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Yamaha C-2A Preamp

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This site has some info on the C2a

[edit fixed the link....]
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.niji.or.jp/home/k-nisi

[Corner of Part 2 seperate has the C2a, Part 3 has the C2x]

I have a C2, and it does look very different inside, so it wasn't just an 'a' they added on to the name.

(I don't recall seeing any ICs inside the C2, but it has been many years since I looked inside it.)

...and interestingly, there is one of each on eBay right now.
 
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Just popped the top......well.......actually the bottom as everything in the C-2 is attached to the heavy case and mounted to the chassis frame and extra sturdy case. And then removed the shielding from around the I/O switches and took this nudie. As packrat states, narry an IC in sight. Just typical high-end Yamaha build quality. :thmbsp: Thus, if the C-2a has some ICs in it, is indeed a very different beast.

Will be recapping the phono on this C-2 with BGs and the PS with Nichicon or Panasonics and this will be my phono-stage and extra inputs as I run 2 TTs, 3 CDP/SACD-Ps and more tuners than I have inputs on both of these preamps.

Have also posted my CX-1 and CX-1000 for comparison.

Added the C-2a nudie for comparison.
 

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I wish I had a camera.

The photo posted by Yamaha B-2 is the first photo I've seen of the C2.I have seen photos of the C2a and have looked inside my C2x.
From what I've seen of the C2,C2a and the C2x they all look totally different when uncovered.The sexiest looker in the nude is the C2x,which I can vouch for as a phono preamp. :yes:
 
theophile said:
The photo posted by Yamaha B-2 is the first photo I've seen of the C2.I have seen photos of the C2a and have looked inside my C2x. From what I've seen of the C2,C2a and the C2x they all look totally different when uncovered.The sexiest looker in the nude is the C2x,which I can vouch for as a phono preamp. :yes:
Yeah......so where is that nudie of your C2x for all of us to see? Inquiring minds, you know. Would be great if you could post same. :thmbsp:
 
Yamaha B-2 said:
Yeah......so where is that nudie of your C2x for all of us to see? Inquiring minds, you know. Would be great if you could post same. :thmbsp:

That Japanese website has pics of the inside of the c2a and c2x - my link above goes to the Kenwood KA-7300 for some reason...[fixed now I hope]

anyway, here's the picture of the inside of the c2x.... :yes:
 

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I got out my C2 last night....

because I just got an M4 in the mail! My best setup ever... :banana: I consider it to be like a 120 wpc 60 pound integrated amp. I hope to have pics in that other Yamaha thread soon.

The controls on the C2 have gotten very noisy with 5 years of no use. The volume pot is very noisy, yet it looks to be a sealed type. Is it now beyond repair?

B-2 - when you look inside at the tone controls, do you see pots or or a switched setup? From the feel of the control, it seems like a switch, but I can't tell from the photo if there is a resistor/capacitor network in there.
 
Sorry, but it is buttoned back up. Looking from the bottom, so you can see which switch is which starting with the volume control.

And, I've got to find a C-2x. Have been looking for several years and run across one, which I was foolish to not purchase.

packrat - sell me yours. I'll trade you a B-2 amp for one. :thmbsp:

Here is the info on the C-2a which talks a bit about the differences between it and the C-2. Working ones way through the poor translation, it apprears to be primarily in the phono stage. I'll post the pic next to the other Yamaha preamps posted above. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.niji.or.jp/home/k-nisi

That C-2a went for $221 and change. Guess the word is out on Yamaha's preamps being such great gear. Did anyone here get it? If so, let us know what you think.
 
B2,
Mines not a C2x - wish it was. A trade is tempting, and I'll keep it in mind if I stumble onto a C2x. :)

I just got the service manual for the C2 in the mail. There are 2 pairs of ICs in it. One pair is simply a dual matched FET, the other pair are LA3350. And the tone controls are switched, using fixed resistors and film caps. :)
As for prices...did you see the 2 auctions with C2a pre AND M2 amp that went for under $500? Neither would ship to the snowy north. :tears:
 
Guess I'm going to have to obtain the C-2a manual just to see what the difference is between the C-2 and C-2a. Can always use another preamp. But, I'll probably wait for a C-2x. These are all great pieces!

And, you should be able to find an AKer that lives near the border who is willing to reship the boxes if shipped to him. Don't understand why folks won't ship to Canada. Is a no-brainer. Guess they don't want the hassle of going to the Post Office. But, they can actually download all the customs forms off the USPS website and simply give to their carrier.
 
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