| Classé Audio’s Delta Range Bows Preamp, Integrated Amplifier |
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| Home Theater News Preamplifier News | |
| Written by AVRev.com | |
| Friday, 27 August 2004 | |
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Among
the eight components that comprise Classé Audio’s stunning new Delta
lineup are a stereo preamplifier and integrated amp. Both feature the
simple and usable touchscreen interface destined to become the hallmark
of the Canadian maker’s newest line, as well as the new look developed
by famed industrial designer Morten Warren’s Native Design Studio.
Classé’s Delta-series CAP-2100 integrated amp and CP-500 are functionally similar except for the former’s on-board 100 watts-per-channel stereo amplification, derived from the new CA-2100 stereo power amplifier. Consequently, each unit features a TFT color touchscreen display integrated into its curving front panel so when the control-label is the control, operation becomes direct and logical. Both the AP-2100 and CP-500 rely on Classé’s critical auditioning in selecting components, circuit topologies, and even board layouts, to achieve sonic transparency and musical finesse. The Delta-series integrated amp and stereo preamp also both employ Classé’s own fully balanced circuit topologies and accommodate both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) signal-connections. The CAP-2100 integrated amp’s 2x100-watt amplifier section incorporates the Classé amplifier virtues of large current reserves (its power doubles to 200 watts per channel with 4 ohm loads) and massive, ultra-stable power supplies, as well as Classé’s unique amp-monitoring circuitry. This circuitry continuously observes incoming AC voltage, current, and polarity, ground condition, heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures and more, assuring reliable operation without intrusion into any signal-path circuit, and without requiring sonics-restricting fuses. If necessary, the CAP-2100 simply shuts down. Like all of Classé’s Delta line, both the CAP-2100 integrated amplifier and the CP-500 stereo preamplifier provide system integration via IR-signaling, DC-trigger, or bi-directional RS-232 control. The CAP-2100 and CP-500 are available in North America at manufacturer’s suggested prices of $4,900 (CAP-2100 integrated amp) and $3,500 (CP-500 stereo preamplifier). Like this article? Bookmark and share with any of the sites below.        |
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