m 2-channel/6-channel compatible m Current feedback principle
ensures superb high-range phase characteristics m 6 totally separate
modular line amplifiers m 6 separate preset level controls m Highquality six-gang volume control m Mixdown function m Logic-controlled
relays for shortest signal paths m Option boards allow digital input

Build the high-end home theater of your dreams
2-channel/6-channel
compatible preamplifier features 6-channel (5.1ch) analog inputs/outputs.
Six entirely separate line amplifiers and six preset level controls, high-quality
6-gang volume control. Mixdown function. In two-channel mode, six line
amplifiers are connected in triple parallel MCS configuration.

The CX-260/PX-600 is the long-awaited
preamplifier/power amplifier combination fromAccuphase designed from the ground up for multichannel surround systems that aim for absolute
top quality in picture and in sound. These twoproducts will allow the true audiophile to build ahome theater that provides audiovisual enjoyment
without making any sacrifices when it comes tosonic accuracy.
Accuphase's extensive experience in the realm ofpure audio is in evidence everywhere in the CX260/PX-600. The no-compromise Accuphaseapproach is applied here not only to two-channel
stereo but also to multi-channel operation thatbrings the excitement of a concert hall and thethrill of a movie theater right into the living room.
The amazingly realistic sound stage that can becreated with these components goes far beyond
the limitations of conventional surround sound.
Music playback in stereo sounds more alive andrealistic than ever, and surround sources acquire
an additional dimension of scale and naturalauthority. Discover a new world where sound andimage blend to form a home theater environment
with true high-end performance.

further improved, resulting in a stereo amplifier witheven better characteristics.
Current feedback circuit topology prevents
phase shifts
The CX-260 uses the signal current rather thanthe more conventionally used voltage for feedback.
The impedance at the current feedback point is
kept very low, which means that there is almost nophase shift. Phase compensation via negative
Circuit diagram of line amplifier (1 channel)

Principle of current feedback amplifier

Control center compatible with 2-channel/
6-channel operation
Besides conventional 2-channel stereo, the Control
Center CX-260 allows input of a 6-channel (5.1ch)
analog signal as supplied for example by a DVD
player with digital decoder or other processor. Two
input groups named LINE 1 and 2 are provided,with six balanced and six unbalanced connectors
each. The six-gang main volume control adjusts
all channels in one action, but in addition, six
individual level controls are also provided. This ispossible because the CX-260 has six separate line
amplifier circuits and balanced output stages.
Six discrete line amplifiers designed foroptimum sound. MCS configuration in stereo
mode further improves sound quality.
The CX-260 has six line amplifiers that employ a✻ Do not stack the CX-260 and PX-600.

Fig. 2 Principle of MCS circuit(line amplifier operating in 2-channel mode)

pure complementary push-pull configuration andare built with hand-selected discrete parts. For
minimum noise, three input devices are used inparallel.
When the unit is operating in two-channel mode,the six line amplifiers are connected in a triple
parallel MCS (Multiple Circuit Summing-up)
configuration, as shown in Figure 2. By adding theperformance advantages of each circuit, S/N ratio,distortion and other important parameters are

feedback can therefore be kept to a minimum,
resulting in excellent transient response andsuperb sonictransparency.
Figure 3 shows
frequency
response fordifferent gain
settings of thec u r r e n t
f e e d b a c k Fig. 3 Frequency response with current feedback(Response does not change when gain is varied)
amplifier. Theg r a p h sdemonstrate that response remains uniform overa wide range.
Modular construction and separate powertransformers for left and right channel
The line amplifiers and balanced output amplifiersof the six channels are housed in separate
modules. Including other units such as unbalanced
input stages and mixdown circuitry, the CX-260
has a total of 16 modules neatly arranged on amotherboard. On the power supply side, entirely
separate transformers and filtering capacitors forFig. 1 Block diagram of CX-260

the left andright channel
result in a true
twin-monodesign.
Awide-band,l o w impedance
power supply
circuitisintegrated ineach modular unit, to thoroughly prevent thepossibility of unwanted interaction between
amplifier stages.

combine the six channels of a 5.1ch source into
four channels for playback. As shown in Figure 4,
the center channel and subwoofer signals of the

Separate controls for each of the six channels
make it easy to fine-adjust the balance between
speakers.
Control turned fullyclockwise (max.): 0 dB
Center click-stop: – 6 dB
Control turned fully counterclockwise (min.) : –∞Once the levels for the channels have beenpreset, the master volume control that operates
on all six channels together can be used to adjust
the listening volume. It is also possible to bypass
the preset controls altogether simply by pushinga switch. In 2-channel mode, the controls are
bypassed by default.

Mixdown function allows 4-channel playbackof 6-channel sources
Fig. 4 Principle of Mixdown

A special function called "mixdown" lets you

n Supplied remote commander RC-20
allows volume adjustment andprogram source selection

Individual level controls for all channels

six-channel source are mixed into the left and rightfront channels, resulting in a 4-channel
arrangement with two front and two rear channels.
This is useful for example when the placement of
the monitor or screen makes it difficult to positiona center speaker, or when the design of the room
is not suitable for a subwoofer. Thanks to the
mixdown function, you can still enjoy 5.1ch
surround program sources in such cases.

n Line amplifiers, mixdown circuit,balanced input/output amplifiers
and other modules neatly
arranged on PCB motherboard(total 16 modules)

Using an external preamplifier for stereoplayback
For users who wish to dedicate anotherpreamplifier to pure audio playback, the EXT PRE
button provides an easy solution. This is also theoperation default when power to the CX-260 is off.

n Hermetically sealed relays directly connected
to gold-plated input/output connectors

n Assembly for Logic control

n H i g h - r e l i a b i l i t y,
high-quality parts

Option Boards

Other features and functionsn Supplied remote commander allows volume adjustment
and source selectionn Dedicated headphone amplifier for optimum soundn Tone controls with summing active filters for pure soundn Balanced output circuitry with bridged feedbackn Logic-controlled relays for program source switchingensure pure sound and long service lifen High-quality six-gang volume control

Digital Input Board

Three kinds of options boards are available which
can be installed in rear-panel slots.
m All option board inputs are for 2-channel playback.
m The DAC-10 cannot be used in the models E-407,E-406V, E-306V, E-211 and C-265.
m The Analog Disc Input Board AD-9 and the Line
Input Board LINE-9 can also be used.

DAC-10

MDS (Multi Delta Sigma) D/A converter.
Coaxial and optical fiber inputs.
High-quality reproduction of digital music signal from
CD/DVD player, DAT, MD (sampling frequency 32 - 96kHz, 24 bits).

Analog Disc Input Board

AD-10

High-performance, high-gain equalizer for faithful playback of analog records.
Internal DIP switches allow MM/MC selection, MC input impedance selection, and subsonic filter on/offswitching.

Option board shown in photo is DAC-10

MM Gain:
MCInput impedance:

36 dB
47 kilohms

Gain:
Input impedance:

62 dB
10/30/100 ohms, switchable

Line Input Board

LINE-10

This option board provides an additional set of conventionalline inputs which can be used to connect a CD player, tuner,or other component with analog output.

6-gang volume control

n FRONT PANEL

CX-260 Guaranteed Specifications
Guaranteed specifications are measured according to EIA standard RS-490.
m Frequency Response

BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT
3 - 300,000 Hz+0 –3.0 dB
20 - 20,000 Hz+0 –0.2 dB

m Total Harmonic Distortion (for all inputs) 0.005%
m Input Sensitivity,Input ImpedanceSensitivity
For rated output
For 0.5 V output
252 mV63 mV
252 mV
63 mVInput
BALANCEDUNBALANCED

m Rated Output,Output Impedance

BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUTTAPE RECm Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Input

n REAR PANELBALANCEDUNBALANCED (2ch)UNBALANCED (6ch)

Option board slots

2V
252 mV

Input shorted, IHF-A weighting
EIA S/NS/N ratio at rated input
106 dB
96 dB
120 dB
96 dB
119 dB
95.5 dBm Maximum Output Level (0.005% THD, 20 - 20,000 Hz)
BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:
TAPE REC:5.0 V
5.0 V

m Maximum Load Impedance BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT:
TAPE REC:600 Ω10 kΩ

m GainInputimpedance
40 k Ω10 k Ω50 ohms
200 ohms
Residualnoise
1.2 µV
1.2 µV
1.7 µVBALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT ➞ BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT: 18 dB
BALANCED/UNBALANCED INPUT ➞ REC OUTPUT:
0 dB

m Loudness Compensation +6 dB (100 Hz)
m Tone Controls★
Input selector
External preamplifier selector button
2ch/6ch selector button
Mixdown on/off button
Preset level control bypass button
Function LED indicators
Channel preset level controls
Volume control
Power switch
Output on/off switch
Bass/treble control, TONE ON/OFFbutton
Compensator on/off button
Tape copy switch
Tape recorder switch
Balance control
Headphone jack
Stereo/mono selector

Attenuator
Line inputs(LINE 1 and 2 are 6-channel inputs)
Tape recorder record/play connectors
Unbalanced output connectors(6 channels)
External preamplifier inputs(unbalanced)
CD/LINE balanced input connectors
Balanced output connectors(6 channels)
External preamplifier inputs(balanced)
AC power supply connector★

Turnover frequency and adjustment range
BASS:
300 Hz±10 dB (50 Hz)
TREBLE: 3 kHz±10 dB (20 kHz)m Attenuator–20 dBm Headphones Jack

Suitable impedance: 4 - 100 ohms

m Power Requirements

AC120 V/230 V (Voltage as indicated on rear panel), 50/60 Hz

m Power Consumption

25 watts

m Maximum Dimensions

WidthHeight
Depthm Weight

17.5 kg (38.6 lbs) net
22.0 kg (48.5 lbs) in shipping carton

475 mm
150 mm
405 mm(18-11/16")(5-7/8")(15-15/16")

m Supplied Remote Commander RC-20
Remote control principle: Infrared pulse
Power supply:3 V DC (IEC R6 batteries × 2)
Maximum dimensions:
55 mm (2-3/16") (width)
194 mm (11/16") (height)
18 mm (7-5/8") (depth)
Weight:
100 g (including batteries)

Remarks★ This product is available in versions for 120/230 V AC. Make sure that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches
the AC line voltage in your area.
★ The shape of the AC inlet, and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating and destination country.

2-channel (stereo) playback
Except for LINE 1 and 2, all inputs are 2-channel inputs, so no special steps are necessary.
For LINE 1 or 2, connect the source to the LEFT and RIGHT connectors and set the 6-CH button toOFF (LED out).
• The input from any option board installed in slot OPTION 1 or 2 also is handled in 2-channel mode.
• The mixdown (DOWN MIX) and PASS functions cannot be used.
• All preset level controls are bypassed.

6-channel (5.1ch) playback
Set the input selector to LINE 1 or LINE 2, and set the 6-CH button to ON (LED lit).
• The following functions (K - R) operate only on the Left/Right channel:
TONE, COMP, TAPE COPY, TAPE RECORDER, BALANCE, PHONES, MONO, ATT• When using an active subwoofer with built-in power amplifier, directly connect the "D" outputof the CX-260 to the input of the subwoofer, using an audio cable with plugs.

Supplied accessories: • Power cord
• Audio cable with plugs L-10G (1 set)
• Remote commander RC-20

m Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.
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