Classe Audio CAV-150 User manual
CLASSÉ AUDIO
CAV-150
MULTI-CHANNEL
POWER AMPLIFIER
CAV-150
OWNER'S MANUAL
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 and all amps) share exactly the same circuit (excluding
moving coil and moving magnet phono circuits). This means all amplifiers and all high level
circuits of the preamps are the same. The same circuit is tailored to different power levels etc.
Differences between less expensive models and more expensive models are parts quality and
compliment, power supply extravagance and the amount of filtering etc., as well as features and
packaging.
This means that for years Classé has been constantly fine tuning and upgrading this
circuit and its application, thus reaching a very high level of understanding and musical
achievement which benefits all models - least expensive, most expensive, 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 provides Classé owners with years of proven trouble free
reliability and musical enjoyment.
-3-
CAV-150
OWNER'S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNPACKING & SET-UP............................................................ 4
GENERAL CONNECTIONS AND OPERATIONS ................. 5
CONNECTIONS AND DIAGRAMS .......................................... 8
WARRANTY .............................................................................. 11
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................... 13
WARRANTY REGISTRATION ................................................ 14
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UNPACKING & SET-UP
Your Classé CAV-150 multi-channel power amplifier is packed in high density, semi-rigid
foam placed in a special cardboard box. To remove the unit, open and spread all the top flaps of the
box and by its sides, lift out the entire unit and put it on a large flat surface. Take it out of the plastic
bag and inspect the unit for any concealed damage. Apart from this owner's manual, please ensure
the following have also been included:
1) Detachable linecord.
2) Allen key for top plate.
Please report any damage or missing parts to your dealer as soon as possible.
Place the CAV-150 at or near its final set-up position, allowing 8 inches at the rear for
tightening the speaker output connectors. For optimum sonic performance, we recommend the
optional CLASSÉ REFERENCE A.C. LINECORD. Consult your dealer regarding this accessory.
The power transformer in the CAV-150 is located at the front-center of the unit. Ideally, a
few feet should separate this area from components which potentially could pick up hum. These
include preamplifiers, turntables, and interconnect cables. In terms of providing adequate airspace
for cooling, a good rule of thumb is to allow 6 inches above and 3 inches on each side of the unit.
Check the Serial Number sticker on the back of the unit for the correct operating voltage.
The CAV-150 has one line fuse (internal), the rating of which should be as follows:
LINE VOLTAGE FUSE RATING
100 or 120 V.A.C. 8 AMP SLOW BLOW 125 or 250 volts
220 or 240 V.A.C. 6 AMP SLOW BLOW 250 volts
INTERNAL RAIL FUSES:
The CAV-150 is designed with each channel protected by one pair of internal fuses for
positive and negative rails (see fig-1b page 8) 8 AMP FAST BLOW 125 volts
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GENERAL CONNECTIONS AND OPERATION:
A.C. LINE: Insert the linecord into the A.C. receptacle on the rear of the unit.
CAUTION: SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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. SEE ALSO THE
WARRANTY SECTION OF THIS OWNER'S MANUAL.
REGULAR INPUTS:
The CAV-150 is factory set for REGULAR use. Connect the regular interconnect to the
RCA input jacks, for Channel-1 and Channel-2 make sure the Regular/Balanced switch is set to
position marked "Regular" (down) which selects REGULAR inputs for both channels-1 and
channel-2. (The Balanced XLR input jacks are automatically disable).
BALANCED INPUTS:
Balanced inputs are available to Channel-1 and Channel-2 only. For use with balanced
preamplifier other than Classé, the wiring of the 3-pin XLR connectors must be matched to that of
the Classé wiring configuration, which are as follows:
PIN 1: Ground
PIN 2: Positive (non-inverting) signal
PIN 3: Negative (inverting) signal
If the pin configuration of the preamplifier differs from above, the balanced interconnects
must be modified to accommodate the different preamp. Make sure the Regular/Balanced switch is
-6-
set to position marked "Balanced" (up). Regardless of the type of input used, NORMAL or
BRIDGED operation is still possible for Channel-1 and Channel-2
NORMAL OPERATION:
Input and output connectors for each channel are clearly grouped and marked on the back of
the amplifier. (Units are preset at the factory for NORMAL.)(see fig.2&3 page 9&10) for typical
connections of the CAV-150.
Use only high quality interconnect and loudspeaker cables, and make all connections tight. If
the input plugs are loose, remove them and pinch down the ground leaves slightly with pliers.
Observe correct phasing of the loudspeaker connections, and tighten.
BRIDGED OPERATION:
The six (6) channels of the CAV-150 are divided into three (3) groups. These groups can be
operated and configured independently _ Channel-1 with Channel-2, Channel-3 with Channel-4, and
Channel-5 with Channel-6. When in bridged mode, the inputs of CH-1, CH-3 and CH-5 are used
respectively. The unused inputs of CH-2, CH-4 and CH-6 are automatically disconnected when
configured in bridged mode. The following steps should be performed to switch between
NORMAL mode and BRIDGED mode.
1) Turn OFF the unit and disconnect the AC cable.
2) Reconnect all cables. Make sure the input and output connections of channels to be
switched are according to the operating mode. (see fig.2&3 page 9&10).
3) Locate and set the mode switch to the desired operating mode (see fig.1a page 8) for
channels to be switched (up=BRIDGED, down=NORMAL)
Please read through the previous normal section for general notes on securing good connections, and
safety tips.
-7-
CAUTION: Please remember that the negative output connection of a bridged amplifier is NOT a
ground. Do not use a "common ground" or switchbox set-up. Do not use with electronic crossovers
which have a common ground.
REMOTE CONTROL: (optional)
With a simple connection from the receiver box to the remote jack at the back of the
amplifier, (see Fig.1a page 8) the power amplifier can be turned ON/OFF from a distance (or from
another room).
SPECIAL FEATURES: The front LED will change from Red to Green if any of the (12) internal
rail fuses are blown.
-8- CL
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A
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Table of contents
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