembly and a top plate made of brushed aluminum with a hairline finish demonstrate a level of dedication and hands-on craftsmanship that pervades every aspect of this preamplifier. Each C-2450 is individually honed to provide nothing short of perfection.

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Features:

  • AAVA volume control for high performance and outstanding sound
  • Separate power transformers for left and right channels
  • Selectable preamp gain
  • Fully modular construction with individual left/right amplifier units on the motherboard
  • Logic-controlled relays for shortest signal paths
  • Independent phase selection for each input position
  • An optional phono equalizer unit enables the playback of analog records
  • Elegant side panels with a natural wood grain finish

The operation principle is purely analog
The AAVA circuit converts the input music signal into 16 types of weighted currents, which are then combined according to the position of the volume control knob. The combination of signal currents forms a variable gain circuit that adjusts the level of the music signal.

High-accuracy, high-rigidity volume sensor assembly with a responsive yet solid feel
Although AAVA adjusts the volume level by combining the output of weighted amplifiers, it is operated using a volume knob that appears similar to conventional systems. Internally, however, there are major differences. The volume sensor mechanism that detects the angular position of the volume knob rests on a frame extruded from a massive aluminum block and is finished with utmost precision. The volume knob feels both responsive and solid when rotated and ensures extremely accurate position detection. The entire mechanism is supported on the chassis by a floating suspension using insulators, which has the added advantage of extremely quiet motor-driven operation when the remote commander is used.

Separate unit amplifiers for left and right
The main amplification tasks, such as input buffering, AAVA, balanced output, and headphone output, are handled by a total of six modular amplifiers for each channel. These unit amplifiers are mounted on a glass epoxy motherboard, with left and right sections being kept completely separate. To eliminate unwanted mutual interference between the amplifiers, a sturdy frame is used to provide support. As a result, both electrical interference and physical vibrations are reliably suppressed, creating an ideal operating environment.

Separate left/right power supplies
The power supply circuitry not only acts as the energy source of an amplifier, but the current that it supplies to the load also has a significant influence on sound quality. The C-2450 incorporates four custom-made filtering capacitors, which are rated for 10,000 μF and have been specially tuned for optimum sonic properties. Along with the power transformer, the entire power supply section is duplicated and kept separate for the left and right channels, resulting in a full mono construction. The entire circuitry from the input right through to the output benefits from a strong and stable supply of current, which enhances the quality of the musical signal

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Response BALANCED/LINE INPUT 3 – 200,000 Hz ＋0 －3.0 dB 20 – 20,000 Hz ＋0 －0.2 dB
AD INPUT [MM/40 dB, MC] 20 ‒ 20,000 Hz ±0.2 dB AD INPUT [MM/30 dB]: 20 ‒ 20,000 Hz ±0.3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (for all inputs) 0.01%
Input Sensitivity, Input Impedance Input sensitivity For rated output For 0.5 V output

Input impedance AD: MM/30 dB INPUT 8.0 mV 2.0 mV
47 kilohms AD: MM/40 dB INPUT 2.5 mV 0.63 mV
47 kilohms AD: MC/60 dB INPUT 0.25 mV 0.063 mV
10/30/100/300 ohms, switchable AD: MC/70 dB INPUT 0.08 mV 0.02 mV
10/30/100/300 ohms, switchable BALANCED/LINE 252 mV 63 mV
40 kilohms/20 kilohms
Rated Output Voltage,
Output Impedance		 BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT 2 V 50 ohms RECORDER REC (with AD input) 252 mV 200 ohms
S/N Ratio Input Input shorted (A weighting) S/N ratio at rated output
EIA S/N AD: MM/30 dB INPUT 94 dB 85 dB AD: MM/40 dB INPUT 84 dB 85 dB AD: MC/60 dB INPUT 80 dB 85 dB AD: MC/70 dB INPUT 72 dB 85 dB BALANCED/LINE 110 dB 108 dB
Maximum Output Level (0.005% THD, 20 ‒ 20,000 Hz) BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT: 7.0 V RECORDER REC (with AD input): 6.0 V
Maximum Line Input Voltage BALANCED/LINE INPUT: 6.0 V
Maximum AD Input Voltage
(1 kHz, 0.005% THD)		 MM [30/40 dB] INPUT: 310/96.5 mV MC [60/70 dB] INPUT: 9.5/3.2 mV
Minimum Load Impedance BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT: 600 ohms RECORDER REC 10 kilohms
Gain (18 dB position)
Gain selector switch: 12/18/24 dB switchable		 BALANCED/LINE INPUT → BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT: 18 dB LINE INPUT → LINE OUTPUT: 18 dB LINE INPUT → BALANCED OUTPUT: 18 dB LINE INPUT → LINE OUTPUT: 18 dB BALANCED/LINE INPUT → RECORDER REC: 0 dB AD [MM: 30/40 dB] INPUT → BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT: 48/58 dB AD [MM: 30/40 dB] INPUT → REC OUTPUT: 30/40 dB AD [MC: 60/70 dB] INPUT → BALANCED/LINE OUTPUT: 78/88 dB AD [MC: 60/70 dB] INPUT → REC OUTPUT: 60/70 dB
Tone Control Turnover frequency and adjustment range
Bass: 300 Hz ±10 dB (50 Hz) Treble: 3 kHz ±10 dB (20 kHz)
Loudness Compensation ＋6 dB (100 Hz)
Headphone Jack Output level: 2 V (40 ohms), Suitable impedance: 8 ohms or above
Subsonic Filter 10 Hz: –18 dB/octave
Attenuator –20 dB
Power Requirements 120 V/220 V/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Voltage as indicated on rear panel)
Power Consumption 38 watts
Maximum Dimensions Width 465 mm (18.3″)
Height 150 mm (05.9″)
Depth 409 mm (16.1″) (
Depth 414 mm (16.3”) with AD-2850 installed)
Mass 19.0 kg (41.9 lbs), 19.9 kg (43.9 lbs) with AD-2850 installed, 25.0 kg (55.1 lbs) in shipping carton