Classe Audio CAV-100 User manual

CAV-100 Multichannel
Power Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
v1.0
©2001 Classé Audio

3
Contents
Contents............................................................................................................3
Safety Precautions..............................................................................................4
Introduction.......................................................................................................6
Congratulations .........................................................................................................................6
How to use this manual.............................................................................................................6
Classé CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier: Design Overview......................................7
Unpacking and Positioning.................................................................................8
Contents......................................................................................................................................8
Positioning the CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier........................................................9
Connections.....................................................................................................10
AC power..................................................................................................................................11
Analog inputs ...........................................................................................................................12
Infrared (IR) input and output ................................................................................................14
Operation ........................................................................................................15
Turning on AC power...............................................................................................................15
Protection mode......................................................................................................................15
Specifications...................................................................................................17
CE Certification ................................................................................................18
Warranty and Service........................................................................................19

4
Safety Precautions
Warning: failure to comply with these safety instructions
can cause serious injury or death, or cause your Classé
CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier to be severely
damaged or destroyed.
Do not operate the Classé CAV-100 Multichannel Power
Amplifier with any portion of the chassis removed or open.
Dangerous voltages may be encountered.
Connecting this unit to AC voltages other than that
specified on the rear of the unit may cause extensive
damage and increase risk of shock. Check to make sure
your local AC voltage matches the voltage specified on
the rear of your Classé CAV-100 Multichannel Power
Amplifier.
Do not operate this product near sources of heat such as
radiators, fireplaces, or heat registers. Extreme heat may
damage this unit.
To reduce the risk of electric shock or fire do not expose this
unit to water or moisture.
Use only the correct size fuse:
100-110 Volts 12 Amp, 3AG Slo-Blo

5
220-240 Volts 10 Amp, 3AG Slo-Blo
Do not open this unit. There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Please refer service to an authorized service
technician.
Unplug this unit when unused for long periods or during
lightning storms.

6
Introduction
Congratulations
Congratulations on your new purchase. From all of us at
Classé, we hope you enjoy many years of musical
satisfaction from your new Classé CAV-100 Multichannel
Power Amplifier.
How to use this manual
The symbol at left indicates a section of the manual that is
of particular importance for safety or to prevent damage
to your CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier.
Please make note of all safety precautions described in the
pervious page of this manual.
It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with
all aspects the operation of your CAV-100 Multichannel
Power Amplifier. However, if you want to begin listening to
your CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier immediately,
skip to the section titled Connections.

7
Classé CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier: Design Overview
The Classé CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier is the
result of repeated listening design sessions. The sound is fine
tuned by the exchanging and mixing of parts and the
adjusting of many specific operating voltages. The result of
these sessions is a sonic recipe that yields a natural
harmonic realism typical of instruments in a live
performance.
Single Circuit Design
All Classé Power Amplifiers and Preamplifiers including the
CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier share exactly the
same circuit design. This means all amplifiers and all high
level circuits of our preamplifiers are the same. The circuit is
tailored for different power levels and applications. The
differences are found in the complement and the quality
of parts, and the power supply sophistication. The result of
years of fine tuning is a very high level of understanding
and achievement in circuit design that benefits all Classé
products.

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Unpacking and Positioning
Unpack your CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier
carefully. If you notice any shipping damage, contact your
dealer immediately. Saving the packaging material is
advised in case the unit needs to be shipped for service. If
you choose to dispose of the packaging, please recycle.
Contents
Included in the carton should be the following items:
1. Main unit
2. AC cord
3. Warranty card
4. This manual
If any of these items is missing, contact your dealer
immediately.

9
Positioning the CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier
For best performance, place your CAV-100 Multichannel
Power Amplifier on a solid, non-resonant surface. Do not
place the CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier directly
on top of another component.
Place the CAV-100 Power Amplifier near its final set-up
position, allowing 8 inches of clearance at the rear for
tightening the speaker output connectors. For optimum
sonic performance we recommend a Classé Reference
AC cord. Please contact your dealer for more information.
The power transformer in the CAV-100 Multichannel Power
Amplifier is located at the bottom of the chassis and just
behind the front plate. Ideally a few feet should separate
this area from any components which are susceptible to
hum. These include preamplifiers, turntables, and
interconnect cables. Allow 6 inches above and on each
side of the unit to provide adequate cooling.

10
Connections
Pictured here is the rear of the CAV-100 Multichannel
Power Amplifier showing all input and output connections.
Refer to the page number indicated for more information
on these connections.

11
AC power
Check that the AC voltage for which this unit is configured
matches your local AC line voltage. The correct operating
voltage is indicated on the rear of the chassis, adjacent to
the AC power inlet. Operating this unit on AC voltage other
than that specified on the rear of the unit can damage or
destroy this unit and increase the risk of electric shock.
Connect the AC power cord to the rear of the unit and
directly to an AC outlet. For best results, do not use
extension cords or multiple-outlet “power strips”. Also, do
not disable the ground pin as this can increase the risk of
electric shock.

12
Analog inputs
The CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier has both
balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs. Both types
of inputs have been carefully optimized to give best
possible performance. However, the most realistic and
natural sonic quality is obtained by connecting the
balanced outputs to the balanced inputs on your amplifier.
The balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs may be
used separately but not simultaneously.Ensure that your new
CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier is OFF before
changing any connections. When the amplifier is shipped
from Classé there is a jumper between pins 1 and 3 of the
balanced (XLR) inputs. To use your amplifier in single-ended
mode simply connect the single-ended interconnects from
the preamplifier to the RCA inputs of your CAV-100
Multichannel Power Amplifier. To use your amplifier in
balanced mode, remove the single-ended interconnects if
attached. Remove the jumper between pins 1 and 3 of the
balanced (XLR) input and save them for later use. Connect
the balanced interconnects from the preamplifier to the
XLR inputs of your CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier.
The XLR connector on your CAV-100 Multichannel Power
Amplifier is configured as follows:
PIN 1: Drain
PIN 2: Positive (Non-inverted) Signal, “hot”
PIN 3: Negative (Inverted) Signal

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All Classé products share the same balanced (XLR) pin out.
Other manufactures may use a different balanced (XLR)
pin out configuration. Please contact the manufacturer if
you wish to maintain absolute phase throughout your
system when connecting Classé products with equipment
from other manufacturers.

14
Infrared (IR) input and output
The CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier is equipped
with 1/8“ mini-plug connectors that allow the unit to directly
receive and transmit remote IR commands. These
connectors can be used with equipment that receives IR
commands and converts them for transmission on copper
wire. This is especially useful for situations where the CAV-
100 Multichannel Power Amplifier is outside of the line-of-
sight of your listening location. Contact your Classé dealer
for information on installing and using remote IR repeating
equipment.

15
Operation
This section describes the operation of the CAV-100
Multichannel Power Amplifier.
Turning on AC power
The CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier is turned on by
means of a power switch located on the front of the unit.
Do not turn the AC power on until all connections have
been made.
Protection mode
The protection circuitry in the CAV-100 Multichannel Power
Amplifier is equipped mosfet fuses to protect the delicate
pre-driver mosfets in the amplifiers output stage. The mosfet
fuses are located on the main regulator board at the back
of the unit.
When the CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifiers
protection circuitry is triggered one or more of these fuses
may fail in an attempt to protect the amplifier. In addition
to the mosfet fuses, the unit has a circuit designed to
detect unusual distortion and DC content at the amplifiers
input. Finally there is an AC line fuse protecting the
amplifier located at the back of the unit immediately
below the AC receptacle.

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If the protection circuit of the unit is triggered or any of the
fuses has blown, the front panel power LED will go to
BLINKING GREEN mode, indicating a “fault” condition. Turn
OFF the CAV-100 Multichannel Power Amplifier
immediately. Only after the fault has been clearly identified
and corrected should you attempt to re-start the unit. If the
amplifier returns to protection mode immediately, or it
appears the main AC fuse has blown DO NOT continue
troubleshooting. Contact your local dealer for further
assistance.

17
Specifications
Main Unit Dimensions Width: 19 inches 48.2 cm
Height: 5.5 inches 13.9 cm
Depth: 15 inches 38.1 cm
Weight: 43 lbs 19.5 Kg
Shipping Box Dimensions Width: 21 inches 53.3 cm
Height: 10.5 inches 26.7 cm
Depth: 24 inches 60.9 cm
Weight: 49 lbs 22.2 Kg
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 KHz +/- 0.1dB
Sensitivity 0,85 volts for rated output
Input Impedance 75 Kohms
Output Impedance 0.15 ohms
Gain 29 dB
S/N Ratio 135 dBR
THD+N 0.004%
Rated Output 100 Watts @ 8 Ohms
200 Watts @ 4 Ohms

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CE Certification
As of July 18, 1996, Classé Audio has been granted:
Certificate Number: C401CLA1.MGS
This indicates CE approval for all models of the Classé
product line.
This means that your Classé product has been subjected to
the most rigorous manufacturing and safety tests in the
world, and has proven to meet or exceed all European
Community CE requirements.

19
Warranty and Service
For warranty service, contact your Classé dealer or Classé
Audio directly at:
Classé Audio
5070 Francois-Cusson
Lachine, Québec
Canada H8T 1B3
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web site: http://www.classeaudio.com