{"id":24852,"date":"2022-04-05T22:34:21","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T21:34:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?p=24852"},"modified":"2022-04-05T22:49:18","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T21:49:18","slug":"copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

The CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.<\/strong>
\nScore 10 out of 10<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/p>\n

\n

Let\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.<\/strong>
\n– Ed Selley, November 2021<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Best<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Link to product: Copland CSA70<\/a>
\nLink to review: AVforums<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24770,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[171,175,173,1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\u2019s notable is that the \u2018hit rate\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \u2018hybrid\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\u2026 mature\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \u2018old hat\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \u2018sub preamp\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \u2018digital\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\u2026 but the chances are you won\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\ufeffSo far, we\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \u2018edge\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \u2018composed\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\u2019s It Isn\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Connectivity\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Ease of use\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Audio quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Value for money\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Overall\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \u00a3900 - Courtesy of Yorkshire AVWin a copy of Criterion's March Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of Criterion's April Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of The Good Karma Hospital Complete Series 1- 4 DVD Box SetWin a copy of Spider-Man: Now Way Home on 4K Ultra HDWin a copy of A Discovery of Witches: The Final Chapter on Blu-rayWin a copy of Rules of the Game on DVDHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers SECTIONSNewsReviewsArticlesForumsSitemapADVERTISINGAdvertising InformationContact The Advertising TeamAdvertisers' User AccountsORGANISATIONAboutRules and TermsPrivacy policyChange cookie consentContact usFORUM INFORMATIONHomeHelp & FAQTrading RulesStyle : Light ModeSOCIALISINGTHE HUBSTVs Home Cinema Hi-Fi Movies & TV Shows Tech GamingEurope's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more.AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited,company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales.Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd.TMDB Logo This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.Copyright \u00a9 2000-2022 M2N Limited E. & O.E.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\u2019s notable is that the \u2018hit rate\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \u2018hybrid\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\u2026 mature\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \u2018old hat\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \u2018sub preamp\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \u2018digital\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\u2026 but the chances are you won\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\ufeffSo far, we\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \u2018edge\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \u2018composed\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\u2019s It Isn\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Connectivity\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Ease of use\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Audio quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Value for money\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Overall\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \u00a3900 - Courtesy of Yorkshire AVWin a copy of Criterion's March Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of Criterion's April Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of The Good Karma Hospital Complete Series 1- 4 DVD Box SetWin a copy of Spider-Man: Now Way Home on 4K Ultra HDWin a copy of A Discovery of Witches: The Final Chapter on Blu-rayWin a copy of Rules of the Game on DVDHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers SECTIONSNewsReviewsArticlesForumsSitemapADVERTISINGAdvertising InformationContact The Advertising TeamAdvertisers' User AccountsORGANISATIONAboutRules and TermsPrivacy policyChange cookie consentContact usFORUM INFORMATIONHomeHelp & FAQTrading RulesStyle : Light ModeSOCIALISINGTHE HUBSTVs Home Cinema Hi-Fi Movies & TV Shows Tech GamingEurope's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more.AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited,company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales.Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd.TMDB Logo This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.Copyright \u00a9 2000-2022 M2N Limited E. & O.E.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"INTEK HI-FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-04-05T21:34:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-04-05T21:49:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"darko\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/\",\"name\":\"INTEK HI-FI\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"COPLAND CSA 70\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/\",\"name\":\"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-05T21:34:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-04-05T21:49:18+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7\"},\"description\":\"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \\u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\\u2019s notable is that the \\u2018hit rate\\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \\u2018hybrid\\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \\u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\\u2026 mature\\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \\u2018old hat\\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \\u2018sub preamp\\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \\u2018digital\\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\\u2026 but the chances are you won\\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\\ufeffSo far, we\\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \\u2018edge\\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \\u2018composed\\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \\u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\\u2019s It Isn\\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022.9Connectivity\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022.9Ease of use\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022.9Audio quality\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u202210Value for money\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u202210Overall\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u2022\\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \\u00a3900 - Courtesy of Yorkshire AVWin a copy of Criterion's March Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of Criterion's April Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of The Good Karma Hospital Complete Series 1- 4 DVD Box SetWin a copy of Spider-Man: Now Way Home on 4K Ultra HDWin a copy of A Discovery of Witches: The Final Chapter on Blu-rayWin a copy of Rules of the Game on DVDHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers SECTIONSNewsReviewsArticlesForumsSitemapADVERTISINGAdvertising InformationContact The Advertising TeamAdvertisers' User AccountsORGANISATIONAboutRules and TermsPrivacy policyChange cookie consentContact usFORUM INFORMATIONHomeHelp & FAQTrading RulesStyle : Light ModeSOCIALISINGTHE HUBSTVs Home Cinema Hi-Fi Movies & TV Shows Tech GamingEurope's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more.AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited,company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales.Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd.TMDB Logo This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.Copyright \\u00a9 2000-2022 M2N Limited E. & O.E.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7\",\"name\":\"darko\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d3b6149fb1fb06b36083b7009dbff0af?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"darko\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/author\/darko\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI","description":"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\u2019s notable is that the \u2018hit rate\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \u2018hybrid\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\u2026 mature\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \u2018old hat\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \u2018sub preamp\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \u2018digital\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\u2026 but the chances are you won\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\ufeffSo far, we\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \u2018edge\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \u2018composed\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\u2019s It Isn\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Connectivity\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Ease of use\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Audio quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Value for money\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Overall\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \u00a3900 - Courtesy of Yorkshire AVWin a copy of Criterion's March Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of Criterion's April Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of The Good Karma Hospital Complete Series 1- 4 DVD Box SetWin a copy of Spider-Man: Now Way Home on 4K Ultra HDWin a copy of A Discovery of Witches: The Final Chapter on Blu-rayWin a copy of Rules of the Game on DVDHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers SECTIONSNewsReviewsArticlesForumsSitemapADVERTISINGAdvertising InformationContact The Advertising TeamAdvertisers' User AccountsORGANISATIONAboutRules and TermsPrivacy policyChange cookie consentContact usFORUM INFORMATIONHomeHelp & FAQTrading RulesStyle : Light ModeSOCIALISINGTHE HUBSTVs Home Cinema Hi-Fi Movies & TV Shows Tech GamingEurope's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more.AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited,company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales.Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd.TMDB Logo This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.Copyright \u00a9 2000-2022 M2N Limited E. & O.E.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI","og_description":"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\u2019s notable is that the \u2018hit rate\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \u2018hybrid\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\u2026 mature\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \u2018old hat\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \u2018sub preamp\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \u2018digital\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\u2026 but the chances are you won\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\ufeffSo far, we\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \u2018edge\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \u2018composed\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\u2019s It Isn\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Connectivity\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Ease of use\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Audio quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Value for money\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Overall\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \u00a3900 - Courtesy of Yorkshire AVWin a copy of Criterion's March Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of Criterion's April Titles on Blu-rayWin a copy of The Good Karma Hospital Complete Series 1- 4 DVD Box SetWin a copy of Spider-Man: Now Way Home on 4K Ultra HDWin a copy of A Discovery of Witches: The Final Chapter on Blu-rayWin a copy of Rules of the Game on DVDHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers SECTIONSNewsReviewsArticlesForumsSitemapADVERTISINGAdvertising InformationContact The Advertising TeamAdvertisers' User AccountsORGANISATIONAboutRules and TermsPrivacy policyChange cookie consentContact usFORUM INFORMATIONHomeHelp & FAQTrading RulesStyle : Light ModeSOCIALISINGTHE HUBSTVs Home Cinema Hi-Fi Movies & TV Shows Tech GamingEurope's busiest forums, with independent news and expert reviews, for TVs, Home Cinema, Hi-Fi, Movies, Gaming, Tech and more.AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited,company number 03997482, registered in England and Wales.Powered by Xenforo, Hosted by Nimbus Hosting, Original design Critical Media Ltd.TMDB Logo This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.Copyright \u00a9 2000-2022 M2N Limited E. & O.E.","og_url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/en\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/","og_site_name":"INTEK HI-FI","article_published_time":"2022-04-05T21:34:21+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-04-05T21:49:18+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"darko","Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/","name":"INTEK HI-FI","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/copland-csa70-1280x720-1.jpg","width":1280,"height":720,"caption":"COPLAND CSA 70"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/","name":"Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier > AVforums Review - INTEK HI-FI","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/copland-csa-70-integrated-amplifier-avforums-review\/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2022-04-05T21:34:21+00:00","dateModified":"2022-04-05T21:49:18+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/intek-hifi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/02fa1742be92272c2fe50f2579f320e7"},"description":"AVForumsThe No. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Community & Resource Home Forums Reviews Editorial Deals Competitions Help Log inRegister SearchLatest activity RegisterHome Hi-Fi Reviews Stereo Amplifiers Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewMore than a great knobby Ed Selley Nov 21, 2021Review Specs Discussion (19)HI-FI review 19Hi-FiCoplandBest In ClassCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier Review COPLAND CSA70 STEREO AMPLIFIER (2021)SRP: \u00a32,988.0010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Copland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewThe CSA 70 is a sensational amplifier; balancing a comprehensive specification and excellent build with a performance that is sublime across its full functionality. Copland has built a masterpiece.ProsSounds sensationalComprehensive specificationLooks lovely and is well madeConsNo remote selection of digital inputsSlightly crude phono groundShare:FacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkIntroduction - What Is the Copland CSA 70?The Copland Audio CSA 70 is a stereo integrated amplifier that features a selection of analogue and digital inputs. Although we haven\u2019t tested as many of these in 2021 as we did in 2020, it\u2019s still now the type standard for this sort of device and, based on a calm appraisal of the specification, nothing about it stands out as terribly unusual. For all that though, it\u2019s notable in a few ways.First of all Copland is a company I have a great deal of time for. Since their inception in 1984, they\u2019ve built a relatively small number of products that cover both source equipment and amplifiers. What\u2019s notable is that the \u2018hit rate\u2019 of those products is incredibly high. Copland has turned out some outstanding devices over the years. One of them, the dearly departed CTA 405 integrated valve amp, is one of my favourite products, completely regardless of price, of all time. As such, new Copland devices don\u2019t turn up terribly often but when they do, they\u2019re worth paying attention to.Something else about the CSA 70 specifically is notable too. The existing range of Copland amps comprise one all valve model and two \u2018hybrid\u2019 designs that combine a valve based preamp with a solid state power amp. The CSA 70 on the other hand is completely solid state. It isn\u2019t the first Copland product to be so but it is the first amplifier of theirs that I\u2019ve tested in this configuration. Is this elegant but unassuming integrated another Danish dynamo or a rare miss? We had best get cracking.Specification and DesignCopland CSA70The silver finish is more aesthetically pleasingAs noted, there\u2019s not a great deal in the quoted spec of the CSA 70 that marks it out as anything truly unusual. The name is a clue to the power output which is quoted as 70 watts into eight ohms. No figure is given for four ohm operation but Copland states that the CSA 70 is stable into a two ohm load. The nature of how this amp is designed and built speaks to the priorities that Copland feels are important in what they do. The first aspect of this is that the entire amplifier is built on a single board. Copland prioritises short signal paths in its designs and this process means that the entire amp section of the CSA 70 is as compact as possible.This methodology also plays into the feedback process which is designed to be as fast as possible; something that applies to its other amplifiers too. By shrinking the circuit, Copland also says that the CSA 70 is more resistant to external interference as well. It would be wrong to say that Copland actively seeks to make things as simple as possible but it does undoubtedly attempt to avoid introducing unnecessary complexity. The volume control in the preamp is a motorised pot rather than an increasingly fashionable rotary encoder because Copland doesn\u2019t want the additional circuitry that comes with it. Where it sees a benefit though, such as with an active protection circuit, it is fitted. The nuts and bolts of what results, is an amplifier that is silent at idle and entirely tractable in use.The connectivity of the Copland is flexible but in keeping with the sort of specification we\u2019re seeing with integrated amps at the moment. You get three line inputs and a moving magnet phono stage; something that Copland has historically been very good at. As well as a single set of speaker terminals and a 6.35mm headphone output, the Copland has both an RCA pre-out and line out so most connectivity requirements are catered for. There is then a digital board that supports a USB, two optical and a single coaxial input. The Copland uses an Amenero USB module as they do in their other devices but eschews the ESS DAC used in other products for a Wolfson WM8740 with a regulated PSU for the board. An optional Bluetooth module is available too for \u00a3198.Copland CSA70The rear panel is logically laid outThe sample rate handling of this board is fairly prosaic as the WM8740 is a fairly\u2026 mature\u2026 design (it does by the by, put more clear air between the CSA 70 and more expensive CSA100 too). PCM is supported to 24\/192kHz and that\u2019s your lot; no 768kHz, no DSD. As with the Arcam ST60, I am compelled to point out that however \u2018old hat\u2019 this might feel, it still covers off the vast majority of recorded music. If you were hell bent on pushing further, there are still those three RCA inputs to which something could be connected up to. The Copland is a fine example of the sort of amp that would benefit from the iFi Zen Stream as a partnering device, allowing it to operate as a self-contained setup.The manner of how this digital section is integrated on the amp is one of my only real operational criticisms of the Copland. The amp has a (very pleasant) remote handset that allows you to put it in and out of standby, adjust the volume and switch between the analogue inputs. The digital inputs are on a sort of \u2018sub preamp\u2019 though, where they are selected by a small rotary control. This is not supported by the remote handset so all you can do is select the \u2018digital\u2019 input access point which then accesses the input last selected on the front panel. This does mean that if, for the sake of argument, you are using the USB input and one of the optical connections for a TV, you will need to switch between them on the front panel.Copland CSA70An attractive and logical remote handset is suppliedThis sounds a touch onerous\u2026 but the chances are you won\u2019t mind interacting with the Copland. Something that the company has done consistently brilliantly over the time it has been in business is making products that are elegant, attractive and pleasant to use. In microcosm, the CSA 70 embodies everything they do so well. The front panel is completely logical. Two large controls; input and volume, flank a central indicator that shows selected input and protection warnings. The small digital input selector is over on the left together with lock and sample rate indicator lights. It is utterly free of adornment and largely intuitive.It\u2019s the details that make the difference though. Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunch. Yes, even better than Primare. The volume control of the CSA 70 is joyously pleasant to use because it combines a great shape with perfect weighting - it all but implores you to put the remote down and adjust it in person. The two input selectors are barely less pleasant too. I do think it looks better in the silver rather than the black of the review sample but this is something you\u2019d be happy to have out on display.It\u2019s also superbly made in a no nonsense sort of way. This is not about concealed screw fittings or the like, it\u2019s about good materials being used to execute something that feels like it\u2019ll still be running happily years from now. Literally the only thing I can find to critique in terms of build is that the phono ground connector is a little crude; unless care is taken unscrewing it, it tends to rotate around its fixing on the rear panel. Everything else though is finished to a superbly high standard.Copland CSA70A world class knob Scandinavian audio manufacturers are keen advocates of a good control knob but I\u2019m going to call it here and now; Copland\u2019s are the best of the bunchHow was the CSA 70 tested?The Copland has been connected to an IsoTek Evo3 Aquarius mains conditioner and tested with a Roon Nucleus over USB, a Chord Electronics Hugo2 and 2Go module over RCA and the phono stage has been tested via AVID Ingenium Twin, SME M2-9 and Vertere Sabre moving magnet cartridge. The speaker used has been the Focal Kanta No1 with some headphone testing via the Focal Clear MG. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, Tidal, Qobuz and some vinyl.More: Audio FormatsPerformanceCopland CSA70The black finish is a little more prosaic but still beautifully made\ufeffSo far, we\u2019ve established that the Copland is a combination of a decent if not world beating specification and some great knobs but I can assure you there\u2019s a little more going on here too. After ten minutes listening to the Copland, you\u2019ll be impressed. After an hour, you\u2019ll be delighted and after a day, you\u2019ll likely be considering how you lived without it.At the core of this ability is a quality that, in many ways, matches the aesthetic. Initially listening via the Hugo2 and 2Go to get a handle on the amp section itself, the Copland isn\u2019t something that steams out of the blocks with any one aspect of the sonic balance that stands out. It is even handed, refined and usefully forgiving in a way that allows those of us with musical collections that disappear off in various directions to enjoy all of it. Even with the Kanta No1 as its partner, a speaker that can still demonstrate an \u2018edge\u2019 with the wrong partner, the Copland is controlled and composed. In fact \u2018composed\u2019 comes up time and time again in my listening notes.Where the CSA 70 starts to shine though is that, the longer you listen, the more it becomes clear that there\u2019s an underlying grip to what this amp does that is carefully but consistently delivered. This doesn\u2019t manifest itself in big slabs of bass or indeed big slabs of anything. Instead, if you listen to Otis Taylor\u2019s 500 Roses; an absolutely type standard example of the extraordinary, intense blues sound that Taylor has been delivering for over thirty years, the CSA 70 is effortlessly tight and driven. The guitar and bass move with the urgency they need to and it gets your head nodding in a manner you can\u2019t fight. This is a different sort of engagement to something like the Cyrus i7 XR which has more overt speed and snap to it. Here, the effect is more fluid and perhaps more natural but it\u2019s still tight as a drum.And what this does is underpin a performance that is even handed, accurate and spacious but joyous with it. The live version of San Jacinto (well, live\u2026 ish) on Peter Gabriel\u2019s Plays Live is everything you could want in terms of the space and three dimensionality of the performance. Gabriel is a tangible presence in the middle of the stage, surrounded by those delicate keyboard tones that decay away beautifully. As the track builds and the bass starts, it\u2019s not seismically deep but it hits hard enough while integrating superbly with the upper registers. And then\u2026 when the chorus finally begins, there\u2019s a euphoria to it that somehow never impinges on the accuracy.Copland CSA70The two input selectors are about the only oddity of the CSA 70's interfaceRather impressively, if you run the same track via the USB input, the differences between it and the Chord are not night and day. There\u2019s fractionally less fine detail and three dimensionality but the bass response might actually be fractionally deeper via the on board DAC. There\u2019s some of the same character of how the amp itself operates to the digital board too. It never once feels like anything is being forced or pushed beyond the boundaries of realism but it\u2019s still enormously engaging. The tremendous Three Dots and a Dash by the Punch Brothers is something that transcends simple, measured reproduction and goes into something altogether more emotionally compelling. Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about it.Amazingly, it isn\u2019t even the star input. The phono stage of the CSA 70 is a device you would actually seek out as a standalone if Copland decided to make such a thing. The recent rise of high quality, relatively high end moving magnet carts such as the \u00a3845 (and phenomenal) Vertere Sabre mean that amps not having moving coil support (and most of the amps we\u2019ve looked at in this price bracket don\u2019t) are at less of a disadvantage than they might once have been. Enjoying Fink\u2019s It Isn\u2019t Until it Is on the Copland is a sublime experience. Everything that the amplifier section does so well is complemented by a phono stage that is able to inject that fraction of sweetness and liquidity into the mix without tipping over into being soft or bloomy. It then balances this with next to no unwanted noise and plenty of gain. If you are a keen turntable user, this one needs to go right to the top of the list.Then, just to round off a crushingly competent performance, the headphone amp puts in a solid showing too. The CSA 70 has to concede absolute capability to the Rega Aethos which has a tremendous headphone amp at its disposal but even using the Copland with the Clear MG, a headphone fully half the price of the amp itself, the same positive qualities are present and noise levels are low enough to make listening to vinyl on headphones - something I usually avoid - a practical and enjoyable experience.Copland CSA70Joy machine Could I live with converting DSD to PCM to play on the CSA 70? Based on what it does with PCM, yes I could and I wouldn\u2019t have to stop to think it about itConclusionCopland CSA 70 Integrated Amplifier ReviewLet\u2019s cut to the chase. There are any number of great amplifiers we\u2019ve looked at in the price segment where the CSA 70 pitches in and some of them do more extensive and remarkable things in specification terms than this subtle, almost unassuming Dane. None of them balance functionality, build and performance in the manner that this one does though. The Copland is perhaps the most effortlessly capable device I\u2019ve looked at this year. Beyond the specification is a sheer strength in depth that has you falling for it in a big way. This is a truly magnificent amplifier and the current Best in Class.Best In ClassScoresBuild Quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Connectivity\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Ease of use\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022.9Audio quality\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Value for money\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u202210Overall\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u20221010AVForumsSCOREOUT OF10Our Review EthosRead about our review ethos and the meaning of our review badges.To comment on what you've read here, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.Review Specs Discussion (19)Share this pageFacebookTwitterRedditPinterestTumblrWhatsAppEmailLinkRelated ContentEd SelleyCyrus i9-XR Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Wednesday at 7:43 AMEd SelleyRotel RA-1592MkII Integrated Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 24, 2022Ed SelleyTechnics SU-G700 Integrated Amp ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Mar 11, 2022Ed SelleySynthesis Soprano LE Integrated Valve Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Feb 13, 2022Ed SelleyRoksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier ReviewBy Ed Selley Published Jan 14, 2022Latest HeadlinesIan CollenEclipse discontinues classic TD712zMK2 loudspeakerBy Ian Collen Published Yesterday at 1:06 PMIan CollenRoon launches online storeBy Ian Collen Published Thursday at 12:18 PMIan CollenRotel unveils C8 and C8+ amplifiersBy Ian Collen Published Mar 29, 2022Ian CollenAstell&Kern to launch AK UW100 true wireless earbudsBy Ian Collen Published Mar 25, 2022Ian CollenLenco unveils new LS-50 turntable rangeBy Ian Collen Published Mar 24, 2022Current competitions\u00a31,000 worth of spend at MPB to be won by three winners!Win an ATLAS EOS Modular 4.0 Power Conditioning Block worth \u00a3900 - 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