Radio Road: REVIEW: Classé Audio CT-10 Tuner by Luminator

Model:	CT-10
Category:	Tuner
Suggested Retail Price:	unknown
Description:	AM/FM Tuner
Manufacturer URL:	Classé Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Luminator on January 27, 2009 at 10:27:51
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for the CT-10

Okay, you know the drill. Click on the links below.

Part 1 history, features
Part 2 innards
part 3 lower shelf
Part 4 interconnects
Part 5 upper shelf, powercords

In the mid-90s, I had Classe' preamps and power amps. I would later add Classe's Tuner-1 , whose poor ergonomics and lack of AM were disappointments. With 2003's CT-10, Classe' would correct these faults. But by then, it was too late. Audiophiles were getting music from the internet, and didn't have much use for component tuners. And that is too bad, because the CT-10 is excellent.

The CT-10 was available in black or silver, but c'mon, everyone knows that the silver looks infinitely better.

The CT-10 does have balanced outputs, and with pin-2 positive, no less. However, unlike other tuners, and very much like CD players, the CT-10 subscribes to the 2V single-ended, 4V balanced "standard," which is way too high. If you are going to use a CT-10, your preamp better have a wide volume control range.

I do not know if this is endemic to all units. When my unit is turned on, sometimes the display does not come on, even though the unit plays music. Also, if you wish to see the RDS readout, you cannot see the station and preset IDs. It's either/or, but not both.

Like other tuners I've had, the CT-10, when placed close to the floor, does not receive stations that well. But when it does pull in stations, it does so with top-notch sonics. It is inherently focused, clear, lively, and true to the source. It is refreshingly free of added bass boom. Because the CT-10 is sonically capable, yes, powercords and interconnects do matter. So choose wisely.

With the above caveats [many of which apply to any tuner in my use], the CT-10 simply outperforms all of the tuners listed below. It is rare, when something this unequivocal comes along.

The bad news is, the CT-10 was discontinued some years ago. While Classe' currently make, and are well-known for, disc players, I'm not aware of any current-production Classe' tuners. The the CT-10 is/was it. Problem is, very few units were sold. Consequently, you won't find many CT-10s on the used market. But if you do, don't miss it.

-Lummy The Seahorse

Product Weakness:	Discontinued, high output, red display is illegible, must scroll to see RDS data
Product Strengths:	Balanced outputs, capable of top-notch sound, no heat, remote

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Jeff Rowland 501; Mark Levinson No. 431; Simaudio W-7
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Jeff Rowland Capri; Mark Levinson No. 326S; Simaudio P-8
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Adcom GFT-555II; Arcam T-31; Classe' Tuner-1; Fanfare FM FT-1A; Parasound T/DQ-1600
Speakers: ProAc One SC; Totem The One; Wilson Benesch ARC
Cables/Interconnects: Nordost Odin, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, XLO Limited Edition
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Bay Area radio stations
Time Period/Length of Audition: 5 years
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Jeff Rowland 501; Mark Levinson No. 431; Simaudio W-7
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Jeff Rowland Capri; Mark Levinson No. 326S; Simaudio P-8
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Adcom GFT-555II; Arcam T-31; Classe' Tuner-1; Fanfare FM FT-1A; Parasound T/DQ-1600
Speakers:	ProAc One SC; Totem The One; Wilson Benesch ARC
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Odin, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, XLO Limited Edition
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Bay Area radio stations
Time Period/Length of Audition:	5 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner