Classe preamps - CP-700 vs Classe CP-800?

I have not heard the 800 as some others on the forums (reporting extremely good results) have but I can tell you that I owned the 2-box CP-700 for a 2+ years and found it amazing. I had to move a long way up the scale to find sonics that won over the 700. It's a hell of a pre-amp for the money. When I was looking at it to match my SSP-600 HT surr-proc, I was debating taking the plunge and going for a new or used Classe Omega MkIII (or IV I think) and many people told me that while the Omega was a great pre-amp, that the 700 was such that its design had benefited from the lessons learned on the Omega line and that I should go for the CP-700...what's your budget?

Starting with the CP-800 production moves to the Middle Kingdom, somewhere near the Oppo factories.

This guy direct compared them, and preferred the CP-700:

http://www.psaudio.com/vanilla/discussion/4330/using-a-preamp-or-straight-into-a-poweramp.-what-are-the-preferable-specs

I currently have the CP 700 and did compare it to the new (er) CP 800 when it came out. I agree with Zepher - the CP 700 is amuch better sounding pre-amp....in my opinion.

I was in a similar situation until today, I needed something more than the PR-SC5509 to do justice to the MoFi and other stereo SACDs that my A1UDCI processes on a fully balanced stereo pathway. I needed a solid state fully balanced preamp with biamped XLRs out. I already have Cardas Y splitters, and I will put a 12v trigger to avoid accidental overcurrent into my precious Sherbourn 5/1500A.

Here is where the letdown stands with the CP-800, this from a guy who take his first step into analog:

1. If I want analog with minimal conversions do I want a unit that carries a gazillion DACs? Nein, i'd just trade the PR-SC5509 for an SSP-800 or A1HDCI, losing the great HQV Vida processing for my Escient 1200 DVD collection.

2. Do I want an onboard PSU to create more interference?

3. Do I need a component $3000 less MSRP because it is made in a "Special Economic Zone" by unmotivated workers w/o benefits who just get kicked back into their native villages at age 40 in the Middle Kingdom?

Today I voted with my wallet and got the CP-700 here on Audiogon, after I read a lot, and auditioned a banged up CP-800 locally that still sounded great with monoblocks and Focals.

I can't wait to see what will happen with my Signature 8s v.2 biamped:)