2. amps-preamps
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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.
acweed6
rsa's avatar
rsa
98 posts
 
I had the CA 300 and liked it real well. I had a chance to buy the 301(demo) for a very good price and did. I found that the 301 did not have the hum that the 300 had. The 301 seemed more open, had more air in its sound. Both amps were ran in the same system and I like the 301 better in all area's. As far as what to buy, taht would be up to what kind of deal you can get. I could live with either design.However, sometimes I find myself regreting the fact that I did not spend a little bit more money to get the better model. Good Luck!!
gthrush1
241 posts
 
I would suggest a used Boulder 102ae instead of any Classe product.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
I have two Classe CA-400'S and love them very much. True big diffrence between Ca-200 and Ca-400 in the same system. 301's I have heard at the dealer and found to be hi-fi IN DIFFERENT SYSTEM AT THE DEALER. I am not saying it is due to 301 or rotel source they had, or B&W 802's or Aleph amps or combination as a whole. I am sticking with my CA-400's, plus they look a lot better and cleaner design.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I had a two Classe dealers tell me that the difference was purely cosmetic between the 00 and 01 series. I owned a CA-200 and listened to a CA-201, I couldn't hear the difference. I also like the older cosmetics better. I didn't buy the CA-201.
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
I'm a fan of the original Classe amps, designed by Dave Reich. They are the DR series...DR8, DR9, etc. You can pick these up used at a VERY reasonable price; pick up a pair and really have some fun. Careful, there's a ton of current flowing from these, if you get carried away you can easily fry crossovers.
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