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Build the high-end home theater of your dreams 2-channel/6-channel
compatible preamplifier features 6-channel (5.1ch) analog inputs/outputs.
Six entirely separate line amplifiers and six preset level controls, high-quality
6-gang volume control. Mixdown function. In two-channel mode, six line
amplifiers are connected in triple parallel MCS configuration.
The CX-260/PX-600 is the long-awaited
preamplifier/power amplifier combination from
Accuphase designed from the ground up for multi-
channel surround systems that aim for absolute
top quality in picture and in sound. These two
products will allow the true audiophile to build a
home theater that provides audiovisual enjoyment
without making any sacrifices when it comes to
sonic accuracy.
Accuphase's extensive experience in the realm of
pure audio is in evidence everywhere in the CX-
260/PX-600. The no-compromise Accuphase
approach is applied here not only to two-channel
stereo but also to multi-channel operation that
brings the excitement of a concer t hall and the
thrill of a movie theater right into the living room.
The amazingly realistic sound stage that can be
created with these components goes far beyond
the limitations of conventional surround sound.
Music playback in stereo sounds more alive and
realistic than ever, and surround sources acquire
an additional dimension of scale and natural
authority. Discover a new world where sound and
image blend to form a home theater environment
with true high-end performance.
Control center compatible with 2-channel/
6-channel operation
Besides conventional 2-channel stereo, the Control
Center CX-260 allows input of a 6-channel (5.1ch)
analog signal as supplied for example by a DVD
player with digital decoder or other processor. Two
input groups named LINE 1 and 2 are provided,
with six balanced and six unbalanced connectors
each. The six-gang main volume control adjusts
all channels in one action, but in addition, six
individual level controls are also provided. This is
possible because the CX-260 has six separate line
amplifier circuits and balanced output stages.
Six discrete line amplifiers designed for
optimum sound. MCS configuration in stereo
mode further improves sound quality.
The CX-260 has six line amplifiers that employ a
pure complementary push-pull configuration and
are built with hand-selected discrete parts. For
minimum noise, three input devices are used in
parallel.
When the unit is operating in two-channel mode,
the six line amplifiers are connected in a triple
parallel MCS (Multiple Circuit Summing-up)
configuration, as shown in Figure 2. By adding the
performance advantages of each circuit, S/N ratio,
distortion and other important parameters are
further improved, resulting in a stereo amplifier with
even better characteristics.
Current feedback circuit topology prevents
phase shifts
The CX-260 uses the signal current rather than
the more conventionally used voltage for feedback.
The impedance at the current feedback point is
kept very low, which means that there is almost no
phase shift. Phase compensation via negative
feedback can therefore be kept to a minimum,
resulting in excellent transient response and
superb sonic
transparency.
Figure 3 shows
frequency
response for
different gain
settings of the
current
feedback
amplifier. The
graphs
demonstrate that response remains uniform over
a wide range.
Modular construction and separate power
transformers for left and right channel
The line amplifiers and balanced output amplifiers
of the six channels are housed in separate
modules. Including other units such as unbalanced
input stages and mixdown circuitry, the CX-260
has a total of 16 modules neatly arranged on a
motherboard. On the power supply side, entirely
separate transformers and filtering capacitors for
✻ Do not stack the CX-260 and PX-600.
Fig. 2 Principle of MCS circuit
(line amplifier operating in 2-channel mode)Principle of current feedback amplifier
Fig. 3 Frequency response with current feedback
(Response does not change when gain is varied)
Circuit diagram of line amplifier (1 channel)
Fig. 1 Block diagram of CX-260
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Other features and functions
Three kinds of options boards are available which
can be installed in rear-panel slots.
All option board inputs are for 2-channel playback.
The DAC-10 cannot be used in the models E-407,
E-406V, E-306V, E-211 and C-265.
The Analog Disc Input Board AD-9 and the Line
Input Board LINE-9 can also be used.
Input selector
External preamplifier selector button
2ch/6ch selector button
Mixdown on/off button
Preset level control bypass button
Function LED indicators
Channel preset level controls
Volume control
Power switch
Output on/off switch
Bass/treble control, TONE ON/OFF
button
Compensator on/off button
Tape copy switch
Tape recorder switch
Balance control
Headphone jack
Stereo/mono selectorAttenuator
Line inputs
(LINE 1 and 2 are 6-channel inputs)
Tape recorder record/play connectors
Unbalanced output connectors
(6 channels)
External preamplifier inputs
(unbalanced)
CD/LINE balanced input connectors
Balanced output connectors
(6 channels)
External preamplifier inputs
(balanced)
AC power supply connector
Supplied remote commander allows volume adjustment
and source selection
Dedicated headphone amplifier for optimum sound
Tone controls with summing active filters for pure sound
Balanced output circuitry with bridged feedback
Logic-controlled relays for program source switching
ensure pure sound and long service life
High-quality six-gang volume control
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
Supplied accessories: Power cord
Audio cable with plugs L-10G (1 set)
Remote commander RC-20
Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.
http:/www.accuphase.com/
PRINTED IN JAPAN D015Y 851-0117-00 (AD1)
CX-260 Guaranteed Specifications
Guaranteed specifications are measured according to EIA standard RS-490.
Frequency ResponseBALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT
3 - 300,000 Hz +0 –3.0 dB
20 - 20,000 Hz +0 –0.2 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (for all inputs) 0.005%
Input Sensitivity,
Input Impedance
Rated Output,BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT 2 V 50 ohms
Output ImpedanceTAPE REC 252 mV 200 ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Maximum Output Level (0.005% THD, 20 - 20,000 Hz)
BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 5.0 V
TAPE REC: 5.0 V
Maximum Load ImpedanceBALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 600 Ω
TAPE REC: 10 kΩ
Gain
BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUTBALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 18 dB
BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUTREC OUTPUT: 0 dB
Loudness Compensation+6 dB (100 Hz)
Tone ControlsTurnover frequency and adjustment range
BASS: 300 Hz ±10 dB (50 Hz)
TREBLE: 3 kHz±10 dB (20 kHz)
Attenuator –20 dB
Headphones JackSuitable impedance: 4 - 100 ohms
Power RequirementsAC120 V/230 V (Voltage as indicated on rear panel), 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption25 watts
Maximum DimensionsWidth 475 mm (18-11/16")
Height 150 mm (5-7/8")
Depth 405 mm (15-15/16")
Weight17.5 kg (38.6 lbs) net
22.0 kg (48.5 lbs) in shipping carton
Supplied Remote Commander RC-20
Remote control principle: Infrared pulse
Power supply: 3 V DC (IEC R6 batteries × 2)
Maximum dimensions: 55 mm (2-3/16") (width)
194 mm (11/16") (height)
18 mm (7-5/8") (depth)
Weight: 100 g (including batteries)
RemarksThis product is available in versions for 120/230 V AC. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches
the AC line voltage in your area.
The shape of the AC inlet, and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.
Digital Input Board DAC-10
MDS (Multi Delta Sigma) D/A converter.
Coaxial and optical fiber inputs.
High-quality reproduction of digital music signal from
CD/DVD player, DAT, MD (sampling frequency 32 - 96
kHz, 24 bits).
Analog Disc Input Board AD-10
High-performance, high-gain equalizer for faithful play-
back of analog records.
Internal DIP switches allow MM/MC selection, MC in-
put impedance selection, and subsonic filter on/off
switching.
Gain: 36 dB
Input impedance: 47 kilohms
Gain: 62 dB
Input impedance: 10/30/100 ohms, switchable
Line Input Board LINE-10
This option board provides an additional set of conventional
line inputs which can be used to connect a CD player, tuner,
or other component with analog output.
Option board slots
Option Boards
Sensitivity
For rated output For 0.5 V output
BALANCED 252 mV 63 mV 40 k Ω
UNBALANCED 252 mV 63 mV 10 k Ω Input
impedance Input
6-channel (5.1ch) playback
Set the input selector to LINE 1 or LINE 2, and set the 6-CH button to ON (LED lit).
The following functions ( - ) operate only on the Left/Right channel:
TONE, COMP, TAPE COPY, TAPE RECORDER, BALANCE, PHONES, MONO, ATT
When using an active subwoofer with built-in power amplifier, directly connect the "D" output
of the CX-260 to the input of the subwoofer, using an audio cable with plugs.
Input shorted, IHF-A weighting
EIA S/N S/N ratio at rated input BALANCED 106 dB 96 dB 1.2 µVUNBALANCED (2ch) 120 dB 96 dB 1.2 µV UNBALANCED (6ch) 119 dB 95.5 dB 1.7 µV InputResidual
noise
2-channel (stereo) playback
Except for LINE 1 and 2, all inputs are 2-channel inputs, so no special steps are necessary.
For LINE 1 or 2, connect the source to the LEFT and RIGHT connectors and set the 6-CH button to
OFF (LED out).
The input from any option board installed in slot OPTION 1 or 2 also is handled in 2-channel mode.
The mixdown (DOWN MIX) and PASS functions cannot be used.
All preset level controls are bypassed.
MM
MC
6-gang volume controlOption board shown in photo is DAC-10