McIntosh vs Classe Multichannel System


Anyone familiar with both systems? I currently own Mac stereo pre and power amps and like them a lot, but looking around to see if, at a similar price, if there's anything better for a multichannel system. Following are the systems in consideration:

Classe CA5200/power
Classe SSP300/pre-pro
Classe CDP300/universal

vs

McIntosh MC207/power
McIntosh MX135/pre-pro
McIntosh MVP861/universal

I heard a lot of great things about Classe but have no experience or access to try it out. If sound (mostly classical music)is more important than video, which system would you choose and why? Any other systems at similar price range or less that sounds better (warm, natural, transparent sound)?
krksures4
That's going to be about a draw. Both companies do analog well. Classe's new pre/pros aren't yet released for a direct comparison. Mcintosh MX135 is a more advanced technically than the Classe SSP300. It has 24/192 dacs vs the 24/96 in the Classe SSP300. Also the analog to digital to converter is 24/192 and the Classe is not. Another consideration is the power supply. The Classe has a digital supply which will make it run cooler but is sometimes a sonic liability. If you look at the specs for the Classe SSP600 you will see that it has a hybrid analog/digtal power supply which is almost an admission that a purely digital power supply as they are implementing it in the SSP300 is not as good. The MX135 is based largely upon the C-45 multi-channel pre-amp that was a runner-up for Stereophile pre/amp of the year.Lastly the MX135 is running that new Motorola Aerius chip which is going at 1.2 billion instructions per second. I think that give it the the most powerful dsp chip of any pre/pro currently on the market. I've heard the Classe Delta two channel pre-amp and it is a solid performer. If the pre/pros deliver anything like it, they will be great performers. Classe keeps pushing the delivery time of it's new SSP's back I don't own either processor but have investigated both.
I can only vow for the McIntosh system. My setup is MC206 and MX135 w/ the 851 MVP. Musicwise, it's second to none, moviewise, this pre/pro really make the center channel sings. Good luck, tim
Bulldogger, that is a nice and knowledgeable comparison, and greatly appreciated. Tim, that's a dream setup! What speakers are you using and what are their sensitivities and impedences? I have B&W Matrix 801s which seem to sound better and better with more power. I am planning to use them for the front. I believe the difference between 206 and 207 is 100w.ch vs 200w/ch (along with price jump of $2000).