Accuphase C-2110 Brochure

STEREO CONTROL CENTER

●

Revolutionary AAVA volume control ● Separate power transformers for left
and right channels ● Selectable preamp gain ● Independent phase selection
for each input position
amplifi er units on motherboard
paths ● Tone controls designed for optimum sound quality ● Option board slots
provide versatility for handling digital input signals or analog record playback

●

Fully modular construction with individual left/right

●

Logic-controlled relays for shortest signal

Further improved AAVA volume control provides ultra-smooth action −

Adjust the listening level without any losses in sound quality or perform-

ance. Complete dual mono construction features separate power supplies,

plus separate AAVA unit amplifi er modules on a motherboard. Individual

control of phase for each input position. Option boards enable reproduc-

tion of digital input signals and high-grade playback of analog records.

Ever since being introduced in the model C-2800,
Accuphase’s ground-breaking AAVA (Accuphase
Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume control has
undergone further refi nements, refl ecting accumulated
technical know-how. The result has made an excellent
idea even better, and it has helped Accuphase
preamplifi ers maintain their position as undisputed
leaders and reference products both in terms of sound
quality and performance.
The C-2110 is a successor to the model C-2000. It
inherits advanced design technology from the C-2810
and C-2410 and features AAVA volume control with
the same outstanding specifi cations and confi guration
but further augmented circuitry. AAVA is a new
kind of volume control that assures excellent sonic

performance by integrating the amplification and
volume control tasks and eliminating all mechanical
contact points from the signal path. The fact that
the music signal no longer has to pass through any
variable resistors brings a number of distinct design
advantages and enhances sonic purity. Another
benefi t of AAVA is that only highly reliable electronic
components are used, ensuring that the outstanding
performance and sound quality of the amplifi er will
remain undiminished for many years to come. In actual
operation, the volume knob on the front panel which
is only used for position detection has the same feel
as on a conventional amplifi er.
The power supply section of the C-2110 employs
separate transformers, while fi ltering capacitors and

other parts of the power supply are also duplicated for
left and right. What’s more, the AAVA circuitry, balanced
output circuits, and other unit amplifi ers are also entirely
separate for the two channels, arranged on a high­quality motherboard. This fully monaural construction
prevents unwanted crosstalk and interaction both on
the electrical and the physical plane.
Most of the internal circuitry of the C-2110 is devoted
to AAVA, but there are also tone controls, a loudness
compensator, recorder connection support and other
convenient features. The PHASE button lets the user
specify the phase setting for each input position
separately, and EXT PRE connectors offer further
enhanced fl exibility. The overall result is a versatile
analog preamplifi er of immense appeal.

Further Improved AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifi er) Volume Control

AAVA is a radically different volume control principle that eliminates all variable resistors from the signal path and provides top-notch performance
and sound quality. Because the music signal is not affected by changes in impedance, high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion are maintained
at any volume control setting.

■ Volume control resolution

AAVA adjusts the listening volume by means of 16 weighted

V-I converter amplifi ers which are controlled by current
switches. The number of possible volume steps set by the
combination of these converter amplifi ers is 2 to the power
of 16 = 65,536.

■ Input buffer amps use 5-MCS topology

One of the factors that have a bearing on possible noise in

an AAVA arrangement is the input buffer. By connecting fi ve
high-performance amps in parallel, drive capability under
low-load conditions has been improved, and excellent S/N
ratio is assured.

■ AAVA ensures high S/N ratio and uniform
frequency response

Unlike conventional volume controls, AAVA does not

introduce a change in impedance at any volume setting.
Consequently, there is no deterioration of S/N ratio and
frequency response remains totally uniform. The benefi ts
are especially apparent at settings that correspond to
normal listening levels, because the sound remains perfectly
transparent and the tonal quality is not altered in any way.

■ No more left/right tracking differences or
crosstalk

Because AAVA is an electronic circuit employing fi xed-value

resistors, there is virtually no left/right tracking error also at
low volume levels. Since channels can be kept separate,
crosstalk also does not present a problem.

■ Simple circuit confi guration

AAVA unifi es the amplifi er and volume control functions,

resulting in a circuit that is electrically very simple. Long-term
reliability is excellent, with performance and sound quality
that will remain unchanged also after prolonged use.

■ AAVA means analog processing

The AAVA circuit converts the music signal from a

voltage into a current, switches gain by means of
current switches, and then reconverts the current
into a voltage. The entire process is carried out in
the analog domain.

■ Same operation feel as a conventional
high-quality volume control

The volume control knob position is detected

by a dedicated CPU which in turn selects the
current switches for AAVA operation. Operating
the knob therefore feels exactly the same as with
a conventional control, and as before, operation
via the remote commander is also possible.

■ Attenuator and balance control also
implemented by AAVA

The functions of the attenuator and the left/right

balance control are covered by the AAVA circuit
as well, eliminating the need for additional circuit
stages. Keeping the confi guration simple helps to
maintain high performance and sonic purity.

BUFFER

INPUT

BUFFER

Input music signal

V-I Converter

Conversion into current with 16
weighting stages (1/2 - 1/216)

The music signal is converted into 16 types of weighted current by V-I (voltage - current)
converting amplifi ers [1/2, 1/2

2

, ... 1/215, 1/216]. The 16 currents are turned on or off by 16 current
switches, and the combination of switch settings determines the overall volume. The switching
operation is controlled by a CPU according to the position of the volume control knob. The
combined signal current forms a variable gain circuit that adjusts the volume. Finally, the combined
current is converted back into a voltage by an I-V (current - voltage) converter.

16 current switches
(65,536 possible combinations)

Volume

CPU

Balance
Attenuator

CPU detects position of volume
knob and operates current on/off
switches according to knob position

AAVA operation principle

Operation principle of AAVA in C-2110

I-V Converter

Reconversion of
current into voltage

+

Current
values are
added

Volume knob is turned and
position is detected

AAVA assembly includes boards with
separate modules for left and right
input buffers, 16 V-I converters + cur-

rent switches, current adding

circuitry, and I-V converters,

as well as the CPU board

for AAVA control.

OUTPUT

GAIN

■ Dual mono construction with separate left and right transformers and
separate circuit modules mounted on a board.

■ Logic-controlled relays assure high sound quality and long-term reliability.

Strategically placed relays ensure optimum signal fl ow and prevent degradation that could

occur if the signal has to travel a long way for input and output connection and function
switching.

■ Individual phase control for each input position

The setting of the PHASE button is memorized for each input separately, and the LED indicator

shows the respective status: lit (phase inverted) or out (normal phase).

■ Selectable preamp gain

The overall gain of the preamplifi er can be set to 12 dB, 18 dB, or 24 dB.

■ Dedicated headphone amplifi er optimized for sound quality

■ EXT PRE function allows use of external preamplifi er

■ Versatile arrangement of balanced and unbalanced input and output

connectors

■ Two option board slots on rear panel for system expansion

■ More versatile features:

• Provisions for recording and playback with a recorder

• Loudness compensator augments bass impact

at low listening volume

• Attenuator (–20 dB)

■Supplied remote commander

RC-200

Allows volume adjustment,
input source switching,
and other operations.

Balanced input and output connectors Unbalanced input and output connectors

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

Response in dB

0

-2

-4

-6
10 100 1k 10k 100k

LOUDNESS COMPENSATOR:ON

LOUDNESS COMPENSATOR: ON

Frequency in Hz

Loudness compensator

characteristics

OFF/EXT INV

OUTPUT PHASE

EXT PRE function and phase se­lector button, with LED indicators

Gain selector

■ Tone controls using summing active fi lters
for optimum sound quality

Bass turnover frequency:
40 or 100 Hz
Treble turnover frequency:
8 or 20 kHz

Input

16

12

8

4

0

-4

Response in dB

-8

-12

-16
10 100 1k 10k 100k

Tone control characteristics

-A1

F1

VR1

F2

VR2

BASS TREBLE

100Hz

40Hz

Frequency in Hz

-A2

20kHz

Output

8kHz

Option Boards

Three types of option boards can be used in the C-2110:
the Digital Input Board DAC-20, Analog Disc Input Board
AD-20, and Line Input Board LINE-10. These boards can
be installed in the rear-panel slots as required.

• It is possible to install two identical boards.

• The Analog Disc Input Board AD-9/AD-10 and the
Line Input Board LINE-9 can also be used.

• When using the AD-9/AD-10, the MC/MM button on
the front panel of the C-2110 has no effect. MC/MM
switching must be performed on the board.

DAC-20

Photo shows option board installation example.

AD-20

Digital Input Board DAC-20

This board features an MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) ++
type D/A converter and allows direct digital connection
of a CD player, MD or DAT recorder or other component
with digital output (sampling frequency up to 96 kHz,
24 bits) for high-quality music reproduction.

• Inputs for coaxial and optical fi ber connections are pro-
vided.

Analog Disc Input Board AD-20

This board serves for playback of analog records. It con­tains a high-performance, high-gain phono equalizer.

• MC/MM switching is possible on the front panel of the
C-2110.

• Internal DIP switches control MC input impedance and
subsonic fi lter on/off.

Gain: 62 dB

MC

Input impedance:

Gain: 36 dB

MM

Input impedance: 47 kilohms

10/30/100 ohms (selectable)

Line Input Board LINE-10

This option board provides a set of unbalanced line
level inputs.

■ Front panel

■ Rear panel

Option board
installation slots

A Input selector
B Function LED indicators
C Volume control
D Power switch
E Output selector
F BASS/TREBLE controls
G Function selector buttons

Phase, stereo/mono, MM/MC, tone control on/off,
40/100 Hz turnover, 8/20 kHz turnover

H Recorder selector OFF ON PLAY
I Gain selector 12dB 18dB 24dB
J Balance control
K Loudness compensator button

Pressing this button
opens the sub panel.



L Attenuator
M Headphone jack
N Line inputs TUNER CD LINE1, 2, 3
O Recorder outputs/inputs
P Unbalanced output connectors (2 sets)
Q External preamplifi er inputs

(unbalanced)

R CD/LINE balanced inputs

a Ground b Inverted (

–)

c Non-inverted (+)

S Balanced outputs
T External preamplifi er inputs (balanced)
U AC power connector

21



Guaranteed Specifi cations

✽ Guaranteed specifi cations are measured according to EIA standard RS-490.

● Frequency Response BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT

3 - 200,000 Hz +0, –3.0 dB
20 - 20,000 Hz +0, –0.2 dB

● Total Harmonic Distortion (for all inputs) 0.005%

● Input Sensitivity, Input Impedance

Input

BALANCED 252 mV 63 mV 40 kΩ

UNBALANCED 252 mV 63 mV 20 kΩ

● Rated Output Voltage, Output Impedance

RECORDER REC: 252 mV, 200 ohms

● S/N Ratio (gain selector: 18 dB)

Input

BALANCED 109 dB 107 dB

UNBALANCED 109 dB 107 dB

● Maximum Output Level (0.002% THD, 20 - 20,000 Hz)

RECORDER REC: 6.0 V

● LINE Maximum Input Level

● Minimum Load Impedance

RECORDER REC: 10 kilohms

● Crosstalk –74 dB or better (10 kHz)

● Residual Noise 0.8 μV or less (A weighting)

● Gain (gain selector: 18 dB) ✽ Gain switchable to 12/18/24 dB

BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT → BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 18 dB

BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT → REC OUTPUT: 0 dB

● Tone Controls Bass/Treble controls with selectable turnover frequencies
BASS: 40/100 Hz ±8 dB
TREBLE: 8/20 kHz ±8 dB

● Loudness Compensation +6 dB (100 Hz)

● Attenuator –20 dB

● Headphone Jack Suitable impedance: 8-100 ohms

● Power Requirements AC120 V/230 V, 50/60 Hz

(Voltage as indicated on rear panel)

● Power Consumption 32 watts

● Maximum Dimensions Width 465 mm (18-5/16”)

Height 150 mm (5-7/8”)
Depth 405 mm (15-15/16”)

● Mass 16.8 kg (37.0 lbs) net

22.0 kg (48.5 lbs) in shipping carton

● Supplied Remote Commander RC-200

Remote control principle: Infrared pulse
Power supply: 3 V DC (IEC R03 batteries × 2)
Maximum dimensions: 56 × 175 × 26 mm
Weight: 153 g (including batteries)

For rated output For 0.5 V output

Sensitivity

BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:

Input shorted, IHF-A weighting

S/N ratio at rated output

BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:

BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT:

BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:

Input impedance

2 V, 50 ohms

S/N ratio (EIA)

7.0 V

6.0 V

600 ohms

Remarks



This product is available in versions for 120/230 V AC. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.



The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

■ Supplied Accessories

● AC power cord

● Audio cable with plugs (1 m)

● Remote commander RC-200

●

Specifi cations and design subject to change without notice for improvements.

http://www.accuphase.com

E0810Y PRINTED IN JAPAN 851-0173-00 (AD1)