Accuphase AD-60

Overview

The Accuphase AD-60 is a dedicated phono equalizer amplifier built as a plug-in option board for compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers. Rather than adding an external box and another set of interconnects, the AD-60 installs directly into an available option slot, drawing on the host component's power supply and grounding to keep the fragile phono signal inside a single quiet chassis. It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, making it a complete analog front end for a serious turntable.

Engineering the AD-60 centers on accurate RIAA equalization and a high signal to noise ratio, both essential when amplifying the very small output of a phono cartridge. The board offers switchable input impedance and gain settings so it can be matched to a wide range of MM and low output MC cartridges, and it uses careful circuit layout to reject noise and preserve the delicate detail of vinyl. Because it lives inside the host unit, signal paths stay short and interference is minimized.

The AD-60 is for the listener who owns or plans to own a compatible Accuphase amplifier or preamplifier and wants to integrate vinyl at a level that matches the rest of the system. It is an elegant, permanent upgrade that turns a line level Accuphase component into a full featured analog playback center.

Key Features

• Plug-in phono equalizer board for compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers
• Supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges
• Switchable input impedance to match a wide range of cartridges
• Selectable gain settings for MM and low output MC cartridges
• Accurate RIAA equalization for faithful reproduction of vinyl
• Installs internally to keep signal paths short and interference low
• Draws on the host component's power supply and grounding for quiet operation
• Clean, dedicated analog signal path preserving low level detail

Compatible Accuphase Components

The AD-60 is designed to install inside compatible Accuphase components, adding full MM and MC vinyl playback. These hosts are strong matches.

• Accuphase E-3000 Fitting the AD-60 turns this integrated into a complete vinyl ready system with a dedicated internal phono stage, avoiding an external box and extra cabling.
• Accuphase E-4000 The AD-60 adds refined MM and MC phono capability directly inside this integrated, keeping the analog signal path short and quiet.
• Accuphase E-700 This Class A integrated pairs beautifully with the AD-60, letting a turntable feed the amplifier through a matched internal phono equalizer.
• Accuphase E-800S Installing the AD-60 in this flagship Class A integrated provides a high quality onboard phono stage worthy of a serious analog front end.
• Accuphase C-2300 As a dedicated preamplifier, the C-2300 accepts the AD-60 to add MM and MC inputs, centralizing vinyl playback in the control center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accuphase AD-60?
It is a plug-in phono equalizer board that adds moving magnet and moving coil phono capability to compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Is the AD-60 a standalone phono preamplifier?
No. It is an internal option board that installs into an available slot inside a compatible Accuphase host component, not a separate boxed unit.

Does it support moving coil cartridges?
Yes. The AD-60 supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges.

Can I adjust cartridge loading?
Yes. The AD-60 offers selectable input impedance settings so you can match a variety of MM and MC cartridges.

Does it offer adjustable gain?
Yes. It provides gain settings appropriate for both MM and low output MC cartridges.

Which Accuphase components can accept the AD-60?
It fits into compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers that have an available option slot, such as the E-3000, E-4000, E-700, E-800S, and C-2300.

Do I need special cables to use it?
You connect your turntable directly to the phono inputs added by the board. No extra interconnects between a separate phono box and the amplifier are needed.

Does the board have its own power supply?
It draws on the host component's power supply and grounding, which helps keep the low level phono signal clean and quiet.

Will installing it require professional service?
Installation involves opening the host component and seating the board in an option slot. Many owners have this done by an authorized dealer to protect the warranty.

Can I install more than one option board?
Compatible Accuphase components typically have one or more option slots. Availability depends on the specific host model and what is already installed.

What kind of equalization does it use?
It applies accurate RIAA equalization to correctly restore the frequency balance of vinyl records.

Is the AD-60 suitable for a high end turntable?
Yes. When installed in a capable Accuphase host, it provides a refined internal phono stage that suits a serious analog front end.

Does it work with 78 RPM or other equalization curves?
The AD-60 is designed around RIAA equalization for standard modern LP playback.

How does an internal card compare to an external phono stage?
An internal card keeps the signal path short and inside a single shielded chassis, reducing cabling and potential interference while integrating cleanly with the host.

Can I switch between MM and MC on the fly?
The board provides settings to configure it for MM or MC operation to match your cartridge type.

Is the AD-60 covered by warranty?
Yes. Purchased through an authorized dealer, it carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner.

Will it fit my existing older Accuphase amplifier?
Compatibility depends on the specific model and slot type. We can confirm whether your Accuphase component accepts the AD-60.

Does the board add any digital inputs?
No. The AD-60 is a purely analog phono equalizer. Digital input capability is handled by separate boards such as the DAC-60.

Is the AD-60 an authentic Accuphase product?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer, so every AD-60 we sell is genuine and factory supported.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer in Maryland offering genuine products, full manufacturer warranty support, expert guidance on host compatibility, and attentive service before and after your purchase.