Classe CA-200 Amplifiers
Classe CA-200 Amplifiers
[Jun 10, 1998]
Skip
an Audio Enthusiast
While there are others feel that 'Krell is God', or that Classe is some knockoff brand that tries to be high fidelity gear, it's important to note two major issues:1. Krell is ridiculously priced audio gear (Especially the new KAV line). With the exception of the integrated, the cost of this stuff outweighs its performance. I recently heard a krell setup with a pair of Stratus Golds, and it sounded way to bright and over-detailed. It was if it was designed to make the sound 'sound' detailed, when in fact it was edgy and full of treble. Not my cup of tea. |
[Jun 10, 1998]
Billy Boy
an Audiophile
Concerning Classe products. They are NOT crap!. They hold thier own with the likes of BAT, Krell, and others. The CA-200 is an outstanding product for its price--nobody should take the advice of people who leave immature curse-ladden rants against products they do not understand. I recently purchased a Classe CA-400 after hearing it side by side with a BAT VK500. I LOVED both amps, but for me the Classe had nicer bass, and a darker, warmer sound which I prefer for listening to classical music; Nevertheless, the BAT had unbelievable slam and in your face high-frequency tightness to die for.Classe does not make garbage--Has anyone actually seen the inside of the Krell integrated amp? - It aint all that good folks. To me the Krell stuff seems cold and bright. However, trust your OWN ears.Classe CA-200. An easy 4.5 stars! |
[Jun 10, 1998]
Scott
an Audio Enthusiast
For once I agree with Yee Fung.The Krell KAV250a is an overpriced piece of junk.I also love the BAT gear.I just purchased a BAT VK3i pre-amp and am amazed by the sound.The BAT amp definately out performs the Classe' CA200 any and I mean any day of the week.I love the Krell FPB and Krell's older KSA and KST amps. |
[May 07, 2001]
Tim
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Lots of power, and a very warm tubelike atmosphere.
Weakness:
Too warm? This amp has excellent control of the low end, although it is a bit rounded. You may miss some slam in certain things but it's presentation is nevertheless good. You really sense it is in control, and that control clearly extends into the midband. Similar Products Used: Conrad Johnson, Adcom |
[May 18, 1998]
mike privett
an Audiophile
I stressed over the purchase of an amplifier for almost 5 months before decideing on the Classe CA-200 for my system. I have now had the CA-200 for 3 months and I feel like I can give this thing an objective review. The system that I used to decide on an this amp is the same that I will give the review on.The system consist's of a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 preamp, Theta Miles CD player, B&W 803 series 2 loudspeakers with Kimber 8tc bire cable and Kimber Hero interconects. The amps I was able to bring home for audition was the Krell FPB-200 Levinson 332 CJ MF-2300, Proceed Power one and the Classe CA-200. |
[May 26, 1998]
Justin
an Audiophile
Fellow Audiophiles, don't think less of Classe' just because they don't have the prestige or overprice their products like Krell and Mark Levinson do. This 200 watt Classe'for $3000 beat the pants off the $6000 Krell FPB 200 and the Levinson No.331 for $5000. The Classe's midrange and highs were so much sweeter and smooth than the above two. The Classe' didn't have quite as much bass as the Krell or quite the transparency as the Levinson, but overall I'd take the Classe' in a heartbeat, regardless of price. Build quality and looks of all three are excellent, so the Classe' gives nothing up there. A terrific amp for a bright speaker, but it might not appeal to you hard-core rock fans. |
[Jun 09, 1998]
Mr. Goodwrench
an Audiophile
Krell is God,Classe'sucks period.There is no way that a Classe amp sounds betterthan a Krell amplifier.These people who have wasted their money on Classe have |
[Jun 09, 1998]
Yee Fung
an Audiophile
What is it about Krell that fascinates people so much? I just recently purchased a BAT after a fairly extensive search of power amps. The Krellsimpressed me the least. The KAV250a is simply a piece of junk. The FPB 200 is very good, but outperformed by 4 other much less expensive amps that I auditioned. The Classe CA200 was one of them. |
[Jun 08, 1998]
Bobby H
an Audiophile
I've had the CA-200 for about a month after upgrading from a Bryston 3B NRB. The rest of the system consists of an ARC LS3B (running in balanced mode), an older CAL Icon Mk II, and SOTA Comet table w/a Bryston BP-1 phono stage. Thiel 3.6s are the speakers being driven by the Classe '200. VERY impressive amp. The build quality is obvious and the sound is superb for the money. This amp can easily compete with other units costing twice as much. It has plenty of bottom and the midrange and highs are full, smooth, and sweet!! There is a real sense of rhythm and pace with good jazz pieces and the amp has enough reserve for classical music with a heavy dynamic range. The Classe works well with the Thiels and drives them to the max, if needed. The bigger Thiel speakers are usually notoriously difficult to drive with lesser amps but the Classe handles them easily. The 200W power rating is on the conservative side and it does "double down" to 400W into 4 ohms. I picked the Classe CA-200 over a Bryston 4B ST because it is a bit smoother, more musical, and a little sweeter on top. Good value for the money when compared to other solid state power amps that are clearly overpriced (Krell, ARC, Levinson etc.) |
[Jul 15, 1998]
Howard
It is disappointing to read reviews from the likes of Goodwrench from The Gas Station. Instead of reviewing a specific product -CA200 - this man wasted the whole page to defame and condamn ALL Classe products. I really believe this guy doesn't even own a Classe CA200 but what business does he have then in trying to knock down a brand name that is well established in the Hi Fi community and for what purpose? This man is either insane or maybe his sister was once raped by Classe! |