Classe' Audio Amps.

Mike Reeter
Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
edited December 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Wanting to kick it up a notch in the 2-channel rig...Love the "looks" of this vintage of Classe'

From the reviews I've read they seem to be an awesome piece of gear.

I can't find anything on the Classe' website on this particual model,and I've done a little lookin' around on the web.

Anybody here has any experience with these amps? Are they common ground to be compatable with SDA's ?

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstran&1203182934
Post edited by Mike Reeter on
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Comments

  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited December 2007
    They're common ground. Top of the line for that generation of classe amps (with the exception of the M-700 and M-1000 monoblocks). I think they stopped making them in '96 so all the usual caveats that come with older amps apply.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,490
    edited December 2007
    That one sold the same day it was posted. The one I picked up from Troy is outstanding. Common ground, runs fairly cool. Sounds quite similar to a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 tube amp I have. Not as dynamic or forward as a Parasound Halo A21, but quieter with less solid state "grain". Pretty hefty at 80lbs or so. Sometimes the anodizing on older black Classe products fades unevenly, but the one in the ad seems fine.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2007
    Thanks guys,from what I've read,they are a tad bit on the warm side ,but that's o.k. with me...I'm sure that one in this condition wouldn't stay listed very long.

    The same seller also has a Parasound HCA 3500 for sale...He's has some "heft" in his house for sure.
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2007
    If that 3500 is still available, it may be something to concider...

    I would call mine semi-warm...not too much...

    Those two amps are probably pretty close to each other as far as sound and "heft"


    I could be mistaken, but I was looking at that very amp awhile ago, and thought it to be a latteral move from the 3500 that I have now
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2007
    Hey Robert,I haven't researched the 3500 that much...With its dual mono amp. design,can the 3500 power SDA's without the A-1 cable?

    I like the Parasound signature,just don't want to pick up a 3500 if it won't work for me.
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2007
    THat I don`t know..

    you would have to ask one of the SDA guru`s...

    I`m sure someone with more SDA experience will chime in soon...
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2007
    I wouldn`t mind getting one of these (3500) to bi-amp with
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited December 2007
    I'm listening to a used Classe CAP-151 integrated that I have on loan from Echo Audio. I'm very impressed, this thing has tons quality power, a slightly warm presentation, and next to zero hiss. Right now it's powering very inefficient Mark & Daniel mini-monitors (82 db) and it isn't even breaking a sweat.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited December 2007
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Hey Robert,I haven't researched the 3500 that much...With its dual mono amp. design,can the 3500 power SDA's without the A-1 cable?

    I like the Parasound signature,just don't want to pick up a 3500 if it won't work for me.

    I think this is one that you don't need A-1, but you do need to tie the negative terminals. Doro is a big fan of the John Curl designs- he might be able to tell you for sure.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2007
    I loved that Classe....as has been said, the sound is a tad warm, which I always liked. A real brute with a soft side.

    Classe is my choice for SS amplification.


    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2007
    Well,After doing some measuring,neither one of these amps. will fit into my rack...too damn long...19+ inches deep.

    I might have to rethink the amp. change...or just get a new rack:D
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2007
    Get a new rack.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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