Accuphase C-2800 Brochure

m Revolutionary AAVA volume control m Printed circuit boards using

Teflon base with low dielectric constant and low loss m Separate
R-toroidal transformers for left and right channels m Fully modular
construction with individual amplifier units for each stage m Logic­controlled relays for shortest signal paths m Optional analog record
playback capability m Massive cabinet of natural persimmons wood

The analog preamplifier has just been redefined Revolutionary AAVA
type volume control. Fully modular construction with T eflon-based printed
circuit boards. Dual mono configuration with separate R-toroidal
transformers for left and right channels. Optional dedicated phono equalizer
unit allows analog record repr oduction with superb fidelity.

The two most basic tasks of a preamplifier are
selecting the input source and adjusting the volume.
How the volume adjustment is achieved has a
significant bearing on sound quality. The C-2800
introduces a novel concept called AAVA (Accuphase
Analog Vari-gain Amplifier). This circuit differs radically
from conventional variable-resistor type volume
controls. Amplification and volume control are fully
unified, eliminating all mechanical contact points. Pure
analog processing ensures optimum performance and
superb sound. Doing away with the variable resistor
in the signal path has numerous advantages and

brings the amplifier a significant step closer to
absolute purity in signal transmission.
The power transformer, filtering capacitors and all
other parts of the power supply are duplicated for the
left and right channel. What's more, all unit amplifiers
such as for line input, balanced output, and AAVA are
also entirely separate for the two channels, arr anged
on a high-quality motherboard. This fully monaural
construction prevents unwanted crosstalk and
interaction both on the electrical and the physical
plane. The result is utterly stable playback sound of
impeccable quality. Logic relay control is used for

source switching to implement the shortest possible
signal paths. The printed circuit boards are an
important element of a preamplifier both regarding
electrical performance as well as sound quality. In the
C-2800, these are made from a T eflon material (glass
fluorocarbon resin) with low dielectric constant and
minimum loss. Each and e v ery part used in this top­notch analog preamplifier has been carefully selected
on the basis of sonic performance. The ov erall result
is a flagship product that represents the best that
Accuphase has to offer.

* Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont USA.

AAVA (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) volume control

The newly developed volume control called AAV A (Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier) is totally different from conventional controls using resistors . It allows
precise listening level adjustment while maintaining top-notch performance and sound quality over the entire range. Because the music signal does not pass
through variable resistors, it is not affected by changes in impedance. This means that high signal-to-noise r atio and low distortion of the signal are maintained.
Internally, a dedicated CPU selects the current s witches that determine the gain of the amplifier. With regard to the music signal, the AA V A circuit is a fully analog
volume control.

n AAV A operation principle

AAV A operates b y feeding the music signal to a V-I (v oltage - current) conv erter
where it is weighted in 16 steps [1/2, 1/2
are turned on or off by 16 current switches, and the combination of switch
settings determines the overall volume. The s witching 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 volume. Finally, the
combined current is converted back into a voltage by an I-V (current - voltage)
converter.

n AAV A resolution

AAVA adjusts the listening volume by means of 16 current switches. The
number of possible volume steps set by the combination of these switches is
2 to the power of 16 = 65,536. When maximum output voltage is 5 V, resolution
is an amazing 0.07 mV .

n Minimal distortion and no thermal noise

Because AAV A is an electronic circuit, the music signal does not pass through
any variable resistors. Thermal noise caused by resistors is totally absent.
Because there is no impedance that affects the signal, S/N ratio remains at
the logical optimum. The circuit configuration also assures ultr a-low distortion.

2

, ... 1/215, 1/216]. The 16 current steps

n Simple circuit configuration

AAVA unifies the amplifier and volume control functions, resulting in a circuit
that is electrically very simple. Right and left channels are fully independent,
and frequency response does not change regardless of the volume control
knob position. Channel separation is e xcellent, and sonic performance remains
totally uniform over the entire range.

n AAVA means analog processing

The AAV A circuit con verts the music signal from a voltage into a current, alters
gain by means of current switches, and then reconverts the current into a
voltage.

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

The actual volume control knob is linked to a variable resistor. However, this
resistor is only used to detect the absolute position of the knob. Operating the
control therefore feels exactly the same as with a conventional control, and
operation via the remote commander is also possible.

n Attenuator and balance control also realized via AA V A

The functions of the attenuator and the left/right balance control are covered
by the AAV A circuit as well, eliminating the need f or additional stages. K eeping
the configuration simple helps to maintain high performance and sonic purity.

Input music

signal

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

Fig. 1 AAVA Principle

16 current switches
(65,536 possible combinations)

CPU controls current
switches according to knob
position

Current
values are
added

Reconversion of
current into voltage

Position detection of
volume control knob

AAVA unit amplifier (one channel). PCB emplo y s
T eflon and gold-plated copper

Separate unit amplifiers for left/right mounted on
sturdy 8-mm aluminum chassis

The C-2800 contains a total of 18 unit amplifiers,
comprising modules for input buffer, AAVA circuit,
balanced output, etc. These units are housed in solid
enclosures made of sturdy 8-mm thick aluminum and
mounted to a glass epoxy motherboard. This prevents
electrical interference and guards against mechanical
vibrations.

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

The strategically placed relays of the C-2800 prevent
any signal degradation that could occur if the signal
has to travel a long way f or input and output connection
and function switching. Optimum signal flow is
maintained at all times.

Ideal power supply uses newly developed
"R-toroidal transformers" in fully monaural
configuration

The power supply not only serves as the energy
source of an amplifier, the quality of the current
supplied to the various loads also has a considerable
bearing on sound quality. In the C-2800, newly
developed R-toroidal transformers and dedicated
filtering capacitors are used for each of the two stereo
channels, resulting in a fully monaural construction.
The R-toroidal transformer uses a core with a circular
cross-section designed to reduce

magnetic
losses and
improve
efficiency.
Leakage flux
is virtually
absent. The
transformer is
housed in a
dual-wall
enclosure
with a glass
fiber core and
strong resin coating. Epoxy filler with superior
vibration-damping characteristics is used to further
isolate the transformer, resulting in highly effective
triple insulation.

Printed circuit boards made from Teflon with lo w
dielectric constant and low loss

The printed circuit boards for the signal-carrying
circuits are made of Teflon, a glass fluorocarbon
resin material. Teflon has extremely low
specific inductive capacity which is
desirable for fast signal transmission
and a low dielectric dissipation
factor which results in minimal
transmission losses. High­frequency characteristics
and heat resistance
are also excellent.
For further
improved sound
quality, the
copper foil side is
gold plated.

n Switchable preamplifier gain: 12/18/24 dB

(standard position 18 dB)

n V ersatile arr ay of inputs and outputs (character

label display for inputs)

n Dedicated headphone amplifier optimized for

sound quality

n EXT PRE function allows use of external

preamplifier

n Useful range of functions

m Provisions for recording/playbac k/cop ying with two

recorders

m Loudness compensator augments bass and treble

at low listening volume

m Phase selector
m Attenuator
m Subsonic filter removes ultra low frequency noise

n Massiv e cabinet of natural persimmons wood

n Supplied remote

commander RC-32
allows volume control
and input source
selection

Dedicated Phono Equalizer Unit AD-2800 (Optional)

Analog records can be reproduced by installing the dedicated phono equalizer unit AD-2800 in a rear­panel slot. The AD-2800 uses printed circuit boards made from Teflon material (glass fluorocarbon resin)
and is housed in a sturdy aluminum case for complete protection against any external interference. Highly
reliable DIN connectors make the shortest possible connection between input and amplification circuits, to
assure outstanding S/N ratio.

n Front panel

n Rear panel

Expansion slot for
AD-2800

Input

Circuit diagram of phono equalizer
unit AD-2800 (one channel)

Pressing this button gives
access to the sub panel

Equalizer
elements

DC servo amplifier

Output

Gain: 30/36 dB, switchable

MM

(

Input impedance: 47 kilohms
Gain: 62/68 dB, switchable

MC

(

Input impedance: 10/30/100 ohms, switchable

✽ The phono equalizer units AD-290 and AD-290V

designed for the Accuphase models C-290 and
C-290V can also be used in the C-2800.

✽ The AD-2800 can also be used in the Accuphase

models C-290 and C-290V .

GUARANTEED SPECIFICATIONS

✽ Guaranteed specifications are measured according to EIA standard RS-490. ✽ AD stands for
"Analog Disc" ✽ Specifications are shown for phono equalizer unit AD-2800 installed.

m Frequency Response

m Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% (for all inputs)

m Input Sensitivity, Input Impedance

Input

AD:MM/30 dB INPUT 8.0 mV 2.0 mV 47 kΩ
AD:MM/36 dB INPUT 4.0 mV 1.0 mV 47 kΩ
AD:MC/62 dB INPUT 0.2 mV 0.05 mV 10/30/100 Ω, switchable
AD:MC/68 dB INPUT 0.1 mV 0.025 mV 10/30/100 Ω, switchable
BALANCED/UNBALANCED

m Rated Output V oltage, BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 2 V, 50 ohms

Output Impedance REC (with AD input): 252 mV, 200 ohms

m Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Input terminal
AD:MM/30 dB INPUT 95 dB 91 dB

AD:MM/36 dB INPUT 89 dB 92 dB
AD:MC/62 dB INPUT 80 dB 87.5 dB
AD:MC/68 dB INPUT 75 dB 88.5 dB
BALANCED/UNBALANCED

BALANCED INPUT/UNBALANCED: 03 ~ 200,000 Hz +0 dB –3.0 dB
AD INPUT: [MM/36 dB, MC]:

AD INPUT: [MM/30 dB]:

Sensitivity

For rated output For 0.5 V output

252 mV 63 mV 40 kΩ/20 kΩ

Input shorted, IHF-A weighting

S/N ratio at rated output

111 dB 110 dB

20 ~ 020,000 Hz +0 dB –0.2 dB
20 ~ 020,000 Hz ±0.2 dB
20 ~ 020,000 Hz ±0.3 dB

Input impedance

S/N ratio (EIA)

0

A Input Selector

LINE3 LINE2 LINE1 LINE-BAL CD-BAL
CD TUNER AD1 (OP) AD2 (OP)

B Output Selector

EXT PRE ALL BAL UNBAL OFF

C Function Display
D Recorder Selector

2 1 SOURCE REC OFF

E Copy Selector 1 ➝ 2 OFF 2 ➝ 1
F Analog Disc Equalizer Gain Selector

MM/30 dB MM/36 dB
MC/62 dB MC/68 dB

G Input Display
H Balance Control
I Volume Control
J Po wer Switch
K Output Phase Selector Button
L Stereo/Mono Mode Selector Button
M Subsonic Filter Button

Remarks

0

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

0

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

n Supplied accessories: • AC power cord

• Audio cable with plugs (1 m)

• Remote commander RC-32

N Loudness Compensator Buttons

OFF 1 2

O MC Cartridge Load Impedance Selector

Buttons

P Headphone Jack
Q Attenuator Button
R Line Input Jacks

CD TUNER LINE1, 2, 3

S Recorder Input/Output Jacks
T Unbalanced Output Jacks

21

U External Preamplifier Input Jacks

(Unbalanced)

22

U Gain Selector 24 dB 18 dB 12 dB

23

U CD/LINE Balanced Input Connectors

a Ground b Inverted (–)
c Non-invert (+)

24

U Balanced Output Connectors (OUTPUT 1, 2)

25

U External Preamplifier Input Jacks (Balanced)

0

26

U AC Inlet

m Maximum Output Level BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 7.0 V

m LINE maximum input level BALANCED/ UNBALANCED INPUT: 6.0 V
m Maximum AD Input Level MM [30/36 dB] INPUT: 300 mV/150 mV

(0.005% THD) MC [62/68 dB] INPUT: 7.5 mV/ 3.75 mV

m Minimum Load Impedance BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 600 ohms

m Gain (gain selector: 18 dB) ✽ Gain switch positions: 12/18/24 dB

m Loudness Compensation 1: +3 dB (100 Hz), 2: +8 dB (100 Hz) +6 dB (20 kHz)
m Subsonic Filter 10 Hz:
m Attenuator
m Headphone Jack Suitable impedance: 8 - 100 ohms
m Power Requirements AC 120 V / 230 V, 50/60 Hz (Voltage as indicated on rear panel)
m Power Consumption 48 watts
m Maximum Dimensions Width: 477 mm (18-3/4")

m Weight 21.2 kg (46.7 lbs) net (22.1 kg with AD installed)

REC (with AD input): 6.0 V

REC: 10 kilohms

BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT➝BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:
UNBALANCED INPUT ➝ REC OUTPUT: 0 dB
AD (MM 30/36dB) INPUT ➝
AD (MM 30/36dB) INPUT ➝ REC OUTPUT: 30/36 dB
AD (MC 62/68dB) INPUT ➝
AD (MC 62/68dB) INPUT ➝ REC OUT: 62/68 dB

–

18 dB/octave

–

20 dB

Height: 156 mm (6-1/8")
Depth: 412 mm (16-1/4")

28.0 kg (61.7 lbs) in shipping carton

BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:
BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:

18 dB
48/54 dB
80/86 dB

• Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.

G0205Y PRINTED IN JAPAN 851-0127-00 (AD1)http://www .accuphase.com/