Accuphase C-57 Stereo Phono Amplifier

POA – Enquire

Product variants

The Accuphase C-57 is a flagship-class phono equalizer amplifier engineered to unlock the fullest potential of your vinyl collection. Designed and handcrafted in Japan with Accuphase’s signature precision and refinement, the C-57 seamlessly blends cutting-edge circuitry with luxurious build quality to deliver breathtaking analog performance.

Availability

Ask a question

Specifications

RIAA Deviation, MC 10-20,000 Hz +/- 0.3 db, MM 10-20,000 Hz +/- 0.3 db
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005%
Gain select from High or Normal MM 34 or 40 db, MC 64 or 70 db
Input Sensitivity (at rated output 1 kHz, 2 V) MC 64 dB 1.26 mV, 70 dB 0.63 mV. MM 34 dB 40 mV 40 dB 20 mV.
Input Impendance MC settings 10 ohms, 30 ohms, 60 ohms, 100 ohms, 200 ohms, 300 ohms and 1 Kilohm. MM settings 1 Kilohms 47 kilohms and 100 kilohms
Rated output 2 Volts for each 50 ohms for both balanced and standard line output
S/N Ratio, Input-converted Noise MC with 64 dB gain : 97 dB, 70 dB gain 91 dB, MM with 34 dB gain 108 dB, 40 dB gain 102 dB
Power consumption 22 watts
Dimensions Width 465 mm, Height 114 mm, Depth 407 mm
Weight 14.8 kgs net. 21 kgs shipping

The C-57 combines only the best technological advances to extract the full potential of analog discs.

Accuphase

Uncompromising Sound Performance

At the heart of the C-57 is a fully balanced signal path from input to output, ensuring exceptional noise rejection and sonic purity. A dedicated MC/MM head amplifier optimised for cartridge characteristics — including Accuphase’s proprietary ANCC (Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit) — extracts every nuance from low–level phono signals with extraordinary clarity and detail. Precise RIAA equalization maintains exceptional accuracy with a deviation of ±0.3 dB across the audio band.

Flexible and Intelligent Controls

Whether you’re using a low-output moving coil (MC) or a magnetic (MM) cartridge, the C-57 gives you fine-tuned control over performance. It offers a dedicated balanced MC input plus three additional phono inputs, each with independent memory for load impedance, gain, filter, and other settings — so switching between multiple turntables or cartridges is effortless. The multi-step load impedance selector accommodates seven MC and three MM settings to match almost any cartridge.

Musicality Meets Mechanical Refinement

From its low-noise regulated power supply and separate regulated circuits for each channel, to the toroidal transformer and substantial filter capacitors, the C-57’s internal architecture is built for musical integrity and rock-solid stability. Audiophiles will also appreciate features like a subsonic filter for rumble control, a balanced-output polarity selector, and clear LED indication of load settings.

Elegant, Timeless Design

Housed in an exquisitely finished chassis with an aluminum hairline top plate and natural woodgrain side panels, the C-57 embodies Accuphase’s classic aesthetic. High-carbon cast-iron insulators provide vibration damping, marrying form and function for both superb performance and visual distinction.

Who is this for?

The Accuphase C-57 is designed for vinyl enthusiasts who demand reference-level performance from their phono stage and are building a serious analogue front end around a high-quality turntable and cartridge. It suits listeners who understand that the phono stage is not an accessory, but a critical foundation of the entire analogue system.

This is an ideal match for owners of high-end moving coil and moving magnet cartridges who want maximum extraction of detail, tonal accuracy, and low-level musical information. The C-57 particularly benefits systems where resolution and transparency are already high, allowing it to reveal subtle spatial cues, texture, and dynamic nuance buried deep in the recording.

It pairs naturally with premium pre/power amplifier systems or Accuphase integrated amplifiers, especially in dedicated listening rooms where noise floor, timing, and system coherence matter. Its fully balanced design also makes it a strong choice for users running balanced tonearms and high-quality turntables in more resolving setups.

For serious analogue listeners looking to elevate their vinyl playback to true reference standards, the C-57 represents a long-term cornerstone component—quiet, precise, and uncompromising in its ability to let the cartridge do its job without interference.

What is the Accuphase C-57 Stereo Phono Amplifier?

The Accuphase C-57 is a high-end phono preamplifier designed to extract exceptional sound quality from vinyl records. Featuring fully balanced circuitry, advanced noise reduction technology and precise cartridge adjustment, it delivers outstanding clarity, detail and musical accuracy for serious vinyl enthusiasts.

Does the Accuphase C-57 support both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges?

Yes. The C-57 supports both MM and MC phono cartridges, with dedicated amplification circuitry optimised for each type. Adjustable gain and cartridge loading allow users to fine-tune performance to suit their particular cartridge.

What makes the Accuphase C-57 different from other phono preamplifiers?

The C-57 features a fully balanced circuit design from input to output, helping minimise noise and interference. Its advanced ANCC (Accuphase Noise and Distortion Cancelling Circuit) technology further reduces noise in the MC amplification stage. Combined with precision RIAA equalisation and separate left and right channel circuitry, the C-57 is engineered for exceptionally accurate vinyl reproduction.

Can I connect multiple turntables to the Accuphase C-57?

Yes. The C-57 provides four phono inputs, including three conventional RCA inputs and one dedicated balanced MC input. Each input has its own settings memory, making it easy to switch between different turntables or tonearms without repeatedly adjusting cartridge settings.

Does the Accuphase C-57 have balanced inputs and outputs?

Yes. The C-57 includes a dedicated balanced XLR input for compatible MC cartridge connections, along with balanced XLR and conventional RCA outputs. Balanced connections can help reduce unwanted noise and interference, particularly in high-performance audio systems.

Can I adjust the cartridge loading on the Accuphase C-57?

Yes. The C-57 offers seven impedance settings for MC cartridges, ranging from 10 ohms to 1,000 ohms, and three settings for MM cartridges: 1k, 47k and 100k ohms. These adjustments allow users to optimise the electrical matching between their cartridge and phono preamplifier.

Does the Accuphase C-57 work with low-output MC cartridges?

Yes. The C-57 is particularly well suited to low-output moving coil cartridges. Its dedicated MC amplification stage offers selectable gain settings of 64 dB and 70 dB, providing the additional amplification required for cartridges with very low output levels while maintaining excellent noise performance.

What is the purpose of the subsonic filter?

The C-57 includes a selectable subsonic filter that reduces unwanted low-frequency signals caused by record warps, turntable vibrations and other mechanical disturbances. This helps prevent unnecessary woofer movement and improves playback stability without significantly affecting the audible music signal.

Can I connect the Accuphase C-57 directly to a power amplifier?

The C-57 is designed to connect to a line-level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. Although it provides a standard 2V output, it does not include volume control, so a suitable preamplifier or integrated amplifier is normally required before connecting to a power amplifier.

Will the Accuphase C-57 work with amplifiers from other manufacturers?

Yes. The C-57 is compatible with a wide range of integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers from Accuphase and other manufacturers. Its RCA and balanced XLR outputs provide flexibility when integrating it into an existing high-quality audio system.