Choice of Amps

The only knock on Classe and metal drivers i've heard was a reveiw from stereophile on the m 700's - i can only speak for the newer classe's the ca series and they work extremely well with thiels which have metal drivers.

CDC - If you've never heard the original DR series of Classe amps, then your comments are completely out of context. Even so, to generalize all Classe amps as being a poor match with all speakers using metal drivers is equally unfounded and unhelpful. Let's keep the comments constructive.

I would bypass the DR-8 and pickup one of the three DR-9s that are available here on the 'goN. The DR-9 is a classic and will certainly give you the "warm" sound you're after. It's also way overbuilt and delivers a TON of current to control virtually any speaker you throw behind it. The DR-9 was frequently paired with Apogee Divas (straight 1 ohm resistive load).

Dan-If CDC has had experience with Classe' amps and found them not to a good match for Metal Drivers,esp. NEARs,then I would really like to know about it.That's being constructive by warning me of a vertual mismatch that I can avoid.
If on the other hand he has not had a chance to try the DR series and has not tried Classe Amps with Metal Driver's then you might be right.

CDC-Please post a update and explain your experience with them.

Just trying to narrow my choices.
Thx

Just to let you all know.After conferring with Paul Lam of FT Audio and considering the used factor I have decided on getting the Monarchy 100Deluxes if I can get them at a great price.

The factors that I based my decission on:
-Has not been on the market long and means that it is currently up to date with little wear .
-Power to drive any speaker I wish to drive.
-Matching for Impedence & Sensitivity imparitive.
-Cost
-Value
-Musicality

Thanks for the help!