Yamaha C-5000
High-end Yamaha stereo preamplifier with fully balanced architecture and dual toroidal power supply, fitted with an audiophile-grade MM/MC phono stage.
Description
The C-5000 is a stereo preamplifier from Yamaha, designed as the flagship of the C-5000 / M-5000 range. It provides the interface between sources and the power amplification, with a built-in phono stage allowing a turntable to be connected directly without an external phono preamplifier.
Its architecture is fully balanced from input to output, which limits interference and preserves channel separation throughout the signal chain. The power supply is built around two separate toroidal transformers, one per channel, ensuring complete independence between the left and right channels and reducing the risk of crosstalk associated with a shared power supply. The phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges, offering broad compatibility with different cartridge types. The frequency response spans 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+0/−3 dB), reflecting a wide bandwidth beyond the audible spectrum, while a high signal-to-noise ratio (up to 110 dB on line inputs) and a total harmonic distortion of 0.010% on line inputs point to a signal reproduced with minimal noise and added colouration.
This preamplifier is aimed at demanding hi-fi systems paired with separate amplification, for users seeking neutral, precise preamplification capable of making the most of both digital sources and a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 176 cm × 435 cm × 441 cm |
| Weight | 19.4 kg |
| Type | Stereo preamplifier |
| Architecture | Fully balanced |
| Power supply | Dual toroidal transformer (one per channel) |
| Phono | MM and MC |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/−3 dB) |
| Distortion (THD) | 0.010% (line) |
| Signal to noise ratio | ≥ 110 dB (line) / ≥ 98 dB (MM) / ≥ 80 dB (MC) |
Dimensions and weight
What to check before buying used
On a preamplifier of this design, attention should first focus on the MM/MC phono stage: check for the absence of background noise, crackling or channel imbalance when switching to phono mode. The input selectors and volume potentiometer are also worth checking, as dirty contacts can result in crackling or level jumps. As the two toroidal transformers operate independently, checking the sound balance between the left and right channels helps detect any potential drift in one of them.
Tests & Reviews
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