Accuphase
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Specs
| Type | Moving coil (low output) stereo phono cartridge |
| Cantilever | Boron |
| Stylus | Special line contact / polished diamond |
| Output voltage | 0.4 mV (1 kHz) |
| Internal impedance | 1.8 ohms |
| Weight | 13.5 g |
| Recommended tracking force | 2.0 g (plus or minus 0.15 g) |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 50 kHz, plus or minus 1 dB |
| Channel separation | 30 dB or more |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Accuphase dealer by All Elite Audio. New Accuphase AC-6 units include the full Accuphase USA manufacturer warranty of 3 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any service or setup questions.
What's in the Box
- Accuphase AC-6 moving coil cartridge
- Protective stylus guard
- Mounting hardware
- Owner's documentation
Overview
The Accuphase AC-6 is a low output moving coil phono cartridge engineered to deliver the composed, tonally natural sound that defines the Accuphase house character. Built around a boron cantilever and a precisely shaped diamond stylus, it is designed to read the finest details in the groove while remaining musically balanced and free of harshness. The result is a cartridge that pairs beautifully with a serious tonearm and turntable for listeners who value long term listening comfort as much as resolution.
Accuphase approaches analog playback with the same measurement driven discipline it brings to its electronics. The AC-6 uses a rigid body construction to control unwanted resonance, a carefully tuned coil and magnet system for stable output, and a suspension calibrated for accurate tracking across demanding passages. Its low output design rewards a high quality moving coil phono stage or step up transformer, where its low noise floor and wide dynamic range can be fully realized.
The AC-6 is intended for the analog enthusiast who has invested in a quality front end and wants a cartridge that reveals the character of the recording rather than imposing its own. It suits those building around Accuphase electronics as well as any high resolution system where refinement, tonal accuracy, and precise imaging are the goals.
Key Features
- Low output moving coil design for high resolution, low coloration playback
- Boron cantilever chosen for stiffness and low mass to improve transient response
- Precision polished diamond stylus for accurate groove tracing
- Rigid body construction that controls resonance and preserves detail
- Tuned suspension for stable, secure tracking through complex passages
- Natural tonal balance consistent with the Accuphase design philosophy
- Wide dynamic range and quiet background when matched with a capable MC phono stage
- Designed for use with quality medium to high mass tonearms
Recommended Turntables and Cartridges
The AC-6 performs best on a stable, well isolated turntable feeding a quiet moving coil phono stage that can handle its low output. These pairings offer strong synergy in tracking, output matching, and tonal balance.
- Luxman PD-191A Turntable A refined belt drive deck with excellent isolation and a serious tonearm that suits the AC-6's precise tracking and low output design.
- Luxman PD-151 Mark II Turntable A high performance turntable that provides a stable, quiet platform to let the AC-6 reveal fine detail and natural tone.
- MoFi MasterDeck Turntable A reference belt drive turntable with strong resonance control, an ideal home for a resolving low output moving coil.
- TEAC PE-505 Phono Amplifier A fully balanced phono stage with adjustable loading and gain, well suited to the AC-6's low output and quiet noise floor.
- Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A flexible MM and MC phono preamp with the gain and low noise needed to fully realize the AC-6's dynamic range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cartridge is the Accuphase AC-6?
It is a low output moving coil stereo phono cartridge designed for high resolution analog playback.
Does the AC-6 need a special phono stage?
Yes. Because it is a low output moving coil design, it should be used with a moving coil capable phono preamplifier or a step up transformer feeding a moving magnet input.
What cantilever material does it use?
The AC-6 uses a boron cantilever, chosen for its high stiffness and low mass to improve transient accuracy.
What kind of stylus does it have?
It uses a precision polished diamond stylus shaped for accurate groove tracing and long term reliability.
Is the AC-6 compatible with my tonearm?
It is best matched with a quality medium to high mass tonearm. Confirm effective mass compatibility with your specific arm for optimal tracking.
What sound character does the AC-6 have?
It is voiced for a composed, tonally natural balance with high resolution, in keeping with the Accuphase house sound.
Will it pair well with Accuphase electronics?
Yes. It is a natural fit for Accuphase phono equalizers and integrated components, and it also pairs well with other high quality MC phono stages.
How should I set the tracking force?
Follow the tracking force specified in the owner's documentation and set it precisely with a quality stylus scale for best performance and record safety.
Can a beginner install this cartridge?
Installation and alignment require care. If you are new to cartridge setup, we recommend professional installation to protect the stylus and optimize performance.
What loading should I use for the AC-6?
Low output moving coil cartridges typically benefit from a moving coil loading setting on your phono stage. Use the phono stage adjustments to fine tune to taste within the recommended range.
Does the AC-6 come with a stylus guard?
Yes. A protective stylus guard is included to shield the stylus when the cartridge is not in use.
Is the stylus user replaceable?
Moving coil cartridges of this type are not user retippable at home. Service or replacement should be handled through authorized channels.
What turntables do you recommend with the AC-6?
Stable, well isolated decks such as the Luxman PD-191A, Luxman PD-151 Mark II, or MoFi MasterDeck provide an excellent platform for this cartridge.
Which phono preamps pair well?
Moving coil capable stages such as the TEAC PE-505 or Luxman E-250 offer the gain and low noise needed to realize the AC-6's full potential.
How long should the stylus last?
Stylus life depends on cleanliness, tracking force accuracy, and playing hours. With careful use and clean records it will provide many hours of enjoyable listening.
How do I keep the cartridge clean?
Use a proper stylus brush and cleaning fluid designed for cartridges, brushing from back to front, and keep records clean to reduce debris buildup.
Is the AC-6 covered by warranty?
Yes. When purchased from an authorized dealer by the original owner it carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
Is All Elite Audio an authorized Accuphase dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer, so your purchase is backed by full manufacturer warranty and support.
How does the AC-6 compare to other moving coil cartridges?
It emphasizes a refined, tonally natural balance, while some alternatives such as the Audio Technica AT-ART9XA lean more energetic. The right choice depends on your system and listening preferences.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Accuphase dealer offering genuine product, full manufacturer warranty, expert setup guidance, and knowledgeable support to help you build a system that performs at its best.
