Any opinions on Classe Preamps?

Had a CP-60 and it was good but not great, IMHO opinion. I A/B extensively against the Placette, and Classe was constantly 2nd -- not a distant second, but second none the less. There are lots of good preamps worth considering in the $1 -$2K range used, and especially in $2.5K range. --Lorne

I have a sale pending on my Classe Four so this is not a shameless plug.
I purchased my Four as a DR-4. It displaced a Berning TF-10, which was a highly regarded tube preamp and I never missed the Berning.
I had the DR-4 upgraded to the Four, which resulted in greater clarity and a bigger soundstage. The tonal balance did shift and lean out a little, but I was able to compensate by changing cables.
The only direct comparison to the Four I have recently done is to an Audionote hybrid and the Four won-smoother and richer.
Unless you want to get into tubes, I would suggest you look into a DR-4 or a Four. You may be able to get a Five for less than $1k also.

I currently have a Classe CP45 in my system, and have owned Krell, Conrad Johnson and YBA units over the past 10 years. I cannot comment on the newer Classe units, but the late 1990's vintage are second to none in their price range with regard to price/performance.

Highly suggested.

I have "under the hood" pictures of all my Classe' equipment (CP45/CDP.5/Tuner 1) if you are interested in seeing the build/parts quality.

I had a CP-60 also, very nice stuff. I miss that preamp. I cant really say the Krell I replaced it with blew it away.
Better yes, but not night and day. Now the Audio research Ref II........WOW......that thing killed them both! good luck........................Vader

I've seen many used Classe DR5s on Ebay and Audiogon going for $600. If that's not a bargain, I don't know what it. Harry Pearson (Editor of Absolute Sound) was right on the mark about this preamp.