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Classe moving up to power amp from integrated?

I have a Classe integrated amp CAP-101 driving B&W 802 Matrix S3. It delivers 100W pc and the sound with the B&Ws is exceptional. But I hear that B&Ws do even better with higher power. I love the Classe sound, but my question is whether I would notice a significant improvement stepping up to a Classe amp with 200Wpc or more? Would it be worth the $2000 to $3000 upgrade?
simonwds
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
You may want to keep the  Classe CAP-101 as a preamp it has preamp outputs. 

And that Ca-2300 looks the goods to mate to it, if it's in your price range.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8j6eb-classe-ca-2300-made-in-canada-with-sr-black-fuse-solid-st...


Cheers George
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,593 posts
 
Is there a dealer in your area that will allow a home demo?
I'm guessing no, but thought I'd ask?
frostdotcom
39 posts
 
Ive heard but havent used your b&w's but I did upgrade my innersound electrostats from a classe cav75 (150 at 4 ohms) to a classe cav 150 (300 at 4 ohms) and it was a very noticeable change in dynamics and upper end clarity.  I am an engineer and know this shouldnt be the case, but less efficient speakers do tend to notice amp upgrades more. 
 
ron17
607 posts
 
I agree with dweller and georgehifi that the Ca-2300 would be a huge upgrade and using your CAP-101 as a preamp until you can afford a better pereamp would work also.  I see your CAP-101 preamp outputs are single ended (RCA) only and balanced (XLR) are the way to go with the CA-2300.  I have a Classe amp with an upgraded SR black fuse and it sounds fantastic!
simonwds OP
1 posts
 
Thank you all very much for your advice. The CA2300 is a little out of my price comfort zone at the moment, but I'll start saving!
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