Safe bets with high odds!
The sound performance, the build quality and the sleek Scandinavian design characterize Copland from the 80’s until today. The CTA408 is obviously no exception and we have to mention that the specific implementation of Copland brought a really great amplifier that every music lover would like to have in his living room. The details, however, matter!
Τhe meaning of this test is whether a product with a high price can offer a good cost-benefit ratio that is really worth. The truth is that the company so far has rarely been disappointed by offering devices whose sound corresponds to their price, which is unfortunately not the norm in the market. CTA408 is fortunately an example of the saying “you get what you pay”. Let’s see why …
Amplifier is the centre…
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming and built-in DAC are features that we will not find in this amplifier. In any case, when we reach such a level, it is most likely that the system into which the CTA408 will enter will contain dedicated devices specifically for these tasks. The Copland Amplifier focuses on its obvious competence which is none other than driving the speakers with the maximum possible level / quality combination. In this direction, we are dealing with a lamp implementation with the output stage based on four KT150 (the most powerful lamp of the family 6550 / KT88 / KT90 / KT120) in push-pull connection and 75W power per channel at 8 Ohm loads. Respectively, in the preamplifier stage we have a combination of 12BH7 and 12AW7 lamps supported by a MOSFET circuit while the supply of the above is done by multiple individual stabilized power supplies It is noteworthy that the amplifier also has a Phono MM (mobile magnet) and MC (mobile coil) preamplifier implemented with J-FET. The fans of pure analog audio will not be left unsatisfied, as will regular headphone users, who will find a 6.4mm TRS output placed on the side of the chassis and driven by a separate A-Class headphone amplifier. There is generally a sufficient number of analog inputs and outputs, with four inputs, tape-out, tape-in and of course the two pairs of terminals for connecting the speakers, with receivers of the output transformer for connecting 8Ω and 4Ω speakers. The amplifier is perfect without exaggeration, with the circular selection screen in the center, while the openings in the chassis for cooling highlight the bright inner world of the device.
Real hi-end
Of course, such an amplifier should not only look perfect but also be constructive and acoustic. The internal implementation and the chassis are quite high quality, which is evidenced by the rather large weight of 26 kg without deviating too much in dimensions (43.5cm L, 22cm H, 46cm D). Also, both the rotary input selector and the volume control leave a solid feel.
As for the sound, the amplifier has a very good combination: The smoothness / realism that one expects from the lamps with the neutrality and the technical perfection of the transistors. So, the CTA sounds modern, like the KT150 lamps it uses, and at the same time seductive. Here we have a very balanced and natural presentation with very good possibilities of describing the details of the recording, natural tones in voices and instruments, realistic performance of the music scene with clear stratification, good speed and tight low and mainly lack of roughness at high frequencies.
The critique is difficult but could be made in terms of the authority and impact of very low frequencies in relation to a corresponding hi-end solid-state implementation. Finally, attention should be paid to the mating with the appropriate speakers as although in our test the CTA did extremely well in terms of both volume and quality, it would be best not to combine it with very low sensitivity speakers especially if they are in large listening areas. With careful accompaniments of the same class, the result justifies its price as this implementation overflows with quality and “maturity”, while, in addition, even a minor element such as the headphone amplifier surprises with its performance, leaving behind “real” headphone amplifiers at a respectable cost.
In summary, the CTA408 is the definition of a modern hi-end based in lamp. Its sound is refined, smooth, extremely balanced and above all pleasant so that it can offer many consecutive hours of music enjoyment. For music lovers who have reasonably sensitive speakers, listening to this amplifier is imperative. If there is a financial possibility, then the Copland amplifier is unreservedly recommended!
Overview
Description: Integrated Amplifier
Power: 2x75W (4/8Ω)
Output valves: 2x KT150, Push-pull
Inputs: 4x line (RCA), 1x tape (RCA), 2x phono (RCA, MM+MC).
Outputs: 1x Rec. out (RCA), 1x TRS 6,4mm, 2x speakers (8/4Ω)
Dimensions: 435x220x460 (mm, LxHxD).
Weight: 26kg.
Price: €6.999,-
info: Orpheus Audio, tel.: 210-5221.524, http://www.orpheusaudio.gr/, http://copland.dk/
Published by Manos Mastrantonakis for YELLOWBOX magazine issue 4._ΥΒ
