Do i get the old or new Classe amps?

The newer classe amps are much more musical than the older ones. The older series was pretty good. They have always been known for having a very warm presentation which is good because it makes vocals and instruments more realalistic sounding. best of luck

Thanks for all the help.

I've yet to do a comparision between the new and old amps but there are a lot of sweet deals on the CA 200, CA 150 and CA 400 out there. Prices, naturally, are about 40 to 50% cheaper than the newer models. If I buy the older amps, I am particularly keen on pairing a CP-50 with either the CA 200 or CA 400 power. My speakers are Sonus Faber GPs. The Classe dealers of course recommend the new amps, claiming as some of you have said, that they offer better air, dynamics and power in the new design.

I was trying to determine if the difference in sound quality was substantial enough to pay premium. Based on the feedback, maybe not. Preference is to get a used amp. Will keep you updated on my decision once I do a couple of auditions.

I upgraded from a CA100 to a CA201,mainly because my Martin Logan SL3's demanded it!The differance wasn't night and day but certainly an improvement ,music semms more easily reproduced and there is better seperation,with more soundstage,audition at home if you can.

Thanks for the advice. Would anyone care to add if 200 watts (thus I should buy at least CA 200/201 onwards) be the absolute minimum power needed for me to drive speakers like the Sonus Faber GP Home (they are full range floorstanders)?

I will. I know that Sonus Faber increased the sensitivity from 88db to about 90 (91?)db for the Home series of the GP, but I think you'll be best served with at least 200 wpc. Whether you choose Classe or another brand. I've always found that amplifiers act best when well within the realms of their power limitations. Especially with solid state amps. Amps sound their best when they are operating WAY below their clipping performances. IMHO. My speakers are Vienna Acoustic Beethovens (91db, 4 ohm), I'm driving them with a Threshold T400 (150/8ohms,300/4ohms). This is the 'weakest' amp I've used in years. I only 'make do' because the sonics are so good. The Threshold is the first amp that I've had that's less than 200 wpc in about 12 years. It is making it (power-wise), but I can tell the difference. Bottom line: Get the Classe 200/201 minimum. The 300 series would open a whole new world, but that's a different story.