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Maybe my comparison was too specific...

I started a thread the other day to which no-one replied...perhaps I was too specific.

In the thread, I asked if anyone had compared the Primare A20 to the Classé CAP-101. I assume, by receiving no replies, that no-one has directly compared the two products.

If this is the case, would anyone please give me some insight on the sonic characteristics of the Primare A20. I plan on running a pair of NHT 2.5i's (rated at 86db/w/m). These speakers are a bit 'hot' on the top end, have somewhat of a recessed midrange, and can boom in the lower frequencies if not properly controlled.

I have listened to a the Classe CAP 101 along with a lower-end NHT floor-standing speaker, but the Classe seemed to be a bit 'flat' sounding.

Any info on either of these two products will be greatly appreciated.

I currently have a Rotel RCD 971 source and an external MSB Link DAC III, half Nelson is on the way. This will be my source unit.

thanks again.

Stephen
loose
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
i personally can say that i havn't heard any classe unit that sounded OK to me in different setups including with classe only electronics.
primere amp was OK and descent. it has a great feel of drive and life. i believe that you will not be able to appreciate this amp with NHT speakers and you can look up in aragon or adcom lines instead.
subaruguru
1,376 posts
 
I tend to agree. That California-hot tweeter in the NHT is pretty fatiguing; and as you say as soon as you position for
a bit of softnening you get loose'n-boomy bass! Yech.
I'd change the speakers to something more neutral (NOT B&W...more of the same!). Revel F30 may float your boat at about the same price level for a trade.
Good luck.
loose OP
239 posts
 
I appreciate the responses.

Perhaps i wasn't too clear about what is currently going on...

I plan to keep the NHT's, which, although having a hot top end, can sound very impressive for the money with the current amp/ preamp or integrated.

I will not be switching the NHT's (not anytime soon) as I feel that, for the money, there are few speakers that offer the full range sound that they do. Admittedly, there are speakers within their price range that do things better...bt they always compromise something too...whether it be bass response or dynamics or whatever...something is always lacking.

Despite the fact that the NHT's do not have the ultimate transparency, I feel that (for the price i got them), they deserve to be kept.

Now, as far as amps go...I'm not sure how to take your responses...

What aspects of the Classe products do you not like? And the Primare - what dont' you like ?

What would you recommend for my particular speakers?

I firmly believe that with proper matching, i can find an amp that will smooth out the highs and tighten up the lows...it is certainly not inconceivable.

I'm sooo confused because of all the choices out there!!
socrates
247 posts
 
Though I also believe there are many better speakers then NHT for the money, with less excuses need to be made, I do however think the Classe would mate well with them from what I heard, as I found the Classe 101 pretty laid back and did have good bass articulation and extension you're looking for, offering a mid hall seating compared to a front row seat I'm fond of, but suppose it may balance the flaws of the speaker which you have recognized. Only way to ever really know what works for you is to just try it however, your ears are the only pair that matters, ultimately.
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