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Review: Classe Audio 70 Amplifier

Category: Amplifiers

This was purchased from fellow Audiogon Member this past summer. For all practical purposes this amp is in like new condition and came with box and manual and not a flaw to be had.

Had always wanted to try a Classe amp and had heard some very good things about the Classe brand. The Model 70 had impressed me several years ago with its musicality and that first impression remains true today. With the Model 70 Classe remained true to their doctrine that all products regardless of price must deliver the music with astounding depth and clarity. The Model 70 does that with exceptional ease. New these sold for $1,195.00 and sell now for about half that amount. Have kept their value well and continue to deliver one dynamic performance after another. This one of the very best class a/ab amplifiers I have ever owned and I have owned some of the very best in the last 47 years. Been in this hobby since 1957, so I can speak with some knowledge.

The Classe 70 is mated to a Marsh P 2000 pre-amp driving some vintage Time Window speakers and I could not be more happy with this current set up. This is in my second system,that now I am listening to more each day. In fact the Time Windows have never sounded better, the Classe does a remarkable job of extracting the best from the Time Windows.

The initial program material I listen to was Chris Botti "Night Sessions". One of the more 3 dimensional presentations I have heard. Sounded as though Chris was in the room. Next up was Earl Klugh "Sudden Burst of Energy". Another unexpected experience. Earls guitar just jump to life and if one listens closely can hear Earls finger work as he strikes the strings. Amazing definition. From there just had to try some Rock n Roll and used the venerable Santana Abraxas recording for its many instruments and tonal qualities. Once again my expectations were not disappointed. The Classe 70 can rock and deliver bass with authority that belies its power rating.

Specifications:

75 Watts stereo,high current design,sleek curved slimline chassis with dual heat sinks at rear,both regular and fully balanced operation switchable.

Frequency Response : 20Hz to 20KHz +/- 0.1 dB

Sensitivity : 900 mV in for rated output

Input Impedance : 70 K Ohms

S/N Ratio : More than 100 dB

Rated Output : 8 ohms 75 Watts Stereo

4 ohms 150 Watts Stereo

Dimensions: Gross : 22"x 19 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Net : 19" x 11 3/4" x 4 7/8"

Weight: Gross : 35 lbs
Net : 30 lbs

The Classe Model 70 will have a very long time in my second system. It does the one thing I ask all Stereo Components and that is to deliver the music with depth,clarity,detail and transparency. I does so with amazing ease.

For me this is as good as it gets for Class A/AB amplifiers. If there is better out there in this price range I have yet to hear it.

Associated gear
Marsh P 2000 Pre Amp,Sony CD Player,Denon DVD Player,DCM Time Window Speakers.

Similar products
Bryston 3B,Parasound Halo,Rega,Sim Audio,Muse,etc.
ferrari
ferrari OP
617 posts
 
I am reporting what the prospective buyers were saying of what they heard. My main amazement was that the Classe 70 could handle and drive the Acoustats-period-let alone drive them so very well indeed. I have yet to use one of my Forte or Threshold Class Amps,nor have I tried other power cords or interconnects. The room is not very ideal carpet on floor no drapes or such on the walls. I would not call it an ideal room at all.

Have two other appointments this week end to audition the Acoustats. So we will see what ensues. Although I have one call back now from one of the first three. Wanting the entire system.

I have spoken with a few people whose opinions I value and have been in high end as long as I have since 1957, actually before high end. It is their considered opinion, that the Marsh PreAmp, and Classe CDP .5 has a lot to do with the sonic signature, both are dual mono operating in class A output.

I haven't listen to the system since Sunday night and won't listen to it again till Saturday when the prospective buyers arrive to audition the Acoustats. We will see once the Acoustats have had more that 7 days to season in.
sat
1 posts
 
I just picked up my second Classe Seventy, and it has some differences between it and my first one.

The serial numbers of the two units are not close at all.

They are both stock, but one has blue power supply caps, and the other has red ones. One has Motorola output devices and the other has Toshiba. The values of the resistors in the output stage are also slightly different.

I will take a closer look later on and post more details on the variations between what appears to be an early and later model.
ferrari OP
617 posts
 
Sat - Have posted pics of the Classe 70 that I wrote this review about it does have the red caps. Cant post pic here will open another thread.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
I believe mine had the blue filter caps - certainly not red anyway. Couldn't tell you about the serial # or transistors (if I had to guess I'd probably say Motorola, but that's far from certain). Does anyone know if the blue cap iteration is assumed to be earlier or later?...
bbmw-9860
1 posts
 
I have the DCM Time WINDOWS MODEL ONE SPEAKERS . Can you tell me where to get the covers for them . The foam is getting old like me .

Berrie Smith
bbmw@bellsouth.net
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