|
| PRESS RELEASE |
Media Contact:
John Nicoll / Lucette Nicoll
Nicoll Public Relations, Inc.
781-762-9300
john@nicollpr.com
The New ClassÈ
A “Force” to be Reckoned With: 5 Power Amps, Stereo Preamp,
Integrated Amp, and CD Player are Just the Beginning
John Nicoll / Lucette Nicoll
Nicoll Public Relations, Inc.
781-762-9300
john@nicollpr.com
The New ClassÈ
A “Force” to be Reckoned With: 5 Power Amps, Stereo Preamp,
Integrated Amp, and CD Player are Just the Beginning
| CA-2200 |
| CA-2100 |
| CA-3200 |
| CA-5200 |
| CP-500 |
| CA-M4200 |
| CAP-2100 |
| CDP-100 |
MontrÈal, Canada—Aug. 2004—In the broadest and most important
introduction of its 24-year history, ClassÈ Audio Inc. has unveiled eight new
products that launch its new Delta range of high-end audio components. At
the same time, the Canadian firm admired by audio devotees worldwide for
intelligent, uncompromising high-end audio and home-theater components, has
debuted a new corporate logo developed by famed graphic designers Thomas
Manns & Co. to symbolize its newly focused corporate identity and
contemporary approach.
“We have been using Delta at ClassÈ as the code name to describe this project.
It was chosen because of its meaning in engineering and mathematics,
signifying difference or change,” says David Nauber, ClassÈ’s Executive VP,
Brand Development. “The marketplace for high-end audio and video is changing
and ClassÈ could not be more pleased about that.” Nauber continues, “Our
Delta series is simply a contemporary expression of the famous ClassÈ virtues
of exceptional quality, value and sonic performance. It marks an important new
era in our company’s evolution.”
The Delta series will complement ClassÈ’s flagship Omega family to complete the
firm’s offerings. Initial model introductions comprise eight stunning designs:
five power amplifiers ranging from 2x100 watts to 5x200 watts, a single stereo
preamplifier and an equivalent, 2x100 watts integrated amplifier, and a stereo
CD player. Future additions will include multichannel preamp/processors, and
universal-format optical disc players and transports.
New Look, New Interface
While ClassÈ’s new models are “clean-sheet” designs, they clearly owe much
technologically to the firm’s universally admired Omega range—a reference
standard for many reviewers and enthusiasts around the world. However, in a
single stroke the Delta range also establishes an entirely new level of ergonomic
sophistication, and debuts a stunning but understated new appearance.
Morten Warren and the world-famous Native Design Studio have developed
ClassÈ’s new industrial design concepts. All of the Delta models are built on
chassis that share a single common width and one of only three different
heights. All boast an elegantly smooth, dramatically radiused, thick front-panel
form that combines the characteristics of strength, power and softness. Delta
series components can be arrayed in any combination horizontally or stacked
vertically while assuring its owners a uniquely well-integrated, visually logical
system facade.
But handsome is as handsome does, and the all-new user interface is an even
more important sign of ClassÈ’s evolving direction.
Each of the “hands-on” Delta components—preamp, integrated-amp, and disc-
player (as well as future such models)—features a front-panel color TFT
touchscreen display that provides a complete, eminently usable user-interface
while blessedly reducing each unit’s hard-key button population to a mere
three: Standby, Menu, and Load or Mute.
This design choice brings the obvious advantage of delivering the user clear,
logical, and convenient operation that is almost entirely self-prompting, where
commands and their labels are one and the same for the ultimate in simple
usability. But every bit as valuable, ClassÈ’s touchscreen control system is
freely upgradeable: as future needs arise with new modes or functions, or as
developments in software or even hardware occur, the user interface can evolve
as required via easy updating, without imposing awkward key-combinations,
misleading button-labels, or confusing menu paths.
The ClassÈ Delta series’ alluring appearance and innovative interface are
dramatic elements, but they are far from its only important aspects. Each of
the new components relies on ClassÈ’s intensive development process,
obsessively auditioning and selecting components, circuit topologies, and even
circuit-board layouts, to achieve the most transparent possible sonic results.
The entire ClassÈ Delta family also benefits from the mechanical performance of
the new chassis design and exploits a customized foot design that, along with
other refinements, advances vibration resistance nearly 100-fold.
The five power amplifiers in ClassÈ’s initial Delta introduction all include both
balanced and single-ended inputs and flexible control via IR, DC-trigger, or bi-
directional RS-232 signaling. They include stereo models of 100 and 200 watts
per channel, the CA-2100 and CA-2200, and two multichannel designs, the
3x200-watt CA-3200 and 5x200 CA-5200, as well as a monaural amplifier, the
CA-M400 producing 400 watts.
Sharing the revolutionary new Delta touchscreen control interface are three
initial component introductions: a stereo preamplifier, the CP-500, the range’s
sole integrated amp, called CAP-2100 (which in its essence combines the CA-
2100 amplifier and CP-500 preamp for a single-component stereo solution of
unprecedented quality and value), and the CDP-100, a single-CD, HDCD-
capable player. (See accompanying releases on the individual
components/families.)
Power Amplifiers
Model Manufacturer’s Suggested Price
CA-2100 2x100 watts $3,500
CA-2200 2x200 watts $5,000
CA-3200 3x200 watts $6,000
CA-5200 5x200 watts $8,000
CA-M400 1x400 watts $5,000
Preamp/Integrated Amplifier
CP-500 $3,500
CAP-2100 2x100 (int. amplifier) $4,900
CD Player
CDP-100 $3,500
For additional information about ClassÈ Audio visit www.classeaudio.com.
introduction of its 24-year history, ClassÈ Audio Inc. has unveiled eight new
products that launch its new Delta range of high-end audio components. At
the same time, the Canadian firm admired by audio devotees worldwide for
intelligent, uncompromising high-end audio and home-theater components, has
debuted a new corporate logo developed by famed graphic designers Thomas
Manns & Co. to symbolize its newly focused corporate identity and
contemporary approach.
“We have been using Delta at ClassÈ as the code name to describe this project.
It was chosen because of its meaning in engineering and mathematics,
signifying difference or change,” says David Nauber, ClassÈ’s Executive VP,
Brand Development. “The marketplace for high-end audio and video is changing
and ClassÈ could not be more pleased about that.” Nauber continues, “Our
Delta series is simply a contemporary expression of the famous ClassÈ virtues
of exceptional quality, value and sonic performance. It marks an important new
era in our company’s evolution.”
The Delta series will complement ClassÈ’s flagship Omega family to complete the
firm’s offerings. Initial model introductions comprise eight stunning designs:
five power amplifiers ranging from 2x100 watts to 5x200 watts, a single stereo
preamplifier and an equivalent, 2x100 watts integrated amplifier, and a stereo
CD player. Future additions will include multichannel preamp/processors, and
universal-format optical disc players and transports.
New Look, New Interface
While ClassÈ’s new models are “clean-sheet” designs, they clearly owe much
technologically to the firm’s universally admired Omega range—a reference
standard for many reviewers and enthusiasts around the world. However, in a
single stroke the Delta range also establishes an entirely new level of ergonomic
sophistication, and debuts a stunning but understated new appearance.
Morten Warren and the world-famous Native Design Studio have developed
ClassÈ’s new industrial design concepts. All of the Delta models are built on
chassis that share a single common width and one of only three different
heights. All boast an elegantly smooth, dramatically radiused, thick front-panel
form that combines the characteristics of strength, power and softness. Delta
series components can be arrayed in any combination horizontally or stacked
vertically while assuring its owners a uniquely well-integrated, visually logical
system facade.
But handsome is as handsome does, and the all-new user interface is an even
more important sign of ClassÈ’s evolving direction.
Each of the “hands-on” Delta components—preamp, integrated-amp, and disc-
player (as well as future such models)—features a front-panel color TFT
touchscreen display that provides a complete, eminently usable user-interface
while blessedly reducing each unit’s hard-key button population to a mere
three: Standby, Menu, and Load or Mute.
This design choice brings the obvious advantage of delivering the user clear,
logical, and convenient operation that is almost entirely self-prompting, where
commands and their labels are one and the same for the ultimate in simple
usability. But every bit as valuable, ClassÈ’s touchscreen control system is
freely upgradeable: as future needs arise with new modes or functions, or as
developments in software or even hardware occur, the user interface can evolve
as required via easy updating, without imposing awkward key-combinations,
misleading button-labels, or confusing menu paths.
The ClassÈ Delta series’ alluring appearance and innovative interface are
dramatic elements, but they are far from its only important aspects. Each of
the new components relies on ClassÈ’s intensive development process,
obsessively auditioning and selecting components, circuit topologies, and even
circuit-board layouts, to achieve the most transparent possible sonic results.
The entire ClassÈ Delta family also benefits from the mechanical performance of
the new chassis design and exploits a customized foot design that, along with
other refinements, advances vibration resistance nearly 100-fold.
The five power amplifiers in ClassÈ’s initial Delta introduction all include both
balanced and single-ended inputs and flexible control via IR, DC-trigger, or bi-
directional RS-232 signaling. They include stereo models of 100 and 200 watts
per channel, the CA-2100 and CA-2200, and two multichannel designs, the
3x200-watt CA-3200 and 5x200 CA-5200, as well as a monaural amplifier, the
CA-M400 producing 400 watts.
Sharing the revolutionary new Delta touchscreen control interface are three
initial component introductions: a stereo preamplifier, the CP-500, the range’s
sole integrated amp, called CAP-2100 (which in its essence combines the CA-
2100 amplifier and CP-500 preamp for a single-component stereo solution of
unprecedented quality and value), and the CDP-100, a single-CD, HDCD-
capable player. (See accompanying releases on the individual
components/families.)
Power Amplifiers
Model Manufacturer’s Suggested Price
CA-2100 2x100 watts $3,500
CA-2200 2x200 watts $5,000
CA-3200 3x200 watts $6,000
CA-5200 5x200 watts $8,000
CA-M400 1x400 watts $5,000
Preamp/Integrated Amplifier
CP-500 $3,500
CAP-2100 2x100 (int. amplifier) $4,900
CD Player
CDP-100 $3,500
For additional information about ClassÈ Audio visit www.classeaudio.com.
ClassÈ Audio’s Delta Range Bows Preamp, Integrated Amplifier
| CAP-2100 |
MontrÈal, Canada—Aug. 2004—Among the eight components that introduce
ClassÈ Audio’s stunning new Delta lineup are a stereo preamplifier and
integrated amp. Both feature the remarkably simple and usable touchscreen
interface destined to become the hallmark of the Canadian maker’s newest line,
as well as the dramatic new look developed by famed industrial designer Morten
Warren’s Native Design Studio.
ClassÈ’s Delta-series CAP-2100 integrated amp and CP-500 are functionally
similar save for the former’s on-board 100 watts-per-channel stereo
amplification, derived from the new CA-2100 stereo power amplifier (see
accompanying amplifier release). Consequently, each unit features a TFT color
touchscreen display smoothly integrated into its elegantly curving front panel,
for the ultimate in simple, intuitive, ergonomics: When the control-label is the
control, operation becomes as direct and logical as can be imagined.
While their ergonomic excellence is unparalleled, the CAP-2100 and CP-500’s
sonic qualities are equally noteworthy.
Both rely on ClassÈ’s famously obsessive critical auditioning in selecting
components, circuit topologies, and even board layouts, to achieve sonic
transparency and musical finesse rivaling components of vastly higher costs;
both also feature the firm’s characteristic stable, noise-free power-supply
designs to ensure dynamic purity and freedom from circuit-group interactions.
The Delta-series integrated amp and stereo preamp also both employ ClassÈ’s
own fully balanced circuit topologies and accommodate both balanced (XLR) and
single-ended (RCA) signal-connections.
The CAP-2100 integrated amp’s 2x100-watt amplifier section incorporates the
well-established ClassÈ amplifier virtues of enormous current reserves (its
power doubles to 200 watts per channel with 4Ω loads) and massive, ultra-
stable power supplies, as well as ClassÈ’s unique amp-monitoring circuitry.
This circuitry continuously observes incoming AC voltage, current, and polarity,
ground condition, heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures and more,
assuring reliable operation without intrusion into any signal-path circuit, and
without requiring sonics-restricting fuses. If necessary, the CAP-2100 simply
shuts down, otherwise assuring the listener of absolutely pure, unimpeded
reproduction.
Like all of ClassÈ’s Delta line, both the CAP-2100 integrated amplifier and the
CP-500 stereo preamplifier provide system integration via IR-signaling, DC-
trigger, or bi-directional RS-232 control, for the ultimate in flexibility. The CAP-
2100 and CP-500 are available in North America at manufacturer’s suggested
prices of $4,900 (CAP-2100 integrated amp) and $3,500 (CP-500 stereo
preamplifier).
ClassÈ Audio’s stunning new Delta lineup are a stereo preamplifier and
integrated amp. Both feature the remarkably simple and usable touchscreen
interface destined to become the hallmark of the Canadian maker’s newest line,
as well as the dramatic new look developed by famed industrial designer Morten
Warren’s Native Design Studio.
ClassÈ’s Delta-series CAP-2100 integrated amp and CP-500 are functionally
similar save for the former’s on-board 100 watts-per-channel stereo
amplification, derived from the new CA-2100 stereo power amplifier (see
accompanying amplifier release). Consequently, each unit features a TFT color
touchscreen display smoothly integrated into its elegantly curving front panel,
for the ultimate in simple, intuitive, ergonomics: When the control-label is the
control, operation becomes as direct and logical as can be imagined.
While their ergonomic excellence is unparalleled, the CAP-2100 and CP-500’s
sonic qualities are equally noteworthy.
Both rely on ClassÈ’s famously obsessive critical auditioning in selecting
components, circuit topologies, and even board layouts, to achieve sonic
transparency and musical finesse rivaling components of vastly higher costs;
both also feature the firm’s characteristic stable, noise-free power-supply
designs to ensure dynamic purity and freedom from circuit-group interactions.
The Delta-series integrated amp and stereo preamp also both employ ClassÈ’s
own fully balanced circuit topologies and accommodate both balanced (XLR) and
single-ended (RCA) signal-connections.
The CAP-2100 integrated amp’s 2x100-watt amplifier section incorporates the
well-established ClassÈ amplifier virtues of enormous current reserves (its
power doubles to 200 watts per channel with 4Ω loads) and massive, ultra-
stable power supplies, as well as ClassÈ’s unique amp-monitoring circuitry.
This circuitry continuously observes incoming AC voltage, current, and polarity,
ground condition, heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures and more,
assuring reliable operation without intrusion into any signal-path circuit, and
without requiring sonics-restricting fuses. If necessary, the CAP-2100 simply
shuts down, otherwise assuring the listener of absolutely pure, unimpeded
reproduction.
Like all of ClassÈ’s Delta line, both the CAP-2100 integrated amplifier and the
CP-500 stereo preamplifier provide system integration via IR-signaling, DC-
trigger, or bi-directional RS-232 control, for the ultimate in flexibility. The CAP-
2100 and CP-500 are available in North America at manufacturer’s suggested
prices of $4,900 (CAP-2100 integrated amp) and $3,500 (CP-500 stereo
preamplifier).
Power Amps Anchor ClassÈ Audio’s New Delta Range
MontrÈal, QuÈbec, Canada—Aug. 2004—Five new power amplifiers from
internationally respected high-end audio maker ClassÈ Audio anchor the new
Delta family, which marks the most exciting and important introduction in the
Canadian firm’s near quarter-century history. (See accompanying Delta
overview release.)
The five Delta amps encompass stereo, multichannel, and monaural models,
each featuring the tremendous current reserves and astonishing transparency
and finesse that have made ClassÈ amplifiers famous among serious
audiophiles the world around. And each model is designed to match other
components in the exciting new Delta family, which combines elegant, highly
integrated industrial design with an industry-leading new touchscreen-based
user interface.
The ClassÈ Delta series amplifier range is comprised of the 100-watt stereo CA-
2100 and 200-watt stereo CA-2200, two multichannel designs, the 3x200-
watt CA-3200 and 5x200 CA-5200, and a single monaural model, CA-M400
of 400 watts. The five amps share substantially similar building blocks, differing
primarily in channel-count and power-level.
MontrÈal, QuÈbec, Canada—Aug. 2004—Five new power amplifiers from
internationally respected high-end audio maker ClassÈ Audio anchor the new
Delta family, which marks the most exciting and important introduction in the
Canadian firm’s near quarter-century history. (See accompanying Delta
overview release.)
The five Delta amps encompass stereo, multichannel, and monaural models,
each featuring the tremendous current reserves and astonishing transparency
and finesse that have made ClassÈ amplifiers famous among serious
audiophiles the world around. And each model is designed to match other
components in the exciting new Delta family, which combines elegant, highly
integrated industrial design with an industry-leading new touchscreen-based
user interface.
The ClassÈ Delta series amplifier range is comprised of the 100-watt stereo CA-
2100 and 200-watt stereo CA-2200, two multichannel designs, the 3x200-
watt CA-3200 and 5x200 CA-5200, and a single monaural model, CA-M400
of 400 watts. The five amps share substantially similar building blocks, differing
primarily in channel-count and power-level.
| CA-2200 |
Consequently, they also share important design and performance
characteristics, beginning with the colossally stable power supplies and massive
current capability for which ClassÈ amplifiers have long been known. Thus,
while the above power-ratings all refer to use with 8Ω loads, each of the Delta
amplifiers delivers considerably more power into lower impedance loudspeakers.
All five new ClassÈ models also furnish both balanced (XLR) and single-ended
(RCA) inputs for all channels, ensuring maximum dynamic-range potential with
any connection scheme, most especially with the new and forthcoming
touchscreen-based preamplifier and preamp/processors. And the five amplifiers
all incorporate power/standby switching controllable via DC-trigger, IR-
signaling, or RS-232 control, ensuring complete system integration regardless
of configuration.
Most importantly, however, the new Delta-family amplifiers feature circuit
topologies and components derived from ClassÈ’s Omega-series amplifiers,
widely recognized as a world-standard in amplification. Elements such as fully
balanced circuit design, massive, ultra-stable, low-noise power-supplies, and
meticulously selected and matched output devices ensure the dramatic power
and delicate detail and dynamic finesse expected of ClassÈ amplifiers. To
maintain their superb sonics in all conditions, the new models also feature the
most carefully “managed” amplifier designs yet devised.
Newly developed monitoring circuits constantly observe such parameters as
incoming AC voltage and polarity, ground condition, output current, DC offset
and heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures, assuring safe, reliable
operation without any sonics-compromising protection circuitry whatsoever (or
even the sonically intrusive expedient of fusing): If a potentially dangerous
condition such as over-voltage or a speaker-leads short is perceived, the
ClassÈ amplifiers simply shut down, alerting the owner. And since all of the
amplifiers’ monitoring elements lie entirely outside of all signal paths, the net
musical effect of these safety nets is precisely zero.
Also common to the new Delta-line amplifiers is ClassÈ’s stunning new
industrial design, developed by Morten Warren’s famed Native Design group.
This features a dramatically radiused, sculpted-metal fascia and common
chassis-width that encourage every Delta system combination to merge into a
smoothly integrated visual whole.
With its combination of stereo, multichannel, and monaural models, the ClassÈ
Delta series power amplifiers stand ready to serve the finest music and home
theater systems in any configuration and any number of channels. The ClassÈ
Delta series amplifiers are available in North America at the following
manufacturer’s suggested US prices.
Model
CA-2100 2x100 watts $3,500
CA-2200 2x200 watts $5,000
CA-3200 3x200 watts $6,000
CA-5200 5x200 watts $8,000
CA-M400 1x400 watts $5,000
characteristics, beginning with the colossally stable power supplies and massive
current capability for which ClassÈ amplifiers have long been known. Thus,
while the above power-ratings all refer to use with 8Ω loads, each of the Delta
amplifiers delivers considerably more power into lower impedance loudspeakers.
All five new ClassÈ models also furnish both balanced (XLR) and single-ended
(RCA) inputs for all channels, ensuring maximum dynamic-range potential with
any connection scheme, most especially with the new and forthcoming
touchscreen-based preamplifier and preamp/processors. And the five amplifiers
all incorporate power/standby switching controllable via DC-trigger, IR-
signaling, or RS-232 control, ensuring complete system integration regardless
of configuration.
Most importantly, however, the new Delta-family amplifiers feature circuit
topologies and components derived from ClassÈ’s Omega-series amplifiers,
widely recognized as a world-standard in amplification. Elements such as fully
balanced circuit design, massive, ultra-stable, low-noise power-supplies, and
meticulously selected and matched output devices ensure the dramatic power
and delicate detail and dynamic finesse expected of ClassÈ amplifiers. To
maintain their superb sonics in all conditions, the new models also feature the
most carefully “managed” amplifier designs yet devised.
Newly developed monitoring circuits constantly observe such parameters as
incoming AC voltage and polarity, ground condition, output current, DC offset
and heatsink and ambient chassis temperatures, assuring safe, reliable
operation without any sonics-compromising protection circuitry whatsoever (or
even the sonically intrusive expedient of fusing): If a potentially dangerous
condition such as over-voltage or a speaker-leads short is perceived, the
ClassÈ amplifiers simply shut down, alerting the owner. And since all of the
amplifiers’ monitoring elements lie entirely outside of all signal paths, the net
musical effect of these safety nets is precisely zero.
Also common to the new Delta-line amplifiers is ClassÈ’s stunning new
industrial design, developed by Morten Warren’s famed Native Design group.
This features a dramatically radiused, sculpted-metal fascia and common
chassis-width that encourage every Delta system combination to merge into a
smoothly integrated visual whole.
With its combination of stereo, multichannel, and monaural models, the ClassÈ
Delta series power amplifiers stand ready to serve the finest music and home
theater systems in any configuration and any number of channels. The ClassÈ
Delta series amplifiers are available in North America at the following
manufacturer’s suggested US prices.
Model
CA-2100 2x100 watts $3,500
CA-2200 2x200 watts $5,000
CA-3200 3x200 watts $6,000
CA-5200 5x200 watts $8,000
CA-M400 1x400 watts $5,000
ClassÈ Audio Introduces Touchscreen CD Player
MontrÈal, Canada—Aug. 2004—Canada’s ClassÈ Audio, known around the
world for its standard-setting components for high-end audio and home-
theater systems, has introduced a new compact disc player as part of its
exciting new Delta range. The CDP-100 joins seven other initial Delta-range
intros (see accompanying releases) including five power amplifiers, a preamp,
and an integrated amp, in the broadest and most significant line change in
ClassÈ’s 24-year history.
As the badge of its Delta-line membership the CDP-100 boasts the TFT color
touchscreen display, elegantly integrated into its front panel, which is the
hallmark of ClassÈ’s new front-end components. This provides a quantum leap
in ease of use, providing a user-interface unrivalled among audiophile designs
today for direct, intuitive operation, and the dramatic appearance delivered by a
fascia with just three hard-key buttons: Standby, Menu, and Load.
Of course, the CDP-100 also features the kind of CD audio design that has
placed ClassÈ players in the top tier the world around for well over a
decade.
The CDP-100 begins with an ultra-stable, low-noise power supply and a
professional-grade disc-transport/optical-pickup assembly integrated with
ClassÈ’s proprietary IMC™ (Isolated Master Clock) system; the combination
ensures virtually perfect time-base stability, for jitter-free operation.
The CDP-100 then exploits ClassÈ’s PDXB™ Pure Differential Cross Balance
digital-to-analog converter: multiple, high-accuracy differential delta-sigma
converters in a fully balanced, complementary array that yields nearly
immeasurable departure from linearity, idealized stereo separation, and a fully
balanced audio output that begins right at the DAC section itself.
The CDP-100 employs high-performance 24-bit, 352kHz digital filter with
oversampling and HDCD decoding capability. Equally important, this advanced
oversampling and D/A subsystem empowers the use of a relatively mild,
second-order analog filter with near-ideal time-domain and impulse behavior,
and a rigorously auditioned, fully balanced, all-discrete output stage for musical
purity, breadth, and dynamic precision that are rarely equaled from CD playback
at any level.
The ClassÈ CDP-100 Compact Disc Player is available in North America at a
manufacturer’s suggested price of $3,500.
MontrÈal, Canada—Aug. 2004—Canada’s ClassÈ Audio, known around the
world for its standard-setting components for high-end audio and home-
theater systems, has introduced a new compact disc player as part of its
exciting new Delta range. The CDP-100 joins seven other initial Delta-range
intros (see accompanying releases) including five power amplifiers, a preamp,
and an integrated amp, in the broadest and most significant line change in
ClassÈ’s 24-year history.
As the badge of its Delta-line membership the CDP-100 boasts the TFT color
touchscreen display, elegantly integrated into its front panel, which is the
hallmark of ClassÈ’s new front-end components. This provides a quantum leap
in ease of use, providing a user-interface unrivalled among audiophile designs
today for direct, intuitive operation, and the dramatic appearance delivered by a
fascia with just three hard-key buttons: Standby, Menu, and Load.
Of course, the CDP-100 also features the kind of CD audio design that has
placed ClassÈ players in the top tier the world around for well over a
decade.
The CDP-100 begins with an ultra-stable, low-noise power supply and a
professional-grade disc-transport/optical-pickup assembly integrated with
ClassÈ’s proprietary IMC™ (Isolated Master Clock) system; the combination
ensures virtually perfect time-base stability, for jitter-free operation.
The CDP-100 then exploits ClassÈ’s PDXB™ Pure Differential Cross Balance
digital-to-analog converter: multiple, high-accuracy differential delta-sigma
converters in a fully balanced, complementary array that yields nearly
immeasurable departure from linearity, idealized stereo separation, and a fully
balanced audio output that begins right at the DAC section itself.
The CDP-100 employs high-performance 24-bit, 352kHz digital filter with
oversampling and HDCD decoding capability. Equally important, this advanced
oversampling and D/A subsystem empowers the use of a relatively mild,
second-order analog filter with near-ideal time-domain and impulse behavior,
and a rigorously auditioned, fully balanced, all-discrete output stage for musical
purity, breadth, and dynamic precision that are rarely equaled from CD playback
at any level.
The ClassÈ CDP-100 Compact Disc Player is available in North America at a
manufacturer’s suggested price of $3,500.