Classe's New CP-800 Pre-amp/DAC. Impressions?

Rom661
Did you get your Classe Cp-800 yet and how do you like it?
Thanks,

I see this thread has slacked off since April. My 800 arrived a week ago and its is becoming a real game changer. I must suggest that you audition this unit in your home. Make sure it has at least 100 hours on it (makes a huge difference). IT is quite amazing, the sound stage is immense, layers of sound and the funtionality we have all been yearning for for years, but afraid to ask. I cannot say enough about its sound. I have owned Audio Research, BAT, Audible,and many others so I have a reference level to judge from. GO and listen. Let me know what you think. I am very impressed.

It sounds like you are im impressed with the preamp section performance given some of the other manufacturers you listed. How are you finding the performance of the DAC section? What other DACs do you find it comparable or superior to? I'd also be curious to know what the rest of your system is.

12Volt,

I believe that Classe has moved production to China - was your 800 built in China or Canada?

I've placed an order for 2 CA-M300 monoblocks, but after learning they may be made in China I put the order on hold.

How is the build quality? Any issues so far? I am concerned that there will be a steep learning curve for the first year or so as Classe starts production in China, with spotty or inconsistent quality - and if that is the case I may look elsewhere.

I had a PS Audio PWD and this is a full fledged preamp. The overall sound is quite dramatically different and I use only digital sources. I do not for a second miss the PS PWD, this is a far superior sounding unit and it should be. As a preamp its sound is amazing and outstanding. The sound stage is HUGE, it is very quiet. I also have another octive of bass that the PS PWD didn't have, go figure. I have all the inputs I could ever want and the tilt control is something very special. The flexibility of this unit is great. Unfortuneately all recordings are not equal so I can tailor the bass and treble when needed with the tilt control. I haven't even touched the EQ section so there is even more control to play with. I currently have Thiel 3.7's with a Brystom 4b SST2. Souces are all digital out of my Koala Bluenote CD player or my Sony Bluray and Apple TV. I have also tried my little iPod and this is too amazing, never in a million years thought the sound of this would be even close to acceptable, but it is! Will go for a mini mac soon! It is still breaking in and now has maybe 150 hours on it. I encouage you to audition one, take your time with it. I waited 6 months for my unit and it is worth the wait.