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Any owners of the Classe CP-800 here ?

Hello Agoners,

I am in a bit of a purchasing conundrum. I am going to purchase a new 2 channel pre and power amp. I am interested in the Classe CP-800, which doesn't seem to get much talk around here. I am looking for some feedback on this unit, especially when paired with the Classe ca-2300 2-channel amp which I might also purchase. I have been to a shop and auditioned this combo connected to a set of B&W 803D's I currently own a set of B&W 804D's

I also listened to the mcintosh C-50 pre and the MC-302 paired with the same speakers and source at the shop. I liked both of them. The classe seemed a bit more transparent and airy. The Mcintosh had a more robust sound and I thought the midrange was more accentuated. Mcintosh didn't seem to have the finesse of the Classe gear but, both combos sounded nice to my ear. I can purchase Classe a bit cheaper than Mcintosh at this point but, The mac gear seems to do better in second hand resale value, which is something to consider.

Both combos specifications are very similar with both digital and analog inputs on the pre. I am a bit of a vinyl enthusiast so, 2-channel analog is a priority for me. I didn't have the chance to listen to an analog source with either component. The source was an oppo bdp-93 in the shop. Both combinations sounded good with this source.

I am looking for input from both mac owners and classe owners. It would also be helpful if there are others who have compared these two combos as well. The specific components I am considering are below

1.) Classe CP-800 with the CA-2300 amp
2.) Mcintosh C-50 with the MC-302 amp

My music sources are a VPI classic 1 with a Soundsmith Sussurro Paua cart. I also have a Rogue audio Ares Phono.
My digital source is an oppo bdp-93 and I will also use the USB input on both components for lossless music on an Iphone/Ipad from time to time.

Any information regarding these two setups would be greatly appreciated.
andyprice44
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
Thanks for the information bob and eniac

I would like to compare the CP-800 and CP-700 side by side but, I don't know of a dealer with the CP-700 in stock. I wish the CP-800 had the same seperate PSU configuration as it's predecessor. My primary use for this component will be 2 channel music and the CP-800 actually has more functionality than what I need at this time but, it is nice to have for future expansion. I also own a PR-SC5508 processor for my home theater control. At this time I am using a Rotel RMB-1575 5-channel amp paired with a parasound 2100 pre that has a home theater bypass option. I want to improve my 2-channel listening while being able to integrate with my current home theater setup. I am going to keep my Rotel amp for home theater use and buy the seperate pre amp and power amp for 2-channel listening with vinyl and digital sources.
bobpaule's avatar
bobpaule
45 posts
 
You bet, the separate balanced topology preferrably monomoblock amps for stereo are the next logical purchase for me too, the biamping is holding me back (4xmonos=muchisimo dinero).
hooboy's avatar
hooboy
14 posts
 
I can't really help you with your specific questions, but I recently bought a used CP-800 and I am loving it. Like another respondent, I haven't got into the EQ/DSP functions yet but the basic preamp functions are a huge step up for me. I'm getting so much more resolution than my previous preamp. My rig is 2-channel.

As I understand it, there is a new version out now (or will be out shortly) that has a board upgrade that delivers 192/24 resolution, Apple Airport support and a 10db drop in noise (according to Classé's marketing department). It adds $1000 to the list price (from $5k to $6K). They will be adding an onboard phono stage for another $500 later this year.
silvertone
3 posts
 
Hooboy,

In regards to this comment:

"and a 10db drop in noise (according to Classé's marketing department)"

Did they mention what allowed this drop on the floor noise?

Thanks.
gbart
290 posts
 
Andyprice, try HT Guide Forum, where there is a dedicated Classé forum with more than 13,000 posts.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?40-Club-Class
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