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I have been auditioning amps to improve my two channel system. At the Classe, B&W and McIntosh dealer, unfortunately, the dealer's 803Ds were damaged, and I (had to) listen to the 800Ds instead (these are great speakers). They were using a Meridian pre-pro.
I listened to the Classe CAM-400s (monos) and to the McIntosh MC501s (monos). The dealer felt the difference was not worth changing my CAV-150 with the new Delta Series CA-2200/CA-3200/CA-5200 multi-channel amps.
I later also went to another dealer and auditioned a pair of Krell 350 MCX mono amps through the Krell LAT-1000 speakers and using a Krell pre-pro.
It's tough to do these type of auditions as one truly can't compare, and can only imagine what these amps will sound like in your own room and system.
At the Classe dealer and at the Krell dealer, their audition rooms were very dead sounding, where mine is large and has exciting acoustics (approximately 39'L, by 18'W, with 24' ceilings), and is more like listening to a live presentation (not too lively IMO).
Listening to the Classe monos with the 800Ds, the sound was somewhat sedated, yet full, detailed, and smooth throughout the ranges. Even at low volumes, the bass was articulate. It may have been the room, and we listened to many different genres, but it was almost too smooth and not heart pounding exciting. But, this would most likely change in my room so I'm keeping an open mind. (I am looking for something that will stand my neck hairs up, and wow me when I listen . . . because it is that good). But, I do not want a sound that is too demanding to listen to during long listening sessions.
Listening to the McIntosh, and while it was also excellent gear, the sound was different than the Classe . . . but for some reason not as pleasing to me overall. The demonstration could not readily switch back and forth between the two, so it was difficult to put my finger on the true differences, but I felt I was not as satisfied with listening to the McIntosh as compared to the Classe gear. I also felt that since I leaned towards the Classe, the sound would synergize better with my current Classe pre-amp and my current amp that would then be used for the center and surrounds in HT.
Both of the amps powering this system were very refined and extremely good, but, I did not get that WOW -- I have to have it right now knee jerk reaction. Going to the Krell dealer, I was hoping to get the listening excitement like I felt when I first heard, and later purchased my first decent system back in the 70's (memories are always better - right!).
The Krell dealer had the demo ready for me when I arrived, and it was down to listening. I listened, and the sound was incredibly exciting. We listened to many different genres, and the more I listened, the more I felt that this was a great set-up for rock n' roll. Listening to jazz or orchestral pieces, the output was not as pleasing or refined as compared to the Classe or the McIntosh through the 800Ds (most noticeable with female voices). And, it was very difficult to determine wether it was the amps or the speakers that were creating the feeling of listening to a live concert. But, whatever was creating this listening experience, it was a very good combo. I sensed however while listening, that this system made poorer recordings sound naked, and harder to listen to.
I believe my 803Ds may be a bit quicker and less refined/liquid in the mid ranges than the 800Ds. Although difficult to do anything but surmise, the 803Ds may be a more exciting match with the CAM-400s (to my senses), than are the 800Ds that are much more majestic. On this line of reasoning, the Krell amps may also be a good match, as I tend to lean my preferences towards a more exciting, live concert like presentation. But, as the B&Ws already tend to reveal poor recordings, would the Krells make many of these recordings even harder to listen to?
Then the consideration is for cost. All of these amps are on the very expensive side new. So, in doing some research, I have been able to locate a used pair of CAM-400s (about $6,600 delivered), a used pair of CAM-350s (about 4,300 delivered), and a used pair of Krell MCX 350s (about $7,200 delivered). I have also since researched (have not been able to listen to yet), and found a pair of Linn Klimax 500 Solos for (about $6,400 delivered).
For me, obviously the CAM-350s are easier to handle financially, but if I'm going to do this, I also want the most bang for the buck.
Any and all suggestions welcome.
I listened to the Classe CAM-400s (monos) and to the McIntosh MC501s (monos). The dealer felt the difference was not worth changing my CAV-150 with the new Delta Series CA-2200/CA-3200/CA-5200 multi-channel amps.
I later also went to another dealer and auditioned a pair of Krell 350 MCX mono amps through the Krell LAT-1000 speakers and using a Krell pre-pro.
It's tough to do these type of auditions as one truly can't compare, and can only imagine what these amps will sound like in your own room and system.
At the Classe dealer and at the Krell dealer, their audition rooms were very dead sounding, where mine is large and has exciting acoustics (approximately 39'L, by 18'W, with 24' ceilings), and is more like listening to a live presentation (not too lively IMO).
Listening to the Classe monos with the 800Ds, the sound was somewhat sedated, yet full, detailed, and smooth throughout the ranges. Even at low volumes, the bass was articulate. It may have been the room, and we listened to many different genres, but it was almost too smooth and not heart pounding exciting. But, this would most likely change in my room so I'm keeping an open mind. (I am looking for something that will stand my neck hairs up, and wow me when I listen . . . because it is that good). But, I do not want a sound that is too demanding to listen to during long listening sessions.
Listening to the McIntosh, and while it was also excellent gear, the sound was different than the Classe . . . but for some reason not as pleasing to me overall. The demonstration could not readily switch back and forth between the two, so it was difficult to put my finger on the true differences, but I felt I was not as satisfied with listening to the McIntosh as compared to the Classe gear. I also felt that since I leaned towards the Classe, the sound would synergize better with my current Classe pre-amp and my current amp that would then be used for the center and surrounds in HT.
Both of the amps powering this system were very refined and extremely good, but, I did not get that WOW -- I have to have it right now knee jerk reaction. Going to the Krell dealer, I was hoping to get the listening excitement like I felt when I first heard, and later purchased my first decent system back in the 70's (memories are always better - right!).
The Krell dealer had the demo ready for me when I arrived, and it was down to listening. I listened, and the sound was incredibly exciting. We listened to many different genres, and the more I listened, the more I felt that this was a great set-up for rock n' roll. Listening to jazz or orchestral pieces, the output was not as pleasing or refined as compared to the Classe or the McIntosh through the 800Ds (most noticeable with female voices). And, it was very difficult to determine wether it was the amps or the speakers that were creating the feeling of listening to a live concert. But, whatever was creating this listening experience, it was a very good combo. I sensed however while listening, that this system made poorer recordings sound naked, and harder to listen to.
I believe my 803Ds may be a bit quicker and less refined/liquid in the mid ranges than the 800Ds. Although difficult to do anything but surmise, the 803Ds may be a more exciting match with the CAM-400s (to my senses), than are the 800Ds that are much more majestic. On this line of reasoning, the Krell amps may also be a good match, as I tend to lean my preferences towards a more exciting, live concert like presentation. But, as the B&Ws already tend to reveal poor recordings, would the Krells make many of these recordings even harder to listen to?
Then the consideration is for cost. All of these amps are on the very expensive side new. So, in doing some research, I have been able to locate a used pair of CAM-400s (about $6,600 delivered), a used pair of CAM-350s (about 4,300 delivered), and a used pair of Krell MCX 350s (about $7,200 delivered). I have also since researched (have not been able to listen to yet), and found a pair of Linn Klimax 500 Solos for (about $6,400 delivered).
For me, obviously the CAM-350s are easier to handle financially, but if I'm going to do this, I also want the most bang for the buck.
Any and all suggestions welcome.
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