Suggestions for new AV Pre-Pro

Ronrags, If sound quality is of prime concern, you may want to consider the larger amp because it will undoubtedly have more current to drive ur speakers. This translates to greater control of the drivers which in turn means greater authority and inner detail of sound...especially at lower volumes. The sound coming from the speakers driven by 200wpc will sound more effortless than with 100wpc. (Given the same brand of amps, which in this case is Classe) Consider the efficiency and load of ur speakers. i.e.,...87db/4ohm, etc. This in part should be ur guide as to which amp you choose. It's not so much about how loud ur speakers will go, but more of how effortless the information coming from ur speakers will sound at either low and/or high volumes. There's nothing worse than underpowering ur system. The higher current will allow u to hear the full potential of ur system upstream as well as ur speakers.

Mike, even though you heard the Classe thru B&W speakers, how would consider the sound? The Sim has great bass, the mids and highs are smooth. There is a review on the CA5100 in HTM and it basically states the same qualities, but it's hard to tell based on the other components used.

Sparks, I understand your concern with the power. The 1027be speakers have a sensitivity of 91db but do go down to 3 ohms. As I stated, I have limited height restriction in my unit. The 200w Classe is an inch too high. I could put off the purchase until I receive the SSP-600 and see how it sounds with the Outlaw 7500. Thanks

I could tell that the Classe gear was top shelf. That's why I wanted that pre :). I am not a huge B&W fan and they were using the top of line Diamond tweeter speakers. It sounded very clinical. When they put the regular 800's on the system it sounded better. For two channel the 600 really was very good. HT was very good as well. Like I said, even though I am not a B&W fan, the system still sounded very good. I think with the Focal speakers the 600 will be a great choice.

That 100 watt amp will probably be fine. the specs say that it can give 190 watts into 40ohm's. To me that says it has very good power supply. Plus I just read that the first 30 watts of that amp are Class A. That is quite a lot and I know that Focal speaker just love Class A power. With 30 watts of Class A power you should be fine.

That should be 4ohms not 40ohms.

Mike, sounds good to me