I have a sale pending on my Classe Four so this is not a shameless plug.
I purchased my Four as a DR-4. It displaced a Berning TF-10, which was a highly regarded tube preamp and I never missed the Berning.
I had the DR-4 upgraded to the Four, which resulted in greater clarity and a bigger soundstage. The tonal balance did shift and lean out a little, but I was able to compensate by changing cables.
The only direct comparison to the Four I have recently done is to an Audionote hybrid and the Four won-smoother and richer.
Unless you want to get into tubes, I would suggest you look into a DR-4 or a Four. You may be able to get a Five for less than $1k also.
I purchased my Four as a DR-4. It displaced a Berning TF-10, which was a highly regarded tube preamp and I never missed the Berning.
I had the DR-4 upgraded to the Four, which resulted in greater clarity and a bigger soundstage. The tonal balance did shift and lean out a little, but I was able to compensate by changing cables.
The only direct comparison to the Four I have recently done is to an Audionote hybrid and the Four won-smoother and richer.
Unless you want to get into tubes, I would suggest you look into a DR-4 or a Four. You may be able to get a Five for less than $1k also.