This has to be one of the best bargains in the high-end world. The C-2410, even though 2nd from the bottom in Accuphase's current preamp line up, is anything but low-end. Despite its classic looks (champagne color exemplifies that trait), it is very high-tech inside.

As with all Accuphase gears, this preamp is purely solid state. What makes it unique is how it handles the volume control: the audio signal is converted into 16 different current sources scaled in value. A microcontroller reads the volume knob position and uses the reading to switch in the appropriate current sources, which are then summed together and converted back to voltage. There are 65534 possible volume levels, so basically it's continuous as far as the ears are concerned. There are no relays to switch in the different resistor divider for volume control as with other high end designs, no usage of volume control IC, no A/D or D/A conversion, and of course no audio goes through traditional potentiometer. This thing will sound squeaky clean in 20 years as there's no contacts in the pots to wear out, corrode, get dirty, etc. As a side benefit, channel balance is perfectly matched.

Build quality: Awesome. Everything is built to exacting details. It weighs more than most power amps.Fit and finish is superb.

Flexibility: There is no other preamp I know of that has as many features. Tone control. Balance, Mute, loudness compensation, phase inversion selectable and memorized for each input. Remote control. Balanced ins (2 sets) and balanced outs (2 sets). balanced external processor bypass. Tons of RCA inputs. Optional phono preamp. Selectable gain.

Sound: You buy Accuphase for its sound, and the preamp does not disappoint (something I can't say with the lower C-2110, which was too razor sharp and fatiguing for me.) The harmonics, speed, clarity, intimacy -- everything is dialed in just right with this preamp. Compared to the much costlier C-2810, the C-2410 is faster sounding, a bit more rhythmic, but not fatiguing. Bass is super tight and very integrated with the other frequency bands. Midrange is neither warm or harsh -- you will not mistake it for tube sound, but it is easy to listen to. Female vocals are reproduced accurate and well. In general, vocals are dead on, very intimate as if the singer is right in front of you. The C-2810 wins for vocals for sure, but at double the price, it's not a huge difference. Highs are meticulous and prestine -- I love how the different harmonics of cymbals come out. Sound stage is first rate -- very wide and deep. Low level resolution is amazing. The thing is so quiet that you hear everything. All in all, this preamp is one of a few that does not seem to degrade the sound, but actually enhance it with more drive and steadfastness. You can listen for hours to all kinds of music, and you will not be tired. Not a hint of harshness. I really love the fact that you can hear so much detail at very low volume levels, something I have not experienced with other preamps that use pots for volume control.

Reliability: I leave this thing on 24/7, and in months of usage, never a problem. The top gets a bit warm though.

About the only complaint: Remote is pretty cheesy for a device this costly, not only in functionality (one can just select the source and volume up/down), but the look and feel.

When selecting CD RCA input (with nothing connected) with active signal into the CD balanced input, I can hear some crosstalk with volume cranked up, but one would never encounter that in real life, I think.

It is best to use the balanced ins and outs -- sound is significantly better than RCA/single-ended. And use the 12dB (lowest gain position).

And as the previous reviewer said, you need an exceedingly good source (top grade disc spinner or DAC), very good power amp, and very revealing speakers to hear what this puppy can do. I am using the C-2410 to drive a pair of Accuphase A-45 amps in bridged mode and together they sing an amazing tune (into Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers, a very good fit.)

All in all, you cannot go wrong with this preamp. A fantastically engineered, very musical and high-end sound. If you're going to blow this much cash on a preamp, definitely check it out.

Se trata de un exquisito preamplificador, de muy alta calidad técnica en su fabricación y de un rendimiénto fabuloso. El sonido que proporciona es limpio y compacto , espectacular si estás reproducciéndo un CD bien grabado. Lo tengo desde hace tres meses y todo ésto he podido comprobarlo por mi mismo. Ahora , tambien se ha de reconocer que para sacarle la quintaesencia á éste aparato, los otros que le acompañen han de ser de alta calidad, me refiero a amplificador, etapa y Cajas acústicas. Vidal

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