Accuphase C-290V Precision Stereo Preamplifier (1993)
A high-end stereo preamplifier with balanced transmission, discrete current feedback circuitry, and modular dual-mono construction, released in November 1993.
Overview
The Accuphase C-290V Precision Stereo Preamplifier was released in November 1993 by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. as a stereo control amplifier designed for maximum signal purity through balanced transmission technology developed from the C-280V. It supports a dedicated optional phono equalizer unit, the AD-290V, which installs via a rear-panel slot for MM and MC analog playback. The unit features an 8 mm thick hardened aluminum chassis and an elegant persimmon wood cabinet.
Specifications
| Production Year | November 1993 |
| Original Price | ￥880,000 |
| Frequency Response (Line Inputs) | 3 Hz – 350 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 (Balanced) | 111 dB S/N; -123 dBV input conversion noise |
| Gain (Balanced/Unbalanced) | 18 dB (line), up to 86 dB (MC with AD-290V) |
| Inputs | 9 RCA pairs, 3 balanced inputs |
| Outputs | 6 outputs |
| Power Consumption | 30W |
| Dimensions | 475 mm W × 149 mm H × 405 mm D |
| Weight | 23.8 kg (24.8 kg with AD-290V) |
| Power Supply | 100/117/220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
Design
The C-290V uses a current feedback amplifier circuit with balanced transmission technology, featuring a pure complementary push-pull discrete line amplifier. The signal path is built on Teflon-based glass fluorocarbon resin PCBs with gold-plated copper foil. Each of the four unit amplifiers (two per channel) is housed in a thick aluminum enclosure with its own regulated power supply. The power section employs dual amorphous-core transformers (Fe-based, 25 μm thickness) and separate filter capacitors for complete left/right monophonic isolation. The volume control is a four-gang CP (conductive plastic) type with a rotating resistor design and gold-plated multi-contact brush, maintaining less than 0.5 dB tracking error at -60 dB. Signal switching uses hermetically sealed nitrogen-filled relays with gold and silver-palladium alloy twin crossbar contacts. A bridge feedback topology enables the balanced output stage, while a dedicated phono module (AD-290V) can be added for MM/MC support with selectable gain and impedance.
Context
The C-290V advances the balanced transmission technology first developed with the C-280V, refining it into a higher plane of performance. It incorporates Accuphase’s proprietary current feedback design and fully modular dual-mono architecture, positioning it as a flagship preamplifier in the brand’s 1990s high-end lineup.
Market
The C-290V originally sold for ￥880,000 in November 1993. Units in good condition with the optional AD-290V phono stage command strong interest among audiophile collectors today.
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