Accuphase C-3900 Precision Stereo Preamplifier

Product Description

The Accuphase C-3900 Stereo Control Center, crafted to celebrate Accuphase’s 50th anniversary, is the pinnacle of preamplifier design, delivering unmatched clarity, dynamics, and musicality. Featuring Dual Balanced AAVA volume control with ANCC technology, a fully balanced signal path, and a dedicated headphone amplifier, the C-3900 ensures pristine, noise-free audio for the most discerning audiophiles. Its champagne gold panel, persimmon wood side panels, backlit VU meters, and exquisite Japanese craftsmanship make it a luxurious centerpiece for high-end hi-fi systems, offering unparalleled control and versatility for both analog and digital sources.  

Key Features  

• Dual Balanced AAVA Volume Control: Dual-unit AAVA with Advanced Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit (ANCC) reduces noise to unprecedented levels, ensuring pure, precise volume adjustments without signal degradation.  
• Fully Balanced Signal Path: Balanced circuitry from input to output eliminates interference, delivering pristine audio with exceptional phase accuracy and a 115 dB signal-to-noise ratio.  
• High-Performance Headphone Amp: Discrete-component headphone amplifier provides powerful, detailed sound for private listening.  
• Versatile Connectivity: Includes 5 unbalanced RCA inputs, 4 balanced XLR inputs, 2 unbalanced RCA outputs, 2 balanced XLR outputs, and optional boards (DAC-60 for digital, AD-60 for MM/MC phono, Line-10 for additional line input).  
• Robust Power Supply: Dual toroidal transformers with high-capacitance 15,000μF filtering capacitors provide stable, clean power for noise-free operation.  
• Advanced Controls: Independent phase selection for each input, loudness compensator, tone controls (bass: 300 Hz ±10 dB, treble: 3 kHz ±10 dB), balance control, and mono/stereo switching for tailored performance.  
• Optional Phono & Digital Support: AD-60 phono board with front-panel MC impedance switching (30/100/200/300 ohms) and DAC-60 board for USB/coaxial/optical inputs (up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256).  
• Ext Out/Pre In Loop: Enables integration with external processors or multi-amplifier setups for flexible system configurations.  
• Elegant Design: Champagne gold panel, persimmon wood side panels, backlit VU meters with adjustable brightness, and RC-250 remote for a sophisticated, user-friendly experience.  
• Handcrafted in Japan: Meticulous construction with premium components ensures reliability and sonic excellence.

Why Choose the Accuphase C-3900?

The C-3900 represents the zenith of Accuphase’s preamplifier technology, integrating advancements from 50 years of audio innovation to deliver a vibrant, noise-free soundstage with unmatched detail and warmth. Its Dual Balanced AAVA achieves a 50% noise reduction over previous models, as noted in web sources, making it ideal for pairing with flagship power amplifiers like the A-300 or P-7500. Users praise its transparent, dynamic sound and seamless integration, with reviewers describing it as “a benchmark for preamplifier performance.” While some note a slightly forward treble that benefits from careful system matching, its versatility, expandable connectivity, and luxurious build make the C-3900 a future-proof choice for high-end stereo systems, excelling with both analog and digital sources.  

Product Specifications  

• Gain: 12/18/24 dB (selectable)  
• Frequency Response: 3 Hz–200 kHz (+0, -3 dB)  
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%  
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115 dB (line, max volume, 18 dB gain)  
• Input Sensitivity: 252mV (line, 1V output, 18 dB gain)  
• Input Impedance: Line: 20 kohms (unbalanced), 40 kohms (balanced)  
• Inputs: 5 RCA unbalanced, 4 XLR balanced, optional DAC-60, AD-60, Line-10  
• Outputs: 2 RCA unbalanced, 2 XLR balanced, Ext Out/Pre In (RCA)  
• Power Supply: Dual toroidal transformers, 15,000μF filtering capacitors  
• Controls: Dual Balanced AAVA volume, input selector, phase selector, tone controls, loudness compensator, balance, mono/stereo switch, RC-250 remote included  
• Dimensions: 18.3" W x 7.3" H x 16.0" D (465 x 185 x 405 mm)  
• Weight: 54.0 lbs (24.5 kg)  

What’s Included  

• Accuphase C-3900 Stereo Control Center  
• RC-250 remote control  
• Power cord  
• User manual

Perfect For  

• Audiophiles seeking a flagship preamplifier for reference-grade stereo systems  
• Vinyl enthusiasts with the optional AD-60 phono board for MM/MC setups  
• Hi-fi and home theater setups needing versatile, high-performance analog and digital connectivity