Good to see there is still some spirited debate here. You're right we all have subtle differences in audible perception. The whole point of this is the music, remember the fundamentals... straight wire with gain. The exhausting pursuit of that live performance being realized right in our own living rooms. Well I must say the Classe 70 succeeds in spades in these crucial areas. I never had the pleasure of owning one, but my close friend does. And it is with great humility that I must bow my head and admit defeat. The Classe 70 blows the pants off my Krell KSA 300 S, and I've owned many other fine amplifiers like Sonic frontiers, Cary, Audio Note, Spectral, Mark Levinson, YBA, Conrad Johnson and far too many more. And Please stop with the tubes. Be honest with yourselves, how long did it take you to adjust to that tube sound... 6 monthes... a year, I never did! Exagerated mid's, rolled off highs, they can have em. The only real experience that has become important to me is how MUSICAL and INVOLVING the amplifier is. I'm sorry to say to Zaikesman,who said "Easily able to surpass the sound of the Classe 70". Not a chance!! You're talking to a previous owner of a DR 2. And yes... The 70 beats the beasty DR 2 as well. I won't even respond to Bigbry's comments. Once in a while, along comes an amplifier like the CJ Premier 5,Mark Levinson ML 2's, Spectral DMA 180, Mac MC 240, Pass Labs Aleph 0, and so on that gets it right! Classe got the 70 right. That's why everybodies talking about it here, that's why I've seen a couple of fellow audiophiles almost cry after selling theirs, and thats why there highly sought after. Congradulations Ferrari you now own one of the most musical amplifiers in the world...Bar none!!
Review: Classe Audio 70 Amplifier
Category: Amplifiers
This was purchased from fellow Audiogon Member this past summer. For all practical purposes this amp is in like new condition and came with box and manual and not a flaw to be had.
Had always wanted to try a Classe amp and had heard some very good things about the Classe brand. The Model 70 had impressed me several years ago with its musicality and that first impression remains true today. With the Model 70 Classe remained true to their doctrine that all products regardless of price must deliver the music with astounding depth and clarity. The Model 70 does that with exceptional ease. New these sold for $1,195.00 and sell now for about half that amount. Have kept their value well and continue to deliver one dynamic performance after another. This one of the very best class a/ab amplifiers I have ever owned and I have owned some of the very best in the last 47 years. Been in this hobby since 1957, so I can speak with some knowledge.
The Classe 70 is mated to a Marsh P 2000 pre-amp driving some vintage Time Window speakers and I could not be more happy with this current set up. This is in my second system,that now I am listening to more each day. In fact the Time Windows have never sounded better, the Classe does a remarkable job of extracting the best from the Time Windows.
The initial program material I listen to was Chris Botti "Night Sessions". One of the more 3 dimensional presentations I have heard. Sounded as though Chris was in the room. Next up was Earl Klugh "Sudden Burst of Energy". Another unexpected experience. Earls guitar just jump to life and if one listens closely can hear Earls finger work as he strikes the strings. Amazing definition. From there just had to try some Rock n Roll and used the venerable Santana Abraxas recording for its many instruments and tonal qualities. Once again my expectations were not disappointed. The Classe 70 can rock and deliver bass with authority that belies its power rating.
Specifications:
75 Watts stereo,high current design,sleek curved slimline chassis with dual heat sinks at rear,both regular and fully balanced operation switchable.
Frequency Response : 20Hz to 20KHz +/- 0.1 dB
Sensitivity : 900 mV in for rated output
Input Impedance : 70 K Ohms
S/N Ratio : More than 100 dB
Rated Output : 8 ohms 75 Watts Stereo
4 ohms 150 Watts Stereo
Dimensions: Gross : 22"x 19 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Net : 19" x 11 3/4" x 4 7/8"
Weight: Gross : 35 lbs
Net : 30 lbs
The Classe Model 70 will have a very long time in my second system. It does the one thing I ask all Stereo Components and that is to deliver the music with depth,clarity,detail and transparency. I does so with amazing ease.
For me this is as good as it gets for Class A/AB amplifiers. If there is better out there in this price range I have yet to hear it.
Associated gear
Marsh P 2000 Pre Amp,Sony CD Player,Denon DVD Player,DCM Time Window Speakers.
Similar products
Bryston 3B,Parasound Halo,Rega,Sim Audio,Muse,etc.
This was purchased from fellow Audiogon Member this past summer. For all practical purposes this amp is in like new condition and came with box and manual and not a flaw to be had.
Had always wanted to try a Classe amp and had heard some very good things about the Classe brand. The Model 70 had impressed me several years ago with its musicality and that first impression remains true today. With the Model 70 Classe remained true to their doctrine that all products regardless of price must deliver the music with astounding depth and clarity. The Model 70 does that with exceptional ease. New these sold for $1,195.00 and sell now for about half that amount. Have kept their value well and continue to deliver one dynamic performance after another. This one of the very best class a/ab amplifiers I have ever owned and I have owned some of the very best in the last 47 years. Been in this hobby since 1957, so I can speak with some knowledge.
The Classe 70 is mated to a Marsh P 2000 pre-amp driving some vintage Time Window speakers and I could not be more happy with this current set up. This is in my second system,that now I am listening to more each day. In fact the Time Windows have never sounded better, the Classe does a remarkable job of extracting the best from the Time Windows.
The initial program material I listen to was Chris Botti "Night Sessions". One of the more 3 dimensional presentations I have heard. Sounded as though Chris was in the room. Next up was Earl Klugh "Sudden Burst of Energy". Another unexpected experience. Earls guitar just jump to life and if one listens closely can hear Earls finger work as he strikes the strings. Amazing definition. From there just had to try some Rock n Roll and used the venerable Santana Abraxas recording for its many instruments and tonal qualities. Once again my expectations were not disappointed. The Classe 70 can rock and deliver bass with authority that belies its power rating.
Specifications:
75 Watts stereo,high current design,sleek curved slimline chassis with dual heat sinks at rear,both regular and fully balanced operation switchable.
Frequency Response : 20Hz to 20KHz +/- 0.1 dB
Sensitivity : 900 mV in for rated output
Input Impedance : 70 K Ohms
S/N Ratio : More than 100 dB
Rated Output : 8 ohms 75 Watts Stereo
4 ohms 150 Watts Stereo
Dimensions: Gross : 22"x 19 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Net : 19" x 11 3/4" x 4 7/8"
Weight: Gross : 35 lbs
Net : 30 lbs
The Classe Model 70 will have a very long time in my second system. It does the one thing I ask all Stereo Components and that is to deliver the music with depth,clarity,detail and transparency. I does so with amazing ease.
For me this is as good as it gets for Class A/AB amplifiers. If there is better out there in this price range I have yet to hear it.
Associated gear
Marsh P 2000 Pre Amp,Sony CD Player,Denon DVD Player,DCM Time Window Speakers.
Similar products
Bryston 3B,Parasound Halo,Rega,Sim Audio,Muse,etc.