Chord CPA 3200E User manual

CHORD
Pre-amplifiers and integrated amplifiers

welcome
Thank you for buying a Chord product.
Before you start to enjoy using to your Chord product, please take a couple of
minutes to read how to connect your audio equipment and loudspeakers to your
pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier and how to maximise your listening experience.
user guide for
pre-amplifiers
CPA 2200
CPA 3200E
CPA 4000E
integrated amplifiers
CPM 2600
CPM 3300
1

pre-amplifiers
CPA 2200, CPA 3200E, CPA 4000E
The pre-amplifier is the control centre of your system. By connecting your audio
sources to it you can choose the source you want at any particular time and
control it.
You can also adjust the balance and volume before the signal is sent to a power
amplifier. Your pre-amplifiers can be operated manually or via the Chord remote
control.
integrated amplifiers
CPM 2600, CPM 3300
Chord’s integrated amplifiers are based on a combination of our highly
successful pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers together with a few features of
their own.
The power amplifier is based on Chord’s tried and tested technology of ultra high
frequency ESR power supply which has the ability to store more energy far more
efficiently than conventional designs.
A variety of outputs means that you can choose to drive up to two sets of
loudspeakers, use your integrated amplifier as a pre-amplifier or use it in conjunction
with another power amplifier for bi-amping.
2

background
We want you to be confident using your new Chord amplifier.
You’re probably an audiophile with extensive knowledge of audio equipment.
However, you may not be!
So in the following section we explain a few basics to help you get started, or get you
back up to speed if you’re a little rusty.
connecting your equipment
Chord amplifiers are supplied with and designed to be connected using balanced
inputs. The interconnecting cables you use will depend on the available input and
output sockets on your other equipment. We have installed unbalanced inputs on all
Chord equipment, thus enabling you to mix Chord and other manufacturer’s
equipment.
Balanced inputs carry twice the strength of signal of unbalanced inputs and are able
to be fed down long lengths of cable with less deterioration of signal. They are also
less prone to interference than unbalanced inputs. Balanced inputs have three pins
and use Neutric XLR style connectors. Pin 1 is earth, pin 2 is positive and pin 3 is
negative.
Unbalanced inputs use RCA phono connectors which are gold plated with teflon
high performance dielectric insulators for optimum performance.
outputs
speakers
power amplifier
pre-amplifier
or
integrated
amplifier
audio source
inputs
outputs
inputs
CD player tuner
PUSH
1
3
2
3

when setting up
To ensure that your Chord integrated amplifier works efficiently and safely, please pay particular attention to the
following issues.
ventilation
Your Chord integrated amplifier should have at least 5cm of clear space all around it to ensure a free flow of air at
all times. When driven continuously at well above average levels, the temperature at the back of the unit may exceed
50ºC. This is normal and no cause for concern, although it does highlight the need for adequate ventilation around
the unit. We recommend that you do not place your integrated amplifier directly on a carpet.
mains lead and plug
All Chord equipment comes supplied with the correct mains lead and plug. This should be used at all times.
if you need to fit a plug for UK/Europe
Connect the blue wire to the neutral terminal
Connect the brown wire to the live terminal
Connect the yellow/green wire to the earth terminal
if you need to fit a plug for US/Canada
Connect the white wire to the neutral terminal
Connect the black wire to the live terminal
Connect the green to the earth terminal
earthing issues in Europe
In some European countries a hum may occur if your integrated/pre-amplifier is connected to mains sockets that do
not have an earth. If this is the case please ensure that:
1. Your integrated/pre-amplifier is connected via a multi-way mains block which contains an earth point at each
socket outlet. This is to ensure that the chassis metalwork of each item is connected together.
2. Use the connecting points on your Chord unit and connect to an available earth point.
3. We recommend that an earthing method for your building is implemented.
safety warnings
It is important that your integrated/pre-amplifier is earthed at all times via its own mains lead. Failure to do this may
be hazardous. The power supply components within the amplifier are designed to be operated at lethal voltages and
energy levels. Circuit designs that embody these components conform with applicable safety requirements. Precautions
must be taken to prevent accidental contact with power-line potentials. Do not connect grounded test equipment.
These units comply with EN 50081-1 and IEC 801/2
4

outputs on the CPA 2200
You need to connect the outputs on the back of your pre-amplifier to a power
amplifier in order to drive your loudspeakers. There are three pairs of outputs, each
of which will drive a 68 load. You can connect to either the XLR or RCA outputs
numbered 1, but not to both types at the same time.
connecting to your power amplifier if it has balanced XLR style inputs
1. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right O/P 1 to Right IN on your power
amplifier, and connect Left O/P 1 to Left IN on your power amplifier.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 1 to select output 1.
connecting to your power amp if it has unbalanced RCA style inputs
1. Use RCA style connectors to connect Right O/P 1 to Right IN on your power
amplifier, and connect Left O/P 1 to Left IN on your power amplifier.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 1 to select output 1.
if you want to bi-amp
Bi-amping is a technique where you use one amplifier to drive the loudspeakers’
woofers (low frequencies) and another to drive the tweeters (mid and high
frequencies).
1. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right and Left O/P 1 to your first power
amplifier.
2. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right and Left O/P 2 to your second
power amplifier.
3. Connect the outputs of your first power amplifier to your loudspeaker’s low
frequency inputs.
4. Connect the outputs of your second power amplifier to your loudspeaker’s high
frequency inputs.
Remove any shorting links in the speaker binding posts.
5. On your remote control press PRE and then OP 1/2 to select both outputs 1 and 2.
See Figure 1 on page 19 for wiring details.
1
3
21
3
21
3
2
1
3
21
3
2
1
3
21
3
2
5

outputs on the CPA 3200E
CPA 4000E
You need to connect the outputs on the back of your pre-amplifier to a power
amplifier in order to drive your loudspeakers. There are three pairs of outputs, each
of which will drive a 68 load. You can connect to either the XLR or RCA
outputs numbered 1, but not to both types at the same time.
connecting to your power amplifier if it has balanced XLR style inputs
1. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right O/P 1 to Right IN on your power
amp, and connect Left O/P 1 to Left IN on your power amplifier.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 1 to select output 1.
connecting to your power amplifier if it has unbalanced RCA style inputs
1. Use RCA style connectors to connect Right O/P 1 to Right IN on your power
amplifier, and connect Left O/P 1 to Left IN on your power amplifier.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 1 to select output 1.
if you want to bi-amp
Bi-amping is a technique where you use one amplifier to drive the loudspeakers’
woofers (low frequencies) and another to drive the tweeters (mid and high
frequencies).
1. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right and Left O/P 1 to your first power
amplifier.
2. Use XLR style connectors to connect Right and Left O/P 2 to your second
power amplifier.
3. Connect the outputs of your first power amplifier to your loudspeaker’s low
frequency inputs.
4. Connect the outputs of your second power amplifier to your loudspeaker’s high
frequency inputs.
Remove any shorting links in the binding posts.
5. On your remote control press PRE and then OP 1/2 to select both outputs 1 and 2.
See figure 1 on page 19 for wiring details.
1
3
21
3
2
1
3
21
3
21
3
21
3
2
6

7
headphones CPA 4000
to turn on headphone mode
1. Insert the headphone jack(s).
2. Press the SET button several times until H-PHN is displayed.
Headphone mode automatically mutes your loudspeakers. Heaphone mode also
prevents any volume control from automatically unmuting your loudspeakers.
to turn off headphone mode
1. Press the SET button several times until your chosen output is displayed or
2. Press Mute on your remote control or
3. Press either OUT1, OUT2 or OUT1/2 on your remote control.

outputs on the CPM 2600
CPM 3300
You need to connect the outputs on the back of your integrated amplifier to your
loudspeakers. You can use any speakers that match the output power of your
amplifier. Note that the lower the impedance of your speakers the higher the
output power.
connecting to your loudspeakers
1. The loudspeaker connections are via two heavy duty WBT gold plated binding
posts labelled O/P 1 and these should be connected to your speakers.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 1 to output the signal to your
loudspeakers.
Note: The WBT rhodium plated 4mm speaker binding posts will accept 4mm
banana plugs (WBT-0645 or WBT-0644) or 6mm spades (WBT-0680). Making
connections using bare wire is not recommended.
using your integrated amplifier as a pre-amplifier
You can use your integrated amplifier as a pre-amplifier to provide a signal for
another power amplifier.
1. Use RCA style connectors to connect Right O/P 2 to the Right IN on your
power amplifier, and connect Left O/P 2 to the Left IN on your power
amplifier.
2. On your remote control press PRE and then O/P 2 to output the signal to
the power amplifier.
8

9
if you want to bi-amp
Bi-amping is a technique where you use one amplifier to drive the woofers (low
frequencies) and another to drive the tweeters (mid and high frequencies).
1. Connect your loudspeakers’ low frequency inputs to the binding posts labelled Right
and Left O/P 1.
2. Use RCA style connectors to connect Right O/P 2 to the Right IN on your power
amplifier, and connect Left O/P 2 to the Left IN on your power amplifier.
3. Connect the outputs of your power amplifier to your loudspeaker’s high frequency
inputs.
Remove any shorting links in the speaker binding posts.
4. On your remote control press PRE and then OP 1/2 to select both outputs 1 and 2.
See Figure 2 on page 19 for more details.

inputs on the CPA 2200
You can connect up to six items of source input equipment, such as CD player,
Video, Tuner etc. to the inputs on your amplifier. The inputs have left and right
sockets and use RCA phono connectors.
connecting to a CD or record player unit
Use RCA connectors to the LEFT and RIGHT pairs marked Disc 1 or Disc 2.
Note: All record players need to be connected to a separate phono head amplifier
like the Chord Phono Stage before connecting to this product.
D1 D2
OUT
O
D1 D2
D1 D2 VR
D1 D2
D
VR
OUT
O
T2 T1
IN
T2 T1
D
D1 D2
D1 D2
V
OUT
T
connecting to a Video, DVD, or other products
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked V.
connecting to a Tuner/Radio or Satellite receiver
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked R.
connecting to a Tape recorder
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked IN T1 or T2.
if you want to tape record
Refer to page 12 for more information.
10

inputs on the CPA 3200E
CPA 4000E
CPM 2600
CPM 3300
You can connect up to six items of source input equipment, such as CD player,
Video, Tuner etc. to the inputs on your pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier.
connecting to a CD or record player unit
1. Use either XLR or RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked DISC 1
or DISC 2.
2. You can connect to either of the left/right pairs numbered 1 or 2, but not both
1s or both 2s at the same time.
Note: All record players need to be connected to a separate phono head amplifier
like the Chord Phono Stage before connecting to this product.
PUSH
1
3
2
PUSH
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
PUSH PUSH
connecting to a Video, DVD or other products
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked V.
connecting to a Tuner/Radio or Satellite receiver
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked R.
connecting to a Tape recorder:
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked IN T1 or T2.
if you want to tape record
Refer to page 12 for more information.
11

tape recording
You can tape record an input from another audio source or two sources at the same time.
If you’ve been using a tape recorder as an input source, it will already be connected to the
T1 or T2 IN sockets. If you haven’t, first connect the tape’s output to the T1 or T2 IN
sockets.
connecting to a Tape recorder to tape an audio source
Use RCA connectors to the left and right pairs marked OUT T1 or T2, or both.
CPA 3200E, CPA 4000E, CPM 2600, CPM 3300
CPA 2200
T1
T1
D 1 D2
D1 D2
OUT
D
selecting the bus
Your amplifier has two input selection buses. The default bus is bus A and this is the
one you would use to choose your inputs in everyday operation. The advantage of
having two buses is that it allows for two tape recorders to tape (different inputs)
simultaneously.
Bus A is permanently connected to the Tape 2 (T2) output and Bus B is permanently
connected to Tape 1 (T1) output which prevents you from accidentally taping to and
from the same machine.
You can tape from any source to either of the tape recorder outputs and both
outputs can be monitored. For example you can play a CD on Disc 1 on Bus A and
connect your tape recorder to the Tape 2 output while you play a record on Disc 2 on
Bus B and connect another tape recorder to the Tape 1 output. Simply switch
between Bus A and Bus B to monitor either of the sources.
12

13
everyday use
turning on your integrated/pre-amplifier
1. When you plug your amplifier into the mains using the supplied mains lead the
power indicator on the front panel will glow red which means that the amplifier is
in standby mode.
2. Press the power button beneath the power indicator and after a few seconds it will
glow green indicating that the amplifier is ready for use.
automatic shutdown
1. If there is a major overload or short circuit the integrated amplifier will detect this
and shut down automatically and the power indicator will fade and switch to red.
The integrated amplifier should then be switched off immediately at the mains.
2. When the fault has been rectified the integrated amplifier can be switched on and
will power up as usual. You should wait at least two minutes before turning the
integrated amplifier on again at the mains to allow the power supply protection
circuitry to reset itself.
adjusting the volume
Use the volume knob to adjust the volume manually.
changing the balance
Use the balance knob to shift the balance between the left and right loudspeaker.
select your input source
Your integrated/pre-amplifier
uses input bus A by default
and the display will read
.
To scroll through the other
input sources press button A.
Press button B to select Bus
B. It is indicated by a dot
displaying between each letter
.
DISC1
D
.....
DISC1
D
Press button A to
select:
TAPE2
G
RADIO
T
VIDEO
R
DISC2
V
DISC1
D
Press button B to
select:
TAPE1
T
.....
RADIO
T
.. ...
VIDEO
R
.....
DISC2
V
.. . .
.
.
DISC1
D
.....

using the remote control
Your remote control is a universal controller for all Chord products.
This can provide a totally integrated audio solution. For the purposes of your
pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier however, we need only concern ourselves with
the buttons that are labelled in RED, as shown in the illustration on the next page.
For optimum use hold your remote control flat and point it directly at your
integrated/pre-amplifier.
selecting your input source
1. Press PRE then Bus-A.
2. Press one of: Disc 1, Disc 2, Tape 2, Video or Radio.
adjusting the volume
1. Press the volume button marked to increase the volume.
2. Press to decrease the volume. The volume chosen will be displayed on the
digital display with figures from 0 to 98.
choosing your output
1. Press O/P 1 if your output is connected to O/P 1 on the back of your integrated
amplifier.
2. Press O/P 2 if you are using the line output from O/P 2 on the back of your
integrated amplifier.
3. Press OP 1/2 if you are bi-amping.
Note: With the CPM2600 and CPM3300 integrated amplifiers, O/P 1 is internally
connected to the internal amplifier stage. O/P 2 is the pre-amplifier output for
connecting to an additional external amplifier.
changing the balance
1. Press the balance button marked to move the balance towards the right.
2. Press to move the balance to the left. The direction you are moving the
balance towards will be displayed on the digital display.
mute
1. Press Mute to mute the amplifier.
If
to unmute y
1. Press Mute again to unmute or
2. Press the volume buttons up or down or
3. Turn the volume knob on your amplifier up or down. the mute.
14

15
CHORD
MUTE
O/P 1 O/P 2 OP 1/2
VIDEO RADIO BUS-B
DISC1 DISC2 TAPE1
VIDEO RADIO BUS-A
DISC1 DISC2 TAPE2
PRE
SYSTEM CONTROLLER
BALVOLUME
Bus A controls (Tape 2)
Bus B controls (Tape 1)

16
input gain control
CPM 3300, CPA 3200E, CPA 4000E
You can adjust the input gain on your input devices so that you can align the volume
levels of your different inputs There are four settings which are x1, x1.5, x1.75 and x2.
This feature is not available on the CPA 2200 and the CPM 2600.
Most modern input devices such as CD players have an unbalanced output voltage of
2V and a balanced output of 4V which does not require any amplification. In fact, to
increase the gain on such an output level can lead to a distortion of the signal.
However, older audio equipment may have an output voltage of less than 2V, in
which case you may like to adjust the input gain.
increasing the input gain
1. Using your remote control press PRE and then the input device of your choice
(eg Disc 1). The display will show .
2. Press BUS-A (or BUS-B if you are going to record from the Tape 1 output).
The display will show .
3. Press the volume button marked to increase the gain to x1.5.
The display will show .
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to increase the gain to x1.75, and repeat these steps once
again to increase the gain to x2.
reducing the input gain
1. Using your remote control press PRE and then the input device of your choice
(eg Disc 1). The display will show .
2. Press BUS-A (or BUS-B is you are going to record from the Tape 1 output).
3. Press the volume button marked to decrease the gain.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to reduce the gain again.
Once you have adjusted the gain setting on an input device your amplifier will
remember the setting, even if it is switched off for many months.
to reset all gain levels to x1 on Bus A and Bus B
1. On the front of your amplifier press and hold the A button for three seconds. The
display will show a gain setting, for example .
2. Press and hold the Set(S) button until you see then release the button
and the display will show five dashes .
3. Select a source on either bus system.
-----
R
RESET

x1.
G
50
.
DISC1
D
x1.
G
50
.
GAIN1
-
DISC1
D

17
maintenance
adjusting the settings
Always remember to make any changes to settings with the volume set low or an
instant burst of sound could damage your loudspeakers
cleaning
To clean finger marks and other blemishes from your amplifier spray clear glass
cleaner onto a soft lint free cloth and then use the cloth to gently clean your amplifier.
changing the batteries in the remote control
Simply undo the four small cross head screws on the side of your remote control.
You may need to run a sharp knife along the join to remove the battery casing, then
replace with four new AAA batteries as shown inside the battery compartment.
servicing
There are no user serviceable parts in your Chord amplifier, and it should only be
serviced by Chord Electronics Limited or their expressly approved Service Agents.

18
frequently asked questions
why aren’t any of the remote control buttons working?
Press Pre to set up the remote control for pre-amplifier functions.
I’ve connected all the wires up but I can’t hear any sound?
Ensure that you’ve selected the correct bus (typically Bus A), the correct input
(eg Disc 1) and the correct output (eg Output 1).
why is there no display when I’ve turned the amplifier back on?
You need to wait for two minutes after switching the unit off before switching it on
again.
why is there humming coming from the loudspeakers?
Check that you’ve earthed the unit. The interconnects need to be properly screened
and placed away from mains cables. Interference can be reduced by using balanced
inputs and outputs instead of RCA phono types.
the sound coming from the loudspeakers is distorted
Check that the speakers are connected properly. It may be that the volume is
turned up too loud for your speakers or that you have set the gain for the input
device too high.
the amplifier was in standby mode and has turned itself off
Changing connections while the amplifier is on, for example, dropping the stylus
onto a record can cause the unit to shutdown. Check that the speaker cables have no
stray inner core wires touching each other as this can cause a short circuit.

19
bi-amping
outputs
speakers
power amplifiers
pre-amplifier
inputs
outputs
inputs
O/P2 O/P1
LF
HF LF HF
outputs
inputs
outputs
speakers
power amplifier
integrated amplifier
inputs
outputs
inputs
O/P2 O/P1
LF
HF LF HF
Figure 1: Bi-amping for a pre-amplifier
Figure 2: Bi-amping for an integrated amplifier