THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT CLASSÉ
Thank you for purchasing the Classé CA-101 power amplifier.
We take great pride in offering components that combine exceptional sonic performance and long-term reliability. To do that, we have invested in extraordinary design and manufacturing facilities. We trust that you will enjoy your purchase for many years to come.
CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Repeated listening design sessions
Fine tuning of sound by exchanging and mixing of parts (transistors, capacitors, wiring, PCB boards etc.), and adjusting many specific operating voltages within proper engineering ranges, producing an overall sonic recipe giving the most natural harmonic realism of music typical of instruments in a live performance.
Upgradable single circuit designs
All Classé products (all preamps and all amps) share exactly the same circuit (excluding moving coil and moving magnet phono circuits). This means all amplifiers and all high level circuits of the preamps are the same. The same circuit is tailored to different power levels etc. Differences between less expensive models and more expensive models are parts quality and compliment, power supply extravagance and the amount of filtering etc., as well as features and packaging.
This means that for years Classé has been constantly fine tuning and upgrading this circuit and its application, thus reaching a very high level of understanding and musical achievement which benefits all models – least expensive, most expensive, preamps and amplifiers alike.
Extreme long life in real world conditions
Choosing the best attainable quality parts and materials combined with the advantages of the two above-mentioned areas provides Classé owners with years of proven trouble free reliability and musical enjoyment.
UNPACKING & SET-UP
Your CLASSÉ CA-101 POWER AMPLIFIER is packed in high density, semi-rigid foam placed in a special cardboard box. To remove the unit, open and spread all the top flaps of the box and by its sides, lift out the entire unit and put it on a large flat surface. Take it out of the plastic bag and inspect the unit for any concealed damage. Apart from this owner’s manual, please ensure the following has also been included:
• DETACHABLE LINECORD.
Please report any damage or missing parts to your dealer as soon as possible.
Place the CA-101 at or near its final set-up position, allowing 8 inches at the rear for tightening the speaker output connectors. For optimum sonic performance, we recommend the optional CLASSÉ REFERENCE A.C. LINECORD. Consult your dealer regarding this accessory.
The power transformer in the CA-101 is located at the front-center of the unit. Ideally, a few feet should separate this area from components which potentially could pick up hum. These include preamplifiers, turntables, and interconnect cables. In terms of providing adequate airspace for cooling, a good rule of thumb is to allow 6 inches above and 3 inches on each side of the unit.
Check the Serial Number sticker on the back of the unit for the correct operating voltage. The CA-101 has one AC line fuse, the rating of which should be as follows:
LINE VOLTAGE | FUSE RATING |
100 or 120 V.A.C. | 6 AMP SLOW BLOW |
| 125 or 250 volts |
220 or 240 V.A.C. | 4 AMP SLOW BLOW |
| 250 volts |
GENERAL CONNECTIONS
A.C. LINE
Insert the linecord into the A.C. receptacle on the rear of the unit. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY HOOKED UP THE SPEAKERS AND PREAMPLIFIER TO YOUR AMPLIFIER BEFORE CONNECTING THE AC POWER CORD TO THE AMPLIFIER.
Caution: safety instructions
DISCONNECT THE AC LINECORD WHEN MAKING OR CHANGING ANY CONNECTIONS. CONNECT ALL INTERCONNECT CABLES BETWEEN YOUR ELECTRONICS BEFORE CONNECTING THE AC LINECORDS TO THE WALL OUTLETS. THIS WILL REDUCE THE POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD. “FLOATING THE GROUND”, OR DEFEATING THE GROUND ON THE 3-PRONG LINECORD MAY CREATE A SHOCK HAZARD.
STEREO
Input and output connectors are clearly marked on the back of the amplifier. Left/Right connections are oriented from the front of the unit. Stereo output connections are marked above the connectors. Switch stereo/mono switch to /\ position. (Units preset at factory for STEREO.)
Use only high quality interconnect and loudspeaker cables, and make all connections tight. If the input plugs are loose, remove them and pinch down the ground leaves slightly with pliers. Observe correct phasing of the loudspeaker connections, and tighten.
MONO
Please read through the previous Stereo section for general notes on securing good connections, and safety tips. If the unit has been previously used in stereo, make sure it is OFF, and remove all connections, including the AC line cable. Make sure the STEREO/MONO switch is switched to the MONO position V.
The MONO “Input” is the “left channel input”, as marked. The unused right channel input is automatically disconnected. MONO output connections are marked below the connectors. Repeat the above MONO settings and connections on the second CA-101 to be used for the other channel.
Please remember that the negative output connection of a bridged amplifier is NOT a ground. Do not use a “common ground” or switchbox set-up. Do not use with electronic crossovers which have a common ground.
REMOTE CONTROL
The CA-101 can be turned on or off remotely using the small Classe device called the Automatic Starter (also called the Pigtail). When the Automatic Starter is inserted into the Telephone type jack at the back of the unit, the CA-101 will automatically turn on as soon as there is AC power present at the AC inlet of the amplifier. You can then use a DC triggerable AC power bar or inlet to turn on or off the CA-101. Although the front power switch will not be used under these circumstances, the front power switch will still be operable.
