Ultimate Amplifier for the next 20 Years

Well I still haven't bought the Classe! The dealer told me that I could get a demo for $4000. Still debating!

Fplanner2000- I'm still looking at a DNA500 used for $3500. Being 500watts vs 200watts, I'm sure it’s MUCH more dynamic than the Classe! That is good to know also that it doesn’t run very hot, which I thought it did! But, something bothers me with McCormack vs Classe. McCormack seems to offer upgrades at a expensive cost($$$$) even on there best amp! Classe as I believe, considers hundreds if not thousands of different parts/brands, and uses only the best or makes there own(ex:caps)! I also believe being a newer design has higher technology. But I'm sure they sound much different from each other and sound not tech is what matters most!! I'll bet the McCormack sounds KILLER on my Apogee's!!! Man I want to try one! : )

I've owned two pairs of Legacy Focus speakers before. Bill is a great guy!

213cobra- When I said $5000(new or used), I'm talking Audiogon price! : ) Not retail. I haven't paid retail in more than a decade! I'm sure if you wait long enough you will find Audiopax 88 monoblocks for $5000(1/3 retail)! I've seen the Krell FBC300Cx for $3000(1/3 retail). I wish I could find the Classe for $2500(1/2 retail)! I've seen the DNA for $3500(1/2 retail).
So you can find the ultimate amp of your dreams on Audiogon! In fact, if it wasn't for Audiogon, I couldn't have never found or afforded my system!! And that is the truth!!! I LOVE YOU AUDIOGON! ; )

Audiofankj- I've tried all the above digital amps(Nu Force excluded), and they didn't cut it. My BelCanto Evo6 II is my surround amp. Even in bridged mode, not going to cut it!
Like I said(no names), I tried them all. Still thinking about the Nu Force though....

Thanks Boa2! It's driving me crazy!!

Mdconnelly- I read the review on the Butler amp. I have never tried tubes and the fact that the tube in the amp never needs replacing or even gets hot, is a surprise! Looks like an excellent sounding amp! I really have no info on Butler amps though(reliability, customer service, etc..).

Curriemt11- Being Bob's personal pair(lucky guy!), I'm sure they were modded plenty and are bad ass amps!! Since I liked the A21, I'm still kinda considering the JC1. But I know in the summer being that my HT room faces the west, after a couple of hours of play, and with 3" of clearance, think hot!!!

Brianmgrarcom- Interesting. I guess because the MF Kw500 is integrated tube based and more watts? What did you like better about the MF than the Classe? Was the Classe broke in and what service did it need that you are speaking of!?

Matrix- I'm sure they sound great, but when I saw the insides of a amp, and all the wires used running all over the place, not prof/high tech enough for me. But then again they are only $2000!!! I would like to hear one on my Apogee's though... : )

Thanks guys for all the replys and information!!!
Now what will tomorrow bring.... : )

Paul,
You might ask Ejlif about his JC1's. They are on multi-level racks, and I don't think they run hot.

Hope to meet soon, and can't wait to hear your new toy!

Howard

Ptheo, I couldn't tell all the "why's" that the kW500 was better, but you are right in that the 500 watts may play a role, my speakers like power and it is one area I speculate. As for the tubes, they may play a part; I am not necessarily a tube guy, I am not against them, but I don't think of the kW500 as your "typical" tube unit, even though it has them...good for 100,000 hours is nice.

As for, "what did I like better", everything sonically, I don't recall prefering the Classe amp and pre in any area (sonically).

I really don't know if there was anything wrong with my CA2200, I am simply questioning it for a couple reasons. 1) Classe had some early issues with there CP-500 going full volume at times when you adjusted the volume, thankfully my S805s took it in stride every time, the amp would go into protection; after doing this many times I wonder if some harm came to the amp, though I never noticed a change. 2) A lot of praise has been made on this amp, I too felt the same on my S805s, so why did I feel differently on the 802D's?

The Classe was plenty broke in.

You can get a demo Pass Labs 250.5 from Audio-Video Logic for $4500 with warranty. Really nice amp. Just a suggestion

Paul,

I really think that your concern about heat generated by the JC-1s is a little overblown. I had them running hard for 4 hours last weekend, and at the end of it all, they were a little more than warm. This, by the way, was with the rear switch in 'high' Class A mode, where heat should be at a maximum. They don't produce anywhere near the temps that, for example, my Rogue Zeus did. Having said that, I note that the 3" clearance could be a problem. Is the quoted clearance above the amps, to the sides, or both? Parasound makes it clear that 6" is required above the amps.

One amp that I considered was the McCormack DNA-500. I traded numerous emails with Steve McCormack and was thoroughly impressed by the guy. First, the amp itself should run very cool. Second, those upgrades of which you spoke were designed to bring his previous designs up to his latest thinking. There is no upgrade available for the DNA-500, nor is there one planned. My understanding is that he believes that this unit is just about as good as he can make it at a reasonable price point. As for the cost of the upgrades on older units, if Classe decided to offer something similar, I assure you that their own prices would be high as well. Newer, high spec parts are expensive, and upgrades such as this are generally labor-intensive. Instead, they - like most - simply offer new models. I, for one, applaud Steve's long term support of his creations. In my opinion, you could not go wrong if you decided on a DNA-500.