Accuphase C-222 Analog Preamp with Dual Phono - Japanese Gold!

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

This beauty came to us from the Japanese market where they were built and sold exclusively in the 1980's.

We properly converted it to 120V so it's now perfect for the US market.

It would be heard to beat the quality and functions of this preamp today for under $5k.

We also replaced a capacitor in the phono stage that was keeping the dual phono inputs from working perfectly (Inputs marked DISC1 and DISC2). Both are now working as they should, ready to play for another few decades.

The phono stage is super capable and customizable via front panel controls. If the cartridges differ between the two phono inputs, you would just need to adjust to compensate via the front panel control section.

The internal build quality of this piece is exemplary with each section containing its own regulated power supply.

Condition is very clean with slight signs of use. The deep red wood case is stunning in person, and is a perfect cosmetic match to the lightly gold anodized faceplate.

Please see our photos for specifications.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.