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THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT
CLASSÉ
Thank you for purchasing the Classé Audio
CAP-151 Integrated Amplifier.
We take great pride in offering components
that combine exceptional sonic performance and
long-term reliability. To do that, we have invested
in extraordinary design and manufacturing
facilities. We trust that you will enjoy your
purchase for many years to come.
CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
All of our components benefit from the same
rigorous design goal: All Classé products must
reproduce music with the harmonic and spatial
integrity typical of fine instruments heard in a
live, unamplified performance.
Single Circuit Design
To this end, we make extensive use of
carefully optimized versions of the same basic
circuit precisely matched to specific power
requirements. This means that all Classé line
level components and power amplifiers benefit
from years of refinement. However, our efforts
do not stop here.
Listening: The Critical Design Element
Once we determine general circuit values
for a particular application, we listen carefully
while exchanging and mixing different parts
(transistors, capacitors, wiring, PC boards, etc.)
and adjusting specific operating voltages within
proper engineering ranges.
Extended Real-World Lifespan
Every Classé component, even the most
affordable, benefits from our painstaking
approach to design parameters. The result is an
optimum balance between the often-conflicting
demands of exceptional performance and long-
term reliability. Our most expensive components
gain from even tighter tolerance parts and highly
segmented and exceptionally robust power
supplies with large reserve-current capabilities.
Our Pride in Manufacturing, Your Pride
in Ownership.
We build all of our components to the highest
possible standards. From multi-layer glass-epoxy
circuit boards, the full sized power-supplies, and
the massive faceplates, every Classé product is
a tribute to both the science and art of sound
reproduction. We hope that you derive as much
pleasure and satisfaction in using your Classé as
we did in producing it.
UNPACKING & SET-UP
Your CLASSÉ CAP-151 integrated amplifier 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 owners
manual, please ensure the follow-ing has also
been included:
- DETACHABLE AC LINECORD.
- REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (AAA x 2 included).
Please report any damage or missing parts to
your dealer promptly.
Place the CAP-151 at or near its final set-up
position, allowing 8 inches (20 mm.) at the rear
for tightening the speaker output connectors
and inserting the interconnects. For optimum
sonic performance, we recommend the optional
CLASSÉ REFERENCE A.C. LINE CORD. Consult
your dealer regarding this accessory.
The power transformer in the CAP-151 is located
at the front/centre of the unit. Ideally, a few feet
should separate this area from components that
are susceptible to pick up hum. These include
turntables and interconnect cables. In terms
of providing adequate airspace for cooling, a
clearance of at least 6 inches (15 mm.) should
be left above the unit.
Check the serial number sticker on the back
of the unit for the correct operating voltage.
The CAP-151 has one A.C. line fuse, inside the
unit, at the back left-hand side (facing the unit)
directly beside the small auxiliary transformer.
The rating should be as follows:
FOR 100 TO 120 VOLTS: 5 AMPS
SLO-BLOW 250V.
FOR 220 TO 240 VOLTS: 4 AMPS
SLO-BLOW 250V.
A.C. LINE POWER
When the CLASSÉ CAP-151 is first plugged in,
only the auxiliary transformer is powered on.
To actually turn the unit on, the POWER switch
situated on the front the panel, below the
display, has to be activated. When the power
switch is pressed, the display will show a count
down of 20 seconds. During this period, there
will be no response from any of the functions
except for the POWER switch (please note that at
this stage, the output terminals of the amplifier
section are already connected to the
loudspeakers).
While thoroughly musical shortly after turn-on,
the integrated amplifier will exhibit sonic
growth during its first 300 hours of use. Safety Feature
The CAP-151 integrated amplifier is designed
with an auto-shut down circuit that engages
after an AC power failure. Press the power
switch to re-activate the unit after a power shut
down. This feature will prevent any turn-on
surges or unstable output from reaching
the integrated amplifier and possibly the
loudspeakers. Similarly, make sure the MUTE is
ON (showing MUTE at the right of the volume
display) again when powering down the unit.
When the CAP-151 has been turned off, please
wait at least 30 seconds before turning on the
unit again. Turning the unit back on immediately
after turn off can cause the AC line fuse to blow.
CAUTION:Disconnect the AC line cord 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 their A.C. line cords to the
wall outlets. This will reduce the potential shock
hazard.
INPUTS
The input jacks are clearly marked on the back of
the CAP-151. The following inputs are provided:
LINE 1, LINE 2, LINE 3, LINE 4, BAL1, TAPE IN and
AMP IN.
LINE LEVEL INPUTS LINE 1, LINE 2, LINE 3 and
LINE 4: These are all high level inputs sharing
exactly the same characteristics, and may be
interchanged if so desired. A tape machine
should only be connected to the TAPE input (see
TAPE IN and TAPE OUTPUT sections). The LINE
1 input could also be fitted with an OPTIONAL
PHONO BOARD plug in module installed in the
unit (see PHONO BOARD INSTALLATION).
A ground screw is provided adjacent to the
LINE 1 input jacks.
Balanced Input BAL1
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.
Tape In
The TAPE IN of the CAP-151 integrated amplifier
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 button. (See FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:
TAPE BUTTON.)
AMP In
The SEPARATE button can be activated if
the desire is to use this single ended input.
By activating the SEPARATE switch, the
preamplifier section is decoupled from the
amplifier section that will permit to connect a
