I had Classe amps with my Classe SSP-800. Fairly good for both music and video, but unreliable and not as good as a dedicated two channel preamp. It was the Classe processor's second failure that got me started down the rabbit hole of better sounding music. I would look at the Audionet Pre G2. It took everything to another level. I also had the Audionet Pre1 G3. It was superior to the Classe, but the PreG2 is the bomb.
Looking For The Best Pre-Amp Match For A Pair of Classe Omega Amplifiers
Going to pick up a pair of Classe Omega monoblock amplifiers this week. Need to select a pre-amp for it.
Was wondering which Classe pre-amps were considered their best offerings?
Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated.
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@neonknight - I also had in home demo of McIntosh C2700 tube preamp and C53 SS preamp. Both sounded veiled compared to the same amps with Audionet. I had heard what a great match Classe / McIntosh and B and W are. (I had 802Ns at the time) but for clarity and resolution IMHO look elsewhere. |
Never been a fan of McIntosh myself either although I have had one friend system with MC60 and a Mac pre with Tannoy Westminster speakers sound nice. But still not my choice. So Audionet can be on the short list, but it seems very few are on the used US market, at least at this time. Be curious to know if any other candidates get mentioned. |
You asked specifically about Classe preamps and I have used a Classe Audio 6 in conjunction with Classe amps for years with great results. A highly regarded preamp from Classe built in the '90's, but IMHO, one the best preamps Classe built. Probably leans to the warm side of neutral. I have one I will be selling and they are certainly available on the used market from time to time. One disadvantage is they are not remote controlled if that is an issue, but a great preamp if you are looking at the used market. |
- 18 posts total