2. amps-preamps
  3. 1288033652

Can you get good sound bridging 2 Classe CA-200s

I have had on-going issues with my Classe CA-200 amplifier's mosfet fuses blowing out driving my Thiel CS2.3s. The sound is excellent, however, after 40 to 60 minutes the amplifier gets hot and the fuses blow. (I do play music loud). One reasonably economical solution would be to find another used CA-200 and bridge the amplifers to double the power. Will this work? Will the sound be as good? Has anyone tried this. Thanks!
128x128bcarr38
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Finding it hard to fathom the ruggedly built CA-200's not being able to handle the Thiels. Granted, the Thiels are a fairly tough load but gotta think that something is wrong with the amp. Perhaps, the bias has drifted and needs to be adjusted. Is there an AC issue? Are both amp and preamp DC-coupled?

Anyway, bridging not advisable as that doesn't increase current into low impedance loads and just as likely to make problem worse. The increase in power from bridging is mostly voltage which only helps you keep the volume knob a bit further back.
gbart
290 posts
 
I agree with the above. It is probably a good idea to get the amp checked out. It should not be blowing mosfet fuses repeatedly like that. Is the amp adequately ventilated ? Is your CA-200 a rear or side heatsink version ? I have a CA-300 (biased to factory recommended setting by yours truly) and it never gets hot driving my PSB Stratus Gold i's, which drop to around 2.7 ohms in the midbass.

A CA-300 would give you a little more headroom at about 50% of the cost of a second CA-200. Similarly, you could sell the CA-200 and get a CA-400 for roughly the same as a pair of CA-200s.
dob
577 posts
 
Hi,

I agree with Ngjockey that bridging will mostly double your voltage whereas you may (MAY) need higher current.

However,from your description it seems that its the raise in temperature trigger the fuse failure.

I would check your power conditioner first - if its regenerator then by removing it you will, most probably will solve the problem.

Next, I would call manufactuurer as no one here knows strenghts and weaknesses of your amps as they are. Prepare SPL/Frequency and Ohm/Frequency data of your speakers. If you can obtain the Phase/Frequency data it would be more informative for Classe people.

I owned Classe a few years ago and it also failed (they save on rail fuses 30 cents or 40 cents) and I had to sent it to them for very expensive repair - I sold it upon return and never touched Classe since and never recommend it to anyone but you have what you have.

Good Luck !
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