Owner’s Manual Delta PRE Stereo Preamp/Processor
Contents Welcome to the Classé family...........................................................................4 Exceptional Design Features.............................................................................5 versatile connectivity..................................................................................5 superior performance.................................................................................5 clean, dedicated power.............................................................
DC Triggers.............................................................................................. 32 Headphones X-Feed................................................................................ 33 Advanced Settings................................................................................... 33 Tone Control...................................................................................................33 Balance.............................................................................
Welcome to the Classé family Congratulations on your purchase of the Classé Delta PRE, a stereo preamp/ processor with reference-quality performance. It is the result of many years of design experience, and we are sure that you will enjoy it for many years to come. Classé values its relationships with our customers and intends on supplying the highest level of support along with our product.
Exceptional Design Features The Delta PRE is a stereo preamp/processor, designed for music lovers who demand the ultimate in sonic performance from their audio system. Its connectivity and processing power accommodate the ever increasing array of music sources, allowing them to be accessed and enjoyed without compromise. versatile connectivity The Delta PRE is a stereo preamp/processor with both balanced and singleended output connections.
Unpacking and Placement We have taken all precautions, and made every effort to make the Delta PRE simple and straightforward to install and use. Still, we recommend that you take a few minutes to review this manual. Even if you are having the preamp/ processor professionally installed, you will want to know how to efficiently operate it to its potential. The Delta PRE menu system includes features that allow a great deal of finetuning.
warm-up/break-in period Your new Classé preamp/processor delivers outstanding performance immediately. However, you can expect to hear subtle improvements as it reaches normal operating temperatures and breaks-in. In our experience, you can expect the greatest changes within the first 72 hours. After initial break-in, you’ll enjoy consistent performance levels for years to come.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Delta PRE Delta PRE Front Panel The front panel of the Delta PRE is shown above. The numbers in the drawing refer to the descriptions that follow. 1 Standby/On Button and Status Indicator LED Pressing the Standby button puts the Delta PRE into standby mode – a low-power state which leaves the preamp/processor and outputs inactive but still allows the unit to respond to system commands via any of the supported control protocols (LAN, CAN-Bus or RS-232)*.
The menu system gives you control over operational details including: system setup options, various display options and custom installation capabilities so that the Delta PRE integrates smoothly into the most complex systems. For more information, see the Menu System later in this manual. 4 IR Window The location of the IR (infrared) receiver for the remote control is behind this window.
12 15 16 1 13 2 4 10 11 7 8 3 17 6 9 5 14 18 DIGITAL IN 100-120~ T2AE 250V 220-240~ T1.25AH 250V AES/EBU USB ETHERNET COAX1 COAX2 OPT1 COAX3 OPT2 OPT3 CAN BUS CAUTION! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING OF THE CENTRE PIN OF THIS PLUG MUST BE MAINTAINED AUX 2 2 IN 1 IR ATTENTION! POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE LA FICHE CENTRALE DE LA PRISE DOIT ÊTRE BRANCHÉE POUR MAINTENIR LA MISE À LA TERRE SUB OUT RS-232 Conforms to ANSI/UL Std.60065 Cert. to CAN/CSA Std.
optimized for digital audio signal transfer and that carry a 75Ω impedance rating. Your Classé dealer can help you with proper cable selections. 4 Digital Audio Inputs - Optical The Delta PRE supports three digital audio inputs, with optical TOSlink connectors labeled OPT1 to OPT3. These inputs accept PCM data streams up to 24-bits long and up to 192 kHz sampling frequency*. DSD audio at DSD64 (DoP) is also accepted. We recommend using cables that are optimized for digital audio signal transfer.
The list of available IR command codes can also be used in macros for sophisticated remote control systems, facilitating the control of the Delta PRE in the larger context of the complete system. 8 IR Output Use the IR output to pass IR commands from an external IR transmitter through the Delta PRE to another Classe component, when necessary. The output uses a mono mini-jack (3.5mm phono) with the same properties as the diagram in the previous section.
XLR male outputs carry the following pin assignments: 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-input power amplifiers to verify that the pin assignments of their input connectors adhere to this standard (Classé power amplifiers are compliant). If your amplifiers are not compliant, it may not pose a problem, but ask your Classé dealer for assistance.
The Remote Control Your Delta PRE Stereo Preamp/Processor includes a versatile IR remote control for both the Preamp/Processor itself and several aspects of the rest of a Classébased system. The buttons are arranged in logical groups according to their functions. The remote control of the Delta PRE is shown on the left. The numbers in the drawing refer to the descriptions that follow.
5 1 • MENU accesses the main screen for the menu system, in the same fashion as the front panel Menu button. • HOME returns the touchscreen display to the Home page. The HOME button essentially acts like a “back to start” button – no matter how deeply you’ve navigated into the menu system, a single button push returns you to the front page.
Initial Setup Your Delta PRE Stereo Preamp/Processor is delivered with default factory settings to facilitate initial setup. But we highly recommend that you work with your Classé dealer for the final setup of the preamp/processor. Your dealer’s knowledge and experience with Classé products will ensure that your audio system is optimized for your listening space. However, if you can’t wait to get started, this section is designed to assist you in setting up and becoming familiar with the Delta PRE hardware.
Make sure you keep a detailed record of the rear panel connectors that you used while connecting the source components! You’ll need to know what connector(s) each source is attached to when you enter the setup menus. An Installation Worksheet is included at the end of this manual to assist you. NOTE: In the Delta PRE default settings, fourteen rear panel inputs are associated with corresponding source selections within the Source Setup menu.
When connecting a cable, make sure the cable has a good connection and is firmly attached to the rear panel connectors on both the amplifier and the Delta PRE. The Delta PRE also provides two Auxiliary analog audio outputs. See the section on Configuration Setup for more details about the Auxiliary outputs. If used, connect the AUX output(s) to its corresponding amplifier(s) or subwoofer. Step 5 Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifiers.
Using the Delta PRE The Delta PRE’s versatile touchscreen LCD supports your day-to-day operations and provides access to a flexible menu system for controls and setup functions that aren’t accessed as often. This section of the owner’s manual outlines the use of the touchscreen in routine operation of the system. When you bring the Delta PRE out of Standby mode, the touchscreen displays the Home page of the menu system, as shown below.
Source Selection Touching any part of the screen when on the Home page brings up the Source Selection page. The number of source buttons appearing here corresponds to the number of inputs that have been set up and are “enabled.” A maximum of nine sources may appear on one page. If more are enabled, they will be available on button in the upper right corner of the page. the next page by touching the See the section on source setup in the Menu System.
The Menu System The comprehensive menu system provides setup and configuration controls for the Delta PRE. These installation-specific features let you customize how the Delta PRE works within the context of your particular system. Changes are made on-the-fly, which allows you to quickly set up and modify settings without constantly being asked if you’re sure you want to make the change and pressing enter to save.
From the System Setup menu, you can: • • • • • • • • • • • tailor your inputs to your particular source components configure the system to take best advantage of your loudspeakers tailor the display to your preferences set volume control parameters enable and setup the Parametric EQ setup Tone Control parameters view the unit’s Network IP address/status and settings choose Remote F key functions assign DC triggers enable Headphone X-feed access Advanced Settings including Restore Defaults, Archive Settings
Input Connector Choose the input connector(s) to be associated with this source button. Any source button may be associated with any input connector(s). Also, multiple source buttons may be assigned to the same connector(s). Source Name The Source Name button provides a way to customize the names of the sources as displayed on the Source Selection screen(s). For example, a music server plugged into the Coax 1 input, you might want to rename the input Music Server to make it easier to remember.
Phono Balance Offset Among all sources, Phono is the most likely to require a balance offset to account for small imbalances in the physical properties of your phono cartridge. We include a Balance Offset button to allow a fixed refinement of up to +/- 3 dB to the L/R balance of your phono cartridge. If XLR2 is configured as a second phono input, the Balance Offset button will appear on its setup page as well. Unlike the system balance control, this setting remains fixed as you go in/out of standby.
Remote Fkeys The remote control supplied with the Delta PRE has eight function keys (Fkeys), each of which can give you instant access to specific system functions. For example, if you want direct access to particular sources or configurations, you may want to consider programming some of the Fkeys to directly access them. By assigning them as Fkey functions, you do not need to use the arrow keys to scroll through the active sources or configurations looking for them.
assigning different functions on different components to the same Fkey. Doing so can result in two components doing two different things at once, in response to a single press of a button on the remote control. This can sometimes be useful. As an example, F1 could set the Delta PRE to the CD Player input, and also set the CD player to Play, both from the press of a single Fkey. Volume Setup Touching the Volume Setup button in the System Setup menu opens the Volume Setup page, as shown below.
Mute Setup The Mute Setup page allows you to choose how the Mute button functions. The options for mute control are: • specific - allows you to select the exact value to which the volume is attenuated. If the current volume is already below that level when muting is engaged, the volume remains unchanged. The factory default is - - -, which is fully muted. • dampening - reduces the current listening level by a specified amount (e.g. -25.00 dB).
Configuration Name As with naming sources, press the Configuration Name button to access the keyboard used for customizing the configuration name. Configurations 1 through 5 can be renamed. Configuration 6 is reserved for Digital Bypass. Remember to press Enter after making your changes to save the new name. Configure Outputs Choose the output connectors you want enabled with this configuration.
Bass Management If you also want to High-Pass Filter the L&R outputs, check the box for L/R HP Filter. The crossover will pass the higher frequencies and correctly direct the low frequencies to the subwoofer(s) based on your frequency and slope settings. If this box is unchecked, L&R channel signals pass full range and the lower frequencies are duplicated by the subwoofer(s). This may result in too much bass, especially at certain frequencies, so equalization may be required to compensate.
Display Setup The Display Setup menu page, shown below, allows you to configure the brightness and display timeout used for the touchscreen display. Brightness The Brightness setting of the Delta PRE touchscreen has three possible values: low, medium, and high. Select the setting you prefer. A high brightness setting usually works best in brightly-lit rooms; you may find that a lower setting is less visually intrusive under more subdued lighting conditions.
The Delta PRE includes a built-in web interface that can be used to configure the system name, Network settings or update the Delta PRE software. To access the interface, type the IP address displayed on the Network Setup page in the URL line of your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.0) and hit return. Alternately if you are using Safari on the Mac, you can “Show All Bookmarks” (See: Bookmarks menu) and click on Bonjour and double click on your Delta PRE device listed in the Webpage’s folder.
You do not need to have all or even any filters enabled for every channel. The installer need only make the adjustments to the channels necessary to correct for the room’s interaction. We encourage you to consult with your authorized Classé dealer to properly calibrate the Parametric EQ function. NOTE: a discrete IR command or Fkey may be used to toggle the EQ on and off to easily compare before and after from the listening position. When the EQ is enabled, EQ appears on the Home page.
Headphones X-Feed The Headphones Cross-Feed feature is used to create a more spacious and lifelike soundfield when listening through headphones. The center-back-of-the-head image produced by stereo signals played back through headphones is unnatural compared to our normal method of hearing, where both ears are listening to the music source and determining spacial cues based on arrival times and the shape of your head.
If conventional bass and treble controls are preferred they may be configured using the Tone Control Setup page as described in the System Setup section. Press TONE on the remote, the tone control icon on the Classé app, or MENU then Tone Control on the touchscreen to access the tone control. The Tone Control is activated by selecting the Enable box on the touchscreen.
To customize configurations, see the Output Setup description in the System Setup section. Mono Pressing the Mono button combines L & R channels, resulting in monaural output on all channels (including Auxiliary and subwoofer channels). When in Mono, the Mono button is shaded. Press again to deselect and return to normal stereo operation. When in Mono, the word Mono appears on the Home page. NOTE: This Mono feature is considered a temporary override. Upon coming out of standby, Mono will deactivate.
CAN-Bus CAN-Bus Classé’s Controller Area Network, or CAN-Bus, allows communication and control between similarly featured Classé components. When the Delta PRE is connected with other CAN-Bus-equipped Classé components, the different elements in the system are in constant communication, creating a “global” network that delivers system wide status information and shared operational features, all through the preamp/processor’s touchscreen display.
Selecting a unit on the CAN-Bus devices screen identifies it as the target unit. The front panel LED(s) or meter light of the target unit will start flashing (unless you choose the unit that you are using to access CAN-Bus). Once you have chosen the target unit, the touch screen will list the CAN-Bus features available to it. Some CAN-Bus features are shared by all models, some are specific to individual models.
Global Dim By setting all your components to Global Dim (referred to as Global Brightness in earlier models), you can adjust the touchscreen and LED brightness for your entire system by changing the brightness of a single touchscreen. All CAN-Bus software updates automatically set the updated unit to Global Dim. If you want a particular unit to be excluded from Global Dim, deselect Global Dim for that unit.
Network Sources Network sources are those which stream audio to the Delta PRE using its rear panel Ethernet connection. The Delta PRE is equipped with a hard-wired Ethernet connection because it provides a more reliable and higher speed connection than is typically available over WiFi. If it is not possible or practical to run a direct Ethernet connection from your router to the Delta PRE, various solutions are available.
happen within the Delta PRE, which uses a high-quality analog volume control to avoid the loss of resolution associated with digital domain attenuation. If you press pause or stop, the display will indicate AirPlay - Stopped. Using an iOS device for AirPlay works the same way. Choose the Music App icon, tap the AirPlay icon, select the Delta PRE from the list of AirPlay speakers, choose your music and play. Volume is likewise adjusted in the Delta PRE by using the volume control on the device.
Troubleshooting Always refer any service problems to your Classé dealer. However, if you run into a problem, we recommend referring to this section first as sometimes an error is not a malfunctioning product, but simply an oversight in the proper setup or use of the component. This section provides suggested solutions to potential problems. If none of these solutions work, please consult your Classé dealer for assistance. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Delta PRE.
Mains voltage: Fuse type: Rating: 100-120VAC IEC time lag, low breaking capacity 2AL 250V Mains voltage: Fuse type: Rating: 220-240VAC IEC time lag, high breaking capacity 1.25AH 250V Removal of the combined switch / fuse holder unit An additional fuse mark on the switch indicates the fuses holders behind the switch. The red frame shows the outline of the removable unit.
5 network/streaming 1 troubleshooting There is a hum coming out of the speakers. P If you are using single-ended interconnects, make sure they are not placed alongside any AC power cords. Also make sure that they are not too long – long single-ended interconnecting cables have a natural tendency to pick up noise even when shielded. P If any source components are connected to cable TV, try disconnecting the cable television line from the source component.
Care & Maintenance To remove dust from the cabinet of your Delta PRE, use a feather duster or a lint-free soft cloth. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend using a microfibre cloth and an anti-static spray such as lens or display cleaner applied to the cloth, not directly onto the Delta PRE. Dampen the cloth with cleaner fluid first and then lightly clean the surface of the Delta PRE with the cloth. Do not use excessive amounts of cleaner that might drip off the cloth and into the Delta PRE.
Specifications All specifications are accurate at the time of printing. Classé reserves the right to make improvements without notice.
Continued Bypass Mode (When ‘Bypass’ is selected for any of the XLR/RCA inputs) n Frequency response (-3dB, 50Ω source impedance) n Harmonic Distortion (measurement bandwidth: 90kHz) n Intermodulation Distortion (measurement bandwidth: 90kHz) n Maximum input level - Single Ended (at 0dB gain) n Maximum input level - Balanced (at 0dB gain) n Signal-to-noise ratio (22kHz BW, ref 9Vrms, A-wtd) n Crosstalk (one channel undriven - BAL/SE) n Channel Matching (Left to Right) Phono (Measured 0dB gain, Bypass M
Continued Format n USB Front (iOS) Charging capability : 2.1A n USB Back (LPCM / DSD) 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, 96k (max sample rate is iOS specific) (LPCM) 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, 96k (LPCM) 176.4k, 192k, 352.8k, 384k (DoP) DSD64, DSD128 (Native DSD*) DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 (* requires CLASSÉ Audio Driver for Windows) n Optical, Coax, AES/EBU (SPDIF) 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, 96k (SPDIF / DSD) (SPDIF) 176.
Continued Dimensions / Weight n Operating Temperature n Overall dimensions 10-35 °C (50-95 ° F) Width: 445mm (17.5”) Depth (including connectors): 449mm (17.5”) Height: 121mm (4.75”) n Net weight n Shipping weight 13.5 kg (29.8 lbs) 17.8 kg (39.2 lbs) (Europe) 18.4 kg (40.5 lbs) For more information, see your Classé dealer, or contact our Headquarters at: Sound United, LLC 5541 Fermi Court Carlsbad, CA 92008 United States Internet: 48 https://classeaudio.
Made for: n iPod touch (5th generation) n iPod touch (4th generation) n iPod touch (3rd generation) n iPod touch (2nd generation) n iPod touch (1st generation) n iPod classic Made for: n iPhone Xr n iPhone Xs n iPhone 8 n iPhone 7 Plus n iPhone 7 n iPhone 6S n iPhone 6 Made for: n iPad mini (Retina) n iPad Air n iPad (4th generation) n iPad (3rd generation) n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n iPod nano (7th generation) iPod nano (6th generation) iPod nano (5th generation) iPod nano (4th generation) iPod na
Dimensions 0.75" (20mm) 16.5" (419mm) 4" (102mm) 16" (406mm) 17.5" (445mm) 4.75" (121mm) 17.
Installation Worksheet Source:.______________________________________________________________ Audio Connector:______________________________________________________ Input:_______________________________________________________________ Source:.______________________________________________________________ Audio Connector:______________________________________________________ Input:_______________________________________________________________ Source:.
Classé 380, rue McArthur Saint-Laurent, Québec H4T 1X8 CANADA Classé offers International Service and Support for its Products. Please visit our Website to find up-to-date Contact Information. https://classeaudio.com Copyright © 2020 Sound United, LLC V 1.
