Classe' amps

I've owned Classe DR-10, CA-100, and CA-200. All outstanding amps. IMHO, my CA-100 had better low-end tightness and detail vs. the DR-10. The CA-200 was better yet. All of these amps were used to drive my Thiel CS 1.5 speakers which are the only original pieces I still have in my system since I got involved in this crazy hobby 8 years ago. Everything else has been swapped out several times over.

I no longer own any Classe gear only because I've gotten the bug to play with tubes but I agree with others here that Classe offers a lot of "bang for the buck" and they're right at that sweet spot as you approach diminishing returns.

I'd love to get a CA-201 but I can't afford to keep my tube gear AND good SS too.

I like your automotive analogy but I place Classe apart from the others for its sound which to me is a bit more musical and sweet compared to the Krell and Levinson. And like a Lexus (Toyota product), Classe has been extremely reliable for me.

How do the CP-45 and SSP-50 compare sonically for regular two channel sound?

I'm not familiar with the DR-8 or the 70 but I have owned the DR-10, CA-100, and CA-200. I found that the CA-100 had a little better detail on the lower bass vs the DR-10. The CA-200 was even better all around with more punch and transparency.