Classe' Audio Amps.

[Mike Reeter]

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

[unc2701]

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.

[Emlyn]

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.

[Mike Reeter]

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.

[beardog03]

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

[Mike Reeter]

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.

[beardog03]

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...

[beardog03]

I wouldn`t mind getting one of these (3500) to bi-amp with

[markmarc]

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.

[unc2701]

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.

[TroyD]

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

[Mike Reeter]

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

[TroyD]

Get a new rack.

BDT