AudiogoN Forums: Do i get the old or new Classe amps?

Do i get the old or new Classe amps?

I need opinions of Classe users. The advent of new Classe CA amps under the xx1 series - 151, 201, 301 and 401 have meant that the older series are now considerably cheaper used. Classe claims the new xx1 amps have better circuits and parts. How much significant is the sound improvement in the new design from the old model, eg the CA 200 vs the 201? Is it worthwhile paying premium for the new models? I am thinking of saving up for a Classe pre and power but am undecided if I should go for a used amp bargain or to go the full hilt and get them brand new.

acw@pacific.net.sg

02-21-02

Responses (1-17 of 17)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

02-21-02 about one year ago i listened to the clase ca 151 in c ... Spitfire

02-21-02 The newer amps are perhaps a tad more top end extended throu ... Keriadums

02-21-02 I had the ca 300 and liked it real well. i had a chance to b ... Rsa

02-21-02 I would suggest a used boulder 102ae instead of any classe p ... Gthrush1

02-21-02 I have two classe ca-400's and love them very much. true big ... Nilthepill

02-21-02 I had a two classe dealers tell me that the difference was p ... Jmcgrogan2

02-21-02 I'm a fan of the original classe amps, designed by dave reic ... Jeffloistarca

02-21-02 I have owned classe dr10, ca-100, ca-200, ca-300. the ca-10 ... Abecollins

02-21-02 One additional note. there are two styles of ca-200. one w ... Abecollins

02-21-02 The newer classe amps are much more musical than the older o ... Lev335

02-22-02 Thanks for all the help. i've yet to do a comparision betw ... acw@

02-24-02 I upgraded from a ca100 to a ca201,mainly because my martin ... Mingus77079

02-25-02 Thanks for the advice. would anyone care to add if 200 watts ... acw@

02-25-02 I will. i know that sonus faber increased the sensitivity fr ... Jmcgrogan2

03-08-02 If you want to decide between a ca200 and a ca201, go with t ... Jayt

03-09-02: Frisson
I second the advice to spring for the old series designed by the talented Mr. Reich, especially the DR-6 and DR-9. These may be just a little dark sounding but they are unfailingly musical even (or should I say, especially) compared to amplifiers of recent provenance.

A little bird tells me there is a set for sale for Sing$4500 at the second-hand dealer at Roxy's along East Coast Road.
Frisson (Answers | This Thread)

03-10-02 Thanks frisson that's a helpful tip. regards acw@