Accuphase C-57 Stereo Phono Amplifier

Accuphase C-57 Stereo Phono Amplifier

Precision, balance, and ultra-low noise for the ultimate vinyl experience.

The Accuphase C-57 Stereo Phono Amplifier is a reference-grade component designed for audiophiles who demand the very best from their vinyl playback. Engineered with a fully balanced circuit from input to output, the Accuphase C-57 extracts every nuance from your records with pristine accuracy, ultra-low noise, and unmatched tonal purity.

The Accuphase C-57 features a high-gain moving-coil head amplifier using Accuphase’s ANCC (Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit), providing exceptionally quiet operation and faithful signal reproduction. Both MC and MM cartridges are supported, with fine-tuned gain and load settings to achieve perfect matching. MC inputs include seven selectable impedances (10, 30, 60, 100, 200, 300, 1k ohms), while MM inputs offer three settings (1k, 47k, 100k ohms).

Inside, the Accuphase C-57 is built to the same uncompromising standards as the brand’s flagship components. Each channel has its own dedicated power supply, ensuring total channel separation. The chassis uses glass-fiber fluorocarbon resin PCBs for low dielectric loss, a high-capacitance power supply, and cast-iron vibration insulators for maximum stability.

The sonic presentation of the Accuphase C-57 is refined, organic, and effortlessly detailed. Its RIAA equalization is accurate to within ±0.3 dB from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, delivering a rich, balanced, and lifelike soundstage that reveals every detail in the groove. Balanced and unbalanced outputs provide flexible system integration, and the front panel offers intuitive controls for gain, loading, and subsonic filtering.

In stock now at All Elite Audio. For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team. All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer in Maryland and operates a full home audio showroom.

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Key Specifications
• Circuit Type: Fully balanced stereo phono amplifier
• Cartridge Support: MM and MC
• Gain Settings: MC 64 dB / 70 dB; MM 34 dB / 40 dB
• Load Impedance: MC 10–1kΩ (7 positions), MM 1kΩ / 47kΩ / 100kΩ
• RIAA Equalization: ±0.3 dB (10 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% (1 kHz, rated output)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: MC 98 dB (64 dB gain); MM 108 dB (34 dB gain)
• Maximum Output Level: 8.0 V (0.01% THD)
• Output Options: Balanced (XLR) and Unbalanced (RCA)
• Subsonic Filter: On/Off selectable (–12 dB/octave at 10 Hz)
• Power Supply: Dual mono construction with independent transformers
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 465 × 114 × 407 mm (18.3″ × 4.5″ × 16.0″)
• Weight: 14.8 kg (32.6 lbs)

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Top 20 Questions About the Accuphase C-57

What makes the Accuphase C-57 special?
The Accuphase C-57 is a fully balanced stereo phono amplifier with extremely low noise, precise RIAA equalization, and flexible gain and loading options for both MC and MM cartridges.

Can the Accuphase C-57 handle both MM and MC cartridges?
Yes. It supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, with customizable gain and impedance settings for perfect cartridge matching.

What gain levels does the Accuphase C-57 offer?
The C-57 provides MC gain of 64 dB or 70 dB and MM gain of 34 dB or 40 dB, adjustable from the front panel.

How accurate is the RIAA equalization on the Accuphase C-57?
Its RIAA equalization is within ±0.3 dB from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring tonal accuracy and consistent performance across the frequency range.

What are the load options for MC cartridges?
The Accuphase C-57 offers seven MC load settings: 10, 30, 60, 100, 200, 300, and 1k ohms.

Does the Accuphase C-57 include balanced outputs?
Yes. It provides both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs for flexible system integration.

How quiet is the Accuphase C-57?
The Accuphase C-57 achieves an extremely low noise floor with a signal-to-noise ratio up to 108 dB, allowing for silent backgrounds and high transparency.

What is the ANCC circuit in the Accuphase C-57?
ANCC stands for Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit, which minimizes distortion and noise in the MC head amplifier for clean, pure sound.

Does the Accuphase C-57 include a subsonic filter?
Yes. A subsonic filter with –12 dB/octave at 10 Hz helps reduce low-frequency rumble from turntables or warped records.

What materials and design elements enhance the build quality of the Accuphase C-57?
It features glass-fiber fluorocarbon resin PCBs, cast-iron vibration insulators, and a dual-mono power supply for superior performance and longevity.

What is the total harmonic distortion of the Accuphase C-57?
THD is just 0.005% at 1 kHz, demonstrating exceptional linearity and precision.

Is the Accuphase C-57 compatible with very low-output MC cartridges?
Yes. The high gain and adjustable impedance make it suitable for low-output MC cartridges, including ultra-low impedance models.

How heavy is the Accuphase C-57?
It weighs 14.8 kg (32.6 lbs), giving it a substantial, vibration-resistant structure.

Does the Accuphase C-57 have independent channels?
Yes. It uses completely separate left and right channels with individual power supplies for true dual-mono performance.

Can the Accuphase C-57 drive long interconnects?
Its balanced outputs allow it to drive long cable runs with minimal noise and interference.

How does the Accuphase C-57 improve vinyl playback compared to built-in phono stages?
It delivers higher gain accuracy, lower distortion, greater tonal realism, and deeper detail retrieval than most integrated or preamp phono stages.

Does the Accuphase C-57 require warm-up time?
It performs optimally after a brief warm-up period of about 15 minutes, ensuring circuit stability.

Is the Accuphase C-57 upgradeable?
It is a complete phono stage design that does not require external upgrades; it already includes advanced features and high adjustability.

What is the warranty on the Accuphase C-57?
The Accuphase C-57 includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty, extendable up to 5 years upon registration depending on region.

Where can I buy or audition the Accuphase C-57?
The Accuphase C-57 is available now at All Elite Audio. For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio, your authorized Maryland dealer with a full home audio showroom.