CP-700 Classe Pre-Amp

I have not heard a CP 700 but I did own a CP 500 before I upgraded to a BAT VK 51SE. Tboooe described the Classe house sound very well - smooth, easy, without digital glare. The BAT VK 51se stands out for different reasons. The BAT has better dynamics/more PRAT and more precise stereo imaging. Tubes also added even more realism to vocals (the Classe is no slouch either on vocals though). So I suppose it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a more exciting sound the BAT may work very well, if you want to maintain the smooth house sound of Classe, you may be better off sticking with Classe. To my ears BAT is generally brighter sounding than Classe but at the same time more forgiving on the highs with poorly recorded music (tube magic I suppose?). Lastly, the BAT is slightly darker sounding while the Classe is more neutral. You may or may not like this. I would audition both preamps before making a decision. Listening impressions can vary a great deal depending on listening room characteristics and system synergy. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you.
My only problem is that we don't have an ARC dealer in town..only a BAT dealer. The nearest ARC dealer is 4 hrs away. I've heard good things on the BAT VK-31SE and 51.
MBL is great gear..but, no dealer is within 10 hrs to take a listen.
I was also looking at SIM Audio's intergrated Moon i-7 and their Super Nova CD player.
I hear it's a 'killer' combo.
Have you heard any comments?
Sally

Sally, it would be very helpful if you could describe the sound you are getting now, and the sound you want to achieve.

SIM gear is very neutral and transparent. I find it a bit too clinical. I think RAZA described BAT gear well. It definitely does not sound tubey at all, in fact I thought it sounded very solid state, with an incredible bottom end.

"I've heard great things about the old Classe gear..but, since B&W bought them....the reviews and comments haven't been very good."

Sally,
Where have you been reading these reviews and comments ? There are a number of great reviews of Classé Delta Series components in mainstream audio publications. Check out the Classé Club at HT Guide Forum. Lots of Delta owners and lively discussion there.

Glen

Hi Sally,
I just got the new 2008 version of the SimAudio i-7. It is very neutral and transparent and a little bit dry (but I like it that way). But the midrange is very smooth, organic and velvety. The highs have plenty of air for my taste and the bass is tight and controlled. There were some changes made in the newest version to make it sound more musical. Contact SimAudio for more details and also see the past review in Stereophile. I thought about pairing it up with the Super Nova but decided to upgrade my ver. 2 to a Krell SACD Standard ver 3 instead. I did not get it yet.