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Classe vs Levinson

Umm, I was just wondering if anyone has had a chance to compare the Classe 401 with a Levinson 336. My speakers are B&W 802N with a Levinson 380S pre-amp and a Sonic Frontiers CD. Is the Levinson really worth the extra 3 Grand, taking the law of diminishing returns into account?
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liguy
228 posts
 
Yup! The levinson is worth it.
beemer
444 posts
 
They are both worth it. How's about letting your ears decide! Having owned both Classe and Levinson over the years and different models each with their own traits, good and bad. On one system I have Aerial 10t's. I was using Classe M-1000 monoblocks. Exciting sound, powerful but lacking microdynamics. I demo'd a 336. Big microdynamics, but bass was ill defined and overall sound was just too "polite" for my tastes. Demo'd 33H BINGO! Not as "exciting" as the M-1000's, Better microdynamics, less bass however the best mids and high-frequency I've ever heard.

Some folks like chocalate chip cookies, some want oreos. Same with amps. Demo the Classe and the Lev!

Good luck

Paul
jp_60173
35 posts
 
I too have B&W 802N speakers, my amplifier is a Levinson 335 and the combination is superb! I also have a Classe amp in a second system and while good, it is not in the same league as the Levinson. You may want to consider a 335 (250 watts) as this offers more than enough power for your speakers and sounds identical to the 336. Before the 335, I briefly had a 334 (125 watts), and for 95% of the time, even this was sufficient. Good luck.
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