Unpacking and Placement

unpacking your amplifier

Important!

placement

ventilation

custom installations

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-5100. 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-5100 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).

Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations and custom cabinetry (see the section Dimensions). An optional, purpose-designed rack mount kit is available for this product. Contact your Classé dealer for more information.

CA-5100 specifications

The Classe Audio CA-5100 is a high-performance power amplifier designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Renowned for its robust build and superior audio performance, the CA-5100 is part of Classe's tenured lineage of premium audio equipment, making it a standout choice for both hi-fi home systems and professional audio setups.

One of the main features of the CA-5100 is its power output. With a total output of 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, this amplifier can drive a wide range of speakers, making it versatile for various audio environments. When operating at 4 ohms, the power output rises to an impressive 200 watts per channel, ensuring that it can handle demanding speaker loads without compromising sound quality.

The CA-5100 employs Class A/B amplification design, which is known for its balance between sound fidelity and efficiency. This technology allows for low distortion and high power efficiency, resulting in a warm and natural sound that audiophiles crave. The dual-mono architecture of the amplifier ensures that each channel operates independently, providing excellent channel separation and reducing crosstalk for a more immersive listening experience.

One of the notable characteristics of the Classe Audio CA-5100 is its premium construction. It features a heavy-duty chassis that minimizes vibrations and interferences, allowing for cleaner signal transmission. Additionally, high-quality components, such as oversized transformers and large filter capacitors, contribute to its high current delivery capability, ensuring robust performance even at high volumes.

The amplifier is equipped with proprietary technologies, including advanced thermal management systems, which dissipate heat effectively to maintain optimal performance and longevity. The CA-5100 also includes various input options to accommodate different audio sources, such as balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.

In conclusion, the Classe Audio CA-5100 embodies high-end audio engineering principles, offering exceptional sound reproduction, robust power handling, and a build quality that reflects Classe's commitment to excellence. Whether used in a dedicated listening room or as part of a professional audio system, the CA-5100 stands as a testament to what high-performance amplifiers can achieve, delivering an unforgettable auditory experience for any listener.