Montreal, Quebec, Canada–Aug. 2004–Five new power amplifiers from internationally respected high-end audio maker Classe Audio anchor the new Delta family, which marks the most exciting and important introduction in the Canadian firm’s near quarter-century history. (See accompanying Delta overview release.) The five Delta amps encompass stereo, multichannel, and monaural models, each featuring the tremendous current reserves and astonishing transparency and finesse that have made Classe amplifiers famous among serious audiophiles the world around. And each model is designed to match other components in the exciting new Delta family, which combines elegant, highly integrated industrial design with an industry-leading new touchscreen-based user interface.
The Classe Delta series amplifier range is comprised of the 100-watt stereo CA-2100 and 200-watt stereo CA-2200, two multichannel designs, the 3×200-watt CA-3200 and 5×200 CA-5200, and a single monaural model, CA-M400 of 400 watts. The five amps share substantially similar building blocks, differing primarily in channel-count and power-level.
Consequently, they also share important design and performance characteristics, beginning with the colossally stable power supplies and massive current capability for which Classe amplifiers have long been known. Thus, while the above power-ratings all refer to use with 8? loads, each of the Delta amplifiers delivers considerably more power into lower impedance loudspeakers.
All five new Classe models also furnish both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs for all channels, ensuring maximum dynamic-range potential with any connection scheme, most especially with the new and forthcoming touchscreen-based preamplifier and preamp/processors. And the five amplifiers all incorporate power/standby switching controllable via DC-trigger, IR-signaling, or RS-232 control, ensuring complete system integration regardless of configuration.
Most importantly, however, the new Delta-family amplifiers feature circuit topologies and components derived from Classe’s Omega-series amplifiers, widely recognized as a world-standard in amplification. Elements such as fully balanced circuit design, massive, ultra-stable, low-noise power-supplies, and meticulously selected and matched output devices ensure the dramatic power and delicate detail and dynamic finesse expected of Classe amplifiers. To maintain their superb sonics in all conditions, the new models also feature the most carefully “managed” amplifier designs yet devised.
Newly developed monitoring circuits constantly observe such parameters as incoming AC voltage and polarity, ground condition, output current, DC offset and heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures, assuring safe, reliable operation without any sonics-compromising protection circuitry whatsoever (or even the sonically intrusive expedient of fusing): If a potentially dangerous condition such as over-voltage or a speaker-leads short is perceived, the Classe amplifiers simply shut down, alerting the owner. And since all of the amplifiers’ monitoring elements lie entirely outside of all signal paths, the net musical effect of these safety nets is precisely zero.
Also common to the new Delta-line amplifiers is Classe’s stunning new industrial design, developed by Morten Warren’s famed Native Design group. This features a dramatically radiused, sculpted-metal fascia and common chassis-width that encourage every Delta system combination to merge into a smoothly integrated visual whole.
With its combination of stereo, multichannel, and monaural models, the Classe Delta series power amplifiers stand ready to serve the finest music and home theater systems in any configuration and any number of channels. The Classe Delta series amplifiers are available in North America at the following manufacturer’s suggested US prices.
Model
CA-2100 2×100 watts $3,500
CA-2200 2×200 watts $5,000
CA-3200 3×200 watts $6,000
CA-5200 5×200 watts $8,000
CA-M400 1×400 watts $5,000
