Accuphase
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Specs
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0 / -0.2 dB (balanced input) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% or less |
| Input Sensitivity (Balanced/RCA) | 252 mV (balanced and line) for rated 2 V output; 63 mV for 0.5 V output |
| Gain | 12 / 18 / 24 dB (default 18 dB) |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms (balanced / line output) |
| Volume Control | Accuphase precision balanced attenuator |
| Construction | Dual mono, fully balanced signal path |
| Option Slots | Two slots for phono or line/digital option boards |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 113 dB (EIA) |
| Rated Output Voltage | 2 V (maximum 7 V) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 477 x 156 x 412 mm |
| Weight | 25.3 kg |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Accuphase dealer by All Elite Audio. New Accuphase C-3900S 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 C-3900S stereo preamplifier
- Remote control handset
- Power cord
- Owner's manual
- Warranty documentation
Overview
The Accuphase C-3900S is the flagship stereo preamplifier in the Accuphase lineup, representing the culmination of the company's control amplifier engineering. It is designed as the nerve center of a reference system, delivering the source signal to your power amplifiers with the lowest possible noise, the widest bandwidth, and an almost complete absence of coloration. This is a preamplifier for listeners who want to hear exactly what is on the recording, with the dynamic authority and spatial precision that the finest source components can provide.
At the heart of the C-3900S is Accuphase's refined volume control philosophy, using a balanced signal path and highly precise attenuation to preserve signal integrity at every listening level. The dual mono construction places the left and right channels on independent circuit boards fed by generous, well regulated power supplies, minimizing crosstalk and maintaining stability under all conditions. Careful attention to grounding, shielding, and mechanical isolation reflects Accuphase's long standing commitment to enduring, hand built quality.
The C-3900S is intended for the enthusiast building an uncompromising system around Accuphase separates or partnering it with the most resolving loudspeakers. It suits both analog and digital front ends and, with Accuphase's modular option board system, can be tailored with a phono stage or digital input as needs evolve. If your goal is a transparent, long term reference that reveals the character of everything upstream, the C-3900S is built precisely for that role.
Key Features
- Flagship reference stereo preamplifier engineered as the control center of an uncompromising system
- Balanced dual mono construction with independent left and right channel circuit boards
- Precision volume control designed to preserve signal integrity at all listening levels
- Extensive shielding, grounding, and mechanical isolation for extremely low noise
- Balanced and single ended inputs and outputs for flexible system integration
- Accuphase modular option board slots for phono or digital expansion
- Regulated power supplies with careful layout to minimize channel crosstalk
- Hand built in Japan to Accuphase's long term reliability standards
- Logical control layout and high grade chassis materials for daily reference use
How the C-3900S Compares
Accuphase C-3900S vs Accuphase C-2900
The C-2900 is an exceptional precision preamplifier that delivers much of the Accuphase house sound in a slightly more attainable package. The C-3900S sits above it as the flagship, pushing further on noise suppression, channel separation, and the sense of effortless dynamic scale. Choose the C-2900 for a superb reference and step up to the C-3900S when you want the very top of the Accuphase preamplifier ladder. See the Accuphase C-2900.
Accuphase C-3900S vs Luxman CL-1000
The Luxman CL-1000 is a control amplifier that leans into a warm, tactile, and romantic presentation with its own distinctive attenuator design. The Accuphase C-3900S pursues a cooler, more analytical transparency that lets the character of the source dominate. Both are reference class choices, so the decision comes down to whether you prefer Luxman's expressive tonal warmth or Accuphase's exacting neutrality. See the Luxman CL-1000.
Recommended Power Amplifiers
The C-3900S deserves a top tier Accuphase power amplifier and loudspeakers capable of revealing its transparency. These pairings build a coherent reference system from front to back.
- Accuphase A-300 Monoblocks A pair of A-300 Class-A monophonic amplifiers is the ultimate partner for the C-3900S, delivering pure Class-A power and complete channel isolation that mirrors the preamplifier's dual mono design.
- Accuphase A-80 The A-80 stereo Class-A amplifier provides refined, high current power in a single chassis, an ideal match for the C-3900S in a demanding two channel reference system.
- Marten Parker Quintet Diamond This resolving diamond tweeter floorstander showcases the transparency and low noise of the C-3900S, revealing fine spatial and tonal detail.
- Gauder Akustik Capello 100 DV The Capello 100 DV rewards a highly transparent front end with precise imaging and dynamic contrast, complementing the C-3900S neutral character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accuphase C-3900S?
It is Accuphase's flagship stereo preamplifier, designed as the control center of an uncompromising high-end system with extremely low noise and high transparency.
Who is the C-3900S for?
It is for listeners building a top tier reference system who want maximum neutrality, dynamic authority, and long term reliability.
Is the C-3900S a balanced design?
Yes, it uses a fully balanced signal path with dual mono construction for the lowest crosstalk and noise.
Can I add a phono stage?
Yes, the C-3900S accepts Accuphase modular option boards, including phono boards, so you can tailor it to your sources.
Does it support digital inputs?
The option board system allows a digital input board to be fitted, letting you expand connectivity as your system grows.
What power amplifiers pair well with it?
Accuphase Class-A models such as the A-300 monoblocks or A-80, and high current models like the P-7500, are natural partners.
What loudspeakers suit the C-3900S?
Highly resolving speakers such as the Marten Parker Quintet Diamond or Gauder Akustik Capello 100 DV reveal its transparency.
How does it compare to the C-2900?
The C-2900 is an excellent reference preamplifier, while the C-3900S sits above it as the flagship with further gains in noise, separation, and dynamic scale.
Does it have both balanced and single ended connections?
Yes, it provides both balanced XLR and single ended RCA inputs and outputs for flexible integration.
Is the C-3900S made in Japan?
Yes, it is hand built in Japan to Accuphase's long standing quality and reliability standards.
What kind of volume control does it use?
It uses Accuphase's precision balanced attenuator, engineered to preserve signal integrity at every listening level.
Can it drive long cable runs to power amplifiers?
Its low output impedance line stage is designed to maintain performance over practical cable lengths.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes, a remote control handset is supplied for convenient daily operation.
How many inputs does it offer?
It offers multiple balanced and single ended line inputs, with additional flexibility through the option board slots.
Is the C-3900S suitable for both analog and digital front ends?
Yes, it works equally well with analog and digital sources and can be configured with option boards to match your setup.
What warranty does it come with?
It is covered by a 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.
Does the C-3900S run hot?
As a line level preamplifier it runs cool compared to power amplifiers, though good ventilation is always recommended.
Will it match a full Accuphase separates system?
Yes, it is designed to anchor a complete Accuphase system and integrates seamlessly with the brand's power amplifiers.
How should I choose between the C-3900S and a warmer sounding preamplifier?
Choose the C-3900S if you prioritize exacting neutrality and transparency; a warmer design suits listeners who prefer added tonal richness.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer offering genuine products with full manufacturer warranty, expert system guidance, and dedicated support before and after your purchase.
