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Classe or Mac ??

HI ! everybody , just got a pair of B&W 805s last week and now shopping for an amp , preamp / integrated ( unfortunately budget will only allow me for a pre-owned solid state , little over 2k ) I found some one locally thats selling a Classe CA-200 amp , paired up with CP-50 preamp for about 2k even . Theres is a another source I found ( out of state ) with a Macintosh MA-6500 Integrated for little under 3k ....The Classe is about 7 yrs old and the Macs about less than 2 yrs old . The question I have for all you experts am I better off with the newer Mac integrated or would I get a better over all sound with the Classe ? ..I would really appreciate any opinions ...thanks
blz_tone
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
Without hesitation, I'd choose the older Classe amp & pre over the pricier Mac integrated. Seven years old for a quality amp is not very old... you should have a decade of life left in that equipment before it may need any repair.
blz_tone OP
1 posts
 
Thanks guys , I will be auditioning the Classe in a few hours , I'll keep you guys posted ...Thanks again for all the inputs .....
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
Easy answer . THE CLASSE ! Better pre-amplification and better amplification . The older DR series are still pumping out great music . Will last for many more years too come and retain better value . Not a big fan of B+W speakers but the Classe will get more out of them . "Slightly" warm sound but thats a good thing coming from solid state gear in my opinion anyway .
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
in this case...classe
papajoe
43 posts
 
I have the Classe CA 200 and the CP 35 preamp running a pair of B&W Matrix 802 Series 3 speakers. I couldn't be happier with the set-up. With the helpful suggestions of Audiogonners I have recently installed a Classe phono board into my pre-amp for $200 so now I have a decent phono stage preamp. Now I am shopping for a turntable, tone arm and cartridge to dip my toe in the analog world. I cannot comment on the MacIntosh but I can say I am very pleased with the exact Classe equipment you are looking to purchase.
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