Accuphase preamps

Hi Dave,

If you check the "Product Museum" section of the Accuphase official site (under the Product section) you will see that Accuphase is releasing new models every 4 years (sometimes 5 years in the case of the top of the line models). For example the C-2800 was released in 07-2002 and was replaced by the C-2810 in 06.2006 which in turn was replaced by the C-2820 in 12.2011 (I believe). The C-2400 was released in 08.2003, so you can do the math :).

I did not realize that the C-28XX models do not have bass and treble control. Why are the bass and treble controls so important for you? (For me the balance knob it the important one :). )

Also, I did not realize there is a large difference between the C-2410 and C-2810 as Greg has mentioned. Most often people say that it is definitively not worth buying the C-2810 at almost twice the price since sound wise the two are very very similar. However, Greg's experience definitively correlates with the price difference between the two.

I have listen only the C-2810 model so I can not say much about this.

What speakers do you have?

Regards,
Paul

I see, thanks for pointing that out.

Yeah, you can see that in the catalog @ Accuphase.com

Bass and treble controls are a nice feature to me. It's better to have them than not. Besides, the C-2820 is not in my budget.

Nothing worth mentioning right now. But, if you must know, JBL L890s, lol.

I'm currently looking at ATC (SCM 150 towers) and Focal (Electra and Utopia ranges)

Paul:

I did not realize there is a large difference between the C-2410 and C-2810 as Greg has mentioned.

To give an example of the difference: the dynamic range and the hi frequency extension. Take the first movement on Mahler 2. At the ffff, the dynamics on the 2810 are such that you need to lower the volume. Also, the clashes are very sudden and scary if loud.
You don't need to lower the volume on the 2410, and the dynamic impact is soft by comparison.

Thanks for highlighting the differences, Gregm.

Now, what's your take on Accuphase amps? Are the A/B models a good choice, or just stick with Class A.

And are they a better choice than Bryston amps?

Are the A/B models a good choice, or just stick with Class A. And are they a better choice than Bryston amps?

My opinion is that class A Accuphase is much better than Bryston -- even though Bryston is the most decent, reliable, & good value products out there that I know of. Class AB is also good, but may not be a "stratospheric" improvement on the Bryston...
On the other hand, the 2810 pre, will make a huge difference even with your current amps (that are excellent IMO).