Classe Audio CAP-100 User manual

CLASSÉ AUDIO
CAP-100
REMOTE CONTROL
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
CAP-100
OWNER'S MANUAL

CAP100, Issue 2, June 97
2
CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
1. REPEATED LISTENING DESIGN SESSIONS
Fine tuning of sound by exchanging and mixing of parts (transistors, capacitors, wiring, PCB boards,
etc.), and adjusting many specific operating voltages within proper engineering ranges, producing an
overall sonic recipe giving the most natural harmonic realism of music typical of instruments in a
live performance.
2. UPGRADABLE SINGLE CIRCUIT DESIGNS
All Classé products (all preamps, all amps and integrated amplifier) share exactly the same circuit
design philosophy (excluding moving coil and moving magnet phono circuits). This means all
amplifiers and all high level circuits of the preamps benefit from the same design goals. Similar
circuits are then tailored to different power levels, etc. Differences between less expensive models
and more expensive models are parts quality and complement, power supply extravagance and the
amount of filtering, etc. as well as features and packaging.
This means that for years Classé has been constantly sonically fine tuning and technically upgrading
this circuit design and its application, thus reaching a very high level of natural musical enjoyment,
as well as excellent reliability which benefits all models - least expensive, most expensive,
integrated amplifier, preamps and amplifiers alike.
3. EXTREME LONG LIFE IN REAL WORLD CONDITIONS
Choosing the best attainable quality parts and materials combined with the advantages of the two
above-mentioned areas provide Classé owners with years of proven trouble free reliability and
musical enjoyment.

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CAP-100
OWNER'S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNPACKING & SET-UP........................................….......... 4
A.C. LINE POWER................................................................ 5
INPUTS................................................................................... 6
OUTPUTS .............................................................................. 8
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS................................................ 9
PROTECTION CIRCUIT.........................................….......... 13
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS .......................…..... 21

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UNPACKING & SET-UP
Your CLASSÉ CAP-100 integrated amplifier has been carefully wrapped in heavy gauge
plastic, packed in semi-rigid foam and contained in a special box. To remove the unit, open and spread
the top flaps of the box. By its sides, lift out the entire unit with foam pieces intact. Remove each foam
side by pulling straight out. Remove the plastic wrap and inspect the unit for any concealed damage.
Apart from this owner's manual, please ensure the following has also been included:
1) DETACHABLE LINECORD.
2) ALLEN KEY FOR TOP COVER.
3) REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (Allen key and Batteries: AAA x 2 included).
Please report any damage or missing parts to your dealer promptly.
Place the CAP-100 at or near its final set-up position, allowing 8 inches (20 mm.) at the rear for
tightening the speaker output connectors and inserting the interconnects. For optimum sonic
performance, we recommend the optional CLASSÉ REFERENCE A.C. LINE CORD. Consult your
dealer regarding this accessory.
The power transformer in the CAP-100 is located at the front/center of the unit. Ideally, a few
feet should separate this area from components that are susceptible to pick up hum. These include
turntables and interconnect cables. In terms of providing adequate airspace for cooling, a clearance of at
least 6 inches (15 mm.) should be left above the unit.
Check the serial number sticker on the back of the unit for the correct operating voltage. The
CAP-100 has one A.C. line fuse, inside the unit, at the back left hand side (facing the unit) directly
besides the small auxiliary transformer, the rating should be as follows:
FOR 100 TO 120 VOLTS : 4 AMPS SLO-BLOW 250V.
FOR 220 TO 240 VOLTS: 3 AMPS SLO-BLOW 250V.

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A.C. LINE POWER
When the CLASSÉ CAP-100 is first plugged in, only the auxiliary transformer is powered on.
To actually turn the unit on, the POWER switch situated on the front right hand side of the panel (fig.3
page 14) has to be activated. When the power switch is pressed, the MUTE LED will be flashing for 30
seconds. During this period, there will be no response from any of the functions except for the POWER
switch (please note that at this stage, the output terminals of the amplifier section are already
‘connected’ to the loudspeakers).While thoroughly musical shortly after turn-on, the integrated amplifier
will exhibit "sonic growth" during its first 300 hours of use.
SAFETY FEATURE:
The CAP-100 integrated amplifier is designed with an auto-shut down circuit that engages after
an AC power failure. Press the power switch to re-activate the unit after a power shut down
This feature will prevent any turn-on surges or unstable output from reaching the integrated
amplifier and possibly the loudspeakers. Similarly, make sure the MUTE is ON (STEADY GREEN)
again when powering down the unit.
CAUTION:
DISCONNECT AC LINE CABLE WHILE MAKING ALL 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.LINECORDS
TO THE WALL OUTLETS. THIS WILL REDUCE THE POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD.

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INPUTS
The input jacks are clearly marked on the back of the CAP-100 (fig.4 page 15). The
following inputs are provided: AUX/PHONO, VIDEO, CD, TUNER, BALANCED, TAPE and
AMP.
AUX/PHONO INPUT
When selected PHONO\AUX, this input serves as a high level input only. Use with sources
such as VIDEO, CD, TUNER, etc.. The AUX/PHONO input could also be fitted with an
OPTIONAL PHONO BOARD plug in module installed in the unit. A ground screw is provided
adjacent to the AUX/PHONO input jacks.
The following steps should be performed to install or remove the phono board.
INSTALLATION OF THE PHONO BOARD
1) Disconnect the A.C. line cord from the wall outlet.
2) Remove the top cover with the supplied Allen key.
3) Locate and replace the two mounting screws (see fig.6, page 20) with the supplied stand-offs.
4) Remove jumpers J5, J6 and J13, J14 (see fig.6, page 20). Check if the extension sockets are
in place on the reverse side of the phono board.
5) Install and secure the phono board using the screws removed previously in step 3, make
sure that all connectors are properly aligned.
6) Set MM/MC jumpers to the desired position. All six of these jumpers are located at the far
right of the phono board (see fig.7, page 21). Please note that for ALL HIGH OUTPUT MC
cartridges, the jumpers have to be SET AT MM.
7) Replace the top cover.

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REMOVAL OF THE PHONO BOARD
1) Disconnect the line cord from the wall outlet.
2) Remove the top cover with the supplied Allen key.
3) Remove the screws securing the phono board, remove the phono board and the stand offs,
replace the screws where the stand offs were removed (see fig.6, page 20) to secure the main
board.
4) Replace jumpers J5, J6 and J13, J14 (see fig.6, page 20) on the main board. Jumpers from the
phono board can be used for that purpose.
5) Replace top cover.
VIDEO, CD, TUNER
These are all high level inputs sharing exactly the same characteristics, and may be
interchanged if so desired.
BALANCED
The BALANCED INPUT is a true differential high level input, wired as follows:
PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: POSITIVE (NON-INVERTED) SIGNAL
PIN 3: NEGATIVE (INVERTED) SIGNAL
It may be used with CD players that have a balanced output, or any other high level balanced
sources.

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TAPE IN
The TAPE IN of the CAP-100 integrated amplifier should be connected to the LINE OUT or
TAPE OUT of the tape deck. The TAPE input does not appear on the selector switch. It is activated
by the TAPE button. (See FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: TAPE BUTTON.)
AMP IN
The SEPARATE button can be activated if the desire is to use this single ended input. By
activating the SEPARATE switch, the preamplifier section is decoupled from the amplifier section
that will permit to connect a separate preamplifier to the AMP input at the back of the unit.

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OUTPUTS
PREAMP OUT
The Classé CAP-100 integrated amplifier has a regular (single-ended) output that can be
used with an external power amplifier. This output is active at all times, regardless if the
SEPARATE button is activated or not.
TAPE OUTPUT
Whatever input is selected by the INPUT SELECTOR will be fed to the TAPE OUTPUT
jacks. This should be connected to the TAPE IN or LINE IN of the tape deck.
LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
The Classé CAP-100 is equipped with two pairs of 5 way binding posts (one for each
channel) which allows to hook up almost all available types of speaker cable connectors.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
POWER
When the POWER BUTTON is pressed, this will initialise the start up mode, the MUTE
LED will be flashing for 30 seconds. During these 30 seconds, there will be no response from the
remote control functions, the mute button, the tape button and the separate button, only the power
button can be reactivated to turn off the unit during this sequence.
INPUT SELECTOR
This will select one of the seven inputs connections on the integrated amplifier, except TAPE
IN (see TAPE BUTTON) and AMP IN (see SEPARATE). The selector switch is silent and will
prevent pulses when switching positions. However, it remains good practice to REDUCE THE
VOLUME CONTROL LEVEL or to activate MUTE ON (steady GREEN LED) when changing the
input selection.
TAPE
In the SOURCE position, the integrated amplifier will process the signal as chosen by the
INPUT SELECTOR. In the TAPE position, the preamp will process the TAPE INPUT signal,
overriding the INPUT SELECTOR.

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SEPARATE
The SEPARATE button literally provides a means to separate the amplifier and preamplifier
sections of the CAP-100. By engaging the SEPARATE function, the user can utilise each of these
two parts of the product as independent components. For example, this would allow you to use the
CAP-100’s amplifier along with a separate crossover and another amplifier in a bi-amplified system
(all current Classé amplifiers have identical gain, so that this is a perfect match for use with any
other current model Classé amplifier). Alternately, you might wish to use an equalizer or other
component between amplifier and preamplifier---the SEPARATE function allows you complete
flexibility in using the CAP-100 however you find most convenient for your own system needs.
This allows the CAP-100 to be the ideal building block for a great system today, and an even
more sophisticated system tomorrow. No matter which position the SEPARATE function is in, the
preamplifier’s outputs are always available (although they are muted at any time when the mute
function is activated). The SEPARATE button controls only the inputs to the main amplifier section
of the CAP-100.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN THE SEPARATE FUNCTION IS ACTIVATED, THE CAP-100
WILL AUTOMATICALLY MUTE ITSELF TO PROTECT THE UNIT AS WELL AS ALL
ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS. TO UN-MUTE THE CAP-100, SIMPLY PUSH THE MUTE
BUTTON, AND THE AMPLIFIER’S INPUTS AND PREAMPLIFIER’S OUTPUTS WILL BOTH
BE AVAILABLE FOR USE

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BALANCE CONTROL
The custom balance control permits equal output of each channel in the center (detented)
position without additional loading to the signal. When shifted to the left or right, it merely
attenuates the opposite channel.
VOLUME CONTROL
The VOLUME CONTROL varies the output level of both channels simultaneously. It can be
operated by remote using the hand held control unit (see fig.1 page 13) or manually turning the
volume control knob at the front panel of the unit.
REMOTE HANDSET
The remote handset being able to control the volume also permits to switch to MUTE ON or
MUTE OFF. To access the batteries, unscrew the back plate of the remote handset (fig. 2 page 13)
with the supplied hex key.
MUTE SWITCH
Switching between PLAY and MUTE can be done by either manually pushing the MUTE
button down momentarily on the CAP-100 faceplate or pushing the MUTE button on the hand held
remote control unit.
When MUTE (ON) is selected, which is indicated by a STEADY GREEN LED, the output
of the preamplifier section is completely cut off. In the PLAY (MUTE OFF) selection, which is
indicated by a STEADY RED LED, the signal is allowed to pass to the power amplifier section of
the CAP-100 as well as to the PREAMP OUT jacks on the rear panel.
CAUTION: Make sure the CAP-100 is OFF when making or changing any connections. This
includes all inputs and outputs, as well as A.C. linecord.

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PROTECTION
The Classé CAP-100 is equipped with rail fuses (GDB4, 4 amps fast-blow, see fig.5 page 17) to
protect the output drivers and mosfet fuses to protect the mosfets (2AG 1/2PT, 1/2 amp fast-blow, see
fig.5, page 17), which are used as pre-drivers for the output stage of the amplifier. In the event that a
short circuit or other problems would occur at the output of the amplifier, either or both of these fuses
may blow in an attempt to protect the amplifier. There is also an AC line fuse protecting the unit (see fig.
5, page 17).
If any of the fuses have blown, THERE WILL BE DISTORTION OR NO SOUND IN EITHER
OR BOTH CHANNELS. CLEARLY IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE SITUATION WHICH HAS
TRIGGERED THE PROTECTION.
IF ANY OF THE PROTECTION FUSES HAS BLOWN, TURN THE CAP-100 OFF.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER. DO NOT TRY TO CHANGE A BLOWN FUSE.
REPLACING A BLOWN FUSE AND RE-STARTING THE UNIT WITHOUT CHECKING FOR
COMPONENT FAILURE COULD RESULT IN FURTHER, SERIOUS DAMAGE TO VITAL
COMPONENTS IN YOUR AMPLIFIER. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER, or customer
service at the Classé Audio factory---(514) 636 63 84.

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Fig.3: CAP-100 frontplate

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Fig. 4 CAP-100 rear panel

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Fig 6: Phono jumper locations

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Fig 7: Optional phono board

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CLASSÉ AUDIO
5070 Francois-Cusson
Lachine, Quebec
Canada H8T 1B3
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]