Интегральные усилители — Copland CSA100

Copland of Denmark built the CSA100 as a hybrid integrated model that combines a valve preamplifier with a transistor output stage and adds a built-in DAC, a phono input and a headphone amplifier. It follows the synectic design concept Copland uses for its hybrid amplifiers. The model has since gone out of production. Silver and black front panels were offered. The Australian price was AUD 6,600, and the warranty ran for two years.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 100 W per channel into 8 ohm and 180 W into 4 ohm, and the amplifier accepts loads down to 2 ohm. Copland quotes a frequency response of 10 Hz to 150 kHz, distortion of 0.06 percent and a noise floor 90 dB below the signal. Analogue connections cover three RCA line inputs, of which one is a tape input, plus balanced XLR and an MM phono input, with a preamp output and a tape loop on RCA. Digital inputs include USB, one coaxial and two optical ports. The chassis measures 435 x 135 x 370 mm and weighs 14 kg, and maximum power consumption is 700 W.

Engineering and use context

Line amplification runs through a single Electro-Harmonix 6922 double triode, while a MOSFET circuit provides the current to drive loudspeakers. A large toroidal mains transformer is visible through the slots in the top cover, and the front panel is solid aluminium with machined lettering. The DAC uses the ESS Sabre ES9018 chip in a quad mono layout, with four of its eight channels assigned to each stereo side. Through USB Audio Class 2.0 it handles PCM from 16 to 32 bit up to 384 kHz as well as native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256, while the S/PDIF ports on optical and coaxial take PCM at up to 192 kHz. An optional Bluetooth module with aptX HD adds wireless streaming from phones. The dedicated headphone stage drives a 6.3 mm socket with an output impedance of 40 ohm. Copland includes a remote handset, and the two main RCA sources are chosen with a knob on the front panel.

Pairing

The combination of a turntable input, a computer USB input and a headphone socket lets the CSA100 serve as the only electronic component beside a source and speakers. Its current delivery into low loads makes it a practical match for floorstanders with impedance dips, and a later upgrade to an outboard power amp or a powered bass unit is possible through the RCA pre-out.

Alternatives

Copland also makes the CTA407, an all-valve integrated amplifier with a built-in RIAA stage.