Accuphase C-47 phono preamp becomes C-57
Accuphase is used to making changes every five years or so to its integrated products and CD/SACD players, and now it’s surprising us with the announcement of the C-57.
Exactly five years after replacing its C-37 with the C-47 in May 2020, Accuphase is once again revamping its balanced phono preamp with redesigned and further improved boards. Four 25 V / 15,000 μF electrolytic capacitors are still used per channel to filter the current from two large, shielded transformers. But most of the surrounding components have been redesigned, as have those of the MM/MC phono circuit, which remains perfectly symmetrical.
The internal structure has been redesigned too, and is a marvel of rigor, with three distinct dividers across the width, plus two further walls at the front and rear to manage front panel information and outputs. The front panel has been redesigned, again in a purely symmetrical fashion. It loses two round buttons and finds only three rectangular ones in the center, below the display panel, but gains a thumbwheel, much more practical for selecting the output impedance levels of the cells.
The dimensions remain unchanged, as does the weight of 14.8 kg, identical to that of the C-47. The champagne color also remains the only one available, as do the walnut side panels, proof of the aircraft’s luxury, even more attractive in this new version. It remains to be hoped that the price will also be virtually stable, the C-47 being sold in Europe for 9 590 €.
