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

Well I purchased my DR9 back in 1989 used for $1300 if I recall from a dealer in Massachusetts. I used it to drive my KEF105.2 speakers. This was my first high end system! Fun stuff. I owned this rig for 14 years and really know this amp pretty well.

The amp could be as old as 27 to 28 years old. I have very fond memories of it. That is very, very old folks. The amp is a little dark on top with some grain in the upper mids. In all other areas the amp was very good........at the time. This grain was evident in all SS amps of that vintage.

For $1000 and under several Class D amps would even sound better today.
Monarchy SS and hybrid amps would be a better choice. A Belles Reference 150 can be had for $1200. A nice Blue Circle SS or Hybrid amp would sound better.

I will say it again. Better sound can be had today for the same or close money without the added risk of owning a near 30 year old product that will indeed be prone to repair and hassle.

Hope it is OK for me to share my opinion and experience here? The poster is asking about this amp and I am helping to give a FULL view of it. That is why this forum is good for all of us.

The DR 9 is very old and will need servicing just to assure it is up to spec. I owned the amp and it is fine, but dark and not as good as other SS amps that are newer. CJ MF2300a is a better choice if you can find one. Electrocompaniet also makes better sounding amps.

I would not buy the DR9 unless you are handy with electronics or are willing to send to a tech first for a complete go through. Power supply caps will need to be replaced as well as other work.

I would stay clear as you can do better with a much newer amp. That amp was good in its day, but you can do better now. I owned it years ago and so many amps are better now.