In established Crayon tradition, four long bolts—this time not doubling as footer mounts like with the CFA-1.2 but hidden beneath the disc footers—clamp together our bottom/top panel sandwich from below. This leaves the top unmarred by screw heads. Likewise the side/rear panels avoid their visible fasteners by sitting in captive grooves. It's a neat, elegant and effective solution to attractive and strong box construction. In the photo inserts (top to bottom, left to right) we see, 1/ two of the eight output transistors bolted directly to the belly heat sink, then additionally clamped down with an aluminium brace; 2/ two of eight vertical current-limiter and shut-down modules in case of excess current; 3/ a Vishay capacitor; 4/ a Schaffner AC line filter; 5/ a compact encapsulated Mornsun SMPS; 6/ and the motorized Alps Blue pot.

For a closer look, enlarge the next photo by clicking on the expander icon.


Where traditional amps would feature a hefty power transformer with beefy filter caps, bristling heat sinks on the cheeks, the CIA-1T does it with less. To appreciate its heat sink which floats in a cutout of the bottom panel to which it secures with massive aluminium braces, we need to flip the Crayon like a pup ready for his belly rub. As we already saw, the bigger SMPS with its triple coils mounts to its own heat sink.


Whilst far less sweaty than class A, all class A/B amps still need dissipation surface to cast off their transistors' operational temps. Relocating outside fins to face the rack shelf improves the looks over sticking them out sideways. By coupling their floating radiator to a full-metal chassis with metal braces, Crayon turn the entire casing into a secondary radiator, albeit at deliberately lower conduction. You won't sear your fingers by touching the chassis in the midst of a heavy session.

Finally, we have close-ups on the volume control; the unexpectedly long PowerAmp/IntegratedAmp mode toggle next to top-quality WBT RCA; the phono stage dip-switch adjustments plus input gain switches; and finally the quality WBT speaker terminals. And typical Crayon as well are silk-screened i/o identifiers which face down and up, the latter convenient for changes post install.

Inspecting the entire package, one can't fail to be impressed by its substantial heft, its super-tidy construction, its flawless finishing and cosmetic minimalism in best Scandinavian tradition. Mr. T showed up as quite the stylish aesthete. Those going for the half-priced standard version should feel especially tickled since they get the very same quality threads. CIA = chic in attitude?