Classe Audio CP-500 - V2.8 User manual

Owner’s Manual
CP-500
Preamplifier

2
NOTICE
All of us at Classé take extreme care to ensure that your purchase will remain a prized investment. We are proud to inform you that all
Classé components have been officially approved for the European Community (CE) mark.
is means that your Classé product was subjected to the most rigorous manufacturing and safety tests in the world. e CE mark certifies
that your purchase meets or exceeds all European Community requirements for unit-to-unit consistency and consumer safety.
is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. is equipment gener-
ates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver;
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected;
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
is product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents ad other intellectual property rights. Use of this
copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses otherwise
authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
e information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. e most current version of this manual will be posted on
our web site at http://www.classeaudio.com.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European
Community.
Classé products are designed to comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous
Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE). e crossed wheelie bin symbol indicates compliance and that the
products must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with these directives.
Please record the serial number for your new Classé component here for future reference.
Serial #: ____________________________________________
is device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) is device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) is device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

3
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. e
wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged
in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the apparatus.
16. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from
the AC receptacle.
17. e mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
e lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage “ within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
e exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

4
Contents
Welcome to the Classé family...........................................................................6
a word about installation............................................................................6
Unpacking and Placement................................................................................7
unpacking your preamplifier ......................................................................7
placement ..................................................................................................7
ventilation..................................................................................................7
custom installations....................................................................................7
serial number .............................................................................................7
register your purchase!...............................................................................8
operating voltage .......................................................................................8
warm up/break-in period............................................................................9
please read this manual..............................................................................9
Special Design Features..................................................................................10
flexible graphical user interface ...............................................................10
customizable volume control...................................................................10
highly refined circuit design.....................................................................10
extensive listening tests ............................................................................11
extraordinary longevity ............................................................................11
Front Panel .....................................................................................................12
Rear Panel ......................................................................................................15
optional phono preamp.....................................................................15
The Remote Control .......................................................................................20
The Menu System ...........................................................................................22
operational menu.....................................................................................22
input selection...................................................................................22
tape loop ...........................................................................................22
main menu system ...................................................................................23
system setup.............................................................................................23
rotary.................................................................................................24
input..................................................................................................26
phono gain ........................................................................................28
triggers...............................................................................................28
max volume.......................................................................................28
teach IR....................................................................................................29
display setup ............................................................................................29
brightness ..........................................................................................30
timeout ..............................................................................................30
language............................................................................................30
main balance ...........................................................................................30
remote Fkeys............................................................................................31
cautionary note on Fkey use..............................................................31
status........................................................................................................32
version info........................................................................................32
sensors...............................................................................................32

5
CAN-Bus .................................................................................................. 32
features .............................................................................................. 32
hardware setup .................................................................................. 33
using CAN-Bus................................................................................... 34
CAN-Bus shared features.......................................................................... 35
configuration...................................................................................... 35
operate............................................................................................... 35
AC status............................................................................................ 34
status.................................................................................................. 35
name.................................................................................................. 35
global brightness................................................................................ 36
global standby ................................................................................... 36
CAN-Bus model specific features ............................................................. 36
PlayLink ............................................................................................. 36
amp info ............................................................................................ 37
event log ............................................................................................ 37
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 38
Care & Maintenance ....................................................................................... 41
cleaning the cabinet ................................................................................. 41
cleaning the LCD touchscreen.................................................................. 41

6
Welcome to the Classé family
Congratulations on your purchase of a Classé product. It is the result of many
years of continuous refinement, and we are sure that you will enjoy it for many
years to come.
We value our relationship with our customers. Please allow us to stay in touch
with you by returning your warranty card now, before you pack up the shipping
carton of your new product and forget all about it. Doing so will enable us to
let you know about any possible future upgrades or updates that might become
available for your Classé component.
Sending in your warranty card also registers your product with us so that
warranty service can be obtained easily and quickly, even if you have mislaid
your original sales slip.
Please, take a few minutes to fill out the warranty
registration card, and drop it in the mail.
You will find the warranty registration card at the end of the separate warranty
policy booklet, enclosed.
a word about installation Every effort has been made to make the Classé CP-500 simple and
straightforward to install and use.
Still, we have no way to evaluate many other variables such as the size and shape
of your room, its acoustics, and the associated equipment you have chosen to use
with your preamplifier. All of these factors influence the ultimate performance of
your system.
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to have your
system installed and calibrated by your dealer, whose
experience, training, and specialized equipment can
make a profound difference in the final performance of
the system.

7
Unpacking and Placement
unpacking
your preamplifier Carefully unpack your preamplifier according to the supplied instructions, and
remove all accessories from the carton.
Important! Keep all packing materials for future transport of your
Classé product. Shipping your new component in anything
other than its purpose-designed packing material may
result in damage that is not covered by the warranty.
placement As with any preamplifier, it is best to place the CP-500 centrally within your
system, since it is the hub to which all other components are connected. It
should also be located at a convenient height for both visibility and use, since
you generally interact with your preamplifier more than any other component
(changing inputs, adjusting volume, etc.).
Note that adequate clearance for the AC cord and connecting cables
must be left behind the CP-500. We suggest leaving eight inches
(20 cm) of free space behind your preamplifier to allow all cables
sufficient room to bend without crimping or undue strain.
Classé recommends that the unit not be placed directly on the top surface of a
power amplifier (or any other heat source).
ventilation Your Classé preamplifier generates a certain amount of heat in the course of
normal operation. Be sure to allow three inches of clearance above it and three
inches to each side to allow heat dissipation through air circulation. Avoid
placement on soft surfaces that would restrict airflow (such as plush carpeting).
custom installations Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations and
custom cabinetry (see the section Dimensions). An optional, purpose-designed
rack mount kit is available for this product. Contact your Classé dealer for more
information.
serial number e serial number for your preamplifier is found on the rear of the unit. Please
note and record this number on the page entitled Important Safety Instructions
for your future reference.

8
register your purchase! Having found the serial number, now would be a good time to fill out the
registration card. Please register your purchase so we can advise you of updates
and other items of interest.
It will take only a minute or so. Please complete the card now, before you forget.
operating voltage e CP-500 preamplifier is set at the factory for 100V, 120V, 220V, 230V, or
240V AC mains operation, as appropriate for the country in which it is to be
sold (230V only in European Union countries, in compliance with CE regulations).
e voltage setting may not be changed by the user.
Make sure that the label on the rear panel of your preamplifier indicates the
correct AC operating voltage for your location. Attempting to operate your
preamplifier at an incorrect voltage may damage the unit.
Warning: The voltage setting of your power amplifier may not be
changed by the user. There are no user-serviceable parts
within the unit. Please refer any problems to an authorized
Classé service center.
If the AC mains voltage indicated on your preamplifier is incorrect, please
contact your local, authorized Classé dealer or distributor.
e CP-500 can easily be powered by a normal 15-ampere AC mains line. If
other devices are also powered from the same AC line, their additional power
consumption should be taken into account.
e CP-500 includes protection circuitry that will prevent the preamplifier from
operating at dangerously high or low voltages.
• At startup: the AC mains voltage must be within a range of
approximately -15% to +10% of its nominal value at startup,
or the preamplifier will not turn on. For example, a 120V unit
requires the AC mains to be between approximately 95V–135V in
order to turn on.
• Over-voltage during operation: if the AC mains voltage surges
by roughly 10% or more during operation, the preamplifier will
enter protection mode and shut down. e Standby LED will
flash to indicate the protection mode has been engaged.
• Under-voltage during operation: if the AC mains voltage sags
by 15% or more, the preamplifier will continue to play (since this
does not present a particular danger to the unit), but note that
it may not be able to achieve its usual standard of performance
under these compromised conditions. e Standby LED will flash
to indicate the condition.

9
warm up/break-in period Your new Classé power preamplifier will deliver outstanding performance
immediately. However, you should expect to hear it improve somewhat as
it reaches its normal operating temperatures and its various components
“break-in.” It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within
the first 300 hours, as the preamplifier reaches thermal equilibrium and the
capacitors fully form. After this initial break-in period, the performance of your
new product should remain quite consistent for years to come.
e only exception to this rule is if the unit is unplugged for an extended period
of time, allowing it to cool down. Depending on the degree of cooling involved,
you should expect a brief warm-up period before the preamplifier’s sound quality
is at its best. Unless your preamplifier was allowed to become quite chilled,
subsequent thermal re-stabilization should not take long. Fortunately, you
should never have to repeat the initial 300 hour break-in period.
please read this manual… Please take a few minutes to review this manual, and to familiarize yourself with
your new preamplifier. We understand that you are anxious to plug everything in
and get started. However, reading this manual and following the advice it gives
will ensure that you get all the benefits you deserve from having purchased such
a fine piece of equipment .

10
Special Design Features
flexible graphical
user interface e LCD touchscreen on the front panel of your new component supports an
extremely flexible and versatile graphical user interface (GUI) while maintaining
a clean, uncluttered appearance. e CP-500 provides a range of controls
that might otherwise require dozens of buttons and knobs on the front panel.
Despite this power and flexibility, it remains simple to operate in day-to-day use.
In fact, in some ways it is even simpler to operate than a more conventional
design might be. For example, if you are not using one or more of the inputs
on your CP-500, you can delete the unnecessary buttons from the operational
menu. Doing so prevents anyone from trying to select a non-existent source
component, with the resulting confusion stemming from the lack of any sound.
(Of course, you can easily restore the button if you subsequently add another source
component and need that input.)
customizable
volume control e volume control on your new Classé preamplifier is controlled by
sophisticated software that allows you to fine-tune its response to suit your
preferences.
Ideally, a volume control would allow you to reach the volume you desire
quickly, and would also provide extremely fine control once you are close to the
“perfect” volume. Of course, these characteristics are in conflict with each other:
one requires the volume to change by quite a lot for a given amount of turning
of the knob, while the other requires small, incremental changes for the same
turn of the knob.
e volume control system on your CP-500 solves this problem by responding
differently based on the specific circumstances (e.g. how quickly you are turning
the knob and where in the volume range you are). After extensive testing, we
feel we have created factory default settings that most people will find intuitive
and a real pleasure to use. However, if you feel you would like to fine-tune its
performance further in order to suit your particular preference, you may easily
do so.
highly refined
circuit design All Classé analog amplification stages are based on circuits that have been
extensively optimized over many years of continuous development.
By starting with excellent circuit designs and working with them over the years,
we are able to discover the many small refinements that add up to superlative
performance, in a variety of applications. Altering a voltage here, or using a
slightly different part there, may make all the difference between solid and
absolutely outstanding performance.
is level of refinement only comes with a great deal of experience, and is not
available to those who flit from one trendy notion to the next. It accounts
in no small measure for both the consistency of sonic performance among
Classé products (as they are all based on similar analog gain stages), and for the
consistently excellent reviews these products receive from owners and reviewers
alike.

11
extensive listening tests Excellent measured performance is to be expected in world-class products, and
Classé products deliver that performance. However, experience has shown that
technical excellence alone is insufficient to guarantee subjectively musical results.
For this reason, all Classé products are laboriously fine-tuned during the
development process by carefully controlled listening tests. Our ears are still
some of the finest laboratory test instruments available, and nicely complement
more traditional engineering test equipment. In the course of optimizing the
circuitry for a product, hundreds of decisions are made based on the subjective
impression given by substituting one high quality part for another.
As an example, we may listen to half a dozen 0.1% tolerance film resistor
components of the same value, from several different companies. Standard tests
may show them all to provide identical results in terms of noise, distortion, and
so forth. Yet, almost invariably, one selection yields some small improvement in
the subjective reaction to the performance of the product under development.
Less often, even a single such change can result in a surprisingly large
improvement.
Multiply those various improvements by the dozens or even hundreds of such
decisions that must be made before the product can be finalized for production,
and you have a remarkable improvement, indeed – all based on careful listening
tests, which we view as a necessary complement to the solid engineering you
might rightly expect from Classé.
extraordinary longevity Another benefit of having worked with highly refined circuit designs so
extensively over many years is that we have vast experience in what works well
over the long term.
By using only the highest quality parts to begin with, and then using them in an
informed way as a result of both accelerated aging experiments and actual long-
term experience, we are able to design and manufacture products which we are
confident will stand the test of time.
We are confident that your new Classé preamplifier will give you many years of
trouble-free reliability and musical enjoyment, just as previous Classé products
have given their owners.

12
#0
-%.5
34!.$"9
-/$%
Front Panel
1 Standby button & LED indicator
e front panel Standby button will toggle the preamplifier between
operate, its fully operational state, and a standby mode that leaves the
preamplifier off, yet ready to respond to system commands via any of the
supported control options (e.g. IR input, DC trigger, CAN-Bus, or
RS-232).
e current state of the preamplifier is indicated by the LED indicator in
the center of the standby button. When the unit is powered and switched
on, the state of this LED indicates the following:
• on = standby
• flashing (on power-up) = initialization
• off = operate
• on (dim) = display timeout
• flashing (after power-up) = AC mains voltage out of range
If you are planning not to use the preamplifier for an extended period of
time, e.g. vacation or other travel, we suggest you disconnect it from the
AC mains. Please be certain that the preamplifier is turned off prior to
disconnecting it from the AC mains.
Also, it is a good practice to physically disconnect any and all valuable
electronics from the AC mains during electrical storms, as a lightning strike
anywhere near your home can put a tremendous surge on the AC mains
that can damage any piece of electronic equipment, no matter how well
designed and protected. e best protection in the case of severe electrical
storms is simply to remove the electronics from any connection with the
power grid.

13
2 Menu button
Pressing the front panel Menu button will call up the main menu system,
replacing the normal operational menu and status display in the LCD
touchscreen.
3 LCD touchscreen
Much of your interaction with the CP-500 will be via the LCD
touchscreen (and the CP-500’s supplied remote control). It will usually
display the various input selection buttons you would use in day-to-day
operation, along with access to the tape button.
By pressing the Menu button, you can also call up the menu system of the
CP-500, which gives you control over many of the operational details of
the preamplifier, including system setup options, various display options
(including the language in which the menu system itself displays), and
several custom-installation capabilities that allow superior integration of
the CP-500 into complex systems.
For more information, see the section e Menu System later in this
manual.
4 Mute button
e front panel Mute button reduces the volume of the preamplifier to
zero at the touch of a button. Pressing the button a second time restores
the volume to its previous setting.
However, if you increase the volume manually (using either the volume
knob or the remote control) while the Mute button is engaged, the mute
control will disengage and the volume will be set to zero. is approach
is a safety measure, to avoid situations in which the volume might be
adjusted up while muted, only to then have the system un-muted to an
unexpectedly high volume.
5 IR window
e infrared (IR) receiver and transmitter are located behind this
window. Ordinarily, your Classé CP-500 must be able to “see” the
remote control from this window in order to respond to remote control
commands.
If your preamplifier will be located behind closed doors, or for any
other reason will not be able to “see” the remote control during normal
operation, you may use the rear panel IR input and output mini-jacks and
an IR repeater system to solve the problem. For more information about
using an infrared repeater system to route signals to and from the CP-500,
refer to the section Rear Panel later in this manual, or contact your local
Classé dealer.

14
In addition to receiving IR commands, the CP-500 can also transmit IR
commands so they may be learned by third-party learning remote controls.
e CP-500 includes a comprehensive list of discrete IR commands to
facilitate the creation of reliable macros. Specifically, there are discrete
codes for all commands that normally operate as toggle functions (e.g.
separate operate and standby commands in addition to the normal
command that toggles between the two states).
6 Volume Knob
e large knob on the right side of the front panel of the CP-500 is used
to control the volume of the system.
e volume is raised or lowered in precise 0.5dB increments throughout
the range of the control most likely to be used while listening to music.
At extremely low volumes, the step size is increased somewhat to make it
easier to move quickly between extremely low and normal listening levels.

15
Rear Panel
1 Tape Input
Connect the analog outputs of any recording device (analog tape recorder,
digital tape recorder, CD recorder, etc.) you may have to these single-ended
RCA connectors. You may select to hear the output of your recording
device by touching the tape button on the main operational screen of the
CP-500.
2 Single-ended (RCA) inputs
ese RCA jacks accept right-channel and left-channel (single-ended)
inputs from line-level source equipment such as tuners, CD players,
and tape decks. Any of these inputs may be selected by touching the
corresponding button on the main operational screen of the front panel
touchscreen.
To achieve the best possible results, we suggest that you use only high-
quality shielded interconnect cables. Please consult with your local Classé
dealer for advice on the best cables for use in your system.
optional phono preamp If you have a turntable you would like to use with the system, an optional
phono preamplifier module is available from your Classé dealer. Once
installed in your preamplifier, the Line 1 input connectors become your
phono inputs, and the phono gain control in the menu system becomes
active, allowing you to select either low gain for all moving-magnet
(MM) and high-output moving-coil (MC) cartridges, or high gain for
standard output MC cartridges. (See the section e Menu System for more
information.)
3 Ground terminal
e ground terminal on your integrated amplifier is most often used for
the ground wire of a turntable, assuming you have the optional phono
module installed (see your authorized Classé dealer for more information
on this option if you are interested). Connecting the ground wire from
your turntable’s tonearm to this screw terminal usually minimizes any hum
or buzzing to which the turntable might otherwise be susceptible. Your
authorized Classé dealer can assist you in handling this problem if it should
arise.

16
4 Balanced (XLR) inputs
ese XLR jacks accept right-channel and left-channel balanced signals
from source equipment with balanced outputs. Either of these inputs may
be selected by touching the corresponding button on the main operational
screen of the LCD touchscreen.
e pin assignments of the XLR-type female input connectors are:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground
Refer to the operating manuals of your balanced-output line-level sources
to verify that the pin assignments of their output connectors correspond
to the CP-500. If not, wire the cables so that the appropriate output pin
connects to the equivalent input pin.
To achieve the best possible results, we suggest that you use only high-
quality interconnect cables. Please consult with your local Classé dealer for
advice on the best cables for use in your system.
5 Tape output
Connect these RCA jacks to the right-channel and left-channel recording
inputs of your recorder.
ese single-ended RCA outputs are unaffected by the volume control
on the front panel, or by whether you choose to monitor the source or
the recorder (by having the “tape” button on the front panel’s touchscreen
deselected or selected, respectively). e record outputs will be disconnected
when the preamplifier is placed into standby, however.
6 Single-ended (RCA) main outputs
Single-ended cables using RCA connectors are the most common form
of analog connection used in consumer electronics. When implemented
carefully and used with high quality interconnect cables, this standard can
provide excellent performance.
Classé has gone to extraordinary effort to ensure that the single-ended
(RCA) outputs of your preamplifier are as good as possible. However, this
connection standard cannot offer the immunity from interference that
balanced interconnection does–hence our recommendation to use the
balanced outputs whenever possible.
If you are not using balanced analog interconnection, then connect these
single-ended outputs to your preamplifier/processor using high-quality
shielded RCA-terminated cables. Your Classé dealer can advise you on the
selection of cables suitable for your system.

17
7 Balanced (XLR) main outputs
ese XLR outputs provide a high quality, balanced stereo analog signal to
your power amplifier. Connect them to corresponding balanced inputs on
your power amplifier, using shielded high-quality balanced interconnects.
Your Classé dealer can provide assistance in selecting appropriate balanced
cables for your system.
Balanced audio interconnections were originally developed in the
professional audio world for preserving the delicate nuances of extremely
small microphone-level signals. For many years now, they have also been
used by performance-oriented consumer companies like Classé to preserve
every nuance of the finest audio performances in your collection.
Technically, balanced audio interconnections provide two distinct benefits:
they double the signal’s strength as it travels from one component to the
next, increasing the potential signal-to-noise ratio by 6 dB; they also do an
excellent job of rejecting noise and interference that might otherwise be
picked up between the components, due to either EMI (electromagnetic
interference) or RFI (radio frequency interference). In the world of wireless
telecommunications, there is more potential interference around than ever
before—it makes sense to keep it out of music and movie soundtracks.
For this reason, we strongly recommend using balanced analog
interconnects between your Classé components wherever possible,
especially if you plan to use long interconnect cables between your
preamplifier and the power amplifier(s) in order to minimize the length of
the speaker wires.
e pin assignments of these XLR output connectors are:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground
ese pin assignments are consistent with the standard adopted by the
Audio Engineering Society (AES14-1992).
If you are using your Classé preamplifier with a Classé power amplifier,
you’re all set – just take standard balanced interconnect cables and plug
them in.
If you are using another brand of power amplifier, please refer to the
operating manual of your amplifier to verify that the pin assignments of
its input connectors correspond to those of the CP-500. If not, have your
dealer wire the cables so that the appropriate output pin connects to the
equivalent input pin.

18
8 RS-232 Control Port
is DB-9 connector has two purposes:
• downloading new operating software into your preamplifier
(should new features ever be added, for example)
• external control of your preamplifier by control systems such as
i-Command™, AMX®and Crestron™
For more information, please contact your dealer and ask about home
automation systems.
9 Classé CAN-Bus Control Ports
ese RJ-45 connectors are reserved for future control and communication
applications using Classé Audio’s implementation of the Controller Area
Network (CAN) Bus specification.
10 IR Input and Output
Your Classé preamplifier includes two 1/8th-inch mini mono-jacks in
order to support the infrared (IR) remote controls that are ubiquitous
today. Infrared commands exist (for example) for toggling the preamplifier
between operate and standby, in addition to discrete command codes
for either operate or standby. ese codes may be used in “macros” for
sophisticated remote control systems, facilitating the control of the
preamplifier in the larger context of a complete system.
e list of commands available is quite extensive, enabling even complex
macros (chains of commands strung together) to operate flawlessly. If this
capability is of interest to you, we strongly recommend discussing it with
your authorized Classé dealer.
Note that IR Input and Output is a bit of a misnomer: the input and
output of these plugs is electrical in nature, not infrared. ey are used
with standard IR receivers, distribution amplifiers, and emitters (available
from your dealer) to translate the remote’s IR signal to an electrical signal
and vice versa. e big advantages here include being able to easily route
the signals anywhere they might need to go and the reliability of a solid
electrical connection.
Since an IR distribution system such as your dealer may design for you
usually must control many products, your preamplifier includes both an
IR input (for the control of this product) and an IR output (so as to pass
along the same signal to the next product). is allows you to “daisy chain”
your control wires from one product to the next.
e preamplifier is designed to respond to IR commands of 5 Volts DC,
with the tip of the mini-plug defined to be positive relative to the shank of
the plug.

19
11 DC Trigger Input and Output
Many audio/video components can supply a DC control voltage to
associated equipment in order to induce desired behavior. Your Classé
preamplifier can take advantage of these capabilities in order to be switched
between operate and standby automatically, usually in concert with the A/V
preamp itself.
e 1/8th-inch mini mono-jack Trigger In provides for remote-controlled
turn-on (that is, toggling between operate and standby) of the preamplifier.
Two 1/8th-inch mini mono-jacks provide individually controllable DC
trigger outputs which can be used for any of a number of purposes, as
described in e Menu System. For example, your dealer can program
Trigger Out1 to toggle your Classé power amplifier between operate and
standby with your CP-500.
e remote trigger input will respond to the presence of 5–12VDC, with
tip polarity as shown below:
Similarly, the trigger outputs will create a 12VDC signal that can source up
to 100mA of current.
12 AC Mains Power Switch
e main power switch for the CP-500 is located near the middle of the
rear panel, just above receptacle for the power cord.
Switching the unit on puts it in standby mode. e preamplifier should be
in standby before being switched off.
Danger! Potentially dangerous voltages and current capabilities
exist within your preamplifier, even when disconnected
from AC mains. Do not attempt to open any portion of
the preamplifier’s cabinet. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside your preamplifier. All service of this product
must be referred to a qualified authorized Classé dealer or
distributor.
13 AC Mains Input
An IEC standard power cord (supplied) is used with the CP-500. Plug the
cord into the IEC receptacle provided, and the other end into a suitable
wall outlet.

20
The Remote Control
Your new preamplifier comes with a versatile remote control which can control
both the CP-500 itself and several aspects of the rest of a Classé-based system.
e buttons are arranged in logical groups according to their functions.
1 Basic Functions
is section along the top of the remote control groups four functions that
control your basic interactions with the CP-500.
• Light switches the backlighting of the remote control on, for
better visibility under low-light conditions. After a few moments
of inactivity, the backlight switches off automatically.
• Info takes you directly to the status screen in the LCD menu
system, displaying several items of information about the
CP-500 and its current operational status.
• Display cycles through the three brightness settings of the screen
display.
• Standby toggles the CP-500 between standby and operate.
2 Input Selection and Volume
e Up and Down arrow keys on the left side of the remote control will
cycle through the active inputs on your CP-500.
If you have inputs you are not using, we suggest deactivating them in order
to provide faster, easier access to the inputs you are actually using. (See the
section e Menu System for information on how to do this.)
e Up and Down arrow keys on the right side of the remote control
will raise and lower volume; the square key between them will activate
the Mute function of the CP-500 (as defined in the menu system; see e
Menu System for more on your mute options).
e Tape key allows you to easily toggle between listening to the selected
source and listening to the output of your recording device. If you have a
recording device (such as a three-head tape deck) which can play back a
recording while it is being made, you will be able to compare the original
signal to the recording while you are making it.
3 Navigation Keys
e central section of the remote control contains the navigation keys. is
array of buttons is similar to what you may have seen on remote controls
for DVD players, and is used for navigation of the menu system of the
CP-500.
• Home returns you to the normal input selection controls
normally shown on the LCD screen on the front panel of
the CP-500. is provides a quick way to get back to normal
operation, regardless of how deep you might be in the menu
system.
,)'(4 ).&/ $)30,!9
(/-%
%.4%2
&
).0543%,
"!,
3%450
34!.$"9
& & &
6/,
6/,
-54%
4!0%
/
0
1
2