Accuphase C-280V (1990)

Flagship stereo preamplifier from Accuphase's 280 series, introduced in 1990 with a fully balanced Class A design and a discrete phono stage.

Overview

The Accuphase C-280V Precision Stereo Preamplifier is the last model in the 280 series. It follows the C-280 (1982) and the C-280L (1987). Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. built it in Japan and introduced it in 1990 as a dual-mono Class A control amplifier with fully balanced transmission from input to output. The left and right channels each get their own phono preamp circuit, with dedicated transformers and filter capacitors. The volume control is an ultra-premium conductive plastic potentiometer. The cabinet is persimmon wood. Every circuit sits in a shielded module with 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)	reportedly 0.1mV / 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 100 Ω
Input Sensitivity/Impedance (MC, 32dB)	0.1mV / 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)	approximately 86 dB (26/32dB settings)
Power Consumption	53W
Dimensions	468 mm W × 171 mm H × 396 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 running in Class A. Signal transmission is fully balanced end to end, and the dual-mono layout gives each circuit block its own power supply and shielded module. The phono stage uses low-noise FET circuitry. The left and right phono preamps have independent transformers and dedicated filter capacitors. There is a conductive plastic volume potentiometer and a 10 Hz subsonic filter with a -18dB/octave slope.

Context

The C-280V was the final model in the 280 series, which may have followed the Accuphase 200 series.

It was reportedly succeeded by the C-290, which may have 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. One unit was listed at CZK 115,000, and another had a final bid of ¥600 on Yahoo Auctions Japan. A September 2024 listing showed a "New Price" of $3,850. The volume potentiometer is a common problem, since it stiffens with age. Maintenance often means cleaning and lubricating the potentiometer and replacing capacitors in the phono preamp modules.