Crown raises the bar once again with its new CTs range for installed sound
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DENVER, Colorado - April 2002 -- Crown International takes advantage of NSCA this year to roll out its new flagship amplifier line for the fixed installation market, the CTs Series. CTs builds upon the heritage of Crown's popular Com-Tech line by delivering higher power and better power density, greater flexibility and a more competitive price structure.

The Crown CTs Series is comprised of six amplifiers: the two-channel CTs 600, 1200, 2000 and 3000, four-channel CTs 4200 and eight-channel CTs 8200. Every CTs amplifier uniquely provides a choice of direct constant voltage outputs (70V and, on four models, 100V) and low impedance outputs (8Ω, 4Ω and, on four models, 2Ω), while increased output power at every impedance improves system headroom at practical power steps.

"Having direct constant voltage and low impedance outputs on every CTs model simplifies a system integrator's purchasing decision by standardizing on flexible amplifiers at any power range," says Stephen Morris, Crown International marketing director for installed sound and cinema. "And CTs easily satisfies all power and performance requirements within one line."

A CobraNetT digital audio input option is currently available for each of the four two-channel CTs models, and Crown announces future plans to include a similar option for the CTs 4200/8200. Last year, Crown became the world's first amplifier manufacturer to offer direct CobraNet compatibility with the launch of its USP2/CN module.

Every CTs Series amplifier is housed in low profile, all-steel 2U frame, except for the CTs 8200, which features a 3U chassis. Furthermore, two-channel models feature a shallow rack depth of 14 inches, while multi-channel models are only 16.25 inches deep.

The CTs 600, 1200, 4200 and 8200 each utilize Crown's proven AB+B Multi-Mode output topology to deliver the maximum reliability that has long been the manufacturer's hallmark. The higher-powered CTs 2000 and 3000 harness Crown's patented Balanced Current Amplifier (BCA, or Class 'I') technology for paramount efficiency coupled with the same Crown dependability.

The use of a highly efficient new switch mode power supply greatly reduces overall amplifier weight and enables even the eight-channel model to benefit from the use of a standard 15 Amp IEC power connector.

CTs amplifiers feature sophisticated protection circuitry, including a new AC line voltage monitor that protects the amplifier by shutting it down in the event of an over- or under-voltage condition, and then flashes the blue power indicator light for quick troubleshooting. Both of the multi-channel amplifiers additionally employ a new 'FIT' (Fault Independent Topology) design that isolates any fault conditions without affecting neighboring channels.

Dual input sensitivity switches on the two-channel CTs 600, 1200, 2000 and 3000 allow users to optimize gain structures per channel. The four-channel CTs 4200 and eight-channel CTs 8200, which offer ideal independent power solutions for multi-zoned systems, are outfitted with new IQ and VCA features that enable remote amplifier control and/or monitoring at affordable price points. All two-channel models are fully PIP2 compatible.

Switchable High Pass Filters (flat, 35Hz and 70Hz) permit low frequencies to be rolled off for constant voltage applications. Efficient heat sinks and a fully proportional-speed fan provide fast and even heat dissipation for extra amplifier protection and extended component life.

Sleek and sophisticated in appearance, the only user control on the face of each CTs amplifier is a single power button, while a comprehensive array of front-panel LEDs clearly indicate channel mode status, channel activation, IQ status, signal strength, thermal protection, clip and fault.

Rear panels feature removable Phoenix-style input connectors and barrier block output connectors. Each channel is equipped with its own precision detented volume control, and mode switches for channel pairs allow simple configuration for either low-impedance or constant voltage use. Slots for Crown accessory modules, including the CobraNet input option, are also found on the back panel in addition to a detachable IEC inlet and reset button.

And, like all of Crown's amplifiers, CTs products are backed by the manufacturer's industry-exclusive Three-year, No-fault, Fully Transferable Warranty.

Minimum guaranteed power ratings are as follows:
(all channels driven, 1.4V input sensitivity, 120VAC 60Hz)

Power per channel:

  • CTs 600: 150W into 2Ω; 300W into 4Ω; 300W into 8Ω; 300W at 70V

  • CTs 1200: 300W into 2Ω; 600W into 4Ω; 600W into 8Ω; 600W at 70V

  • CTs 2000: 1000W into 2Ω; 1000W into 4Ω; 1000W into 8Ω; 1000W at 70V; 1000W at 100V (note: common output power regardless of the impedance)

  • CTs 3000: 1500W into 2Ω; 1500W into 4Ω; 1200W into 8Ω; 1200W at 70V; 1200W at 100V

  • CTs 4200: 260W into 4Ω; 200W into 8Ω; 220W at 70V

  • CTs 8200: 200W into 4Ω; 160W into 8Ω; 200W at 70V

Power per channel pair in Bridge-Mono mode:

  • CTs 600: 300W into 4Ω; 600W into 8Ω; 600W into 16Ω; 600W at 140V

  • CTs 1200: 600W into 4Ω; 1200W into 8Ω; 1200W into 16Ω; 1200W at 140V

  • CTs 2000: 2000W into 4Ω; 2000W into 8Ω; 2000W into 16Ω; 2000W at 100V; 2000W at 140V; 2000 at 200V (note: common output power regardless of the impedance)

  • CTs 3000: 3000W into 4Ω; 3000W into 8Ω; 2400W into 16Ω; 2400W at 100V; 2400W at 140V; 2400 at 200V

  • CTs 4200: 520W into 8Ω; 400W into 16Ω; 220W at 100V

  • CTs 8200: 400W into 8Ω; 320W into 16Ω; 200W at 100V

For more details on the new CTs Series, visit Crown's website at www.crownaudio.com  or contact the Crown Technical Support Group at (800) 342-6939 or (574) 294-8200.

Crown International, a Harman International company, manufactures amplifiers, microphones and systems control products for professional audio markets worldwide, with corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana.

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March 2002