Classe Audio CA-2200 owner manual Special Design Features

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highly refined circuit design

extensive listening tests

Special Design Features

All Classé analog amplification stages are based on circuits that have been extensively optimized over many years of continuous development.

By starting with excellent circuit designs and working with them over the years, we are able to discover the many small refinements that add up to superlative performance, in a variety of applications. Altering a voltage here, or using a slightly different part there, may make all the difference between solid and absolutely outstanding performance.

This level of refinement only comes with a great deal of experience, and is not available to those who flit from one trendy notion to the next. It accounts in no small measure for both the consistency of sonic performance among Classé products (as they are all based on similar analog gain stages), and for the consistently excellent reviews those products receive by owners and reviewers alike.

Excellent measured performance is to be expected in world-class products, and Classé products deliver that performance. However, experience has shown that technical excellence alone is insufficient to guarantee subjectively musical results.

For this reason, all Classé products are laboriously fine-tuned during the development process by carefully controlled listening tests. Our ears are still some of the finest laboratory test instruments available, and nicely complement more traditional engineering test equipment. In the course of optimizing the circuitry for a product, hundreds of decisions are made based on the subjective impression given by substituting one high quality part for another.

As an example, we may listen to half a dozen 0.1% film resistors of the same value, from several different companies. Standard tests may show them all to provide identical results in terms of noise, distortion, and so forth. Yet, almost invariably, one selection yields some small improvement in the subjective reaction to the performance of the product under development. Less often, even a single such change can result in a surprisingly large improvement.

Multiply those various improvements by the dozens or even hundreds of such decisions that must be made before the product can be finalized for production, and you have a remarkable improvement, indeed—all based on careful listening tests, which we view as a necessary complement to the solid engineering you might rightly expect from Classé.

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Contents CA-2200 Power Amplifier Page Important Safety Instructions Contents Welcome to the Classé family Word about installationUnpacking your amplifier Placement Ventilation Unpacking and PlacementOperating voltage Custom installations Serial numberWarm up/break-in period Please read this manual… Special Design Features Extraordinary longevity Robust protection Standby button & LED indicator Front PanelOff + Channel LED on Channel status LED indicators Mode buttonSelect button Balanced XLR Input Rear PanelSpeaker Outputs Single-Ended RCA InputIR Input and Output Classé can Bus Control PortsDC Trigger Input and Output RS-232 Control Port This DB-9 connector has two purposesAC Mains Input AC Mains FusePage Configure your amplifier Initial SetupMake your speaker connections Make your preamp connectionsDouble-check all your connections Care and MaintenanceNo sound, and no Channel LED is lit TroubleshootingNo sound, and one or more Channel LEDs is blinking red Amplifier keeps shutting offAC mains fuse is blown Specifications Dimensions Page V2.1 031506
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CA-2200 specifications

The Classe Audio CA-2200 is a power amplifier that represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence and audiophile performance. Designed for those who seek uncompromising sound quality and reliability, it has established itself as a favorite among music enthusiasts and professionals alike. This amplifier combines advanced technology with thoughtful design, ensuring that it delivers pristine audio reproduction across a range of audio systems.

One of the standout features of the CA-2200 is its robust power output. With a rated power of 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and even more impressive performance at lower impedances, the amplifier can drive a variety of speakers effectively while maintaining clarity and detail in the sound. This versatility allows it to be seamlessly integrated into both stereo and multi-channel setups, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles with diverse listening preferences.

The CA-2200 employs a Class AB amplifier topology, which strikes a perfect balance between efficiency and audio fidelity. This design minimizes distortion and maximizes the dynamic range, allowing the amplifier to reproduce the subtlest nuances of music, from the softest whispers to the most thunderous crescendos. Additionally, the use of high-quality components, including custom-engineered toroidal transformers and audiophile-grade capacitors, further enhances its performance and reliability.

Another notable characteristic of the CA-2200 is its sophisticated thermal management system. The amplifier features large heat sinks and a well-ventilated chassis that allows for optimal cooling, ensuring that it operates efficiently even during extended listening sessions at high volumes. This attention to detail prevents overheating and extends the lifespan of the components, making it a durable and long-term investment for any audio enthusiast.

In terms of connectivity, the Classe Audio CA-2200 is equipped with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing for flexibility in integrating it into various audio systems. The amplifier also includes a triggered power-up feature, enabling convenient operation with compatible audio components.

In summary, the Classe Audio CA-2200 stands out as a high-performance power amplifier renowned for its exceptional audio quality, robust construction, and thoughtful design features. Whether utilized in a two-channel stereo setup or as part of a home theater system, it offers an immersive listening experience that faithfully reproduces the artist's intent, making it a worthy addition to any serious audio system.