C-2850. A new preamp generation is defined by the harmony of craftsmanship and technology. The revolutionary AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) principle which enables optimal volume adjustment, has been further refined for ultra-low noise and utterly quiet operation, combined with a perfect operation feel. Experience the ultimate in volume control performance and comfort from a component that is in a class of its own. Sophisticated technology and optimized construction using only carefully selected top-notch parts and materials provide effortless operation stability, with ample performance leeway that is the secret behind ultimate reliability. Every single C-2850 is lovingly built by highly experienced craftspersons skilled in the art. The result is a product destined to transport the listener into the enchanting realm of high-end audio.

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Features:

  • AAVA volume control for high performance and outstanding sound
  • Separate high-efficiency toroidal power transformers for left and right channels
  • Selectable preamp gain
  • Fully modular construction with separate left/right units for each amplifier stage
  • Logic-controlled relays for shortest signal paths
  • Independent phase selection for each input position
  • Printed circuit boards made from glass cloth and fluorocarbon resin
  • Optional playback capability for analog records
  • Massive wood cabinet with a natural grain finish

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

High-rigidity, high-accuracy volume sensor mechanism with ultra-smooth tactile feel
Turning the volume knob on the front panel causes the actual volume level position to be detected. The corresponding combination of weighted amplifiers then, in turn, adjusts the volume. The volume sensor mechanism is made of a massive aluminum block extruded and finished with utmost precision. The knob provides an exquisite tactile feel when rotated and ensures extremely accurate position detection. The entire mechanism is supported by a floating suspension using insulators, which also allows extremely quiet motor-driven operation when the remote commander is used.

Full mono construction
Inside the preamplifier, circuits and components are securely mounted to a sturdy 8 mm thick aluminum frame and kept completely separate for the left and right channels. This reliably prevents unwanted mutual interference, resulting in further improved electrical characteristics and perfectly pure sonic performance

Ideal left/right power supply configuration ‒
The power supply circuitry not only acts as the energy source of an amplifier, but it also has a dramatic influence on its sound. The C-2850 features a newly developed type of high-efficiency toroidal transformer in a cast-aluminum case with thermal dissipation fins. Each channel has its transformer, along with a pair of custom-made electrolytic filtering capacitors rated for high capacity and excellent sonic properties. This arrangement provides ample power reserves for effortless operation.

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 86 dB AD: MM/40 dB INPUT 85 dB 86 dB AD: MC/60 dB INPUT 80 dB 86 dB AD: MC/70 dB INPUT 73 dB 87 dB BALANCED/LINE 111 dB 110 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 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
Loudness Compensation 1: +2 dB (100 Hz), 2: +4 dB (100 Hz), 3: +6.5 dB (100 Hz)
Headphone Jack Output level: 2 V (40 ohms), Suitable impedance: 8 ohms or above, Gain (LOW, MID, HIGH): ±10 dB from standard MID level
Subsonic Filter 10 Hz: –18 dB/octave
Attenuator –20 dB
Power Requirements AC120 V/220 V/230 V 50/60 Hz (Voltage as indicated on rear panel)
Power Consumption 40 watts
Maximum Dimensions Width 477 mm (18-3/4″) Height 156 mm (6-1/8″) Depth 412 mm (16-1/4″) (Depth 414 mm with AD-2850 installed)
Mass 24.5 kg (54.0 lbs) net (25.4 kg (56.0 lbs) with AD-2850 installed) 31.0 kg (68.3 lbs) in shipping carton