Introduction

The C-3900 is Accuphase’s flagship stereo preamplifier, showcasing the company’s latest advances in volume control, noise management, and sonic purity. By combining Dual Balanced AAVA™ volume control with discrete current-feedback amplification and ANCC noise-cancellation technology, it delivers astonishing resolution, ultra-low distortion, and a musical presentation that redefines reference-level performance.

Design

• Dual Balanced AAVA™ Volume Control
  Two balanced AAVA circuits driven in parallel provide an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio and channel matching, reducing noise by over 30 % compared to the previous generation.
• High-Gain Discrete Current-Feedback Input Amplifiers
  Separate input amp modules for left and right channels use current-feedback topology for wide bandwidth and minimal distortion.
• ANCC (Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit)
  Actively removes residual noise and distortion components at the input stage of each I-V converter for exceptionally quiet operation.
• Precision Volume Sensor Mechanism
  A massive, machined-aluminum sensor block and ultra-quiet gear drive deliver silky-smooth, whisper-quiet knob action, whether adjusted manually or via remote.
• Independent Toroidal Power Transformers
  Left and right channels each receive their own toroidal transformer and bank of newly developed filtering capacitors, ensuring rock-steady regulation and zero crosstalk.

Application

As the centerpiece of any high-end two-channel system or home-theater front end, the C-3900 seamlessly integrates multiple analog sources—line-level components, optional phono stages, and recording devices. Its flexible gain settings, loudness compensator, and balance control make fine-tuning effortless, while the onboard headphone amplifier lets you enjoy the same reference-quality sound privately.

Technology Overview

• Dual Balanced AAVA™ Topology
  Elevates the classic AAVA concept by paralleling two balanced circuits for even lower noise floor and higher gain precision.
• ANCC Noise-Canceling
  Detects and injects inverse-polarity currents to neutralize distortion at the converter input, preserving musical detail.
• Fully Discrete Signal Path
  From input relays to output buffers, every stage employs hand-selected, through-hole components and premium glass-cloth PCBs, eliminating coupling capacitors and preserving transient response.
• High-Performance Headphone Amplifier
  Unity-gain MOSFET output stage with multiple gain settings adapts to a wide range of headphones without introducing coloration.

Key Features

• Dual Balanced AAVA™ stepped-attenuator volume control
• Discrete current-feedback input amplifiers per channel
• ANCC noise and distortion cancellation circuits
• Precision remote-drive volume sensor and knob assembly
• Separate toroidal transformers and dedicated regulators for each channel
• Loudness compensation and input/output selectors
• Built-in MOSFET headphone amplifier with selectable gain
• Phase invert, mono/stereo, and recorder-loop functions
• Gold-plated XLR and RCA connectors on a solid wood-grain chassis
• Supplied RC-250 remote commander for full operation