CT-5300 Five-Channel Amplifier

Information

Classé Custom Theater series components offer a beautiful and purpose-built solution for installing world-class audio components in professional equipment racks. Our commitment to building the world’s best amplifiers has not changed, but the way our customers use them has. High-end amplifiers today are as likely as not to be installed in equipment racks or custom cabinetry and often serve as the foundation of a home theater. Their sheer size, weight and heat render them impractical in many installations.

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The revolutionary Custom Theater (CT) series is our response to this reality. They are the first world class high-end amplifiers specifically tailored to modern custom installations. They deliver ultra high-end performance, exceptional reliability and are designed to be easily installed. We say that they are rack advantaged, because of a variety of features tailored to the demanding requirements of this environment.

CT amplifiers come with their own adjustable rack rails and a separate faceplate designed to conceal all mounting hardware along the sides of the rack. The rails adapt easily to common rack depths while providing front to back support of the chassis. Hidden inside, our unique Intelligent Cooling Tunnel, or ICTunnel™ (pronounced Icy Tunnel) architecture and related circuitry quietly controls the amplifier temperature, ensuring optimum performance and reliability in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments.

Conventional high-end amplifiers use heatsinks with high thermal mass that rely on convection to cool the active circuits. They are slow to heat up and slow to cool down. Eventually they heat up their environment and as the air around them gets hotter, they become part of the problem. For this reason, high-powered amps and racks or cabinets don’t easily mix.

Conventional heatsinks are simply shaped pieces of metal, relying on placement and ambient air to extract heat from the amplifier. The ICTunnel™ is more sophisticated, acting like the human hypothalamus regulating body temperature. The ICTunnel™ utilizes an aluminum bonded-fin heatsink, of the kind used in high powered medical, laser and test equipment. It exploits the principle of low thermal mass, so it heats quickly but can also be cooled quickly. Inside its relatively small size are fins providing nearly 31 square feet of surface area. The key to its operation is how the fins are spaced—as close as possible to each other to maximize the surface area inside the tunnel, but not so close as to heat each other. The ICTunnel™ utilizes a noiseless fan along with pressure and temperature sensors to maintain the amplifier’s target temperature.

The CT series has everything you would expect from the world’s best amplifiers. They are designed for lifetime reliability. They have the power to effortlessly control the lowest impedances imaginable. They have the finesse to resolve the infinitely minute details that are the DNA of great sound. But CT amplifiers add a new dimension. For the first time the world’s best amplifiers can go right where you need them – in the home theater rack.

Specifications

Details

All tests un-weighted and 500kHz measurement bandwidth (except SNR).

Frequency response

 

1Hz – 80kHz, -3dB

Output power

 

300W rms into 8Ω (24.8 dBW)
All channels driven*

Harmonic Distortion

 

<0.002% at 1 kHz balanced
<0.004% at 1 kHz single ended

Peak Output Voltage

 

167V peak to peak, 53V rms no load
156V peak to peak, 48V rms into 8Ω

Input Impedance

 

50kΩ balanced / single ended

Voltage gain

 

29dB balanced / single ended

Input level at clipping

 

2.1V rms balanced / single ended

Intermodulation
Distortion

 

>90dB below fundamental into
8Ω balanced / single ended

>85dB below fundamental into
4Ω balanced / single ended

Signal to Noise Ratio

 

-116dB at peak output into 8Ω
Measurement Bandwidth: 22kHz

Output impedance

 

0.03Ω @ 1kHz

Standby power
consumption

 

6W @ 120V; 7W @ 230V

Rated power
consumption

 

1300W @ 1/8th power into 8Ω

Width

 

19” (483mm) (including faceplate)

Width

 

17” (432mm) (excluding faceplate)

Depth

 

23.625” (569mm) (excluding connectors)

Height

 

8.75” (221mm)

Gross weight

 

140lbs (59.5kg)

Net weight

 

113lbs (51.25kg)

Mains voltage

 

Specified on rear panel

 

Product Info Sheet

CT-5300 - Product Info Sheet - English | Français

Firmware

  • Current Version: V1.04 (Front Panel) – R6 (Heatsink)
    (for serial numbers that start with 2090)

    Last Updated:
      • 14 September 2011 (Front Panel Software)
      • 2 April 2010 (Heatsink Software)

  • Current Version: V2.02 (Front Panel) – R6 (Heatsink)
    (for all other serial numbers)

    Last Updated:
      • 14 September 2011 (Front Panel Software)
      • 2 April 2010 (Heatsink Software)
How to Check and Update Firmware

How to check the current Firmware of your Delta II Series Amplifier

  • The first option is through CAN-Bus. In that case, the amplifier must be connected to another Classé unit that has a TFT Touch Screen (like the SSP-800 or Sigma SSP). Press MENU > STATUS > MORE to view a list of CAN-Bus devices in the system. Select the amplifier and press SELECT > STATUS to view the current version. If the amplifier does not show up on the CAN-Bus list it should be updated.

  • The current Firmware can also be checked through a Classé Diagnostic Utility called Delta_CT_User_Interface_Installer.  As it name states, it allows you to access a Delta II amplifier (like this model) through a PC-based interface.  Please note that the Utility is only available for PC, due to limitations imposed by the Communications module.

Is a Firmware Update important?

Yes, a Delta II Amplifier Firmware Update solve issues that are found "in the field". Improvements can range from increasing the span of time between filter cleaning warnings, to important adjustments in soft start timings and shut down timings.

How to update Delta II Series Amplifier Firmware

This Firmware update must be transferred from a local Windows PC to the unit using the “Classé Amploader 3.5” utility. The Classé Amploader 3.5 utility is a small standalone application that can run from your computer's Desktop or your Program Files folder. It is included in the ZIP archive.

In most cases there are TWO software components to update: The so-called "Front Panel" (which holds the operating software to the unit) as well as the "Heat Sink" (which deals with equal temperature, and other Heat Sink considerations),  

Both must be updated. Make sure to update the Front Panel Software FIRST, prior to updating the Heatsink Software.


Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

Your Owner's Manual has a detailed section on Installation and Set-up.  In addition to this information we would like to point out the following topics that have come up over the years

 

The use of a Power Conditioner or Regulator

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Home Automation

All Delta II amplifiers can be controlled via CAN-Bus, DC Trigger (in-out), IR in-out and via RS232.  The latter is available via a DB-9 connector on the rear panel.

IR Remote Control Codes

All Delta II Amplifiers can be controlled using RS232, a protocol used by Home Automation Systems like Crestron, Control 4, etc. Delta II Amplifiers are equipped with a DB-9 connector.

Protection Modes - Front LED Status

Text to follow

Amplifier Event Log File

All Delta I and Delta II Amplifiers store important information about their status and operation in a so-called Event Log File.  This Event Log File can be extracted form the amplifier using a PC computer  (laptop or desktop) equipped with a USB-connection (for Delta II amplifiers) or a DB9/RS232 connection (for Delta I amplifiers).

 

etc etc

Voltage

  • Delta II Amplifiers are set for a specific voltage, corresponding to your region. You will find the Operating Voltage indicated on the rear panel;
  • Change of Operating Voltage can only be done through the Classé Service Centers, it involves changes in both hardware and software as well as a recalibration of the AC Sensing Circuit.

Fuse

  • The CA-5300 and the CT-5300 has one AC fuse accessible via the rear panel;
  • The Fuse Value is different for different Operating Voltages;
  • Make sure that the AC Fuse corresponds to the AC Voltage offered;
  • Delta II amplifiers only have an external Fuse, there are no internal fuses.

Fuse Specifications

  • For 100-120 Volts

Fuse Value: T6.3AH 250V 
Description: IEC time lag, high breaking capacity, 6.3A 250V

Classé Part No. 51764877-00 0
Schurter Part No. 0001.2512
Littlefuse Part No. 21506.3

 

  • For 220-230-240 Volts

Fuse Value: T3.15AH 250V
Description: IEC time lag, high breaking capacity, 3.15A 250V)

Classé Part No. 51764794-00
Schurter Part No. 0001.2509
Littlefuse Part No. 2153.15

Drawings 2D/3D

Brochure

Info Sheet

Warranty Delta II Series

Your Classé Delta II unit has a 5-year Limited Product Warranty on Manufacturing Defects that covers both Material and Labor.

  • Please note that the Classé Limited Warranty is only valid in the Country of Purchase.
  • Please make sure to keep your original Purchase Receipt.
  • The 5-year Limited Warranty is transferable to a next owner. When selling your unit, please hand the original purchase receipt to the next owner.

In case you reside in a Country that does not have a national Classé or Bowers and Wilkins Distributor, please contact one of our three global Service Centers (Hong Kong, United Kingdom or USA) to discuss Warranty Service.

Warranty Date Dispute 

If you do not have your original purchase receipt anymore, Classé will use the Factory Shipping Date as the  Purchase Date to determine Warranty Status.

Repair 

In the unfortunate event that the unit develops a problem we advise you to follow the procedure below

  • Make sure the unit has the latest Firmware.  Does it solve the issue?
  • Try and find your answer on this website
  • You can submit a question on-line, call your local Classé Dealer or contact a Classé Service Center directly
  • Should the defect require repair, a Classé Service Center will send you a Return Authorization which you can use to ship your unit
  • Please do not ship a unit to a Classé Service Center WITHOUT Return Authorization 

Upgrade Kits

There are no Upgrade Kits available for this Model.

Replacement Parts

The following Replacement Parts can be installed by a customer or dealer.

  • Front Panel Filter Cap, black
  • Top Cover, black
  • Mesh Filter (behind filter cap)
  • Feet

Other parts (cosmetic as well as internal parts) can be replaced as part of a repair.  These parts are not customer installable.

Replacement Shipping Box

A replacement Shipping Box can be ordered with Classé. The box is made out of Coroplast®, which is a strong and waterproof material.  Semi-rigid foam inserts ensure the best possible protection during storage and transport. Please inquire with your local Classé Dealer or contact Classé directly.

*) For shipping Legacy units (made before Delta I series) we recommend using the original box if still intact, and to put this box with at least 2 inches of semi-rigid foam into a new corrugated box.

PCB Replacement Boards (click on the Header to sort)

MATERIAL MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
R7302-02-00S CTM600 FRONT PANEL BOARD
R7304-07-00S CTM600 COMMUNICATION BOARD
R7310-07-06A AMP LINEAR MONITOR STANDBY BOARD
R7313-01-00S ZOBEL NETWORK BOARD
R7314-01-00S CA STANDBY BOARD
R7915-02-03S CT5300 OUTPUT DRIVER BOARD
R7916-02-01S CT5300 MCU INTERCONNECT
R7917-01-00S CT5300 2 CHANEL RECTIFIER
R7918-01-00S CT5300 3 CHANNEL RECTIFIER BOARD
R7919-03-00S CT5300 INPUT BOARD

Cosmetics & Individual Parts (click on the Header to sort)

MATERIAL MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
51088863-00 DELTA SSP800 BACK FOOT L6710R00
51088947-00 DELTA SSP800 FRONT FOOT L6709R00
51138601-00 Delta RoHS Can Bus Terminator
51271428-00 CA/CT-AMP DELTA DC FAN 120MM PWM
51271592-00 CA/CT-AMP FINGER GUARD 120MM ROUND
51302603-01 CT-AMP INTAKE FILTER L7313R01
51337930-04 CT-5300 LEFT SIDE PLATE L7904R04
51338011-05 CT-5300 RIGHT SIDE PLATE L7905R05
51338193-02 CT-5300 TOP COVER L7906R02
51344118-00 TRANSISTOR MJE180 LPWR AUDIOAMP TO126 TH
51370006-01 CT-5300 SECURITY BRKT RGHT L7909R01
51371178-00 FUSE CAP SHOCK SAFE (USE ON 51335041-00)
51378934-00 CT-5300 LINEAR FACE PLATE SET
51388834-00 CONNECTOR CARDAS XLR SHORTING PIN CGSP
51396183-01 CT-5300 SECURITY BRKT LEFT L7909R01
51432228-00 FUSE SLO-BLO 5MM x 20MM 12A 250VAC 4W
51445279-00 CT-AMP BUMPER PLAST BLK 9405K48 TH
51466549-00 CT 5300 PLASTIC TOP COVER L7916
51470665-00 LINE CORD 14 AWG K14031H7250BB AUSTRALIA
51478270-00 BOX FACEPLATE KIT
51478767-00 BOX CT-5300 FOAM SET
51481894-02 CA-5300 TOP COVER L8205R02
51482058-02 CA-5300 BACK PLATE L8207R02
51493022-06 CA-5300 BACK EXTENSION L8208R06
51493519-00 CLASSE-NAVCOM DESIGNED FOOT 70D
51495183-00 CA-5300 WRAP ASSY
51499714-04 CT-5300 MKII BACK PLATE L7953R04
51501691-01 CT-AMP RACK SHELF LEFT L7353R01
51501692-01 CT-AMP RACK SHELF RIGHT L7353R01
51501774-01 CT-AMP SLIDING RAIL LEFT L7354R01
51501775-01 CT-AMP SLIDING RAIL RIGHT L7354R01
51510841-02 CA-M600 FILTER L7F18R02
51510924-02 CA-M600 FILTER SUPPORT L7F19R02
51518455-00 COVER BLACK SOFT NYLON 8x23.5x18
51550771-00 BOX RACK RAIL KIT - FOAM INSERT
51550854-00 BOX RACK RAIL KIT - PLASTIC COVER
51554245-00 USB KEY FLASH DRIVE 1GB WITH CLASSE LOGO
51554328-04 OWNER'S MANUAL BK W/ USB KEY HOLDER V1.4
51555234-00 BOX CA-5300 FOAM SET
51623545-00 BOX WHITE PLASTIC 8 INCHES TOP L7991R00
51623628-00 BOX WHITE PLASTIC 8 INCH BOTTOM L7990R00
51623701-00 BOX WHITE PLASTIC 8" BOTTOM PAD L7992R00
51623883-00 BOX BLUE FOAM FOR AC LINE CORD L7994R00
51623966-00 BOX BLUE FOAM FOR MANUAL DOC L7993R00
51668847-00 NOISE FILTER BOARD ASSEMBLY R7317
51729169-00 CA/CT5300 TRANS. KIT FOR 1 CH. CLIPS
51791680-00 CA/CT5300 TRANS. KIT FOR 1 CH. SCREWS
G103-1003-XR01 SAFETY PIN BLACK ROTEL 019C-4940A00
G103-1004-XR02 BINDING POST WBT STYLE BLACK L6121R02
G103-1005-XR02 BINDING POST WBT STYLE RED L6121R02
G202-1002-XR00 LINE CORD 14 AWG WEBBER CL60076 USA
G202-1065-XR00 LINE CORD EUROPEAN 1.5 MM CL60065-BL1.5
G202-1066-XR00 LINE CORD HONGKONG WEB CL60123-1.5MM-13
G202-1256-XR00 CABLE MONO TRIGGER 6 FEET 3.5MM
G202-1262-XR00 LINE CORD POWER FOR CHINA 3GTJ1
G202-1271-XR01 LINE CORD FOR JAPAN (M744) 12A 125V
G222-1123-XR00 TRANSFORMER MAIN CA_CT-5300 REVISION 00
G301-1029-XR00 BOLT BINDING POST CUSTOM L6126R00
G303-1028-XR00 PIPE 2 POS DRW #C17070B
G304-1024-XR00 NUT BINDING POST CUSTOM L6124R00
G306-1081-XR00 WASHER BINDING POST RED L6122 CUSTOM
G306-1082-XR00 WASHER BINDING POST BLK CUST L6122R00
G306-1083-XR00 WASHER BINDING POST FLAT CUST L6123R00
G306-1084-XR00 WASHER BINDING POST LOCK CUST L6125R00
G401-1038-XR06 WARRANTY CARD INTERNATIONAL B&W V1.6