To characterize (good or bad) an entire product line - especially one as broad as Classe's - is just plain ignorant. That's not to say that there aren't similarities between a company's given products, but I think that has more to do with engineering philosophy and marketing strategy. Kevziek is WAY off-base when he says that all of their products are based on the same circuits....huh??
Pops was right on the money when he talked about product compatibility and synergy. Zaikesman's analysis and extrapolation of his experience with one of Classe's older and least expensive models is completely unfair. Apples and oranges...or perhaps Valves and FETs. Not only are the products dissimilar, but they're in a completely different price range. I know he meant well, but...
The bottom line is that companies build reputations based on the satisfaction of their customers (dealers and end-users alike). Additionally, there are some companies who, because of their reputation, tend to be scrutinized and criticized or develop great allegiances. For example; Krell and McIntosh are both excellent companies who produce products that people either "love" or "hate". But those who love them tend to be very loyal and those who hate them are unrelenting in their criticism. So it is to a lesser degree with Classe.
So where does my allegiance lie?? To whomever produces the product that best compliments my system. In this case, it happens to be Classe (DR 9), but if I were to, for example, purchase new speakers which require a more synergistic amp, perhaps it would be somebody else. I would have to take into consideration my budget (can't forget that), the power requirements of my speakers (solid state only, or tube-friendly) and then let my ears (and heart) do the rest.
Pops was right on the money when he talked about product compatibility and synergy. Zaikesman's analysis and extrapolation of his experience with one of Classe's older and least expensive models is completely unfair. Apples and oranges...or perhaps Valves and FETs. Not only are the products dissimilar, but they're in a completely different price range. I know he meant well, but...
The bottom line is that companies build reputations based on the satisfaction of their customers (dealers and end-users alike). Additionally, there are some companies who, because of their reputation, tend to be scrutinized and criticized or develop great allegiances. For example; Krell and McIntosh are both excellent companies who produce products that people either "love" or "hate". But those who love them tend to be very loyal and those who hate them are unrelenting in their criticism. So it is to a lesser degree with Classe.
So where does my allegiance lie?? To whomever produces the product that best compliments my system. In this case, it happens to be Classe (DR 9), but if I were to, for example, purchase new speakers which require a more synergistic amp, perhaps it would be somebody else. I would have to take into consideration my budget (can't forget that), the power requirements of my speakers (solid state only, or tube-friendly) and then let my ears (and heart) do the rest.