Filter
Top Products
1
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.