Accuphase C-2110 Brochure

STEREO CONTROL CENTER

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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

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Fully modular construction with individual left/right

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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