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Integrated Amps: Classe vs. Audio Refinement?

I'm in the process of setting up a simple, two channel A/V system. I'll be using a pair of Definitive BP-2004TLs as speakers. Does anyone have first hand experience with both Classe CAP-80 and Audio Refinement Complete integrated amps?

I don't want the sound to be too laid back; I want it to have some life and dynamics. The amp will be used for these speakers only, and future expandability is not a consideration (I normally listen to Apogee Stages with different electronics).

Also, does the Classe "thump" through the speakers? I read another thread that said the Classe CAV "thumps". I wouldn't put up with that.
jamestakamatsu
natalie
404 posts
 
Classe is a step above. Audio refinment is YBA Mid sector product it is built in China/Taiwan.
Classe is Built in Canada and is a High End product
subaruguru
1,353 posts
 
Natalie...c'mon. My Classe dealer SENT me to ANOTHER dealer to check out the AR Complete. Take one of each apart, and THEN decide which is mid-fi! You'd be surprised.
For $1k the Complete is a wonderful, neutral, refined product.
natalie
404 posts
 
Subaruguru,your Classe dealer is not to sharp.
Audio Refinement is MFG in China by YBA as an entery level product for people who cant afford the real gear YBA makes.
Sorry No made in China amp desinged with compromises for me.
joe_b
421 posts
 
While I have not heard the Classe CAP-80, I currently own an Audio Refinement Complete ("ARC"), which I purchased to "downsize" my system. I had a Classe Four preamp and compared the Classe Four with a Classe DR-8 amp to the Audio Refinement Complete. The Classe separates were a little more transparent and dynamic. The ARC is a little smoother and more refined, especially in the midrange. The ARC seems to image as well as the Classe separates. That said, I would also add that I used to use Quicksilver Silver 90's monos with the Classe Preamp and neither the Classe amp nor the ARC are anywhere close to the Quicksilvers in terms of midrange richness and overall refinement. I like the ARC because it is compact, runs cool and sounds "good for solid state". It does make a turn on thump when you turn it on but it does not seem to cause any damage to anything.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I know a YBA/Audio Refinement dealer who stopped selling the single transformer version of the Integre (the DT is the dual transformer version) because they could hardly notice any difference between the single Integre and the Complete. The Integre costs almost twice as much, so they figured would be hard to sell to customers.

The single Integre only outperformed the Complete when powering hard to drive speakers. So the power supply in the single Integre must be superior to the Complete.


That said however, there is a used single Integre with the optional MM phono at Alternative Audio in Canada for CA$1250 (US$800.) They will ship to US. You can't get phono with the Complete and the Integre phono stage is very nice. So for the cost of a mint Complete you can get phono and a little better build quality. I am not connected to this dealer. http://www.alternativeaudio.com/useddemo.shtml

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