The Copland CSA-150, of course, has every right to be called a real station wagon – in addition to the amplification path itself, it has several modules on board that expand the capabilities of the potential owner. First of all, this is a digital-to-analog converter, which is based on the design of the popular Copland DAC215 DAC. The output cells of the 8-channel Saber ES 9018 reference chip from ESS Technology are connected four in parallel in each stereo channel, which significantly reduces nonlinear distortion and noise levels. When connected via an asynchronous USB port, the DAC supports PCM with sampling rates up to 384 kHz and bit depth up to 32 bits, as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz (128x). Computers running Mac OS or Linux will be able to work without drivers, but Windows users will need them download from the manufacturer’s website.
An optional Bluetooth aptX module can be installed – there is a hole for the antenna jack on the rear panel. Digital sources can also be connected via coaxial and two optical inputs. It is worth noting the presence of a built-in RIAA corrector designed to work with MM cartridges. Nominal sensitivity – 2.6 mV.
The Copland CSA-150 prestages feature a 6922 dual triode that amplifies the input signal to the amplitude required by the power amplifier. To match the lamp with transistors in terms of impedance, Ole Møller, the company’s chief specialist, developed buffer stages using high-voltage MOSFETs. The output repeaters are built on bipolar pairs MJL4281A/MJL4302A, one 230-watt transistor per arm. Our tester is the most powerful of the three models in the CSA series (including the Copland CSA-70 and Copland CSA-100) – 2 x 150 W at 8 ohms, and it remains fully operational when the load impedance drops to 2 ohms.
This energy potential is provided by a truly huge toroidal transformer (it looks no less than 800 VA) and a set of six smoothing capacitors of 10,000 μF each. Like the CSA 100, this model has an auxiliary switch for switching digital sources. Below it are three LEDs – DIGITAL, LOCK and DSD. The choice of analog connections is assigned to a large “dial” with input symbols. There are five of them: PHONO, TAPE IN, A1, A2 and balanced on XLR. Activation is confirmed by multi-colored LEDs located around the circumference.
The modes can be controlled using a small, convenient remote control with rounded edges. Copland amplifiers are designed and manufactured in Denmark. Models of the CSA series are available in black and silver colors.
In general, the Copland CSA 150 is a universal device that can work with different sources and beautifully drive almost any hi-fi acoustics. In other words, a supporting element for building a solid home system.
Characteristics of Copland CSA-150
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
