Classe CA-201 Amplifiers
Classe CA-201 Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Nov 16, 1999]
claude boutin
Audiophile
Strength:
Musicality
Weakness:
? Six years ago, I invested what I consider a lot of money for Similar Products Used: CA-150 |
[Nov 27, 1999]
Headwound Harry
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Very smooth without sounding harsh as volume increases.
Weakness:
Warmth obscures some of low level detail and highs softened. First off, let me say that this amp CA-201 is exactly the same as the revised version of the CA-200, differing only in the face plate. This is confirmed by Classe when I e-mailed them. Also, I was informed that this amp is fully balanced from input to output, not one of those amps with balanced connectors only. I bought this amp earlier in the year from The Analog Shop. |
[May 20, 2000]
Fritz
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Warm, powerful, musical
Weakness:
Some congestion on complex passages I don't really have much basis for comparison, but since only three people have submitted reviews ... I pleased with this amp. Drives my B&W N-803s adequately. I'm running a Wadia 850 directly into the amp. Speaker cables are Monster MI.4s; I'm still auditioning interconnects. Best success so far with some single-ended monsters, but I've not yet found a balanced pair I like (I've tried MIT and Kimber). The speakers can be cold and forward, so I chose the amp for its warmth and musicality. I've heard some people describe it as "romantic." Interconnect frustrations aside, I've gotten wonderful results from this setup. Very musical, invilving sound. However, judging from reviews of the B&Ws and Classe, combined with the mathmatics of the Wadia's digital volume control, I have not optimised well for low-level dynamics. True enough, my own experience is that low-level dynamics of my system (e.g., the way it sounds on soft passages of music) are not so good. Similar Products Used: N/A |
[Feb 24, 2000]
Mike S
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Wow! A very musical and smooth sound without sounding muddy or ill defined.
Weakness:
none I love the broad and deep soundstage. The music never gets Similar Products Used: NA |
[Apr 10, 2001]
Rick
Audiophile
Weakness:
None yet. The CA-201 is probably the best investment I have made with regards to an amplifier. I have demo'd and researched many amplifiers that would work well with my speakers and my tastes. I have found the Classe' to be a very punchy, slightly warm, and powerfully clean amplifier, which suits my needs and wants perfectly. I would highlye recommend the Classe' for its overall sonic and build quality as well as its price. I have heard Krell, McIntosh, Bryston and Crown. I believe Krell and McIntosh to be overly priced and targeting a niche market willing to pay extra for the brand. Bryston was almost a toss-up with the Classe, but I heard 2 channel music a little bit crisper and punchier in the mid to low bass region. The Crown, well lets just say it has an analytical sound that would be better matched for a Home Theater scenario or a Guitar/Bass amplifier for musicians. Similar Products Used: Crown, Bryston, Krell |