DLS CA31 Three Channel Amplifier

Chunky three channel amplifier with thick heatsink and unusual configuration of two stereo channels and one mono subwoofer channel. The product is aimed at an audiophile rather than out and out high power application, as evidenced by the sensible-sized bass channel (i.e. not monster) and that it is a regular Class AB monoblock, rather than a bolted-in Class D device and a cheap two channel amp in one box together. The product was heard in situ in a car system as well as another being examined from the carton at a shop-based sound off.  It had been installed as part of a promotional collection dubbed the ‘DLS Summer Performance Package’ and was sold with a set of DLS C6A component speakers and a DLS KW10 subwoofer, ready boxed and with grille as well as some extra parts and accessories such as a wiring kit and sound treatment materials and even a metal key ring for far less than normal rates. The intent was a synergy by the selection to end up with a quality system with real ability for around £500 plus installation.
– Number of channels: 3
– Amplifier class: AB
– Output power in 4 Ohm: 2 x 65w
– Output power in: 2 Ohm: 2 x 90w
– Mono sub channel 4 Ohm: 170w
– Mono sub channel 2 Ohm: 280w
– Damping factor: >100
– S/N ratio, A-weighted: >100dB
– Frequency range: 10Hz to 35kHz
– Input sensitivity: 0.25 to 5V
– Input impedance: >10 kOhm
– Input impedance: high level;100 Ohm
– Filters channel A & BHP: 50Hz to150Hz
– Filter sub channel: Lowpass: 50Hz to 120Hz plus subsonic 25Hz
– Low level output: No
– High level input with auto start: Yes
– Power consumption (idle) 1A
– Power consumption: (max) 60A
– Rec. power cable: Minimum 4AWG/21mm²
– Fuses: 2 x 30A
– Dimensions: (W x D x H)70 x 357 x 268mm
– Weight: 4kg ( 8.8 lb)
Review by Adam Rayner
The car was a Ford Fiesta belonging to Tracey Elcome, one of the HighDown Honeyz from Goring Upon Sea in the south. This is the first car to be fitted with the DLS Summer Performance Package and was only part ‘tuned’ when I heard it as it was headed up by a sophisticated high end Pioneer P88RSII headunit with equalisers and so forth in its guts. Nevertheless, the quality of the amp’s basic ability shone through. The speakers were the DLS KW10 subwoofer in a box made especially to house it and a set of the same ‘Performance’ series speakers, the DLS C6As.
The bass was really surprising. It had some weight and yet speed, both of which denote some headroom. It went deep and was fast and fancy-footwork capable. Not ‘doom foon boon!’ but pacey and sexy. The front channels were lovely, too. Not bags and bags of wellie but enough of course to perfectly match up with the sub channels and also with a slice of better sound than the cheap or thud-head types. Subtlety and nuance were all happening. I played some Katie Melua (she who judged Ice on the Gadget Show and was wonderful) and it was impressively clear and detailed. Notwithstanding the quality of the headunit and the quality of the speakers, you could hear that the amp was a good ‘un.
Not crazy monster power but if it was a car it’d be a proper GTi. Of course the whole system had gelled a treat and having been designed to go together by DLS’ top noggins, it aught not surprise. Yet the amp could not make the speakers sing so well if the signal were not there, so well done on the headunit front, too!
A sexy looking piece with nice thick heatsink, it’s well made and obviously is allowing for continual use of that bass channel. It connects up prettily to the Audison Connection (or is that just ‘Connection’?) power cable that comes as part of the special package this was part of, but Jez at HighDown did a slightly snide upgrade from eight gauge and perfectly adequate, to slightly over-engineered to impress the judges four gauge power wire. CA31 isn’t a compact design amp but is so handsome, I too would want it on show to let mates see.
The overall scale of the bass is limited due to the cost and size of course but that is only a slight issue as it has the clarity and purity to make you hunger for more. The front channels were able to deliver a credible high quality sound stage and were well reproduced enough by the speakers used to be able the tell that the amp underlying the sound was of sufficiently high quality.
A capable and high quality amp made to a standard and price at the same time that scores enough to garner a Talk Audio Recommended flag.
Overall 9.0
Sound Quality 8
Power Output 9
Features 9
Build Quality 10
Value For Money 9