Classe Audio - CA-101 Solid State Amplifier in Two Tone Finish - Fully Tested

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100 Watt amplifier made in Canada using the best components available. 

Solid metal chassis with an over-sized power supply, yielding a conservatively rated 100W per channel. 

Fully tested in our lab at full rated power where it passed with flying colors.  

Great cosmetic condition with no significant scratches or dents anywhere.  One of the speaker posts is missing the plastic cover but can still be used with banana connectors. 

Features mono capabilities and RCA and XLR inputs.

The two tone finish and heavy metal faceplate and side caps are very attractive. 

This is a very musical amplifier and hard to beat with anything new under $3000. 

See our last photo or the linked Owner's Manual for full specifications.

Classe Audio - CA-101 Manual

CA-101 - 100W 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER

Classé Audio's remarkable achievements are reflected in our worldwide reputation for unsurpassed musical performance, reliability, consistency, and overall value. Classé's philosophy is one of technological evolution, not revolution. Building on what we know works. 

All Classé amplifiers share a common, unique design. Each model employs a massive, shielded toroidal transformer to power our sophisticated, high-speed circuitry. In most high-end amplifiers, this power is sent to a small number of large reservoir capacitors for distribution. However, large capacitors are often slow in responding to the rapidly fluctuating energy demands of music. The ingenious Classé solution uses a large number of small capacitors distributed throughout each amplifier which are located in close proximity to the circuits they supply. The result is a lightening-quick response creating fabulous dynamics coupled with a more natural sound!

Microphonics, caused by component vibration and magnetic interference from the passage of electric current through them, has plagued audio designers since the beginning of recorded sound. Isolation is the key. At Classé, we begin with a unique front-end circuit topology that mechanically decouples vibration-sensitive components from all sources of vibration. In addition, our transformers rest on a specially designed plate to draw magnetic fields away from the circuitry.

Bl-POLAR? MOSFET? J-FET? Most high-end amplifiers use only one type of transistor. At Classé, we use all three in a unique sequence that makes the most of their particular voltage and input impedance characteristics. In addition, we have designed small but highly efficient extruded aluminum heat sinks that disperse transistor-generated heat, ensuring maximum output without distortion.

P-101 FEATURES:
100 watts stereo, 200 watts mono, high current, sleek curved chassis with large dual heat sinks at rear, both regular and balanced inputs externally switchable, sculpted one piece handles.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.