Accuphase
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Specs
| Type | Stereo phono preamplifier (MM/MC) |
| Supported cartridges | Moving magnet and moving coil |
| MC input principle | Selectable current-sensing or voltage-sensing |
| Equalization curves | RIAA |
| Outputs | Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) |
| Gain | MC 64 / 70 dB, MM 34 / 40 dB |
| Load impedance | MC 10 / 30 / 60 / 100 / 200 / 300 / 1k ohms (7 steps); MM 1k / 47k / 100k ohms (3 steps) |
| RIAA deviation | plus or minus 0.3 dB (10 Hz to 20 kHz, MC) |
| Subsonic filter | 10 Hz, 12 dB per octave |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 465 x 114 x 407 mm (18.31 x 4.49 x 16.02 in) |
| Weight | 14.8 kg |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Accuphase dealer by All Elite Audio. New Accuphase C-57 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-57 stereo phono preamplifier
- AC power cord
- Owner's manual
- Warranty documentation
Overview
The Accuphase C-57 is a dedicated stereo phono preamplifier built to extract the finest detail from vinyl playback. It centers on Accuphase's Current Feedback amplification topology, applied here to the extremely low signal levels produced by moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. The result is wide bandwidth, low noise, and a natural, unforced presentation of the groove that respects the character of your cartridge and pressing.
Engineering highlights include an equalizer stage that can operate on either a current-sensing or voltage-sensing principle for moving coil cartridges, giving you two distinct ways to load and read the cartridge signal. Loading, gain, and equalization curve options are adjustable so the C-57 can be dialed in to almost any cartridge and record collection, including historic curves beyond standard RIAA. A robust power supply and careful shielding keep the noise floor exceptionally low.
The C-57 is intended for the analog enthusiast who wants a reference-level phono stage as a standalone component, feeding a line-level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. It rewards high-quality turntables and cartridges and is designed for owners who want to fine-tune every aspect of their vinyl replay.
Key Features
- Current Feedback equalizer amplifier for wide bandwidth and low noise
- Selectable current-sensing or voltage-sensing MC input principle
- Adjustable cartridge loading and gain to match MM and MC cartridges
- Multiple equalization curves including RIAA and historic settings
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs for flexible system integration
- High rigidity chassis with careful internal shielding against noise
- Substantial dedicated power supply for stable low-level performance
- Precision machined controls and Accuphase build quality throughout
How the C-57 Compares
Accuphase C-57 vs Luxman E-07
The Luxman E-07 is a reference phono stage with Luxman's characteristically smooth, richly textured voicing and an emphasis on refined musical flow. The Accuphase C-57 leans toward precise resolution and extensive adjustability, with its dual current and voltage MC sensing giving analog tinkerers more ways to tune the sound. Choose the E-07 for warmth and ease, or the C-57 for meticulous control and detail retrieval. See the Luxman E-07.
Recommended Turntables and Cartridges
The C-57 shines with quality turntables and cartridges that let its adjustability and low noise floor do their work. These pairings span moving magnet and moving coil options.
- Luxman PD-191A Turntable A precision belt-drive deck with a superb tonearm that provides a stable, quiet platform ideal for revealing the C-57's resolution.
- Audio Technica AT-ART20 MC Cartridge A high-performance moving coil cartridge whose low output benefits directly from the C-57's selectable MC sensing and adjustable loading.
- Audio Technica AT-ART9XA MC Cartridge A low-impedance moving coil design that is an excellent candidate for the C-57's current-sensing input principle.
- MoFi MasterDeck Turntable A reference belt-drive turntable with excellent isolation and tracking that lets the C-57 extract fine low-level detail cleanly.
- Audio Technica VM740ML MM Cartridge A refined moving magnet cartridge with a Microline stylus that pairs well when using the C-57's MM setting for detailed, accurate tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accuphase C-57?
It is a dedicated stereo phono preamplifier that amplifies and equalizes the low-level signal from a turntable cartridge for connection to a line-level input on a preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Does the C-57 support both MM and MC cartridges?
Yes. It supports moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with adjustable gain and loading to match a wide range of cartridges.
What is unique about its MC input?
The C-57 offers selectable current-sensing and voltage-sensing principles for moving coil cartridges, giving you two distinct ways to read and load the cartridge signal.
Which amplification topology does it use?
It uses Accuphase's Current Feedback amplification approach, which aims for wide bandwidth and low noise.
Can I adjust the equalization curve?
Yes. Beyond standard RIAA, the C-57 offers selectable equalization curves useful for historic and non-standard pressings.
Does the C-57 have balanced outputs?
Yes. It provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for flexible system integration.
Is the C-57 a standalone component?
Yes. It is a separate phono stage that connects to a line-level input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
What kind of listener is the C-57 for?
It is aimed at serious analog enthusiasts who want a reference-level phono stage with extensive tuning and cartridge matching options.
Can I adjust cartridge loading?
Yes. Loading and gain can be adjusted so the C-57 can be optimized for many different cartridges.
What turntables pair well with the C-57?
High-quality decks such as the Luxman PD-191A and MoFi MasterDeck are excellent partners because their stable, quiet platforms let the C-57's low noise floor and resolution shine.
What cartridges are recommended?
Moving coil cartridges like the Audio Technica AT-ART20 and AT-ART9XA take advantage of the C-57's MC sensing options, while the VM740ML is a strong moving magnet choice.
How does it compare to the Luxman E-07?
The Luxman E-07 emphasizes a smooth, rich voicing, while the C-57 focuses on precise resolution and deep adjustability. The right choice depends on your preferred sonic character.
How does it compare to the TEAC PE-505?
The PE-505 is a fully balanced phono amplifier at a more accessible tier, while the C-57 offers a higher class of build and a broader range of adjustment options.
Is the C-57 well built?
Yes. It features a high rigidity chassis, careful internal shielding, and precision machined controls consistent with Accuphase build quality.
Will it work with any turntable?
It works with virtually any turntable equipped with an MM or MC cartridge, thanks to its adjustable gain, loading, and equalization options.
Does the C-57 add coloration to the sound?
Its design goal is low noise and wide bandwidth for a natural, unforced presentation that respects the character of your cartridge and pressing.
Can I use it with an integrated amplifier?
Yes. Connect its output to any line-level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Does the C-57 come with a warranty?
Yes. It includes a 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.
Is All Elite Audio an authorized Accuphase dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer, so your C-57 arrives with full manufacturer support and warranty coverage.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer offering genuine products, full manufacturer warranty, and expert guidance to help you build the right analog front end for your system.
