Classe CAM 350 monoblock vs Classe CAM-400 or Bryston 4B3

@timothywright:

I own a 4B3 and it's the best amp I've had. I preferred it to the Pass X250.8, not just for lower heat, but because I found the Pass a little too lush and tubey. A great amp, to be sure, but not as neutral to my ears as the 4B3.

Regarding the Magtech, when I auditioned it a home, I disliked it intensely. It was the anti-Pass -- icy and uninvolving. I can't explain why I reacted that way to this widely respected amp.

As I said in a previous post, I have enjoyed both Classe and Bryston amps (the brands you were considering).

In getting what suits YOU, it would be great if you could audition what I think is a prime contender, the 4B3 (or 14B3). Any way you could audition one? They are great amps, more relaxed than previous Brystons. You can find dozens of glowing reviews in actual publications, as well as by happy owners.

If the older Classé amps ever need service, that might be complicated by Classé’s ownership changing from the B&W Group to Sound United, which I believe is not repairing older units. Bryston, of course, is not owned by a holding group and repairs all their gear.

I have not heard those Classé amps; a newer CA-2300 sounded superb to me. Unfortunately, it had a fan, which I could hear -- ugh. I picked a Bryston 4B3 instead and am enjoying it very much. It's a great amp, very smooth for a SS amp yet with a powerful grip. Still, $4500 would be high for a used one, in my opinion. You might also think about the 14B3, the bigger one, as @arctikdeth suggested. I had a 14BSST and thought it was really wonderful. I hear that Maggies like power.

A few comments.

@psnyder149 found the Classé CA 2300 fan inaudible. I agree that it's a fabulous-sounding amp; in fact, I was about to buy one. But in my audio room, when I was listening to string quartets, the fan became audible during quiet passages. I'd urge caution in this respect for prospective buyers. Most listeners don't mind the fan, but some of us do.

@georgehifi points out that amps that use reduced feedback might have "high" THD, around 0.1%. I agree with George that that amount of THD can be inconsequential. It's difficult to hear, and I would not rule out an otherwise well-regarded amp for that reason. THD, especially 2nd and 3rd harmonics, is far less objectionable than IMD.

On Classé repairs of older equipment, I urge caution again, and I'd ask Classé how repairs might be handled for a specific model. The last information I saw from Classé (during resurrection from the B&W closing) was that older products would be handled by B&W but that parts availability might be problematic. So, wise to check before buying.

And @timothywrite, I sympathize with the difficulty of getting anything done these days. Looking at Audio Advisor, I see Bryston again has raised prices, with the 4B3 MSRP going from US $5995 to $6795 (though currently discounted to $6115). That would be one way to get a home audition, but boy, Bryston sure has become pricey!

@psnyder149 --

Thanks for the great info about Classé. My audio room is in the basement, far from highways, and soundproofed, so I am the most likely audiophile to hear any fan noise. I have banished fans from the room.

I own a CP-800 (now in my desktop system) and sent D. Nauber a list of requested improvements for the Delta Pre. Three main ones were: gapless streaming, more PEQ bands per channel, and separate PEQ settings for each speaker configuration. I don’t know which, if any, of my requests were incorporated. Anyway, it’s good to know that if the CP-800 requires service, Classé might be in a position to provide it.

Timothy,

That McIntosh dealer who said you should listen to a product but not in your own home -- nuts!

Echo is a local dealer I’ve been happy with. I’m beyond disappointed to hear of your experience.

Roger Sanders was great when I auditioned a Magtech. I hope the amp pleases you, so you don’t have to go through any more aggravation.

We hear weeping for the fading of brick-and-mortar stores. But local dealers often don’t offer the level of service given by Internet dealers. Again, nuts!