Classe CAP-151 Integrated Amplifiers
Classe CAP-151 Integrated Amplifiers
[Jul 05, 1999]
Martin
an Audio Enthusiast
Im very happy with my 151.The sound is very detailed |
[Dec 04, 2001]
Jeff
Audiophile
Strength:
Looks great, sounded great it showroom
Weakness:
QUALITY CONTROL AT FACTORY After I waited about 3 months to get my new CAP-151, after about 4 hours of playing, it would not turn back on. The dealer took the piece back and ordered a new one from Classe. I waited another 3 weeks (Classe said it was going through the testing process). The unit was reinstalled, and after one day listening, it developed a serious distortion problem at all volumes. The dealer came back and tested everything - the CAP-151 is bad again. |
[Feb 11, 2001]
Russell Ruggiero
Audiophile
Strength:
Smooth sound with pace. Good build quality.
Weakness:
None in this price range.
Similar Products Used: CJ PV 12/CJ MV 100 |
[Jun 30, 1999]
victor
an Audio Enthusiast
The CAP 151 in my current set is the closest I have been to true sound. I have NHT 2.5i speakers, Rotel RCD 971 source and Transparent speaker cable and interconnects. When I close my eyes I feel as if I am at a live performance. I auditioned this set against Krell 300i/Arcam Alpha 9 and Krell 300i/Dynaudio Audience 60. Both exhibited good sound but it seemed too direct and not as real. Soundstaging was not as good. The symbols ( a key indicateor for me) did not have the realism that my current set has. No matter how high the volume goes it is aways sweet and true. Krell/Arcam had detail for details sake but not as much musicality. I never feel that the sound needs to be turned down with Classe. This happened on the others. The remote is a delight. The bass is realistic in pitch and power. Detail is awesome buit not at the expense of musicality. This is a very musical sound. Sometimes I'm unable to analyze the sound because I get lost in the music. |
[Nov 13, 1999]
Vladimir Calflowers
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Aesthetic, features, sturdiness;
Weakness:
bloated midbass, not linear frequency response, slow; Surely an Sturdy gear, but sound performance are weakly in many aspects; the Cap 100 was better. Similar Products Used: Bryston B60, Anthem Integrated2, Pathos Classic One, Classe Cap 100 |
[Dec 01, 1999]
David Kang
Audiophile
Strength:
lots of clean power, can drive any speakers
Weakness:
20 delay when power on This is an awesome integrated amp. I've compared to krell 300i. Against the krell, the classe is a much more musical amp. Although, the krell has a more authoritative bass, it lacks the classe's sweet mid and highs. |
[Apr 13, 2001]
Herb
Audiophile
Weakness:
20 second warmup Full control, beautiful sound, this is the best integrated amplifier I have ever had the pleasure to own. Similar Products Used: Luxman, Krell, Accuphase, other Classe's |
[Mar 07, 2001]
Barry
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Bold and pleasant sound .... approaches a tube sound nicely Very sweet matched with a pair of Newform 630's. Open and balanced sound that's good for all but the heaviest of rock/metal. The soundstage is exquisite. For an integrated, this is a tough act to beat. Highly recommended!!! |
[Mar 04, 2001]
Russell Ruggiero
Audiophile
Strength:
Build and smooth sound.
Weakness:
Lack's the bass of the big iron from Krell and ML.
Similar Products Used: CJ PV 12/MV 100 |
[Feb 23, 2001]
Claud
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Smooooth, but crisp. Good well controled bass. Very nice definition at low volumes
Weakness:
none for a high end integrated Rotel 971 taught me that you can have nice definition and dynamics at low volumes. I had some 15 year old killer KEF 103.2 speakers that needed only a decent amp to sing. Ignored for at least eight years while I played around with HT. Powered by Phase Linear 400 and Yamaha seperates on different occasions, the KEFs like their watts. There must be all kinds of watts cause they have never sounded half as good. Around Xmass I decided to create a seperate two channel system. All I need now is the Arcam CD92 that's been on order for a month. I heard a Krell 300i, but it was too harsh on treble and midrange wasn't that nice. Amost went tube, but this Classe' is so close to Cary, why spend more and have tube hassles. Plinius is nice, but $1000 more at used/ demo prices.Mine is a rare all black with phono. Similar Products Used: Yamaha , Rotel and NAD integrateds |