For what it's worth.... I currently own a CP-35 and use it with my Classe CA-300 amp. I originally bought it with a CA-100 three years ago as my first "High-end" preamp. I was on a budget and the CP-35 was one of my choices. I listened to McIntosh (very nice sound), Krell (too harsh), Rotel (not bad) and B&K (terrible). I was able to listen to these items with the speakers I own - Thiel CS 2 2. I felt that the CP-35 gave me the best balance of imaging and musicality of the bunch. Keep in mind that the Classe gear may not suit your particular tastes with the associated equipment you will use. I upgraded my amp for more power and better sound and got that. I do intend to upgrade my CP-35 to a CP-60 when my budget allows. The CP-60 does have a better sound, but it is unfair to compare the two. I still think my CP-35 has a very good sound and am not unhappy with it at all.
You may be able to pick up a phono preamp to use with the CP-35 from Creek or Black Cube to solve the phono situation if you can't find it built in. Give it a shot. The sound is first rate and the product is built like a tank. Don't let the remote scare you away if the price is what you want to spend.
You may be able to pick up a phono preamp to use with the CP-35 from Creek or Black Cube to solve the phono situation if you can't find it built in. Give it a shot. The sound is first rate and the product is built like a tank. Don't let the remote scare you away if the price is what you want to spend.