Crest Audio CA2 - User Manual

Product Description
The Crest Audio CA2 professional power amplifier is designed
to achieve unsurpassed sonic performance and long-term reliabil-
ity—even when operating under extreme stress—in touring or
fixed installation applications.
Absolute sonic accuracy is the hallmark of every Crest amplifier.
Bass is solid and defined to the limits of audibility, with ample
current reserves delivered by an “over-engineered” power supply
and advanced Class AB output circuit design. Wide-bandwidth
output devices assure detailed, transparent high frequency
response.
Construction and Quality Control
The CA2 is built exclusively in Crest’s own USA manufacturing
facility, with internal components selected for premium quality
and proven durability. Each modular subassembly is pre-tested,
and the assembled CA2 receives a rigorous “hot room” burn-in
before thorough final checkout on precision test equipment.
CA2 Features
• Crest’s legendary “overbuilt” power supply
• Toroidal power transformer
• Latest generation of high-speed, wide-bandwidth output
devices
• Twin tunnel cooling with back-to-front air flow
• Dual, variable speed DC fans
• Massive, extruded aluminum heat sinks
• Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch (TRS) inputs
• 5-Way binding post outputs or Speakon™ connectors
(market dependent)
• Stereo/parallel/bridged mono mode selector switch
• Ground lift switch
• TourClass
®
protection circuits:
- ACL (Active Clip Limiting) prevents speaker damage with
gentle gain reduction at clip threshold.
- IGM (Instantaneous Gain Modulation) monitors speaker
loads to detect conditions that may overstress output
devices.
- AutoRamp gradually increases gain to attenuator setting
level when amplifier is turned on.
- TourClass also includes comprehensive thermal manage-
ment, and short circuit, DC voltage, turn-on/off transient,
current inrush and sub/ultrasonic input protection.
• Input sensitivity selection
• Recessed, stepped attenuators
• Front panel circuit breaker switch
• Modular construction
• Five-year warranty*
CA2 POWER AMPLIFIER
Power Specifications 8 Ohms Stereo 4 Ohms Stereo 8 Ohms Bridged
1kHz, 0.01% THD+N 160W 250W 500W
20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% THD+N 150W 200W 450W
Figures are watts per channel, both channels driven.
4Ω Stereo CA4 CA6 CA9 CA12 CA18
1kHz, .01% THD+N 435W 600W 900W 1200W 1800W
20Hz-20kHz, 0.1% THD+N 400W 500W 800W 1100W 1700W
Power Specifications:
Other CA Series Power Amplifiers

Crest Audio CA2 Specifications

General

Type	Stereo Power Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0.1%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 100 dB
Damping Factor	> 200
Power Output @ 8Ω	100 W
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz
Dimensions	19" x 3.5" x 12"
Weight	22 lbs
Input Impedance	20kΩ balanced, 10kΩ unbalanced

Summary

CA2 POWER AMPLIFIER SERIES

Product Description

Details the CA2 amplifier's sonic performance, reliability, and design for touring/fixed installations.

Construction and Quality Control

Highlights USA manufacturing, premium components, modular subassemblies, and rigorous testing.

CA2 Features

Lists key features like 'overbuilt' power supply, toroidal transformer, cooling, and protection circuits.

CREST CA2 POWER AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Performance Specifications

Detailed technical parameters including power output, frequency response, THD, IMD, damping factor, and input specs.

Architect and Engineer Specifications

Specifications tailored for architects and engineers, outlining performance and protection requirements.

Front and Rear Panel Controls

Details front panel attenuators and rear panel switches, plus channel LED indicators.

Physical and Warranty Information

Information on construction, chassis, dimensions, weight, and warranty period.

Input;Output and Configuration Options

Describes input/output connectors, mode selection, ground lift, and dealer-configurable gain options.

Rear Panel Connection Diagrams

Illustrations of the rear panel for binding post and Speakon connector versions.