Special Design Features; Flexible Graphicaluser Interface; Customizable Volume Control; Highly Refined Circuit Design - Classe Audio CP-500 - V2.4 Owner's Manual

Special Design Features

flexible graphical
The LCD touchscreen on the front panel of your new component supports an
user interface
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.)
customizable
The volume control on your new Classé preamplifier is controlled by sophisticated
volume control
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
All Classé analog amplification stages are based on circuits that have been extensively
circuit design
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.
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