Accuphase C-280V (1990)
Flagship stereo preamplifier from Accuphase’s 280 series, introduced in 1990 with fully balanced Class A design and discrete phono stage.
Overview
The Accuphase C-280V Precision Stereo Preamplifier is the final model in the 280 series, following the C-280 (1982) and C-280L (1987). Manufactured in Japan by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc., it was introduced in 1990 as a dual-mono Class A control amplifier with fully balanced transmission from input to output. It features separate left and right-channel phono preamp circuits, each with dedicated transformers and filter capacitors, and uses an ultra-premium conductive plastic volume potentiometer. The unit is housed in a persimmon wood cabinet and constructed with shielded modules for all circuits, each powered by its own supply and filter network.
Specifications
| Production Year | 1990 |
| Type | Stereo Preamplifier, Balanced, Class A |
| Frequency Response (Balanced) | 1.0 Hz – 350 kHz (+0, -3.0 dB); 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0, -0.2 dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% at all input terminals |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (MM) | 2.0mV / 47k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (MC, 26dB) | 0.1mV / 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 100 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity/Impedance (MC, 32dB) | 0.05mV / 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 100 Ω |
| Rated Output (Balanced) | 2.0V / 10 Ω |
| Rated Output (Unbalanced) | 2.0V / 5 Ω |
| S/N Ratio (IHF-A, Balanced) | 111dB |
| Gain (MM → Output) | 54 dB (Balanced/Unbalanced) |
| Gain (MC → Output) | 80/86 dB (26/32dB) |
| Power Consumption | 53W |
| Dimensions | 468 mm W × 171 mm H × 415 mm D |
| Weight | 25.2 kg |
| Power Supply | 100/117/220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Semiconductors | 216 Transistors, 15 FETs, 18 ICs, 158 Diodes |
| Power Supply Capacitance | 120,000 μF |
| Transformers | Four separate transformers |
Design
The C-280V uses Accuphase’s original symmetrical push-pull circuits with all stages operating in Class A. It features fully balanced end-to-end signal transmission and dual-mono architecture, with separate power supplies and shielded modules for each circuit block. The phono stage employs low-noise FET circuitry, and left/right phono preamps have independent transformers and dedicated filter capacitors. The unit includes a conductive plastic volume potentiometer and a 10 Hz subsonic filter with -18dB/octave slope.
Context
The C-280V succeeded the C-280L and completed the evolution of the 280 series, which followed the Accuphase 200 series. It was succeeded by the C-290, which used an optional external AD-290 phono preamplifier. The C-280V represents the highest-level model in the 280 series lineup.
Market
Recent listings show prices ranging from €1,700 to €5,750, with one unit listed at CZK 115,000 and another with a final bid of ¥600 on Yahoo Auctions Japan. A September 2024 listing showed a "New Price" of $3,850. Common issues include stiffening of the volume potentiometer with age. Maintenance often involves cleaning and lubricating the potentiometer and replacing capacitors in the phono preamp modules.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.