Unpacking and Placement

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-5200. 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-5200 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-5200 specifications

The Classe Audio CA-5200 is a high-performance power amplifier that exemplifies the pinnacle of audio engineering. Designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and robust power, the CA-5200 is a favorite among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the CA-5200 is its impressive power output. With a five-channel configuration, it provides an astounding 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, delivering superior dynamics and headroom. This makes it an ideal choice for driving a wide range of loudspeakers, from compact, bookshelf models to larger, floor-standing options. The amplifier can effortlessly handle the demands of both music and multichannel movie soundtracks, ensuring that every nuance is captured with fidelity.

The CA-5200 utilizes Class A/B amplification technology, which is renowned for its efficiency and warmth. This technology combines the benefits of Class A operation—characterized by low distortion and an open soundstage—with the efficiency of Class B operation. The result is a powerful amplifier that remains cooler in operation while still providing rich, detailed sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum.

Another essential feature of the CA-5200 is its advanced circuitry and build quality. The use of high-grade components throughout, including custom power transformers and large filter capacitors, ensures that the amplifier can handle transient peaks and demanding listening sessions without strain. The resulting sound is clear and dynamic, with an emphasis on accuracy and naturalness, catering to the most discerning listening tastes.

Classe Audio also integrates their proprietary AutoBias technology into the CA-5200, which automatically adjusts the bias settings of the output transistors for optimal performance under various load conditions. This feature ensures consistent sound quality, regardless of the dynamics of the material being played or the impedance of the connected speakers.

In terms of connectivity, the CA-5200 offers multiple input options, allowing for seamless integration into a variety of audio systems. The amplifier’s front panel is carefully designed, featuring easy-to-read indicators and user-friendly controls, making it simple to operate even in a complex setup.

Overall, the Classe Audio CA-5200 stands out as a powerful and versatile amplifier that marries technology with craftsmanship. Whether used in a dedicated two-channel audiophile setup or as part of an immersive home theater experience, the CA-5200 delivers the sonic performance that captivates and engages music and movie lovers alike.