Do we have an expert on legacy Classé amps?

[ryst]

Have som issue with my M700 monoamps.
Since I bought the SSP600 , I have had some problem to power up my amps. The relay that usally click once after a few sec when you have powerd up the unit and lock the signal from the preamp just keeps shut on/off.

This process may take up to 40mins before I'm able to play music. Before when I uses such pre amps as Krell Showcase and Thule PR350 I didn't have this type of problem, everthing just started up as it should.

Could I be so unlucky that BOTH my mono amps broke down at the same time? or is it something strange in th communication between the pre amp and the monos?

When the relay finally locks I have no problem what so ever to play music and everything sound great. Until I shut down the pre amp or the monos and the process repets itself again.

Am I the only one in the world with this problem? Have tried to talk to Classé but with no progress.

[Glen B]

Are the protection lights on the amps coming on ? Try powering up the amps with the inputs open (no cables connected). If they power up fine then you know the problem is with the preamp. There is no "communication" between the preamp and amps or "locking of signal". The timing of the turn-on delay and closing of the output and soft-start relays upon power-up is regulated by an I.C. All I can think of that would cause the amps to not power up normally with the preamp connected to them would be direct current at the preamp outputs and from what you describe, the problem could be time/temperature based.

Glen

[ryst]

Glen B: thanks for your reply.

The red indicator led lights up fine, it dosen't flash at all during the relay switch on/off.

We also tried to disconnect everything but the power cord (obvious ) but with the same result :evil:

Have no problem with temperatur in the room. But as you mention it might be some problem with the soft start, The switch on/off start just after the second "click" sound. Usally that's it, 2 click sound (2-3 sec) between and the amps are ready to use.

Tried to start a cd and see if the amps would start up if they got a signal but you just hear a sound in the moment between the relays switch on/off.

Worst case scenario is to throw them away and by a new pair om CA-M400, but I really like the sound from the M700 :cry:

[Glen B]

We also tried to disconnect everything but the power cord (obvious ) but with the same result

Have you tried unplugging the amp for a while to see if the protection circuit has triggered and needs to reset ? Its highly unusual for two amps to develop the same problem at the same time.

But as you mention it might be some problem with the soft start, The switch on/off start just after the second "click" sound. Usally that's it, 2 click sound (2-3 sec) between and the amps are ready to use.

I didn't say there might be a problem with the soft start. Even if there were, the amp may still play, although at reduced volume and possibly with some distortion. All the soft start does is close a relay (the first click you hear) to bypass a low value power resistor in series with the incoming hot line. A few moments after that, the output relays close (the second click) if no excessive DC is detected. If the protection circuit is triggered, the amp will not operate and has to be reset.

Worst case scenario is to throw them away and by a new pair of CA-M400, but I really like the sound from the M700 :cry:

I would send the amps to the Classé factory for a checkup. You can call their service department directly at 800-370-3741 and request a repair invoice number. Have your serial numbers ready when you call.

[ryst]

Have you tried unplugging the amp for a while to see if the protection circuit has triggered and needs to reset ? Its highly unusual for two amps to develop the same problem at the same time.

Yep, hade them over at a friends house so they were unplugged for a couple of hours before we tried to start them up again.

At this moment the amps wont start up at all, just the relays thats switch on/off. Shut them off after about 2 hours.

I'm gonna have a talk with my dealer today and see what we can do, "unfortunately" i live in Sweden and have no original boxes but I guess they have someone that can take a look at them locally as well.