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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Classe Audio CA-5200 owner manual Special Design Features, Extensive listening tests
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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.
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