Classe Audio CA-301 owner manual Thank You From Everyone At Classé, Classé Design Philosophy

THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT CLASSÉ

Thank you for purchasing the Classé CA-301 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

All of our components benefit from the same rigorous design goal: All Classé products must reproduce music with the harmonic and spatial integrity typical of fine instruments heard in a live, unamplified performance.

Single Circuit Design

To this end, we make extensive use of carefully optimized versions of the same basic circuit precisely matched to specific power requirements. This means that all Classé line level components and power amplifiers benefit from years of refinement. However, our efforts do not stop here.

Listening: The Critical Design Element

Once we determine general circuit values

for a particular application, we listen carefully while exchanging and mixing different parts (transistors, capacitors, wiring, PC boards, etc.) and adjusting specific operating voltages within proper engineering ranges.

Extended Real-World Lifespan

Every Classé component, even the most affordable, benefits from our painstaking approach to design parameters. The result is an optimum balance between the often-conflicting demands of exceptional performance and long- term reliability. Our most expensive components gain from even tighter tolerance parts and highly segmented and exceptionally robust power supplies with large reserve-current capabilities.

Our Pride in Manufacturing, Your Pride in Ownership

We build all of our components to the highest possible standards. From multi-layer glass-epoxy circuit boards, the full sized power-supplies, and the massive faceplates, every Classé product is a tribute to both the science and art of sound reproduction. We hope that you derive as much pleasure and satisfaction in using your Classé as we did in producing it.

UNPACKING & SET-UP

Your CLASSÉ CA-301 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:

• ONE (1) DETACHABLE A.C. LINECORD

Please report any damage or missing parts to your dealer immediately.

Place the CA-301 at or near its final set-up position, allowing 8 inches at the rear for tightening the speaker output connectors.

The power transformer in the CA-301 are 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-301 has one external AC fuse, the rating of which should be as follows:

LINE VOLTAGE	FUSE RATING
100 or 120 V.A.C.	12 AMP SLOW BLOW,
	125 or 250 volts
220 or 240 V.A.C.	10 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE

CAUTION: Safety Instructions

Disconnect the AC line cable before making any other connections. “Floating the ground”, or defeating the ground on a 3-prong linecord may create a shock hazard. Connect all interconnect cables between the electronics before connecting the A.C. linecord to the wall outlets. This will reduce the potential 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 STEREO position. (The CA-301 is preset at the factory for STEREO.)

Use only high quality interconnect and loudspeaker cables, and make all connections tight. If the RCA input plugs are loose, remove them and pinch down the ground leaves slightly with pliers. Observe correct phasing of the loudspeaker connections, and tighten. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the output connectors. When powering up the CA-301 in stereo mode, the front LED will blink RED for approximately

20 seconds, when the sequence is completed, will be solid RED.

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.

NOTE: The Stereo-Mono switch will not operate if the amplifier is turned on, you will NOT be able to change from one mode to the other, as the mode is “locked” while the amplifier is on.

The MONO “Input” is the “left channel input”, as marked. The unused right channel input is automatically disconnected. Correct output phase MONO connections are marked below the connectors.

Repeat the above MONO settings and connections on the second CA-301 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” switch- box set-up. Do not use with electronic crossovers which have a common ground. Connecting two bridged amplifiers to a common ground device of any sort will cause the amplifiers to fail.

Mono Operation

As stated before, either the line or balanced inputs can be used in stereo or mono. Connect a single interconnect, either line or balanced, to the left channel input of each amplifier. See the “Mono” section above for complete details. NOTE: Neither the Stereo-Mono switch nor the LINE/ BALANCED switch will operate while the amplifier is turned on. You will NOT be able to change from one mode to the other, as these modes are “locked” while the amplifier is on. To activate the circuit, turn off the unit and engage the STEREO/MONO switch to LINE. If the unit has not been turned off before engaging the switch, turn off the unit, wait for about 10 seconds, and turn the unit on again, the circuit will then engage.

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