Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Yamaha C-4 Preamplifier (SS) by Brandon Howard

Model:	C-4
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$599.00
Description:	Stereo Controller
Manufacturer URL:	Yamaha
Model Picture:	View

Review by Brandon Howard on October 08, 2008 at 12:22:27
IP Address: 65.17.85.147 Add Your Review
for the C-4

There is not much on the web on this unit so here is my take.
I bought a 1978 Yamaha C-4 preamp from an individual on Craigâ€™s list about 3 weeks ago.
This is not as much a review as it is to state what a great vintage unit this is.
The C-4 is an one heck of an amazing Natural Sound Stereo Pre-Amplifier controller and what is really amazes is that it is 30 years old.
This unit is pre-digital back when vinyl was still king.

The C-4 phonostage is state of the art even by todayâ€™s standards this unit will give the expensive audiophile high-end outboard phono preamps a real run for their money. Although this unit sold (I think), for around 599.00 back in 1978 with inflation adjustment would sell for about $2,049.87 in 2008 so it would be not a cheap unit if still made today.
At 50 watts power consumption it not as energy efficient as todayâ€™s energy star components.
The unit has 3 phono inputs 1 MC and 2 MM with a plethora
of cartridge loading options something only the real expensive
outboard phono preamps offer these days.
Instead of going into all the preamp controls here is the link you can copy and past into your browser for the C-4 user manual
archived for free downloading (3.63 MB 20 page .pdf) http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/av/english/SepA/C-4.pdf
As for the sound itâ€™s mesmerizing it will bring out the magic of vinyl like I have not heard well in a long long time. The C-4 throws a huge and warm soundstage where the music is more involving more than anything I have ever experienced.
It drives my amps like I did not know they could be driven with complete control and total authority the C-4 is the boss of my amps not the other way around.
This unit is particularly useful if you have powered subs because it has selectable dual amp pre-outs nice!
Oh and it is a darn good looking unit with its old school looks your eyes will be drawn to it as much as your ears are drawn to the oh so sweet stereo sound.
CDâ€™s will sound almost analog (use the AUX input) and if you have an outbound tuner it too will sound fantastic.

Product Weakness:	its old parts will be hard to come by, will need good ventilation,<br>not energy star, modern (wide spade) a/c electrical plugs will not plug it to the power outputs.
Product Strengths:	deep and wide sound stage, dead quiet operation, natural sound, multiple cartridge loading options, 3 phono inputs including Moving Coil, bass and treble turnover frequency controls, dual amp pre-outs, strong drive for total amplifier control.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: DUAL QSC SRA 3622 BRIDGED
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): YAMAHA C-4
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Elite PD-65 / Technics SL-1210M5G
Speakers: CUSTOM BUILT PRO-SOUND
Cables/Interconnects: MOGAMI 2524
Music Used (Genre/Selections): rock, Jazz, classical, country
Room Size (LxWxH): 25 x 25 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: NONE
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata Guardian 2 Ffor amps and Belkin PureAVâ„¢ for preamp
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	DUAL QSC SRA 3622 BRIDGED
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	YAMAHA C-4
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Elite PD-65 / Technics SL-1210M5G
Speakers:	CUSTOM BUILT PRO-SOUND
Cables/Interconnects:	MOGAMI 2524
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	rock, Jazz, classical, country
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 25 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	NONE
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Shunyata Guardian 2 Ffor amps and Belkin PureAVâ„¢ for preamp
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner