Upgrade-itus: Classé DR-9 vs. MF A3.2?

*****I would stay clear as you can do better with a much newer amp.****

Of course you can. You can also do better with an amp of similar vintage or even older. But, for how much is the question; no? Still, we digress. The OP asked specifically about the Classe vs the MF. Especially if it's been refurbished, it's a no-brained IMO.

$850 for the Classe

$850 for the Classe

As a point of interest, according to some older literature I have the DR-9 originally sold in 1988 for $3450. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor's online CPI inflation calculator, that equates to $6951 in today's dollars.

I have not heard the DR-9, but I have some familiarity with Dave Reich's designs and their reputation. Notwithstanding the very considerable respect I have for Bill/Grannyring's opinions and experience (and certainly as well for Frogman's), if I were in need of a power amp and didn't want to spend thousands I would pay $850 for a top condition DR-9 in a heartbeat.

Good luck!
-- Al

Well I purchased my DR9 back in 1989 used for $1300 if I recall from a dealer in Massachusetts. I used it to drive my KEF105.2 speakers. This was my first high end system! Fun stuff. I owned this rig for 14 years and really know this amp pretty well.

The amp could be as old as 27 to 28 years old. I have very fond memories of it. That is very, very old folks. The amp is a little dark on top with some grain in the upper mids. In all other areas the amp was very good........at the time. This grain was evident in all SS amps of that vintage.

For $1000 and under several Class D amps would even sound better today.
Monarchy SS and hybrid amps would be a better choice. A Belles Reference 150 can be had for $1200. A nice Blue Circle SS or Hybrid amp would sound better.

I will say it again. Better sound can be had today for the same or close money without the added risk of owning a near 30 year old product that will indeed be prone to repair and hassle.

Hope it is OK for me to share my opinion and experience here? The poster is asking about this amp and I am helping to give a FULL view of it. That is why this forum is good for all of us.