2. amps-preamps
  3. 1145573866

SimAudio or Classe for Power Amplifier

As I continue to upgrade my system I am looking at the amplifier as the next component on the hit list.

My current system:
- Marantz SA-14 SACD player (modified by Tube Research Labs)
- Conrad-Johnson 17LS Tube Preamplifier (Amperex Holland 60s tubes)
- Rotel RMB-1095 5X200W power amplifier
- Wilson Benesch Discovery loudspeakers

I am looking for a solid-state power amplifier with 200WPC minimum to drive the WB loudspeakers. I originally thought of getting a set of Parasound JC-1 monoblocks but realize that the heat dissipation would be an issue in my modest sized room. I will stick with a tube preamplifier however the brand/model may evolve over time.

Living in Canada, I thought that SimAudio and Classe would be two companies worth investigating. Both of these Quebec, Canada based companies have a good reputation for building high quality power amplifiers. Also both appear to be stable financially.

The current models I am looking at are:
- SimAudio WS, 190WPC
- Classe CA2200, 200WPC

If I win the lottery, I might consider getting the monoblock versions, ;-}
- SimAudio W10, 750WPC
- Classe CAM400, 400WPC

I am interested in the feedback of those who have compared the amplifiers of these two companies. Also feedback about these companies in general. I understand that Classe is now owned by the holding company that owns B&W and has a stake in Rotel. Not sure if SimAudio is still an independent company.
shuang

Showing 4 responses by tboooe

tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
audio4ever:
thank you for the reply. I am looking very seriously at the W7 monoblocks and the p8 preamp. Do you actually have Simaudio in your system? What speakers did you hear the Simaudio with? I appreciate any feedback you can give.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Hi, I am also considering the Simaudio (W7m monos and p8 preamp) and Classe (cam400 monos and cp700 preamp) amps and preamp. I recently auditioned the Simaudio paired with Dynaudio speakers. First off, the looks of the new Simaudio Evolution line is breathtaking! I would almost buy them just on looks alone. Build quality was outstanding. What I heard of the Simaudio was dynamic, musical, and clear sound. It is a little hard for me to apply these results to my personal setup because I have B&W 802D speakers. I will be bringing the Simaudio pair home for a demo soon. The found the Classe to also be very good, though not quite as "warm" as the Simaudio. I am looking for just a bit a warmth and romance in my system so right now, the Simaudio suits me better. That being said, I intend on doing a full audition of both very shortly. I would be very interested in hearing any thoughs you may have as well.

Tommy
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
ronniekoh:

wow! so you put weight on the top of the amp and this affects the sound? to me this would be a total turn off. is this amp designed that way? is it intended to be tunable?
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
audio4ever and rjhalla:

I find your opposite opinions very interesting. What speakers have you heard the Classe and Simaudio on respectively? I have B&W 802D speakers. Also, do both mind if I ask what kind of music you listen to and what your preferences are in terms of music reproduction?
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