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CPA 1
Full Balanced Preamplifier
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual carefully
as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper installation and correct
operating procedures for your unit. Also included in this manual are guidelines
on how to service and care for your new Cary Audio Design product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The lightning
flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated
dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Please refer to qualified personnel for service.
ALERT: The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the component.
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS: All the safety and operating instructions of your Cary Audio equipment should be read
before power is applied to the equipment.
2. RETAIN OWNER'S MANUAL: These safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. HEED WARNING: All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. CLEANING: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. The unit should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
6. ATTACHMENTS: Do not use attachments not recommended by the unit manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
7. WATER AND MOISTURE: Do not use the unit near water - for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink,
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool.
8. ACCESSORIES: Do not place the unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall,
causing serious injury to a child, an adult, or damage to the unit. Mounting of the unit should follow the
manufacturer's instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
unit and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The top or bottom panel
openings should never be blocked by placing the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. The unit should
not be installed in a built-in location such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided. There should
be free space of at least 6 inches (16cm) above the unit and an opening behind the unit.
10. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: The unit may be equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should fail to fit, contact
a licensed electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
11. POWER SOURCES: The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your unit dealer or local power
company.
12. POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are unlikely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed on or against them. Pay close attention to cords where they enter a plug, or a convenience
receptacle, and the point where they exit from the unit.
13. OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING: If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the unit, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges.
Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, NSI/NFPA 70, provides information regarding proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an Antenna-discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
14. LIGHTNING: For added protection for the unit during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused
for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the unit due to lightning and power line surges.
15. POWER LINES: An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other
electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, take extreme care to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be
fatal.
16. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
17. OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY: Never push objects of any kind into the unit through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind
on the unit.
18. SERVICING: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
19. REPLACEMENT PARTS: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
20. SAFETY CHECK: Upon completion of any service or repairs to the unit, ask the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the unit is in proper operating condition.
21. WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING: The unit should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
22. HEAT: The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other units
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
23. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Before connecting a new component to your audio or home theater system it is
always good practice to make certain that all components are turned off, and preferably unplugged from their AC
power source. Many modern electronics products feature automatic turn-on circuits that may be activated during an
installation, causing the potential for damage to electronic components and/or speakers. Such damage is not
covered by product warranties and Cary Audio specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage.
Power Cord: The removable power cord that is shipped with the player is specifically designed to be used with this
product. Other AC cords may be used, so consult your dealer for advice on AC power cords and high quality wire in
your system.
AC Fuse: The fuse is located inside the chassis and is not user serviceable. If power does not
come on, contact your authorized service representative.
Wiring: Cables that run inside of walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate
compliance with, and listing by the UL, CSA or other standards required by the UL, CSA, NEC or your local building
code. Questions about cables inside of walls should be referred to a qualified custom installer, or a licensed
electrician or low-voltage contractor.
Do Not Open the Cabinet: There are no user serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet
may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your warranty. If water or any metal
object, such as a paper clip, coin, or staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source
immediately and contact Cary Audio for further instructions.
24. RECORDING COPYRIGHT: Recording of copyrighted material for other than personal use is illegal without
permission of the copyright holder.
25. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to
article 820-40 of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies
that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry
as practical.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
26. FCC INFORMATION FOR USER:
CAUTION: ANY changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from where the receiver is connected.
27. OUTDOOR ANTENNA INSTALLATION/SAFE ANTENNA AND CABLE
CONNECTION: If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to
the equipment, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to
provide protection against built up static charges and voltage surges,
Section 810 of the national Electrical Code, ANSI/NFP A70 (in Canada,
part 1 of the Canadian Electrical Code) provides information with respect
to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Keep Antenna Clear of High Voltage Power Lines or Circuits
An outside antenna system should be located well away from power lines, electric light or power circuits and where
it will never come into contact with these power sources if it should happen to fall. When installing an outside
antenna, extreme care should be taken to avoid touching power lines, circuits or other power sources as this could
be fatal. Because of the hazards involved, antenna installation should be left to a professional.
4
WELCOME
THANK YOU
Dear Customer:
We would like to thank you for your decision to buy a Concept Series CPA 1 preamplifier. The
CPA 1 preamplifier combines the desirable attributes of low noise, low distortion and ease of use,
making it an excellent preamplifier choice for your home audio system. This preamplifier offers a
XLR balanced input and multiple RCA single-ended inputs making it a flexible design. The
adjustable brightness front panel display shows current settings and volume levels during use.
The CPA 1 has its own power supply and when combined with the CAA 1 it is capable of
outstanding musical reproduction using your favorite music.
Thank you for your support and enjoy your music!
The Cary Audio Team
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
This section describes the unpacking and installation procedures for your new component.
Unpacking
All Cary Audio Design shipping cartons have been specially designed to protect their contents and
special care has been taken to prevent damage under normal shipping conditions. Mishandling
should be evident upon inspection of the shipping container. If shipping damage is found after
visual inspection, take care not to destroy the evidence. If necessary, document the damage with
photographs and contact the transport carrier immediately.
Carefully remove your new component from its packing carton and examine it closely for signs of
shipping damage. We strongly recommend saving all original packing cartons to protect your
component from damage should you wish to store it or ship it at a later date.
Warranty Card
If you are the original purchaser of this unit and you purchased it in the United States, you
should fill out the enclosed warranty registration card and return it to Cary Audio Design within
15 days of your purchase. Cary Audio Design also suggests that you keep your original packing
cartons in case you ever need to ship the unit when moving to a new home. Warranty
restrictions apply. Consult the warranty section of this manual for details. Please be certain to
keep a copy of the original sales receipt from your Authorized Cary Audio Design dealer to
validate the warranty if ever needed.
5
SPECIFICATIONS
The following section describes the unit’s basic specifications. The specifications are subject to
change without notice or obligation.
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Preamplifier Inputs
1 pair balanced XLR connections
6 pair single-ended RCA connections
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Preamplifier Outputs
1 pair balanced XLR connections
2 pair RCA connections
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Controller Connectors
(1) 3.5mm “mini plug” jack for IR input
(3) 3.5mm “mini plug” jack for trigger out
RS 232 full remote configuration interface
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Volume Control Range
63.0 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Gain Resolution
1.0 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Input Impedance
100 k Ohms on RCA
200 k Ohms on XLR
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Rated Output
RCA - 1 Volt (8 volts maximum)
XLR - 2 Volts (16 volts maximum)
...........................................................................................................................................................................
THD+N
<0.001%
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Frequency Response
+0.1 dB from 5 Hz to 100 kHz
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
120 dB “A” weighted
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Voltage Gain
26.8 dB
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Power Input
110/117 or 220/234 Volts AC @ 50-60 Hz
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Power Consumption
50 watts
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Weight
22 lbs.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Dimensions
4.5” H x 17” W x 13” D
...........................................................................................................................................................................
6
OPERATION
Operating this component is a simple procedure. Each unit is designed for long term stability in
virtually any home operating situation. However, if the unit is operated outside the parameters
outlined in this owner's manual, damage may result. Please read this manual carefully before
putting your new unit into operation.
CONNECTIONS
Balanced Inputs:
Accepts right-channel and left-channel balanced signals from a
source component with balanced outputs.
Single-ended Inputs:
Balanced Main Outputs:
Single-ended Outputs:
Accepts right-channel and left-channel (single-ended) inputs from a
source component.
These are for connection to the XLR input jacks of an accompanying
power amplifier or electronic crossover.
These are for connection to the RCA input jacks of an accompanying
power amplifier or electronic crossover.
CHECKING CONNECTIONS
1. Make sure that all the connections are proper by referring to the rear panel labels.
2. Check the directivity of stereo separation (right channel to right channel, left channel to left
channel).
3. Check the directivity of pin cord connection, if your patch cables are labeled for direction of
connection.
SWITCHING ON
POWER button
• Press once to turn the power “ON”.
• Press again to set to the "OFF" position and turn the power off. The amplifier will enter
into Standby and the blue LED will light.
SOURCE SELECT buttons
• Press once to select the desired input source.
VOLUME knob
• Turn the volume knob to the desired listening level.
BREAKING-IN
• The CPA 1 requires at least 100 hours of continuous operation after it is first turned on
to sound its best. This gives the materials in various circuit components a chance to
"form" so audio signals achieve greater definition, smoothness and transparency.
Although the unit will sound spectacular when you first operate it, you will find it
worthwhile to listen again after a few days and you'll discover details in your music you
may not have noticed were there.
7
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
FRONT PANEL
1. POWER
• Press once to turn the power ON.
• Press again to turn the power OFF. The amplifier will enter STANDBY and the blue
POWER LED will light.
2. HEADPHONE JACK
• This jack is used to listen to headphones.
3. SOURCE SELECTOR
• The input source is selected by pressing the respective buttons.
4. ALPHANUMERIC Display
• This thirteen-character display provides a wide range of information concerning the
operation of the CPA 1. The information displayed depends on what the CPA 1 is doing.
• The information displayed is summarized below:
Normal Operation: Displays the selected input name and volume setting.
Balance Mode: This shows the direction (L or R) and magnitude of the balance offset.
5. VOLUME
• Use the volume control to adjust the listening level.
6. POWER INDICATOR (standby)
• This indicator lights when the amplifier is switched off.
8
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
REAR PANEL
1. BALANCED INPUTS
• Accepts right-channel and left-channel balanced signals from source equipment with
balanced outputs.
• The pin assignments of these XLR-type female input are:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal - (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground
Refer to the operating manuals of your balanced-output line-level sources to verify that
the pin assignments of their output connectors correspond to the CPA 1. If not, wire the
cable so that the appropriate output pin connects to the equivalent input pin.
2. SINGLE-ENDED INPUTS
• Accepts right-channel and left-channel (RCA) inputs from line-level source equipment
such as tuners, CD player or SACD player.
3. ANALOG RECORD OUTPUT JACK (RCA UNBALANCED)
• Use these jacks for connection to the right-channel and left-channel tape inputs of your
recorder.
4. SINGLE-ENDED MAIN OUTPUTS
• Use these jacks for connection to the power amplifiers.
9
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
5. BALANCED MAIN OUTPUTS
• If your power amplifier is equipped with balanced inputs, it is generally best to use the
balanced outputs on your preamplifier. A balanced signal from preamplifier to power
amplifier will offer the highest possible performance with the best immunity from
common-mode noise, such as radio frequency interference (RFI). The balanced output
signal is made available by way of precision male XLR connectors (requiring female
XLRs on the preamplifier end of the interconnecting cable).
• The pin assignments of these XLR-type male outputs are:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal - (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground
Refer to your power amplifier's operating manual to verify that the pin assignments of
its input connectors correspond to the CPA 1. If not, wire the cable so that the
appropriate output pin connects to the equivalent input pin.
6. DC TRIGGER OUTPUT TERMINALS
• Connect a device that needs to be triggered by DC + 12V. (CD player)
7. POWER INPUT (AC IN)
• Connect to an AC power supply using the included power supply cord.
8. IR INPUT JACK
• Use this jack to connect external IR sensors.
9. RS-232 PORT
• The RS-232 port is used in conjunction with an external controller to control the
operation of the CPA 1. (This is for custom installation use. Consult your dealer for
more information.)
10
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
REMOTE CONTROL
This section explains how best to use the remote control to operate the CPA 1.
1. POWER: Use to turn the
power on and off.
2. MUTE: Use to mute the
sound. Press again to
resume sound.
3. VOLUME: Use the buttons
to adjust the volume of the
CPA 1 from Volume 0 to
Volume 63.
4. BALANCE: Use the buttons
to fine-tune the relative
balance of the Left and
Right channel from your
listening position using the
balance buttons in 1 dB
increments.
5. INPUT SELECTOR: Use
the buttons for remote
selection of the various
inputs of the CPA 1.
6. BRIGHT: Use this button to
cycle through four levels of
brightness (including “OFF”) for the display, allowing adjustment for various ambient lighting
conditions.
7. INPUT SOURCE: Input source is selected by pressing their respective buttons.
11
SERVICE AND CARE
CARE AND CLEANING
The cabinet housing and front panel of the component may be cleaned with a soft cloth and
Windex or a window cleaner. The frequency of cleaning will be governed by how many hours the
unit is operated and by operating environment cleanliness.
FACTORY SERVICE
Careful consideration has been given to the design of this component to keep maintenance
problems to a minimum. Any problems or requests for service should be referred to our
Customer Service Department at 919-355-0010. DO NOT return the unit to the factory without a
return authorization number (RA) from the Customer Service Department.
Cary Audio Design will assume no responsibility if the shipping company refuses to pay for
damage due to your improper packing or lack of insurance should the unit be lost or damaged in
shipment. Please retain and always use the original shipping carton for shipping the player.
NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS
Cary Audio Design will provide repair service for its products charging on a time and expense
basis. At this time, the standard non warranty service bench fee is $125 with all parts used for
repair charged extra. This may change and is not a quote for service. Please call us at 919-355-
0010 for more information about out of warranty service and repair fees.
CAUTION - Never remove or insert the back panel AC plug when the unit is on or the
ac cord is plugged into the wall.
12
UNITED STATES LIMITED WARRANTY
Cary Audio Design warrants to the original United States purchaser for use in the United States that Cary
Audio Design vacuum tube or solid state power amplifiers, surround sound processors or preamplifiers shall
be free from defects in parts or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of the original purchase.
Vacuum tubes, if any are used in the component, are offered a 90 day from purchase date exchange policy
against defects with the exception of the CAVT 300B vacuum tube which has a (1) one year from purchase
date exchange policy. Any digital drive design, whether a Cary Audio Design CD or SACD player or a Cary
Cinema DVD player, has a limited one year parts and labor warranty against defects in manufacture. This is
a limited warrant, for the original purchaser only and does not transfer to any subsequent owner.
During the limited warranty period, Cary Audio Design or an authorized Cary Audio Design service facility
will provide free of charge both parts and labor necessary to correct any defects in material or
workmanship.
To obtain such warranty service, the original purchaser must:
1. Complete and send in the warranty Registration Card within 15 days of purchase.
2. If claiming service the owner must send a fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt along with
any unit sent in for service showing the AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER’S name, the
new selling price, the buyer’s name, e-mail or phone number and address on the receipt. Blank
receipts will NOT validate the limited warranty for service.
3. Notify Cary Audio Design as soon as possible after the discovery of a possible defect and submit
the following information to determine eligibility for warranty:
(a) The model number and serial number;
(b) A fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt showing the original selling price, purchasers
name and address filled in by an AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER with the original
date of purchase shown on the form;
(c) a detailed description of the problem.
4. Deliver the product to Cary Audio Design or the nearest authorized service facility or ship with all
freight and insurance charges prepaid, in its original packing container or equivalent, to Cary
Audio.
Correct maintenance, repair and use are important to obtain performance from this product. Therefore,
please carefully read the Operating Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that Cary Audio
Design in its sole discretion determines is due to:
1. Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not
conform to the quality and the specifications of the original parts.
2. Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
3. Accidental or incidental damage.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
Except for the express warranties stated herein, Cary Audio Design disclaims all other warranties including,
without limitation, all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The
foregoing constitutes Cary Audio Design’s entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
purchaser and any user or owner shall have no other claim for incidental or consequential damages. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives legal rights and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchaser’s exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty, express or
implied, is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective unit or the refund of the purchase price, at
the option of Cary Audio Design. Under no circumstances is Cary Audio Design liable for incidental or
consequential damages. Any implied warranties imposed by law terminate one (1) year from the date of
purchase.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS (Export markets)
Cary Audio Design warrants its merchandise to purchasers within the United States exclusively for use within
the United States of America. It provides no other warranties, expressed or implied. If you are living
outside the USA, please consult with your local dealer or distributor to determine the details of your local
warranty.
13
CARY AUDIO DESIGN
1020 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539
phone 919-355-0010
fax 919-355-0013
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