CLASSE AUDIO CP-500 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CP-500

Preampliﬁer

Manuel du propriétaire

CP-500

Préampliﬁcateur

FRANÇAISENGLISH

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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.

This means that your Classé product was subjected to the most rigorous manufacturing and safety tests in the world. The CE mark certiﬁes that your purchase meets or exceeds all European Community requirements for unit-to-unit consistency and consumer safety.

This 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This 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:

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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.

NOTICE

• 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.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and 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 other wise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at http://www.classeaudio.com.

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). The 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 #: __________________

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. The 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.

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11. Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12.

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. The 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.

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.

The 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.

The 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 .

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Contents

Welcome to the Classé family ......................................................................... 5

a word about installation .......................................................................... 5

Unpacking and Placement .............................................................................. 6

unpacking your preampliﬁer .................................................................... 6

placement ................................................................................................ 6

ventilation ................................................................................................ 6

custom installations .................................................................................. 6

serial number ........................................................................................... 6

operating voltage ...................................................................................... 7

warm up/break-in period .......................................................................... 8

please read this manual… ........................................................................ 8

Special Design Features .................................................................................. 9

ﬂexible graphicaluser interface ................................................................. 9

customizable volume control ................................................................... 9

highly reﬁned circuit design ..................................................................... 9

extensive listening tests .......................................................................... 10

extraordinary longevity .......................................................................... 10

Front Panel .................................................................................................... 11

Rear Panel .................................................................................................... 14

optional phono preamp ................................................................... 14

The Remote Control ...................................................................................... 19

The Menu System ......................................................................................... 21

operational menu ................................................................................... 21

input selection ................................................................................. 21

tape loop ......................................................................................... 21

main menu system ................................................................................ 22

system setup ........................................................................................... 22

rotary ............................................................................................... 23

input ................................................................................................ 25

phono gain ...................................................................................... 27

triggers ............................................................................................ 27

max volume ..................................................................................... 27

teach IR .................................................................................................. 28

display setup .......................................................................................... 28

brightness ........................................................................................ 29

timeout ............................................................................................ 29

language .......................................................................................... 29

main balance ......................................................................................... 29

remote Fkeys .......................................................................................... 30

cautionary note on Fkey use ............................................................ 30

status ...................................................................................................... 31

version info ...................................................................................... 31

sensors ............................................................................................. 31

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 32

Care and Maintenance .................................................................................. 35

cleaning the cabinet ............................................................................... 35

cleaning theLCD touchscreen ................................................................. 35

installing theremote control batteries ...................................................... 35

Speciﬁcations ............................................................................................... 36

Dimensions ................................................................................................. 73

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.

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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.

Unpacking and Placement

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unpacking

your preampliﬁer

Important! Keep all packing materials for future transport of your Classé product.

placement As with any preampliﬁer, it is best to place the CP-500 centrally within your system,

Carefully unpack your preampliﬁer according to the supplied instructions, and remove all accessories from the carton.

Shipping your new component in anything other than its purposedesigned packing material may result in damage that is not covered by the warranty.

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 The 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.

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 The CP-500 preampliﬁer is set at the factory for 100V, 120V, 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). The 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.

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The 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.

The 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. The 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. The Standby LED will ﬂash to indicate the condition.

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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.

The 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 .

Special Design Features

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ﬂexible graphical

user interface

customizable

volume control

The 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. The 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.)

The 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.

The 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.

This 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.

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.

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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 troublefree reliability and musical enjoyment, just as previous Classé products have given their owners.

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Front Panel

1 Standby button & LED indicator

The 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).

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The 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. The best protection in the case of severe electrical storms is simply to remove the electronics from any connection with the power grid.

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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 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.

touchscreen (and

By pressing the Menu button, you can also call up the 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 The Menu System

4 Mute button

The 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. This 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

The 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 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.

IR input and output mini-jacks and an IR repeater system to solve

menu system of the CP-500,

later in this manual.

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. The 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

The large knob on the right side of the front panel of the CP-500 is used to control the volume of the system.

The 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.

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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

These 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 The Menu System for more information.)

3 Ground terminal

The 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.

4 Balanced (XLR) inputs

These 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.

The 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.

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These 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). The 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 singleended outputs to your preampliﬁer/processor using high-quality shielded RCAterminated cables. Your Classé dealer can advise you on the selection of cables suitable for your system.

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7 Balanced (XLR) main outputs

These 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 microphonelevel signals. For many years now, they have also been used by performanceoriented 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.

The 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

These 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.

8 RS-232 Control Port

This 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 iCommand™, AMX® and Crestron

™

For more information, please contact your dealer and ask about home automation systems.

9 Classé CAN Bus Control Ports

These 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. These 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.

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The 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. They 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. The 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). This allows you to “daisy chain” your control wires from one product to the next.

The 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.

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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.

The 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 The Menu System. For example, your dealer can program Trigger Out1 to toggle your Classé power ampliﬁer between operate and standby with your CP-500.

The 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

The 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. The 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.

The Remote Control

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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. The buttons are arranged in logical groups according to their functions.

1 Basic Functions

This 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

The 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 The Menu System for information on how to do this.)

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The 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 The Menu System for more on your mute options).

The 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

The central section of the remote control contains the navigation keys. This 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.

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• Home returns you to the normal input selection controls normally shown on the LCD screen on the front panel of the CP-500. This provides a quick way to get back to normal operation, regardless of how deep you might be in the menu system.

• Menu serves two functions: it calls up the menu system when you need it in order to adjust something to your preference; once within the menu system, pressing Menu returns you to the previous level of the menu system. If you press Menu when at the top level of the menu system, it will take you back out of the menu system to the normal display.

• The Bal (balance) key takes you directly to the balance screen in the menu system; once there, you can use the navigation keys on the remote to select either the left or right buttons on the LCD touchscreen, depending on which way you wish to move the balance. Adjust the relative left-right balance of the system by using the Enter key on the remote to “press” the appropriate button on the display.

• Up/Down/Left/Right keys allow you to move within a particular menu screen, changing the highlighted item up/down/left/right as you like, from the comfort of your listening position.

• The Enter key allows you to select the highlighted item, having the same effect as if you had pressed the button on the LCD touchscreen.

4 Fkey Controls

The CP-500 remote control can also control user-deﬁned functions as well. The F1/F2/F3/F4 keys are available for controlling aspects of the CP-500 not covered by the other buttons on the remote control.

You are able to choose what the CP-500 should do in response to receiving the infrared signal that a particular Fkey has been pressed. The list of possible functions is quite extensive, and is found in the menu system (see the next section in this manual, entitled The Menu System).

Note: The Fkeys on all Classé remote controls issue the same infrared

commands. This saves you from having to be sure you have picked up the proper remote, since all your Classé remotes will perform the same function for each Fkey.

The Menu System

Your CP-500 includes a versatile LCD touchscreen which supports both an attractive information display and a ﬂexible menu system. While its use is quite intuitive, it is also quite extensive. This section of the owner’s manual outlines the many capabilities found in the menu system.

operational menu

The operational menu provides easy access to the most basic functions of the preampliﬁer: input selection and tape monitor. It also provides both a numeric and a graphic depiction of the current volume setting.

input selection Pressing any of the input buttons on the touchscreen will switch to the appropriate

input. You may have as many as three line inputs (meaning single-ended connections using RCA connectors) and two bal inputs (balanced connections using XLR connectors). If you do not have this many sources in your system, you can elect to deactivate the unused inputs. Doing so removes their associated buttons from the touchscreen, reducing confusion for occasional users of the system.

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tape loop In addition, the CP-500 has a dedicated tape loop for use with sources that can both

record and play back, bringing the total number of sources you can connect to the CP500 to six (four single-ended and two balanced).

When you touch the selected input remains highlighted. Whenever any input is selected for listening, it is also selected for possible recording; a copy of its signal is sent to the recording device connected to the tape output. You may record it or not as you please.

When you select the recording feed (whether or not it is being used), while switching to monitor the output of the tape deck (or CD recorder, or whatever else you might have connected to the record loop). In this way, you can monitor the result of your recording while you are making it, in real time. (This assumes that your recording device supports this capability, as

do three-head tape decks.)

tape button to highlight it, you will notice that the previously

tape button, you are asking the CP-500 to continue with this

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main menu system

Pressing the front panel Menu button to the left of the LCD touchscreen brings up a comprehensive main menu system, the top two levels of which are shown above. This menu provides access to many installation-speciﬁc features that let you customize how the CP-500 works within the context of your particular system.

system setup

The ﬁrst button on the control menu takes you to a series of submenus that collectively provide a great deal of control over your system setup. Here, you can:

• customize the behavior of your volume control

• tailor your inputs to your particular source components

• adjust the gain of the optional phono module

• program the behavior of the CP-500’s DC triggers

• establish a maximum volume setting for your system

rotary The rotary knob on the front panel does not directly control the volume. Instead, it

controls circuitry that does so with greater ﬁdelity and precision than traditional volume potentiometers could ever achieve.

Since the volume control circuitry is under software control, it is possible to customize its behavior under various conditions. To better understand why this is so valuable, consider two scenarios:

Person A places a high value on precision in achieving exactly the volume setting that makes the music most realistic; being able to easily change volume setting by a fraction of a decibel is critical to his enjoyment of the system.

Person B just wants to jump easily from low volumes to a reasonable listening level, and is less concerned with the ﬁner points of precision than with getting what he wants with a quick twist of the knob.

You can see the problem in these scenarios: Person A wants extremely ﬁne gradations on the volume control, which will require many rotations to go from extremely low setting to normal listening levels; Person B wants to get from one to the other with a “quick twist” of the knob, requiring coarse gradations in order to cover so much range in so little space. What happens when Persons A and B live in the same house? Or if Person C wants to have both, depending on their mood at the moment? (In fact, most of us are

probably like Person C.

Classé solves this dilemma by altering the response of the volume control, based on several factors.

)

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Since it is rare to listen at extremely low (barely audible) volumes, the low range adjustment of the volume control allows for faster response to knob input when the volume setting values are low. When activated, you will get from extremely low to middle volume control settings a bit faster than you would otherwise. This effect can be subtle, and may not even be desirable when the speakers used have extremely high sensitivity (since this results in using the lowest part of the range more than you would otherwise).

The most signiﬁcant factor in the perceived responsiveness of the volume control is the speed at which the knob is being turned. We all naturally tend to move volume knobs more quickly when we need to make a bigger change, and we tend to slow down as we approach our desired volume. Thus, if the CP-500 sees the knob moving relatively quickly, it uses coarse steps to effectively accelerate the action of the circuitry. As the knob begins to turn more slowly, the CP-500 will actually increase the resolution of the steps, which slows down the action of the volume control and yields greater precision in choosing an appropriate setting.

+ 51 hidden pages

CLASSE AUDIO CP-500 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual