Neutrality, resolution, freedom from grain, great ergonomics, built-in phono available

Power supply-to-preamp cable moderately susceptible to noise

OUTSTANDING preamp, with the bonus of an available good onboard phono stage. YES there are better available (Classe' Omega, ML 32) but only at MUCH higher prices. Sound quality through this unit is basically uncompromised provided care is taken in placing the large, heavy external power supply away from power amps and on decent isolation feet (yes, they make an audible difference - I use 4 medium AudioQuest BigFeet). The phono stage is good - not up there with $5K+ outboard units obviously, but more than adequate for my needs. Installing Cardas Caps (non-shorting rhodium plugs) on the many unused RCAs did make an audible improvement in the unit's noise floor. All in all, a GREAT preamp by any measure and a superb value at current used prices.

Similar Products Used:

Classe' CP-45, ML No 38, 38S, 32

Warmth, bass, detail.

Nothing is perfect, this adds just the very slightest grain in the lower treble.

I''''m surprised at the low ratings here for this preamp. I feeel that IMS it is the best preamp that I''''ve heard so far. That includes the Mark Levinson 38S, Krell KRC3, and BAT VK5i. The bonus is it has a great phono section too. The only preamp that I''''ve heard that is close, is the Jeff Rowland Consummate. The sound of this preamp, highs, mids, and bass, is very tough to beat. The soundstage and imaging are top notch as well. I could have spent more for a preamp, but I''''ve been living with this one very happily.

Similar Products Used:

Mark Levinson 38S, Krell KRC-3, BAAT VK-5i, Jeff Rowland Consummate

Phono Stage (it's optional though), Parts Quality, Flexibility, and Quietness

Careful attention must be exercised in placing the power supply relative to the pre-amp chassis.

First of all, my current system:
Hales Revalation 2 Speakers
Wadia 850 CD Player
Classe 70 Amplifier
Classe CP-60 w/Phono
Project Perspective w/Grado Reference Sonata
The Music Cable Balanced Cables and Speaker Cables
Audio Magic Presto II single ended Interconnects (for Phono)

First of all, let me start by saying that if a product arrives and does not work, you have not used it and therefore do not deserve to review it. Secondly, in all Classe manuals, in the first few pages it mentions the procedures to procure a new unit or get your current unit repaired if damage occurs. Maybe Mike from Texas can't read...
I was very pleasantly surprised by this piece. I have not always been a fan of Classe, as I have some issues with the build quality of some of their newer amplifiers (hence I bought an older 70). I have this piece for a few months until my Jeff Rowland Design Group Concentra integrated amplifier arrives, but I'm thinking of cancelling my order. The CP-60 is an excellent piece. It provokes my entire system into performing well past my expectations. The bass is tight and accurate, the midrange has a realistic quality that cannot be described and the highs are soft and easy on the ears, exactly how I like them. There are more than ample inputs on the back, including both single ended and balanced. I only uses the single ended inputs for the phono input, the real strength of this piece. Although it's expensive, I have seen numerous sales of $2000+ phono stages on Audiogon from CP-60 owners who like the Classe phonostage more. I would agree. It is a very quiet and well-made phono stage with almost unlimited capability to mate with whichever cartridge you please. If you are in the market for a pre-amp below $7000, audition this piece! I cannot see how Brian Uffer can compare this piece to Adcom, there is no comparison. Open up each unit and compare the circuit layout and even if you're no engineer, you'll recognize the superior quality of the Classe to nearly any other in its price range. I am giving serious thought to not buying the Concentra ($6500 integrated) because of this piece. E-mail me if you have any questions regarding this piece.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom, NAD, Arcam, McIntosh, PSE, Rowland, etc.

I have had this unit for over two years. I was on a quest to find an amplifier that had no sonic ipact at all. After trying many preamplifiers, I settled on the CP-60. WHY? With every other preamp I tried, I found myself listening (and even measuring) with a critical ear. The CP-60 was the only preamplifier I tried that allowed me to stop measuring, and start listening for pleasure.
Its biggest attribute, was that it maintained the sparkle that I heard when connecting the CD directly to the amplifier. With the CP60, I did no A/B comparisons against a direct CD/amp combo, simply because I had no interest in doing so --- unlike withthe other preamlifiers I tried.

So here is my breakdown of the CP60:

BASS
----
I don't think it enhances or diminishes the quantity or quality of the bass.

Midrange
--------
Does not over-emphasize but sounds allows the sound to be very natural and rich.

[Note the wording. I don't think this preamplifier "DOES" to the sound. Rather, it allows the signal to be passed without leaving a significant signature of its own].

Treble
------
The CP60 has wonderful treble in that it does not create harshness. It does not have a synthetic-sounding, hyper-extended treble either.

PhonoStage
----------
The phonostage is excellent. I have not heard enough phono stages, however, to give an accurate comparison.


Soundstage
-------------
Not especially good. Certainly not bad though.


Miscellaneous
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*Remote, the unit, and the power supply are "BUILT".

*Cross-talk between inputs (except phonostage) is very low (if ot totally inaudible)

*CP60 is slightly noisier than I would like it to be.

*Eliminates speaker popping

*phonostage is optional and a bit expensive

*preamplifier (along with rest of my system) does allow one to hear differences in various components

Overall Sound Summary
---------------------
The sound is smooth and a little laid back. I believe the CP60 does have a signature which it adds to the sound, but I find it to be minimal. To me, one of the most important aspects of the preamplifier, was that it allowed the music to sparkle. My philosophy is that no preamp is a good preamp and that is why this preamp is so good. It does very little to the sound -- except smooth it out a little.

Comparison to other Preamplifiers
---------------------------------
Pass
Adcom - might be slightly better .. but no phonostage
Conrad
...
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4.5 Stars==
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