New Classe Products

electricbear · « **on:** 26 Jun 2004, 04:23 pm »

We have just got in at the store some of the new Classe Audio products. They are still running in but first opions are quite favourable. Come by sometime and take a listen.

Scott F. · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 01:57 am »

Tim, what kind of new stuff did Classe come out with?

electricbear · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 03:02 pm »

they have revamped the whole line. apparently they employed Levinsons head designer and he has waved his magic wand across the whole line. We have in their new cd player , entry level preamp and 100w power amp. There will be several pre/pros , more amps and some multiformat players to follow probably around cedia time. From the little bit of listening that I've done to the pieces that we got in I think they're impressive. Not for the tubehead but if you want detail, imaging and dynamics they might be just what you're looking for. Prices on the pieces we have run $3500 each so definately starting to hit Levinson levels. Come on in and take a listen.

Levi · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 04:17 pm »

I wonder how are the amplifiers sonically different compared to the the CA /CAVs ?

I was told by Armon of Classe Audio that they are better looking, more reliable and higher admission price. Sonically should be better?

electricbear · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 08:08 pm »

Sonically they (or at least the one we have) sound very smooth, good base extension but I must admit that while listening I feel like there is something lacking. What is lacking I'm not sure yet , further listening will be required. I will say however that I have never heard bass that low or tight coming from a pair of B&W 804N's. They also look stunning. Women will love the looks, could it be that audiophilia finally meets with "the wife acceptance factor "?

Levi · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 09:42 pm »

Quote from: electricbear

Sonically they (or at least the one we have) sound very smooth, good base extension but I must admit that while listening I feel like there is something lacking. What is lacking I'm not sure yet , further listening will be required. I will say however that I have never heard bass that low or tight coming from a pair of B&W 804N's. They also look stunning. Women will love the looks, could it be that audiophilia finally meets with "the wife acceptance factor "?

I am curious as to which amp did you compare the new one ?

electricbear · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 10:32 pm »

I'm basing my comments on the way that I remember the 804s sounding on the Classe CA151 and ARC VT100.

Levi · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Jun 2004, 11:08 pm »

Thanks.

I am not familiar with the CA-151...was this replaced by CA-201? CA-201 is now discon. Hence, the new Classe Audio amp that you auditioned.

I have the CAV-180 5-ch and really like it's sonic qualities. Have you seen the new 5-ch amps?

electricbear · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Jun 2004, 12:14 am »

I saw them ( the multi channel amps) at ces but they were in a static display so I've yet to hear them. There are 2 multi channel amps, CA-3200 which is 3x200w at $6000 and the CA-5200 5x200w at $8000. I'll probably bring the 5200 in after we've sold off our display CAV180. If you like your CAV180 stick with it, I strongly doubt that you'll find a better amp at anywhere near the price. If you want to pm me with any questions about Classe or their products please feel free to do so. I don't want to go on about them on the gas circle site as I try to keep my postings as free from pushing products as I can. I want to keep my advice etc free from any brand or commercial bias.