Unpacking and Placement

ENGLISH

unpacking your ampliﬁer

Important!

placement

ventilation

Carefully unpack your power ampliﬁer according to the supplied instructions, and remove all accessories from the carton. Please take care when lifting the ampliﬁer, as it is quite heavy.

Keep all packing materials for future transport of your Classé product. Shipping your new component in anything other than its purpose-designed packing material may result in damage that is not covered by the warranty.

There are two options when placing your power ampliﬁer: you may place it close to the speakers, requiring longer interconnecting cables from the preampliﬁer; or place it close to the preampliﬁer, requiring longer speaker cables.

Although either approach will yield excellent performance, you might consider the ﬁrst option for two reasons. First, signal quality degrades more easily when transmitted as a combination of both high voltage and high current, suggesting that speaker cables should be kept as short as practical. Second, high quality ampliﬁers use massive power supplies which inevitably radiate some degree of magnetic ﬁelds. Ideally, one would separate these ﬁelds from sensitive source components by a reasonable distance.

If it is more convenient for you to place the ampliﬁer in an equipment rack, along with your other components, we suggest placing it at the bottom of the rack, well away from your source components and preampliﬁer. This location will also be more stable than placing such a heavy component near the top of a rack, which might make it top-heavy.

Note that adequate clearance for the AC cord and connecting cables must be left behind the CA-3200. We suggest leaving eight inches (20 cm) of free space behind your power ampliﬁer to allow all cables sufﬁcient room to bend without crimping or undue strain.

Your Classé power ampliﬁer generates a certain amount of heat in the course of normal operation. Be sure to allow six inches of clearance above it and three inches to each side to allow heat dissipation through air circulation. The vents on both the bottom and the top of the CA-3200 must be kept free from any obstruction which would reduce the ﬂow of air through the unit. Avoid placement on soft surfaces that would restrict airﬂow (such as plush carpeting).

CA-3200 specifications

The Classe Audio CA-3200 is a high-performance power amplifier designed for audio enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality and robust power. It exemplifies Classe's commitment to precision engineering and sophisticated technology, making it a standout component in any high-fidelity audio system.

The CA-3200 boasts a powerful output of 200 Watts per channel into 8 ohms, and it doubles that to 400 Watts into 4 ohms, ensuring ample power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers with authority and detail. This amplifier employs a Class AB design, which combines the best attributes of Class A and Class B amplification. The result is a warm, rich sound that maintains clarity and dynamics, even at high volume levels.

One of the unique features of the CA-3200 is its high-quality, low-noise power supply. This power supply includes an oversized transformer and large storage capacitors, providing the necessary reserves for transient peaks. This design minimizes noise and ensures that the amplifier delivers clean power without distortion, whether during soft passages or explosive musical moments.

Classe has implemented a custom-designed output stage that utilizes fully complementary circuitry. This innovation helps to eliminate crossover distortion, resulting in an accurate reproduction of the audio signal. Additionally, the CA-3200 features advanced thermal management technology, including extensive heat-sinking and forced-air cooling. This ensures that the amplifier remains cool and reliable during extended use, even in demanding environments.

The architectural design of the CA-3200 matches its performance capabilities. The chassis is constructed from high-quality materials, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The front panel features visually expressive meters that allow users to monitor power levels easily, while the rear panel provides balanced and unbalanced input options, increasing flexibility in setups.

Furthermore, the CA-3200 is designed for easy integration into existing systems, offering a variety of control options, including trigger inputs and RS-232 connectivity for automation and remote control purposes.

In summary, the Classe Audio CA-3200 is an exemplary power amplifier that combines significant power output, advanced technologies, and meticulous craftsmanship. Its ability to deliver pristine audio performance while offering versatility makes it a compelling choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike, ensuring that it meets the demands of modern audio systems with ease.