The Copland CSA-100 amplifier combines the advantages of tube and solid-state amplification, the latter being implemented using bipolar and field-effect transistors. The amplifier has its own DAC on the ESS Saber ES9018 chip and a phono stage for MM heads. The input section is tube-based, built on a low-noise dual triode 6922. From the same stage, the signal is supplied to the linear output, so if desired, you can expand the system architecture by connecting a subwoofer or an additional power amplifier.
In order not to lose the speed and signal range specified by the triodes, they are followed by cascades on high-voltage MOSFETs – field-effect transistors with a “tube” characteristic. They also provide coordination with output repeaters on complementary bipolars MJL4281A/MJL4302A. These 230 W transistors are not parallel – they operate one in each arm. Pay attention to the power section of the Copland CSA-100 amplifier. In terms of weight and dimensions, a toroidal transformer draws 800 watts, no less, and the total capacity of the smoothing capacitors is 60,000 μF. On the heat sink, in addition to the output transistors, there is a temperature sensor connected to the protection system. The output power of the Copland CSA-100 is 2 x 100 W into an 8-ohm load and 2 x 180 W into a 4-ohm load.
The built-in DAC is based on the well-known Copland DAC215 converter on the advanced Saber Reference ES9018 chip. Its eight output cells are connected four in parallel in each stereo channel, which gives a linear phase response, distortion of the order of 0.004% and a noise level of -120 dB. When connected via asynchronous USB, the DAC supports PCM with sampling rates of 44.1 – 384 kHz and bit depth up to 32 bits, as well as DSD 2.8 – 5.6 MHz (64 – 128x), DSD256 and DSD512. USB receiver – Amanero with DAC clocking.
In addition to USB, digital sources can be connected via coaxial and two optical inputs. There is also room at the back for installing an optional Bluetooth module. The most interesting thing is that for digital switching there is a separate switch with a small knob on the front panel, and a second, larger selector is responsible for selecting analog inputs. There are five of them: PHONO, TAPE IN, A1, A2 and balanced on XLR. The active input is indicated by a dim blue light on the round dial in the center.
The phono stage, judging by its appearance, is quite simple, however, in terms of sound it did not turn out to be a weak link at all. Headphones are connected via a 6.3 mm jack. The volume control is a typical Copland motorized potentiometer with a digital scale on the skirt. The Copland CSA-100 amplifier is available in black and silver versions.
Characteristics of Copland CSA-100
Analog inputs: 2 x RCA, Phono, XLR
Analog outputs: 2 x RCA, headphone, acoustic screw x 4
Digital inputs: asynchronous USB (32/384, DSD512), S/PDIF(RCA), Toslink
Amplification frequency range: 10 Hz – 150 kHz
Output power: 2 x 100 (8 Ohms), 2 x 180 W (4 Ohms)
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 90 dB
Harmonic distortion: <0.06%
DAC: ESS Saber ES9018
Power consumption : 700 VA
Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 135 x 370 mm
Weight: 14 kg
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