L5-ACC

About the L5-ACC

The Vandersteen L5-ACC Audio Control Center is a preamplifier developed over seven years by Richard Vandersteen to address key audio believability issues. Unlike traditional preamps, it features tone controls implemented via relays that add circuitry in parallel to the signal path, eliminating sonic penalty. The bass control offers discrete boost steps of +2dB, +4dB, +6dB, and cut of –3dB, while treble control provides +1dB, +2dB, –1dB, and –2dB adjustments. A mono-blend circuit reduces exaggerated stereo imaging from early recordings in four selectable steps including full mono. The preamp incorporates a matrix that extracts out-of-phase information, inverts it, and mixes it back to restore natural ambience. Three user-programmable presets allow storage of tone control combinations for different recording types or listening scenarios. All tone controls can be completely defeated via remote control. Built in the US with no Chinese components, the L5-ACC was scheduled to begin shipping in July 2025.