[JMT]

Well, the Arcam A-85 didn't happen. So now I am looking at a Classe CAP-80 integrated for around $650.00. I am also hoping to audition drewski's N.E.W. amp/pre combo sometime in the near future. Has anyone here listened to the Classe?

 

[nebuchadnezzar]

I haven't heard the Classe CAP-80, but I own a Classe SSP-30 Pre/Pro and a pair on CAM-200 monoblocks. The CAM-200s are great sounding amps. Great detail, fantastic speed, with tight punchy bass, and great extension, they drive my 'Logans with ease. Classe's products are very well constucted ....and great looking, too.
I have read that Classe's customer support is lacking, but I have found the oppisite to be true. I have dealt with Mr. Armin Gschwendtner, who is the head of customer support, on a couple of occasions. He replied very quickly to my E-Mails and he was very pleasant to deal with on the phone. (I had to change jumpers in monos to make them switch with remote trigger and I inquired as to an upgrade path on my SSP-30)

I wouldn't hesitate to buy Classe products in the future.

BTW, was the CAP-80 discontinued? I don't see it listed on the Classe website.

 

[Sean H]

I have not heard the CAP-80 but have read a lot of comments about it as I had interest in it a couple times in the past. From what I gather it carries the Classe sound which is in favor of a slightly warmer in tone, more dense, powerful, smoother and lacking any sterility.

Are you looking for an integrated to drive K1000's? I can't remember, I remember you posted something a while back. Of the sub $1500 integrated amps I have owned over the years a couple of my favorites were the Audio Refinement Complete and the LFD Mistral SE. Both of those amps are exceptional for their price. Both lean toward the more refined, warmer side of things. Right now I think if I were in the market for an integrated I would be looking hard at the Unison Research Unico, sounds like it is just amazing. Audio Analogue Puccini's are nice, Sim Audio i-5080 or the new I-3 are supposed to be amazing. There's the Creek 5350 of course. What's your plan again? Budget? Tubes/solid state?

 

[JMT]

Thanks for the recs Sean. My primary goal is to find something to drive the K1000s, but at the same time sound good with my speakers. My plan is to eventually upgrade my PSBs. I am hoping to audition drewski's N.E.W. amp/pre in the near future. He brought it to my meet and I listened to it only for a very short time, but really like what I heard with the K1000s. I really have no preference re: SS vs. tubes. Budget is a grand or less on the used market.

 

[tom hankins]

I would 2cnd the Unison Research Unico Hybred. If I was looking for an integrated it would be my choice. I've heard it in direct comparison with the Creek 5350, and it wasn't even close which one produced better music. I'm going from memory here but I also think it was better than the Krell 300i that I had for awhile. I put it on the same level as my brother's McCormack pre/amp setup, at around half the price.

 

[Canman]

I used to own a Classe CAP-100. It is one of the higher quality pieces of amplification I have owned. The sound is very detailed yet smooth. I wouldn't call it warm, but it does have a "musical" quality to it. I have also listened to the basic Classe amp, the CA-100 or CA-150? with a Wadia 16 and paradigm reference speakers and the sound was very enjoyable.

I have also owned an N.E.W. amp, the monstrosity known as the DCA 66. This beast was powered by 4 motorcycle batteries and weighed over 100 pounds with the battery box. Sound was good, but for a $3000 amp it was a little dull.

I would recommend the Classe integrated amplifiers.

 

[zimmer]

Quote:

My primary goal is to find something to drive the K1000s, but at the same time sound good with my speakers. My plan is to eventually upgrade my PSBs.

It might be a good idea to know what direction your speaker upgrade is going to take before you decide which integrated you'll want. The interaction between those two might be more significant than the K1000s and integrated.

 

[Sean H]

Quote:

Originally posted by zimmer It might be a good idea to know what direction your speaker upgrade is going to take before you decide which integrated you'll want. The interaction between those two might be more significant than the K1000s and integrated.

This is very true, good point indeed.

 

[JMT]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sean H This is very true, good point indeed.

Understood.

I have been researching monitors as well (has to be monitors, no floorstanders) and have been looking at:

- Sonus Faber Concertinos
- Soliloquy 5.0s
- Proac Tablette
- B&W CD 1

 

[zimmer]

I think 1 through 3 on your list are very tube friendly -( not so sure of #4) - so that could open that door of possibilities. I have heard #1 and 3 - think they are great. Some folks think Proac prefer tubes but I have heard wonders on Naim solid state, but it could be an acquired/limited taste. I have never understood the good reviews re CDMs or is the CD 1 a model that I might have missed afew years ago?

 

[Sean H]

Quote:

Originally posted by JMT Understood. I have been researching monitors as well (has to be monitors, no floorstanders) and have been looking at: - Sonus Faber Concertinos - Soliloquy 5.0s - Proac Tablette - B&W CD 1

The synergy thing is so important I guess. I've heard the SF Concertino's and Sol 5.0's, and have owned the B&W CDM1's. Personally I'd throw the CDM1's out.

Sounds like zimmer would agree. It's not that they are terrible by any means but they are quite analytical sounding, not so much musical. If they had a toe tapping, grooving sound then I think people wouldn't complain as much, but they don't.

I think the Concertino's and the Sol 5.0's are both great mini monitors. What they would be paired with is the question. I heard the Concertino's with Ayre gear and to me it left them sounding somewhat dry but I could hear the vast potential they had. I think they would sound great with refined sounding solid state that had a good musical allure. I heard the 5.0's with a Primare 30.1 integrated and Linn Ikemi CDP. Very nice indeed! The 5.0's are said to be a touch rolled or forgiving up top, which I find not a problem, but really great speakers all around. I see a pair for $675 with stands at Audiogon now, a great deal! The sheer build quality of the speakers AND the beautiful stands begs for them to cost double their price! I hear great things about the Proac Tablette too. As zimmer noted I too have heard the Proac speakers are best with tubes but I mostly heard that with the upper end models like the 1SC. The upper end models are very transparent and I can see why tubes might be a good match. You can find the 1SC used at Audiogon often for around a grand, definitely a top caliber monitor.

I would add the latest Reynaud Twin MK3 to your list as well as the Spendor S3/5's. I've owned both and they are excellent. The Spendor's are likely my favorite under $1,000 monitor. The best midrange, just to die for. With their low efficiency they work best with powerful solid state integrateds a minimum of 50 watts but best if around 80 watts or more. Don't be fooled by their size, they sound huge, full bodied and so darn musical for their size.