Accuphase C-3900S – Preamplifier Featuring AAVA Technology

Japanese brand Accuphase has introduced the Accuphase C-3900S preamplifier, further advancing the company’s proprietary AAVA technology in an even more refined form. Alongside uncompromising balanced circuitry, the main focus is on practical integration into complex High End systems. A wide range of connectors and extensive adjustment options underline the unit’s role as a central control hub for demanding stereo setups.

The Accuphase C-3900S is built around the Dual Balanced AAVA volume control system. Unlike traditional preamplifiers, this concept abandons passive signal attenuation using resistors. Instead, volume is adjusted actively through a combination of multiple amplifier stages with different gain levels. The parallel implementation of two balanced AAVA circuits per channel further reduces noise and improves electrical stability. Complementing this design is the ANCC circuit, which actively compensates noise-related distortion. Especially at low and mid listening levels, this is intended to deliver the cleanest possible signal – an important practical advantage for everyday listening at realistic volume levels.

The Accuphase C-3900S follows an uncompromising “dual mono” architecture. The left and right channels are equipped with their own amplification blocks, separate power supplies with toroidal transformers, and independent banks of filter capacitors. This strict separation minimizes crosstalk and ensures stable operating conditions regardless of signal level or connected sources. The circuit boards are also optimized for minimal losses, highlighting the high technical standard of this preamplifier.

One of the key strengths of the Accuphase C-3900S is its flexible connectivity for a wide range of signal sources. The input lineup includes a total of four balanced XLR inputs and six unbalanced line inputs on RCA connectors. In addition, there are dedicated EXT PRE inputs – both balanced and unbalanced – for integrating external preamplifiers or AV processors. The Accuphase C-3900S also offers two balanced XLR outputs and two unbalanced RCA outputs. Furthermore, dedicated recorder connections (record and playback) are provided, which will be particularly relevant for users of analogue reel-to-reel tape machines or external recording devices. In practice, the preamplifier can be integrated into both classic two-source configurations and complex multi-component systems.

In the C-3900S, Accuphase employs a carefully engineered control concept featuring a mechanically sophisticated volume control system designed for exceptionally smooth and silent adjustment, including motorized remote control operation. Additional functions include selectable overall sensitivity/gain, precise balance adjustment, five-step Loudness compensation, and individually savable settings for each input. The built-in headphone amplifier of the Accuphase C-3900S is based on discrete components and offers switchable gain levels to ensure proper compatibility with headphones of different impedance and sensitivity. The recommended retail price will be announced at a later date.