slide-in phono stages for Accuphase C-2450 preamplifier - are they any good?

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

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65

Toronto, Canada

• May 17, 2024

• #1

I am working on the purchase of Accuphase separates (C-2450 + A48 + PS-530) to power my Verity Audio Arindal speakers (the successors to the Amadis S).

For many years I enjoyed Luxman integrated amps (L509u and L-595A) that come with built-in phono stages which are actually quite decent sounding.

The Accuphse C-2450 preamplifier can accept an optional slide-in phono stage - either the AD-2850 or the newer AD-2900. These are bigger and more sophisticated units than the AD-50 or 60 phono cards for Accuphase integrated amps.

Are these decent phono stages, and is there any real advantage in the newer AD-2900 over the AD-2850? (I know that last question is very specific but the important question is really about the concept of a slide-in phono stage).

 

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Petrat

Well-Known Member

Apr 17, 2019

26

29

93

UK

• May 18, 2024

• #2

I use two AD-50s in my C2150 and I rate them very highly ... surprisingly good tbh. I actually preferred them to the stand-alone C-47, believe it or not. Was not impressed with the DAC-50 module though.

 

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

11

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65

Toronto, Canada

• May 18, 2024

• #3

Thx - sounds like they are well designed, well engineered and good performers - as expected from Accuphase!

 

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Bso

Well-Known Member

Sep 30, 2016

101

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148

Massachusetts/Toronto

• May 18, 2024

• #4

@toronto416 Please consider getting an Accuphase C-2300 that replaces the C-2450. It is a new fully balanced design.The C-2300 also uses the AD-50 (or AD-60). I don't see an advantage to the AD-2900 etc. (The C-2300 is very popular and you may have to order one as Accuphase build products in 'waves.' Maybe your dealer can lend you another preamp until the C-2300 comes in.)

The C-2300/A-48 should be a great match for the Verity Audio speakers.

Frankly I would hold off on buying the PS 530 until you have a time to enjoy your new system. Accuphase equipment does take some time to break in especially after its trip across the lake. You might find you don't need the PS....at this time.

I've been using Accuphase products for decades. (I enjoy their separates, was not crazy about some earlier high powered integrated amps.) I think their new chief designer understands the Accuphase tradition whilst having the latest electronic knowledge. He designed the C-2300.

 

Last edited: May 18, 2024

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

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65

Toronto, Canada

• May 18, 2024

• #5

Thx for the suggestions @Bso. I am purchasing used equipment from the original owner who purchased new from a Canadian dealer in 2022. The set includes a C-2450, A-48 and PS-530. Should all be well broken-in, and should perform well. It will be interesting to compare the PS-530 to my PS Audio PP12 power regenerator.

The only thing missing is a phono stage, and the C-2450 can accept the AD-2900 which has adjustable gain and MC impedance from the front panel of the preamp. The C-2300 only accepts the simpler and smaller AD-50 phono card.

The C-2450 + A-48 combo should be a significant improvement over an integrated amp, and I am looking forward to this new foray into separates from Accuphase.

 

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Petrat

Well-Known Member

Apr 17, 2019

26

29

93

UK

• May 18, 2024

• #6

My C-2150/A-48 combo was certainly a clear step up from the E-650 integrated, which briefly preceded them in my system.

 

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

11

11

3

65

Toronto, Canada

• May 18, 2024

• #7

Petrat said:

My C-2150/A-48 combo was certainly a clear step up from the E-650 integrated, which briefly preceded them in my system.

Click to expand...

Good to hear - thx.

 

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Bso

Well-Known Member

Sep 30, 2016

101

18

148

Massachusetts/Toronto

• May 18, 2024

• #8

toronto416 said:

Thx for the suggestions @Bso. I am purchasing used equipment from the original owner who purchased new from a Canadian dealer in 2022. The set includes a C-2450, A-48 and PS-530. Should all be well broken-in, and should perform well. It will be interesting to compare the PS-530 to my PS Audio PP12 power regenerator.

The only thing missing is a phono stage, and the C-2450 can accept the AD-2900 which has adjustable gain and MC impedance from the front panel of the preamp. The C-2300 only accepts the simpler and smaller AD-50 phono card.

The C-2450 + A-48 combo should be a significant improvement over an integrated amp, and I am looking forward to this new foray into separates from Accuphase.

Click to expand...

I don't think you can go wrong with your choices. Welcome to Accuphase. Enjoy!

 

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

11

11

3

65

Toronto, Canada

• May 18, 2024

• #9

Bso said:

I don't think you can go wrong with your choices. Welcome to Accuphase. Enjoy!

Click to expand...

Many thanks!

 

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toronto416

New Member

May 16, 2024

11

11

3

65

Toronto, Canada

• May 27, 2024

• #10

Thanks to all for your advice and input. Here is my update:

I installed a current production Accuphase AD-2900 phono unit into my C-2450 preamp. It is a substantial unit that is very well built, was easy to install, and works flawlessly.

The preamp has controls on the front panel for selecting the phono stage, choosing MM or MC, and varying the MC load from 10, 30, 100 and 300 Ohms. *It all works seamlessly.

It is hard for me to compare it to my previous set-up as I am using a different amp and preamp in addition to a different built in phono stage. *

Suffice it to say vinyl sounds wonderful through my new system - very musically rich, detailed, fluid and engaging.

 

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