Classe Audio C-101 Owners manual

CLASSÉ AUDIO

C-101

REMOTE CONTROL

BALANCED LINE PREAMPLIFIER

C-101

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 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 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 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, 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.

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C-101

OWNER'S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNPACKING & SET-UP.................................................. 4

A.C. LINE POWER............................................................ 5

INPUTS............................................................................... 6

OUTPUTS .......................................................................... 8

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS............................................. 9

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS............................. 13

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UNPACKING & SET-UP

Your CLASSÉ C-101 preamplifier 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.
This preamplifier, being capable of very high gain, must be located in a position free of any
hum-inducing magnetic fields. (This also applies to turntables and interconnect cables.) Positions
adjacent to power amplifiers, A.C line filters, or regulation devices should be avoided. Ideally, a few feet
should separate the preamplifier from the power amplifier. As well, keep low-level interconnect cables
away from the power amp and separate from A.C. linecords.
Heat generated by the preamplifier is negligible. Air space around the unit need not be a
concern.
Check the Serial Number sticker on the back of the unit for the correct operating voltage.
Regardless of voltage, the internal fuse rating should be 1 AMP SLO-BLO.

4

A.C. LINE POWER

The Classé C-101 preamplifier has no power switch. Its low power consumption and improved
sonics from always being ON led to the omission of an ON/OFF switch. In fact, while thoroughly
musical shortly after turn-on, the preamplifier will exhibit "sonic growth" during its first 300 hours of
use.
For optimum sonic performance, you should consider the use of the optional CLASSÉ REFERENCE

A.C. LINECORD

. Consult your dealer regarding this accessory.

SAFETY FEATURE:

The C-101 preamplifier is designed with an auto-muting circuit which engages and is indicated
by a FLASHING GREEN LED when the unit is first connected, or after an AC power failure. After 15
seconds the STEADY GREEN LED signals that the unit is in STANDBY mode (Note: MUTE is ON
during STANDBY mode).
This feature will prevent any turn-on surges or unstable output from reaching the power
amplifier and possibly the loudspeakers. Similarly, make sure the MUTE is ON (STEADY GREEN)
again when removing A.C. line power.

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. SEE ALSO THE
WARRANTY SECTION OF THIS OWNER'S MANUAL.

5

INPUTS:

The input jacks are clearly marked on the back of the C-101. The following inputs are
provided: AUX, VIDEO, CD, TUNER, BALANCED, and TAPE.

AUX INPUT:
When selected PHONO\AUX input serves as a high level input only. Use with sources such
as VIDEO, CD, TUNER, etc. The AUX input is also recommended for use with external phono
modules. A ground screw is provided adjacent to the AUX input jacks.

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 C-101 preamplifier 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 switch. (See FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: TAPE SWITCH.)

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OUTPUTS

The Classé C-101 preamplifier has both regular (single-ended) and balanced outputs. Both
are working at all times, and may be used separately, or simultaneously.
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.
REGULAR OUTPUTS
Simply connect your regular interconnects to the RCA output jacks marks REGULAR
OUTPUT on the back of the C-101.
BALANCED OUTPUTS
A balanced power amplifier and balanced interconnects are also required. For use with a
balanced power amplifier other than Classé, the wiring of the 3-pin XLR connectors must be wired
as follows:
PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: POSITIVE (NON-INVERTED) SIGNAL
PIN 3: NEGATIVE (INVERTED) SIGNAL
If the pin configuration of the power amplifier differs from above, the balanced interconnects
must be modified to accommodate the different power amp.
Having confirmed the correct connections, plug the XLR connectors of the balanced
interconnects into the locking XLR connector on the rear of the C-101 marked BALANCED
OUTPUT. (To remove the connectors, press the tab above the connector.)

8

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

INPUT SELECTOR:
This selects one of the five inputs connected to the preamplifier, except TAPE IN (see TAPE
SWITCH below). The selector switch is silent and will prevent pulses when switching positions.
However, it remains good practice to reduce the volume control level or put MUTE to ON (steady
GREEN LED) when changing the input selection.

TAPE SWITCH:
In the SOURCE position, the preamp 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.

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:

(remote 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 11) or manually turning the
control knob at the preamp.

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MUTE SWITCH: (remote control)
Switching between PLAY and MUTE can be done by either manually pressing the MUTE
switch down momentarily on the C-101 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 outputs
of the preamplifier are 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.

NOTE: WHEN THE C-101 IS IN THE MUTE POSITION, AND THE VOLUME CONTROL
IS TURNED UP USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT, THE PLAY MODE IS
AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED.

CAUTION: Make sure the preamp is in MUTE(ON) when making or changing any connections.
This includes all inputs and outputs, as well as A.C. linecord.

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CLASSÉ AUDIO

5070 Francois-Cusson
Lachine, Quebec
Canada H8T 1B3

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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CLASSÉ C-101

REMOTE CONTROL
BALANCED LINE PREAMPLIFIER

FEATURES
AND
SPECIFICATIONS SHEET

C-101 FEATURES:

Remote control featuring adjustments for both volume and mute. Contoured slimline chassis.
Inputs featuring Aux, Video, CD, Tuner and Balanced input. Both balanced and regular outputs.
Front panel adjustments include input selection, balance, volume and mute. Special Classé front
panel available in both Satin Black and Soft Shadow Silver finishes.

C-101 SPECIFICATIONS:
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 KHz, + 0.1 dB
Maximum Output: 24 Volts Peak to Peak
Sensitivity: 120 mV
S/N Ratio ("A" Weighted): 95 dB
THD+N: 0.05%
Input Impedance: 33 Kohms
Output Impedance: 50 ohms
Gain: 18 dB
Power Consumption: 5 Watts
Dimensions: Gross: 22 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 7 1/2"
Net: 19" x 10 1/4" x 2 1/2"
Weight: Gross: 15 lbs.
Net: 11 lbs.

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Notice to all Classé Product owners:

Thank you for your purchase of a Classé Audio component.

All of us at Classé have taken extreme care to ensure that your purchase will become a
prized investment. We are proud to inform you that all Classé Audio components
have been officially approved for the European Community CE mark.
This means that your Classé product has been subjected to the most rigorous
manufacturing and safety tests in the world, and have proven to meet or exceed all
European Community CE requirements for unit to unit consistency and consumer
safety.

All of us at Classé Audio wish you many years of musical enjoyment.

As of July 18, 1996, Classé Audio has been granted
Certificate No: C401CLA1.MGS, which indicates CE
approval for all models of the Classé Audio product line.

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CLASSÉ C-101 LIMITED FACTORY WARRANTY (North America only).

Classé Audio Inc. warrants this preamplifier to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of

FOUR YEARS from date of manufacture provided that any claim in virtue of

this warranty be made in writing within such period. (Hand held remote control 1 year only. No
warranty for batteries).
Subject to all of the conditions stated herein, A LIMITED FACTORY LIFETIME WARRANTY IS EXTENDED ONLY

TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHO PURCHASED THE PREAMPLIFIER IN NORTH AMERICA AND WHO CLAIMS UNDER THIS WARRANTY IN
NORTH AMERICA (not applicable to hand held remote control and batteries).
IMPORTANT: WARRANTY REGISTRATION, AND A COPY OF THE "AUTHORIZED DEALER BILL OF SALE", MUST BE RECEIVED
AT THE CLASSÉ FACTORY (address below) WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS OF PURCHASE, TO VALIDATE THIS WARRANTY.

In the event of failure of this preamplifier, Classé Audio Inc. will repair, recalibrate, or at our
discretion, replace the unit in accordance with and providing that all the clauses contained in this
warranty are met.
In order to initiate service of any kind, it is necessary to OBTAIN PRIOR FACTORY AUTHORIZATION, AND

SHIP THE UNIT PREPAID.

For units coming from outside Canada, contact the factory for our forwarding
address. Units shipped directly to our Canadian address from outside the country will be stopped at
the border, causing extensive delays or return of the unit to the sender.
The warranty shall be void and of no effect in the event of any of the following:

1) Operation not in accordance with this manual.

2) Accident, abuse, tampering, or unauthorized
modification, as determined by Classé Audio Inc.

3) Removal, defacing, or falsifying the serial number plate.

4) Shipping without the complete factory packaging.

5) Transfer or sale of this preamplifier by the original owner.

6) Non-compliance with any of the other conditions hereof.

CLASSÉ AUDIO INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES REGARDING THE

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SET-UP, OPERATION, FAILURE, TROUBLESHOOTING, OR REPAIR OF THE PREAMPLIFIER AND/OR ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT USED
THEREWITH.
THIS WARRANTY, ALL CLAIMS MADE IN VIRTUE HEREOF, AND ALL ISSUES RELATING TO ANY SUCH CLAIM SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE PROVINCE OF QUÉBEC.

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WARRANTY REGISTRATION

You must fill out and return the form below, along with a copy of the authorized dealer bill
of sale, to the factory within twenty (20) days of purchase. This will allow us to provide expedient
service, information regarding updates and new products, and validate the Classé warranty.

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C-101 SERIAL NUMBER_____________________PURCHASE DATE___________________
AUTHORIZED DEALER________________________________________________________
PURCHASER'S NAME_________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS____________________________________________________________
CITY________________________________STATE/PROV.____________________________
COUNTRY________________________ZIP/POSTAL CODE__________________________
I BECAME AWARE OF THIS PRODUCT BY:_____________________________________
(DEALER, MAGAZINE, FRIEND, ETC.)

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SEND TO: CLASSÉ AUDIO INC.
Product Registration
5070 François Cusson
Lachine, Quebec, Canada
H8T 1B3

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