Copland CSA-8 Integrated Amplifiers Reviews

Metheny

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Used

Summary:
I started this hobby as so many others, with hometheater stuff. With this amp i completely dismissed the ht. from my system, and it worthed it. My current setup: -Proac tablette 2000 -Copland csa-8 -Audiomeca Obsession 2 CD -Harmonic Tech. Fantasy Speaker Cable -Harmonic Tech. Prosilway MkIII. IC In this setup, the amp really sings. The first thing i notuced, was much more controlled bass response. My previous amp was a denon avr1803 receiver, which could not control perfectly the proac, and it was inferior in clarity. With the copland i don't dare to turn up the volume beyond halfway, and it seems, that the amp has a lot of juice left. The other thing that was apparent, was the precise soundstaging and imaging. Everything fell in place, amazing. The cymbals seem to shimmer more, and more lifelike, so the treble extension is better than the denon had, however the denon sometimes was bright, with the copland, it has totally gone. One problem with the amp, as other user mentioned, that it can not be directly or not directly connected to tv, while the antenna cable is connected, it makes a hissing noise. With the cable unplugged, the amp is very good for movies as well. I tried other amps as well, none of them gave me the transparency of this product, the primare i20 was too warm, the musical fidelity a3, and a3.2 was like putting a honey aura around the music, and had too strong bass response. The audio analogue was not so transparent, a bit sweet, that was too much with my proac, and the audio refinement was flat, not very dynamic. I recommend it, and because it is discontinued, you can find it at a really great price, a bargain.

Strengths:
-Transparent -Dynamic -Great control and enough power -Precise imaging and soundstage -Minimalist design -Can't stop my feet tapping since i connected it into my system -Great price -Everything

Weaknesses:
-No remote -Interference with TV.

Similar Products Used:
Denon avr1803, tried Musical Fidelity a3, a3.2, Primare i20, Audio refinement

Price Paid:  $1270.00 from October 1999

Summary:
I believe that this amp easily could be characterized as entry-level hi-end. I have tested quite a lot amps in this price area trying to find the exact match to my electronics and this is the only amp can play almost any kind of music successfully. It''s minimalistic design is marvelous and also robust. It''s bass is tight and accurate and resolution is also very good. The more important thing is that this amp can be matched with a great deal of electronics. It''s construction as far as concern electronics is state of the art.

Strengths:
It''s power is tremendous as it was the only amp i tested that it could eaily shake my stern Concertino''s. it also has a very clear soundstage as it could easily desribe music scene. In Jazz/Classic parts it''s performance is creepy.

Weaknesses:
Maybe if it could be more clear in the midrange area.

Similar Products Used:
Micromega Stage 6 Sonus Faber Concertino Nordost Speaker Cable Nordost Redon Interconnects

Price Paid:  $923.00

Summary:
The hum noise disappeared in all when there is no connection, either directly or indirectly with TV.

With the above issue resolved, it's time to enjoy listening with my jazz/classic CD collection. CSA-8 clearly excels in the middle and upper range with a significant increase in resolution, and the quantity is correct and never excessive. It is transparant that it sounds neither syrupy or mechanical. Bass resolution and quantity is also ok. CSA-8 can be played loud with distortion.

Other components in use:
DVD/CD: Sony S-705D
MD: Sony MD-JB930
Speaker: ProAc Tablette 50 Signature
InterConnect: Silver Audio Hyacinth

Strengths:
Neutrality, Resolution

Weaknesses:
Cannot be directly or indirectly connected to TV

Price Paid:  $923.00

Summary:
The first one received cannot be powered on. It then is returned to the shop, which is replaced by the second one. However it produces an loud "hum" current noise on its right channel even when the volume is at infinity. I then swap the speaker cable to the left. This time the noise comes from the left speaker. I reconnect the system with my existing Denon Integrated Amp and there is no hum even when I turn the volume to maximum.

I will submit another review when this problem is solved.

Strengths:
Refer to previous posts

Weaknesses:
Quality Control

Similar Products Used:
Denon

Summary:
CD: Copland CDA-266
Speakers: P.E. Léon Enzo
Interconnect: QED Silver Spiral Interconnect

Compared to the equivalent Naim and Arcam equivalents, I found that the two Copland components worked to give superior clarity and depth to the music without obvious strain. The very neutrality of the setup emphasises the control it has in complex passages but it is a bit fussy about interconnect and selective with speakers (I switched to the Léons after becoming dissatisfied with a pair of Mission 753 Freedoms - the difference is immense). It seems happy with all styles of music and will soundtsage with stunning accuracy. Five stars.

Strengths:
Clarity, precision, soundstage, neutrality

Weaknesses:
?