Whatever holding company that actually owns B&W bought Classe a number of years ago. Quite obviously with the goal of providing a single audio purchasing experience from source to speaker. I date their gradual decline from them. Before, Classe was a distinctive manufacturer, more like a Canadian Plinius. After, they became mainstream. Nothing wrong with their product, but in a market where dozens and dozens of brands compete, nothing really to make them stand out, save that B&W dealers always tried to sell them with the speakers...
Classe closes Montreal operations
Classe has closed it's Montreal operation and has let everyone go. All warranties and parts will be taken care of through B&W. A customer at the $20,000 High end thread on AVS forum received a letter from Classe informing him of the situation. Looks like the rumors were true.