CLASSE - Great amps or highly flawed?

It really is just a matter of preference. However, there is nothing that is highly flawed about it. Sure, it is in good terms, smooth, and a bit relaxed sound. In additon, it has tendency to compromise the "digital blues" quiet well. It may not produce the most accurate sound and the tightest low range, but by no means it is highly flawed.
It does not tire you out when running a long session like some other amps. plus a great sound stage.

Martin Colloms, respected British reviewer, reviewed the Classe CA-200 in Stereophile, Feb. 97. He said the amp had a audible sheen or emphasis in the treble, adding a breathiness to vocals. He also said that pace, rhythm, dynamics and listener involvement were not addressed in the design as much as smoothness and a relaxed, laid-back sound.

He admitted that he was "not totally knocked out" by the Classe, even though he didn't knock it that much. A rather lukewarm response to this amplifier. He seemed to think it was just an ok amp.

This review, plus some negative comments I have seen by some audiophiles, and a past audio store salesperson who really trashed the line, have made me wonder.

That review offers no help in deciding if that particular product is worth a chance or audition. It was a lousy review by Martin colloms and done "half-assed" IMO. It was so matter of fact it looked like he had to do it out of punishment. Besides if you take stereophile reviews as a big part of your decision your making a mistake. Go thru some issues and look at other equipment and cables used to evaluate and review components. In most reviews, no proven synergy, just comped and borrowed components and cables thrown together to put a system together. And the cables are almost always top of the line which most real audiophiles will never own anyway - if they are smart. Lots of cables in the value price range match or outperform flagship models. Synergy is THE MOST important factor in a system and that's why people are always "upgrading" because they are not ever satisfied, they don't take the time to synergize and get the absolute most out of a component and a particular system IMHO.

I would agree that Classe has a house sound of sorts, but to generalize to broadly would be a mistake. Classe's model line up ranges from their small integrated's all the way up to their new Omega monoblocks. Each comparable make and model has its own sonic signiture and attributes which either meet your preferences, mate well with your system, or provide the least compromise to long term enjoyment. Five years ago I auditioned the Classe CA150 and CA300 My take away was the similar to Martin Colloms, and ultimately ended up getting a McCormack DNA-1 dlx. This year I choose to purchase Classe over Mark Levinson, Krell, and McIntosh. A different system, but I also think that the current Classe sound is livelier then in earlier models.

I like my Classe amps. I own A 301 and a CAV150 both purchased at agon for 50% off retail and both less then a year old. At that price, what could be better? You have Balanced and RCA inputs, bridgable at the flip of a switch, very well built and when you call them on the phone a hot chick with a french accent picks up!!! (BONUS)