Again in 1997, on the recommendation of a Hello-Fi supplier that I trusted, I invested greater than $16,000 in a whole system manufactured by Copland Audio. The Danish producer (which additionally had places of work in Sweden on the time) created minimalist parts that supplied very good industrial design, sturdy construct high quality, and wonderful sonic efficiency. I had nothing however constructive issues to say concerning the merchandise which reignited my curiosity in tube amplification and digital audio.
The supplier reached out to me after he heard that I had change into a H-Fi journalist and supplied up new merchandise from Copland and Primare that he represented in Canada.
I ought to have left the a part of my life that loved listening to music by means of the Copland stack alone and politely deferred.
$3,500 later — I used to be caught with a Copland CTA-301 MKII Pre-amplifier that I by no means ought to have reviewed and even thought of buying. I did wait 2 months after the overview to purchase the product, nevertheless it started giving me issues and after spending a lot cash — I wished the problems remedied.
The supplier/distributor was ineffective and I ended up having it fastened thrice earlier than I offered it at an enormous loss.
So offended did I change into about all the expertise, that I offered all of my Copland tools that had by no means even burped misplaced and I’ve regretted that call for a number of a long time.
Why the remorse?
Over the previous 10 years, I’ve had the chance to take heed to the present era of Copland amplification (they not manufacture CD gamers or pre-amplifiers) and walked away from the demonstration very impressed.
The brand new Copland CTA407 Built-in Amplifier has me very intrigued. If it provides the punch, element, readability, and timbral accuracy of the amplifiers that got here earlier than it with much more connectivity choices — this could be properly value looking for out in case your loudspeakers are suitable and also you wish to lower down on the variety of parts.
The Herring
Copland simplified its product lineup a number of years in the past and has centered nearly completely on hybrid built-in amplifiers that characteristic Copland’s double triode acquire stage with MOSFET buffering. The CTA407 is just not a hybrid and includes a tube output stage with a shocking quantity of energy.
The CTA407 is a push-pull design that makes use of a pair of matched energy tubes in a hard and fast ultra-linear configuration, offering the low distortion of triodes and the ability of tetrode valves.
Copland claims that the CTA407 utilizing a pair of 6550 or KT88/KT120/KT150 output tubes will ship greater than 100 watts of energy into 8 ohms; the amplifier can output 50 watts/channel in excessive biased class A/AB mode.
Based mostly on my expertise with older Copland amplifiers, they’re usually moderately correct with their revealed specs and I by no means discovered both chassis to run sizzling when pushed very onerous; the highest panel supplied a number of air flow and solely grew to become heat when left on for prolonged listening periods.
The CTA407 is a a lot bigger herring with 5 line-level inputs, together with a tape monitor loop, a built-in RIAA phono circuit accommodating transferring magnet, and excessive output transferring coil cartridges.
The CTA407 comes equipped with 4 x KT88, 2 x 12BH7, and 1 x ECC83 tubes, measures 435 x 215 x 390mm (W x H x D), and weighs 25 kg. There are 3 toroidal transformers inside which explains the moderately hefty weight.
We’re debating a overview for Could or June if we are able to get our fingers on a pattern. It’s a reunion that’s lengthy overdue.
We are going to replace the story with the brand new USD value after we get it, however the CTA407 will run €6900.
CTA407 Specs
- Tubes: 6550/KT88: 4pcs. 12BH7: 2pcs. ECC83: 1pcs.
- The auto-bias system will modify additionally to be used with :
- KT90/KT100/KT120/KT150
- Rated energy: 50W / channel at 4 / 8 ohms
- THD: Lower than 0.5 % in any respect ranges
- Frequency response: 10 Hz 150 kHz – 3 dB
- Enter sensitivity Line: 200 mV for rated energy
- Enter sensitivity Phono: 2.5 mV for rated energy
- Enter impedance Line: 50 Okay ohms
- Enter impedance Phono: 47 Okay ohms
- S/N ratio (IHF-A): 100 dB
- Energy consumption: 300 W
- Nominal mains voltage: 115V or 230V / 240V. Manufacturing facility set for vacation spot nation solely
- Mains voltage vary: +/- 12 %
- Dimensions (mm.): 435 (W) 215 (H) 420 (D)
- Weight: 20 kg
For extra data: Copland
