Accuphase C-270V (1992)
A high-level line-only preamplifier released in April 1992, fully replacing the original C-270 and inheriting design elements from the C-280V.
Overview
The Accuphase C-270V is a stereo control amplifier and preamplifier manufactured by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. in Japan. Released in April 1992, it was designed as a line-only preamplifier for sources like CDs and tuners, representing a complete redesign over the original C-270. It inherits key design principles from the C-280V, emphasizing balanced circuitry and high-fidelity signal handling. The unit features independent left and right power supplies, DC-servo amplification without coupling capacitors, and a dedicated direct-coupled headphone amplifier.
Specifications
| Production Year | 1992 (released April 1992) |
| Original Price | ￥580,000 |
| Frequency Response | 1.0 Hz to 300 kHz (+0, -3.0 dB); 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (+0, -0.2 dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% at all input terminals |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 110 dB (balanced and unbalanced inputs) |
| Inputs | 6 unbalanced (RCA), 3 balanced (XLR) |
| Outputs | 2 unbalanced (RCA), 2 balanced (XLR), tape record (2 RCA) |
| Power Consumption | 18W |
| Dimensions | 468 mm (W) × 149 mm (H) × 403 mm (D) |
| Weight | 22.0 kg |
| Amplifier Class | AB |
| Power Supply Voltage | 100 VAC / 117 V / 220 V / 240 V, 50Hz/60Hz |
Design
The C-270V uses a fully balanced transmission method with symmetrical positive and negative signals. It separates the unbalanced and balanced line amplifiers into distinct units, each with DC-servo input and output stages and no DC-blocking capacitors. The unbalanced input stage uses an all-FET constant-current load cascode bootstrap source follower, followed by a symmetrical differential push-pull emitter-grounded circuit and a cascode push-pull + emitter-follower output. The balanced output is achieved via bridge feedback. The power supply is monophonic, with independent transformers and filter capacitors for left and right channels. A 4-linked CP (conductive plastic) volume regulator with gold-plated multi-contact brushes rotates the resistor, not the wiper, ensuring tracking accuracy under 0.5 dB at -60 dB. Input switching uses nitrogen-filled sealed relays with gold and silver-palladium alloy contacts. The unit features a dedicated headphone amplifier, a phase switch, a 3-step attenuator, and independent left/right level adjustment. Natural persimmon wood side panels are fitted, and all audio jacks are rhodium-plated.
Context
The C-270V replaces the original C-270 and inherits design elements from the C-280V, positioning it as a high-level line-only control amplifier optimized for CD and tuner sources.
Market
A refurbished unit was listed for $2,631.50 USD. Other listings include A$4,174 (Jun–Jul 2025) and €5,200 (Jul 26, 2025). The manufacturer is Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. of Japan, and the included accessory in one listing was a copy of the instruction manual.
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