CIA-1 NATURAL ALUMINIUM

Crayon Audio CIA-1 Crayon Integrated Amplifier

The amplifier for pure, unaltered music reproduction

At Crayon Audio, we believe that true music lovers want to experience their recordings as directly and precisely as possible—without unnecessary alterations by playback devices. That’s why we developed the CIA-1, a stereo integrated amplifier that reproduces the music signal as faithfully as physically possible.

Versatility and Flexibility

The CIA-1 offers four inputs, one of which can optionally be configured as a phono input. Additionally, the amplifier can be switched to pure power amp mode, making it more versatile in various HiFi systems.

Housing – Perfection in Design and Function

The housing of the CIA-1 is made from high-quality, CNC-machined aluminum. Thanks to a special anodizing process, it not only offers an appealing look but also improves grip. The CNC-machined buttons with Teflon guides and the feet with special plastic inserts provide a stable base. Stainless steel spikes can be optionally used.
The heatsink is thermally decoupled from the housing to allow more efficient heat dissipation and a higher operating temperature inside the device. The design follows the clean, functional aesthetic of Bauhaus style—straightforward and without unnecessary embellishments.

Power Supply – Efficiency and Precision

Crayon Audio utilizes the advantages of switch-mode power supplies, which not only offer high efficiency but also ensure extremely precise voltage regulation. Input and output are carefully decoupled to ensure that the supply voltage for the circuits remains stable and accurate. Special capacitors integrated into all components guarantee even better performance and stability.

Circuitry and Construction – Innovation in Detail

The PCB of the CIA-1 is a 6-layer multilayer design, which allows a 3D arrangement of the circuit tracks with maximum shielding and linearized energy propagation. This technology minimizes interference sources and optimizes signal transmission.
Cutting-edge PCB technologies, such as the Dirks decoupling of the power supply voltages up to 1 GHz, ensure exceptionally high electrical stability and minimal electromagnetic cross-talk.

The power amplifier is designed as a bridged amplifier, meaning the speaker is connected between two power stages. This design provides perfect control over the speaker and delivers precise, powerful performance. This is why we’ve chosen the elaborate use of four power amplifiers—an investment that is clearly reflected in sound quality.

The channel selection is made via CMOS switches, a technique used in professional studio applications to ensure excellent crosstalk attenuation. The active channels are indicated by LEDs, which also show the power-on and off sequences. When the phono input is active, a special LED [MC] indicates whether the input is set to Moving Coil or Moving Magnet (LED off = MM).

The volume control is done via a motorized potentiometer by ALPS, allowing for precise adjustment.
All inputs of the CIA-1 are decoupled with current-compensated chokes to prevent the transmission of symmetrical RF signals (from 1 MHz to over 300 MHz) while leaving the input signal unaffected.

Phono Preamp – Flexibility for Every Need

The phono preamp in the CIA-1 and CFA features a current input suitable for both MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges. Although adjustment of the input resistance for MC and the input capacitance for MM is usually unnecessary, it can be done via DIP switches if desired.
When ordering, you can choose whether the CIA-1 should have four line inputs or three line inputs plus a phono preamp.

All of our amplifiers are proprietary developments, representing the highest level of precision and sound fidelity.

Colors

The CIA-1 is available in classic natural aluminum and elegant black—perfect for any HiFi setup.