Page 1
1
2
3
LEFT
CHANNEL
INPUTS
-1
-1
BALANCED UNBALANCE
D
Same as LEFT CHANNEL
RIGHT
CHANNEL
LEFT
CHANNEL
INPUT
SELECTOR
FILTE R
GAIN
MM-MC
RIAA EQUALIZER
NETWORK
DC SERVO
GAIN
IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
FEEDBACK
NETWORK
FEEDBACK
NETWORK
GND
GND
GND
+
-
+-
SUBSONIC
FILTE R
+
-
MM
AMP
MC
AMP IMPEDANCE
SELECTOR
LOAD
IMPEDANCE BALANCE
CONNECTION
RIAA EQUALIZER
NETWORK
DC SERVO
GAIN
LEFT
CHANNEL
OUTPUTS
The Ultimate Phono Equalizer Amp - Separate circuitry for MM and MC
ensures ultra low noise performance and outstanding RIAA precision. Versatile
load impedance selector with three settings for MM and six settings for MC
brings out the best in every cartridge. Subsonic lter, and high gain capability
of up to 70 dB with gain switching. Three analog player inputs with separate
settings memory for each input.
The analog phono record is experiencing a quiet boom
among discerning music lovers. It goes without saying that
a phono equalizer of high quality is essential to extract
the enormous richness of sonic information engraved
on vinyl records. Furthermore, the selection of tonearm,
cartridge and other parts of the playback system requires
a thorough understanding of audio fundamentals. This is
a fi eld where some investment of time and effort can yield
immensely satisfying results.
Accuphase has gained considerable expertise in designing
and building phono equalizers, either integrated in
preamplifi ers or available as option (AD-2810 and AD-20).
In response to the wishes of audiophiles worldwide, we
have now developed the C-27 as a high-end standalone
phono equalizer amplifier, capable of exploring the
possibilities of the analog disc to the fullest.
Because the output signal level of a record player is
extremely low, high-gain amplifi cation is required before
supplying the signal to subsequent stages. Distortion
and noise should be kept to an absolute minimum, and
excellent linearity from low to high frequencies is also a
must. In the C-27, these goals are achieved by employing
completely separate amplifi er sections for MM and MC,
each with optimized circuit topology and strictly selected
parts for no-compromise performance. S/N ratio, THD,
high-frequency characteristics, linearity and all other
parameters approach the ideal in performance. Whats
more, the C-27 is perfectly equipped to accommodate a
wide range of cartridge output voltage ratings and load
impedance requirements. To ensure optimum matching,
three different settings for MM and six different settings
for MC can be selected.
Designed to raise the bar for phono equalizer amplifi ers,
the C-27 will bring out the characteristics and musical
qualities of any phono cartridge to optimum effect,
providing pure music enjoyment from those legendary
analog discs. C-27 Functions and Features
- Separate MM/MC amplifi er confi guration ensures ultra low noise
-
Highly precise equalization: RIAA deviation only ±0.3 dB
-
Monaural construction with separate toroidal power transformers
and separate equalizer boards for left and right channel
-
Versatile impedance switching options
MM/MC indicationMM/MC
selector
Load impedance indicators Load impedance
selector
Subsonic fi lter and
gain indicatorsPower transformer
Filter
button
Gain selector
button
Filtering capacitors
Input selector
MM Amplifi er Section
MC Amplifi er Section- Two separate
board assemblies for
left and right channel,
using Tefl on substrate and
carrying dedicated MM and
MC amplifi ers, phono equalizer
amplifi ers, and logic relays for signal
switching to ensure shortest possible
paths between inputs and outputs.
C-27 Circuit Diagram
1kΩ
47kΩ
100kΩ
3Ω
10Ω
30Ω
100Ω
300Ω
1kΩ
1kΩ, 47kΩ, 100kΩ
3Ω, 10Ω, 30Ω, 100Ω, 300Ω, 1kΩ MM
MC
-
Subsonic fi lter
(10 Hz, -12 dB/octave)
-
Gain switching enables high
gain of up to 70 dB
-
Equalizer PCBs made from Tefl on* (glass fl uorocarbon resin)
with low dielectric constant and low loss
* Tefl on is a registered trademark of DuPont USA.
-
Gold-plating of all major parts in signal path
-
Three inputs for analog players or tonearms, each with a separate
memory for MM/MC, load impedance, gain, subsonic fi lter and
other settings
(LEDs show selection status)
Page 2
Q18
Q17
Q20
Q19
Q24
Q23
Q22
Q21
Q8
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Q6 Q12
Q7
Q10
Q9 Q11
Q14
Q13
Q16
Q15
B+
B-
Q34
Q33
Q36
Q35
Q40
Q39
Q38
Q37
Q2
Q1
Q4
Q3
B+
B-
MM Amplifi er Section
Circuit Diagram
Completely separate MM and MC sections
MC amplifi er section
MM amplifi er section
One of the biggest challenges for a phono equalizer amp is the problem of noise. How to achieve high S/N ratio is a crucial point. In order to precisely
match the circuit confi guration to the different requirements of MM and MC cartridges, the C-27 features separate sections employing purpose-selected
components and optimized operating points. This uncompromising approach results in outstanding S/N ratio, minimum distortion, and excellent frequency
response characteristics. Amplifi er performance fi nally approaches ideal levels.
The MM section must provide a high impedance input while
also reducing residual noise. To achieve this, FET devices
were selected for the initial stage. The circuit confi guration
is defi ned as 3-parallel low noise FET buffer amplifi er +
6-parallel ultra low noise transistor differential push-pull
circuit.
The MC section must provide low internal
impedance over a wide range to properly
handle the output voltage of MC cartridges,
which is a level of magnitude lower than
that of MM cartridges. Residual noise of
the amplifi er therefore needs to be kept
to an absolute minimum. This is achieved
by using an
8-parallel ultra low noise
transistor differential push-pull circuit to
guarantee high S/N ratio.
InputInput
Ultra low noise transistor differential
push-pull circuit in 6-parallel con-
fi guration
OutputOutput
Low noise FET buffer amplifi er in 3-parallel confi guration
Equalizer Components
DC Servo Amplifi er
Gain Control
MC Amplifi er Section
Circuit Diagram
Ultra low noise transistor differential
push-pull circuit in 8-parallel con-
fi guration
Equalizer Components
DC Servo Amplifi er
Gain Control