Classe CP-35 pre and Classe in general


Hello folks,

I just brought home a CP-35 to audition it as a step up from the Rotel RC-1072 and Acurus RL-11 I had been auditioning. I liked it -- excellent high-end, very natural. Less harsh than the Acurus, but better definition
than the Rotel. This is the only pre-amp in it's range I've seriously auditioned.

This is a dealer demo, for $900, I believe list is $1200.

I'm a bit concerned by the reviews I saw on Audioreview.com. Usually reviews there are positive (even for stuff that's less nice to listen to),but these were decidely mixed. All the reviews for all the Classe equipment were pretty old. This made me wonder if people are still buying this equipment. The most recent CP-35 review (which wasn't very recent)described this as a discontinued model, though it is listed on the Classe
website as "new". Several reviewers mentioned background "hiss" or "noise" as a problem, though I don't hear it in my demo unit.

The higher-end pre-amps (CP-50 and CP-60) got more decidely positive (though old) reviews.

Has anyone compared this entry-level pre-amp to the higher-end Classe stuff, or other stuff in it's price range?

Here are some other questions/concerns (feature questions):

-- The remote is nice (better than the Acurus, which doesn't allow input switching), but doesn't appear to allow controlling a CD player. If you buy a Classe CD player, do you need two remotes?

-- No headphone jack. But there are two sets of pre-amp outputs, so I guess you hook up one of them to a separate headphone amplifier? If so, it appears you turn off your speakers by turning off your power amp. In many cases, this can't be done remotely.

-- The Classe amps and CD players are expensive, in case I want to "match" them. I haven't auditioned these, what do people think of them?

-- Is the company likely to be around for awhile?

Thanks for any comments/feedback you can offer.

- Eric

p.s. Sorry if you saw this on rec.audio.high-end. I posted there three days ago, but it seems the moderators have taken memorial day weekend off, so no posts have made it there. I'm hoping to get some suggestins by tomorrow when I have to return this gear!

Thanks...
ehart5808

Showing 3 responses by mrderrick

I've owned the Model 30 pre, DR6 pre, (2) CA-100's, CA-400, CDP.3, DAC-1 and CDT-1. The Model 30 (I think) is the first version of the "35". I got a lot of enjoyment out of it. I have always had seperate remotes with Classe equipment. I can't comment on the phono stages first hand, but they always seemed to be easy to customize for any cartridge. As far as an all "Classe" system. I found that a tube pre works best with thier amps.(everyone told me this, but I had to learn for myself) Everyone at the company is a pleasure to deal with. Robert Adam is more than willing to talk with you. Right now I'm very satisfied with my system. Classe DAC/CDT, Monarchy DIP, AR LS15 pre, CA-400 and Thiel CS5i's. Illuminations D-60/Orchid and MIT 330 Proline/Shotgun and 770 Twin CVT cables. You just have to listen and sometimes it's best to follow others advice. They may have already been there and done that!
One more thing, with the amps, there is a quiet low level whoosh that you will hear if you place your ear against the speaker. You'll never hear it any other way. It's not a bad thing, it's just there, it means nothing. I've noticed this with all the amps I've owned from Classe.
I also run fully balanced. I've spoken with several others who also hear it in their systems. It's barly audible right at the drivers. Had it with both CA-100's and the 400. It's probably AC line noise related. Right now it's not worth my time to try to track it down.