Crest audio CA18 SPECIFICATIONS
CA18 POWER AMPLIFIER 
Product Description
The Crest Audio CA18 professional power amplifier is designed to achieve unsurpassed sonic performance and long-term reliability – even when operating under extreme stress - in touring or fixed installation applications. The CA18 provides high power output coupled with true clarity, and is well-suited for high-pow- ered subwoofers and passive full range systems.
Absolute sonic accuracy is the hallmark of every Crest amplifier. Bass is solid and defined to the limits of audibility, with ample current reserves delivered by an “over-engineered” power supply and advanced Class H circuitry. Wide-bandwidth output devices assure detailed, transparent high frequency response. And, thanks to Crest’s exclusive IGM circuit, the CA18 will drive 2Ω loads safely without compromise in performance.
Construction and Quality Control
The CA18 is built exclusively in Crest’s own USA manufacturing facility, with internal components selected for premium quality and proven durability. Each modular subassembly is pre-tested, and once assembled, the CA18 receives a rigorous “hot room” burn-in before thorough final pre-shipment checkout on precision test equipment.
Power Specs: Other CA Series Power Amplifiers
4 Ω S t e r e o |
CA2 |
CA4 |
CA6 |
CA9 |
CA12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1kHz, .01% THD+N |
2 5 0 W |
4 3 5 W |
6 0 0 W |
9 0 0 W |
1 2 0 0 W |
20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% THD+N |
2 0 0 W |
4 0 0 W |
5 0 0 W |
8 0 0 W |
1 1 0 0 W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CA18 Features
•Crest’s legendary “overbuilt” power supply
•Toroidal power transformer
•Latest generation of high-speed, wide-bandwidth output devices
•Twin tunnel cooling with back-to-front air flow
•Dual, variable speed DC fans
•Massive, extruded aluminum heat sinks
•Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch (TRS) inputs
•Speakon™ connectors or 2 pair of 5-Way Binding Post Outputs (market dependent)
•External switches for stereo/parallel/bridged mono mode, Pin 2/3 hot (+), ground lift, and gain/input sensitivity
•TourClass® protection circuits:
-ACL (Active Clip Limiting) prevents speaker damage with gentle gain reduction at clip threshold.
-IGM (Instantaneous Gain Modulation) monitors speaker
loads to detect conditions that may overstress output devices, allowing safe operation into nominal 2Ω imped-
ances.
-AutoRamp gradually increases gain to attenuator setting level when amplifier is turned on.
-TourClass protection also includes comprehensive thermal management, short circuit, DC voltage, turn-on/off transient, current inrush and sub/ultrasonic input protection.
•Recessed, stepped attenuators
•Front panel circuit breaker switch
•Modular construction
•Five-year warranty*
P o w e r S p e c i f i c a t i o n s |
8 Ω S t e r e o |
4 Ω S t e r e o |
2 Ω S t e r e o |
8 Ω B r i d g e d |
4 Ω B r i d g e d |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1kHz, 0.01% THD+N |
1 0 0 0 W |
1 8 0 0 W |
2 5 0 0 W |
3 6 0 0 W |
5 0 0 0 W |
20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% THD+N |
9 5 0 W |
1 7 0 0 W |
2 4 0 0 W |
3 4 0 0 W |
4 8 0 0 W |
Figures are watts per channel, both channels driven.
C A 1 8 P OW E R A M P L I F I E R
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
|
1kHz, 0.03% THD+N |
20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% THD+N |
|
|
8Ω Stereo Power |
1000W |
950W |
|
|
4Ω Stereo Power |
1800W |
1700W |
|
|
2Ω Stereo Power |
2500W |
2400W |
|
|
8Ω Bridged Mono Power |
3600W |
3400W |
|
|
4Ω Bridged Mono Power |
5000W |
4800W |
|
|
Max RMS Output Voltage (each channel) |
99V |
|
|
|
Peak Output Voltage (each channel) |
140V |
|
|
|
Frequency Response (+0 / -0.3dB, 1W/8Ω ) |
20Hz-20kHz, -3dB@150kHz |
|
|
|
Power Bandwidth (rated power at 4Ω , 1% THD+N) |
20Hz-20kHz, -.2dB/+.2dB |
|
|
|
TourClass® Protection |
ACL, IGM, AutoRamp, short circuit, DC voltage, |
|
|
|
|
turn-on/off transient, current inrush, sub/ultrasonic input. |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
THD+N (rated power at 4Ω , 1kHz) |
<0.03% |
|
|
|
SMPTE IMD (rated power at 8Ω , 60Hz & 7kHz) |
<0.01% |
|
|
|
Damping Factor (10-400Hz at 8Ω ) |
800:1 |
|
|
|
Input CMRR (1kHz) |
> - 70dB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Input Sensitivity (rated power at 8Ω ) |
.775V standard (switchable; see table below) |
|
|
|
Voltage Gain |
X115 standard (switchable; see table below) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Input Impedance (balanced/unbalanced) |
>20kΩ />10kΩ |
|
|
|
Hum and Noise (“A” weighted, full power, 4Ω ) |
-115dB |
|
|
|
Crosstalk (“A” weighted, full power, 4Ω ) |
> - 80dB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class |
H |
|
|
|
Input Connectors (per channel) |
Female XLR (pin 2+, switchable for pin 3+), TRS (tip+) |
|
||
Output Connectors (per channel) (market dependent) |
Speakon connectors or 2 pair of 5-way output binding posts |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Filter Storage |
144,000 µF |
|
|
|
Power Supply (factory configured) |
100V-240V, 50-60Hz |
|
|
|
Idle Current Draw 120V |
3.0A |
|
|
|
1/8 Power Curr. Draw (typical music, 120V/4Ω ) |
12.0A |
|
|
|
1/3 Power Curr. Draw (continuous music, 120V/4Ω ) |
25.0A |
|
|
|
Max Curr. Draw (circuit breaker rating, 120V/4Ω ) |
36.0A |
|
|
|
Thermal Emissions (1/8 Power, 4Ω ) |
7125 BTU/hr |
|
|
|
Thermal Emissions (1/3 Power, 4Ω ) |
9450 BTU/hr |
|
|
|
Cooling |
Back-to-front via 2 rear panel mounted variable-speed DC fans |
|
||
|
(filters removable without tools) |
|
|
|
Controls |
Front Panel: 2 attenuators; Rear Panel Switches: signal ground lift, |
|
||
|
mode select, gain select, XLR input pin 2/3 hot (+) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LED Indicators (per channel) |
Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Construction |
Steel chassis, 16 gauge. Double thickness in rack ear areas. |
|
||
Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth) |
5.25" x 19" x 18" / 133 x 483 x 457mm |
|
|
|
Gross Weight, Net Weight |
82 lbs. (37.23 kg.), 77 lbs. (34.96 kg.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warranty |
5 years* |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain |
Sens |
|
Dealer-Configurable Gain/Sensitivity Options |
Factory Standard |
X115 |
.775V |
|
|
Option 1 |
X40 |
2.24V |
|
|
|
|||
|
Option 2 |
X20 |
4.47V |
|
Architect’s & Engineer’s Specifications
The power amplifier shall have two channels. At 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.1% THD+N, it shall deliver a minimum of 950 watts per channel. At 4 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.1% THD+N, it shall deliver a minimum of 1700 watts per channel. In bridged mono mode with an 8 ohm load, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.1% THD+N, it shall deliver a minimum of 3400 watts.
The amplifier shall have circuitry to protect itself from output short circuits, thermal overload or other adverse load conditions. The amplifier shall protect speaker loads from DC voltage on outputs. The amplifier shall have active clip limiting and impedance sensing circuitry. Output relays shall protect the speakers from amplifier failure.
Two rear panel mounted variable speed DC fans (filters detachable without tools) shall provide back to front air flow through the chassis.
Each channel shall have a standard (factory-set) input sensitivity of .775 volt, and shall be fitted with an external switch which allows the gain to be altered to X20 or X40. The hum and noise level shall be 115 dB below rated output, “A” weighted. SMPTE IMD shall be less than 0.01% at rated power, 60Hz and 7kHz. The amplifier shall have a class H output stage. The frequency response shall be 20Hz-20kHz, +0, -0.3dB (1W 8Ω ).
The amplifier will operate at 100V-240V, 50-60 Hz AC (configured at factory). Maximum current draw shall not exceed 36 amperes at 120VAC (limited by front panel breaker).
Front panel indicators shall include Active, Protect, Signal, and Clip LED’s for each channel. Front panel attenuators shall be recessed and detented.
Rear panel input connectors shall be female TRS, and XLR type, rear-panel switchable for pin 2 (factory setting) or pin 3 positive. Output terminations shall be Speakon connectors or 2 pair of 5-way output binding posts (market dependent). Rear panel switches for ground lift, Stereo/Parallel/ Bridged Mono mode, XLR polarity and gain selection shall also be provided.
A rear-panel AC mains cord having an appropriate AC plug for the intended operating voltage shall be provided.
The packaging of the amplifier shall allow for standard rack mounting without requiring space between similar units. Optional rack mount handles will be available. Dimensions shall be 19" (483mm) wide, 5.25" (133mm) high and 18" (457mm) deep. The amplifier shall weigh 77 lbs. (34.96 kg.) net, and shall be designated the Crest Audio model CA18 .
Power figures are watts per channel, both channels driven.
* 3-Year Warranty with 2 additional years if Registration Card is sent to Crest Audio. (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and many other countries).
Crest Audio reserves the right to make improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specification.
Crest Audio specification literature is available in downloadable PDF format; visit our website at: http://www.crestaudio.com.
©1997 Crest Audio Inc.
Rear View,
Binding Post
Version
Rear View,
Speakon
Version
(not available in North America)
A
+
+ 
A
B
+
B
NL4FC
A 
A
B 
B
Designed & manufactured in the USA by:
GAIN
|
Crest Audio Inc. |
Ø |
40x |
20x |
|
|
100 Eisenhower Dr. |
||||
Paramus, New Jersey 07652 USA |
dBu |
|
|
||
|
A |
|
|
|
|
|
+ |
|
|
|
|
AB |
|
|
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A |
|
|
|
A B A |
B XLR Pin + |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
3 |
|
|
|
A |
B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Designed & manufactured in the USA by: |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
GAIN |
|
|
Crest Audio Inc. |
|
Ø |
40x |
20x |
100 Eisenhower Dr. |
|||||
Paramus, New Jersey 07652 USA |
dBu |
|
|
||
|
A |
|
|
|
|
|
+ |
|
|
|
|
A AB
A
A B
A B XLR Pin +
2 3
A B
B
1
2
3
Crest Audio Inc.
100 Eisenhower Dr., Paramus NJ 07652 USA
TEL: 201.909.8700 FAX: 201.909.8744
http://www.crestaudio.com
*B5000020*
v. 1.3 11/25/97 B5000020
Loading...