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Upgrade-itus: Classé DR-9 vs. MF A3.2?


Hello Audiogon and your infinite wisdom.
I have the option to buy a Classé DR-9 to replace my MF A3.2 integrated. The MF IS 185w @ 4 ohms the Classé 200w @ 4 ohms. I'm driving Dynaudio Contour S1.4 monitors.

Thoughts? I'm sure both are good, what will the sound differences be? Dynamics, hi, lo, sound stage, warmth?

For the short term the A3.2 will be pre-amp.
Thanks!
Andy
ucrazykid

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
07-26-14: 5560
If David Reich was still designing an amplifier today, I would be in line to buy one. Come to think about it, anyone know where he is today?
He is the chief engineer at Theta Digital, for which he has worked for the past 16 years.

Regards,
-- Al
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
$850 for the Classe
As a point of interest, according to some older literature I have the DR-9 originally sold in 1988 for $3450. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor's online CPI inflation calculator, that equates to $6951 in today's dollars.

I have not heard the DR-9, but I have some familiarity with Dave Reich's designs and their reputation. Notwithstanding the very considerable respect I have for Bill/Grannyring's opinions and experience (and certainly as well for Frogman's), if I were in need of a power amp and didn't want to spend thousands I would pay $850 for a top condition DR-9 in a heartbeat.

Good luck!
-- Al
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