SETs vs. Push/Pull

Raining on the parade;

Classe CA200, undefeated versus any tubes on proacs especially 2.5's which are the worst speakers to use tubes on. I know so many here will disagree. Little drivers require big amps not little amps.

The Classe advice I am giving you is 13-0, and I have to think for what your willing to spend on an amplifier; sidetracking to get a CA200, 300 in your system would not be a problem. Please note...a 201 is ok but its not the 200.

Not my opinion remember these 13 guys were tube guys with that "wasting my time dumbass salesman" smirk going out the door and that "can't believe what I was missing out on" smile coming back in. (they never did apologize for doubting me) 13 Home trials...13 "killed my tube amp" Whupped up a couple of Air tights too. They are pretty even in defeat.

Final tally... 7 CA200 or CA300 new amp sales with tube trade in.

The other 4 guys made the mistake of listening to Dynaudios and well they no longer had Proacs to worry about. 1 guy bought the CA200 used on Audiogon, a more recent challenge taker. So I know it still works. Couple of Cary amps got shelved, my favorite brand to send to the trash.

I'm not pulling your chain, this combo works and note how specific i'm being, not just any Classe will work, just the 200,300,400...01' are a drop off, but still decent.

If its convenient give it a try.

Trelja wrote:

"One thing that has always struck me about Classe, and I have heard a whole lot of their amps, was that they ALWAYS underwhelmed me.

First of all, even those that tend to be quite large sound a lot whole lot less than their power rating suggest.

Secondly, and more important, in every situation I have heard them in they were cold, clinical, analytical, with quite a bleached out sound."

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My response;

First of all Classe amplifiers have sounded pretty much the same for over a decade, no matter what they engrave on the front faceplate, what exactly were you expecting when you were underwhelmed? How many Classe amps do you have to listen too before you figure out what they were going to sound like?

Just for the record The Classe's don't measure or sound "cold, clinical, analytical, with quite a bleached out sound." And as for the lack power, I'm beginning to think you are confused about this brand. Other than the 70 and the multi channel amplifiers, the Classe's have been very consistent. Maybe its the speakers you've chosen to judge them on that is cold, clinical and bleached out?

Or maybe it would be more prudent to ask, what solid state amplifier have you heard that doesn't fit the "classe" description given above for under $5K?