Classe Audio C-501 Owners manual

CLASSÉ AUDIO

C-501

REMOTE CONTROL

BALANCED PREAMPLIFIER

C-501

OWNER'S MANUAL

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

CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

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.

C-501

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 ................................. 18

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U NPACKING & SET-UP

Your new preamplifier has been carefully wrapped in heavy gauge plastic, packed in semi­rigid 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 the 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 A.C. linecord.

2) 5/64 in. 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 fuse rating should be 2 AMP SLO-BLO.

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A .C. LINE POWER

The 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" for the first 300 hours of used.
For optimum sonic performance, you should consider use of the optional CLASSE
REFERENCE A.C. LINECORD. Consult your dealer regarding this accessory.
SAFETY FEATURE: The preamplifier is designed with an Auto-Muting Circuit which
engages and is indicated by two FLASHING RED ARROWS when the unit is first connected, or
after an A.C. power failure. After 45 seconds of stabilizing the preamplifier is automatically
switched to "MUTE" mode, after which all operating functions such as input etc. may then be
selected.

CAUTION: "FLOATING THE GROUND” OR DEFEATING THE GROUND ON A 3­PRONG 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.

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I NPUTS

The input jacks are clearly marked on the back of the C-501. The following inputs are
provided: BAL 1, BAL 2, REG 1 (also used for Phono), REG 2, REG 3, REG 4, TAPE, and a
SURROUND sound loop. (see figure 3).
OPTIONAL INTERNAL PHONO FEATURE:
The REG 1 input jacks are to be used with the optional phono feature (see fig.6) The phono
ground screw is located between the REG 4 and TAPE IN jacks. The optional phono can
accommodate both magnetic and moving coil cartridges of various outputs. In the MC position, gain
of the Moving Coil stage is factory preset at 16dB which matches perfectly with most typical MC
cartridges. With the resistor kit included with the optional phono feature, the gain can also be
adjusted to 20db, 25db, or 30db in order to optimize system gain, and lower noise while using other
less typical MC cartridges. (Note: The MC gain is in addition to the standard MM gain of 42dB). To
change the MC gain, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect A.C. linecord from the wall outlet.

2. Remove top cover with Allen key supplied.

3. Locate R245 and R145 (see fig.6), which are the MC gain setting resistors for the LEFT
and RIGHT channel respectively. Remove the resistors and replace them with newly selected ones,
according to the following chart.
GAIN COLOR CODED RESISTOR (or) NUMERICAL RESISTOR
Standard: 16db (Brown, Brown, Black, Black) 1100 (110 ohms)
20db (Red, Black, Black, Black) 2000 (200 ohms)
25db (Orange, Grey, Orange, Black) 3830 (383 ohms)
30db (Violet, Blue, Grey, Black) 7680 (768 ohms)

4. Having completed the resistor changes, replace the top cover.

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BALANCED, TAPE, AND REGULAR INPUTS
The BALANCED INPUTS are true differential high level inputs, wired as follows:
PIN 1: GROUND
PIN 2: POSITIVE (NON-INVERTED) SIGNAL
PIN 3: NEGATIVE (INVERTED) SIGNAL
The Balanced inputs may be used with CD players that have a balance output, or any other
high level, balanced source.
The TAPE IN of the C-501 should be connected to the LINE OUT or TAPE OUT of the tape
deck. (See FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: TAPE SWITCH.)
The Regular inputs may be used with any high level sources (REG 1 may also be used with
the optional Classé Internal Phono Feature.)

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O UTPUTS

The C-501 has both regular (single-ended) and balanced outputs. Both are working at all
times, and may be used separately, or simultaneously.

TAPE OUTPUT
Whichever input is selected 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 marked REGULAR OUT
on the back of the C-501.

BALANCED OUTPUTS
A balanced power amplifier and balanced interconnects are also required. For use with
balanced power amplifiers 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 connectors on the rear panel of the C-501 marked BALANCED
OUT. (To remove the connectors, press the tab above the connector.)

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F RONT PANEL CONTROLS

NOTE: All functions (except Display, Gain, and Phase) may be activated directly on the front panel,
or otherwise by the hand held remote control.
DISPLAY:
Three (3) different display brightness levels can be selected (Full/Medium/Low as well as Off).

NOTE: With display set at the OFF position, activating any switches on the front panel or from the
remote control unit will temporarily turn the display to ON at full brightness. The display will
automatically turn back to OFF after approximately 10 seconds from the last change.

GAIN:
The dual gain feature provides the user to set the preamplifier either at REGULAR gain of
18db or LOW gain of 12db. The red indicator "GAIN" appears in the display when LOW gain is
selected.

PHASE:
Phase of the output signal can be switched between inverted (180 degrees phase shift) or
normal non-inverted (0 degree phase shift). The red indicator "PHASE" is shown when the unit is in
the inverted mode.

TAPE
The TAPE button selects the input signal, between the TAPE and SOURCE inputs, which
goes to the main REGULAR and BALANCED output jacks. The red indicator "TAPE" appears
when Tape input is selected. However, the SOURCE signal always appears at the TAPE OUT jacks
and shown in the display.

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SURROUND
When the surround mode is engaged, the selected signal is directed to the SURROUND
output connectors where it is sent to a Surround Sound Processor for the decoding process. The
Front-Left and Front-Right output signals from the Surround sound processor are then fed to the Left
and Right Surround input connectors on the back of the preamplifier. The main outputs of the
preamplifier (both Balanced or Regular) are now to be connected to the amplifier powering the
Front-left and Front-right speakers of your surround sound system. (see figure 4)
All preamplifier functions (except input select, display, and mute) are disabled in the
surround mode.

SAFETY FEATURE: The volume control of the preamplifier is automatically brought back to the
MIN position, and MUTE is also engaged when the preamplifier is switched back from the surround
mode to the regular stereo mode.

VOLUME CONTROL
The preamplifier volume control has a total of 60 steps of level adjustments which varies the
level of both channels simultaneously. The volume can be operated from the remote using the hand
held control unit or manually turning the control knob at the preamplifier.
The volume will turn up or down ONE step at a time when the buttons are pressed
intermittently. When the buttons are pressed and held constantly the volume will change rapidly
until the pressed volume button is released.

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BALANCE CONTROL (remote control unit)
The custom BALANCE control permits equal output of each channel in the centre position
(00 will be displayed) without additional loading to the signal. When shifted to the left or right, it
merely attenuates the opposite channel.
The balance control has 15 steps of adjustments for each direction (indicated by the arrows).
The balance position will be shown only when the balance button is pressed. Similar to the volume
operation, the balance will move one step each time the buttons are pressed intermittently. When the
buttons are pressed and held constantly the balance will change rapidly until the pressed button is
released.
Current balance position may be viewed by pressing either one of the balance buttons once.
Volume position will resume approximately 10 seconds after the last change of balance or activating
any other functions.

MUTE SWITCH
Switching between PLAY and MUTE can be done by either pressing the mute button on the
front panel of the preamplifier or on the remote control unit. The green indicator "MUTE" is shown
in the display when mute is engaged.

NOTE: when the preamp is in the mute position, and the volume control is turned up either
manually on the faceplate or form the remote control, the play mode is automatically selected.
As a feature to extend the display's life span, it will automatically turn OFF if the unit is left
Muted for more than one hour. Any change in the unit setting will temporarily turn the display back
to ON unless the PLAY mode resumes, otherwise the display will turn to OFF again after one hour
from the last change.

Caution: make sure the MUTE is ON when making or changing any connections to the preamp.
This includes all inputs and outputs, as well as the A.C. linecord.

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LEFT CHANNEL

LEFT CHANNEL

LEFT CHANNEL

MC

MM

LEFT CHANNEL

MC

MM

AUX

PHONO

JUMPER SETTING FOR AUX SELECTION

AUX

PHONO

JUMPER SETTING FOR PHONO SELECTION

PHONO JUMPER SETING FOR MOVING COIL (MC)

PHONO JUMPER SETTING FOR MOVING MAGNET (MM)

RIGHT CHANNEL

RIGHT CHANNEL

RIGHT CHANNEL

MC

MM

RIGHT CHANNEL

MC

MM

AUX

PHONO

AUX

PHONO

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CLASSÉ C-501

REMOTE CONTROL

BALANCED PREAMPLIFIER

FEATURES

AND

SPECIFICATIONS SHEET

C-501 FEATURES:
Large, regulated power supply, 2 balanced inputs, balanced outputs, regular outputs, 4 regular
inputs, tape and surround sound inputs. Remote control featuring selectable inputs, phase, dual gain
settings, volume, balance, mute and bright/dim display. Special Classé front panel in Soft Shadow
Silver finish with brushed and anodized top cover.

C-501 SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency Response:

Maximum Output:

Sensitivity: Line:
Magnetic Phono:
Moving Coil Phono:

S/N Ratio ('A' Weighted): Line:
Magnetic Phono:
Moving coil Phono:

Input Impedance:
Output Impedance:
Phase:
Gain: Line:
Magnetic Phono:
Moving Coil Phono:

Power Requirement:

Dimensions: Gross:
Net:
Weight: Gross:
Net:

20 Hz to 20 KHz +/- 0.01dB
1 Hz to 200 KHz, -1 dB
42 Volts

120 mV
3 mV (opt. phono)

0.2 mV (opt. phono)

100 dB
90 dB (opt. phono)
90 dB (opt. phono)

50 KOhms
Less than 50 Ohms
0/180 degrees selectable
18dB/12dB selectable
42 dB (opt. phono)
Standard 16dB (opt phono)
Adjustable 20, 25, 30dB
50 Watts

22" x 19 1/2" x 12"
19" x 14 3/4" x 3 1/4"
25 lbs
20 lbs

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CLASSÉ AUDIO

5070 Francois-Cusson
Lachine, Quebec
Canada H8T 1B3

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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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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C LASSÉ C-501 LIMITED FACTORY WARRANTY (North America only).

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 BY THE FIRST RETAIL PURCHASER IN ORDER TO
VALIDATE THESE WARRANTIES.

FIVE YEAR WARRANTY (ALL PARTIES)
Classé Audio Inc. warrants this preamplifier to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of FIVE 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).
LIFETIME WARRANTY (FIRST RETAIL PURCHASER ONLY)
Subject to all of the conditions stated herein, A LIMITED NON-TRANSFERABLE FACTORY LIFETIME

WARRANTY IS EXTENDED ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER WHO FIRST PURCHASED THE PREAMPLIFIER IN NORTH AMERICA AT
RETAIL AND WHO CLAIMS UNDER THIS WARRANTY IN NORTH AMERICA

(not applicable to hand held remote control
and batteries). This Lifetime warranty terminates when this preamplifier is sold by such First Retail
Purchaser to a Third Party.

"THIS LIFETIME WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE DIGITAL CIRCUITRY CONTAINED IN THE UNIT, BUT SUCH DIGITAL

CIRCUITRY IS SUBJECT TO THE FIVE (5) YEAR WARRANTY REFERRED TO ABOVE."

In the event of failure of this preamplifier, Classé Audio Inc., will repair, recalibrate, or at its
discretion, replace the unit in accordance with these Warranties providing that all the conditions
contained in these warranties 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.

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3) Failure to meet any of the above conditions.

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

5) Shipping without the complete factory packaging.

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

7) 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
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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W ARRANTY 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-501 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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