Good question... i have a Classic 2 SE and it is the best sounding pre I've ever owned. It "just sounds right" as their slogan goes. Sure, folks may complain about the high gain and the fact that is eats lesser quality tubes, but with my 40 watt Quicksilver amps and a high quality 6922 tube it is hard to beat. The tone and timbre is unlike any other pre I've ever owned. It lifted the veil and delivered the most lifelike sound I've ever experienced in my home. In fact i was on the fence whether to upgrade my speakers or pre..... my previous unit, a McCormack RLD 1 was no slouch but the Classic 2SE blew it away, no contest.
People are quick to rip this pre for its lack of features and no remote but it is truly a great sounding component.....isnt that what's most important in a piece of equipment? How it sounds...... it is for me
