500/2200 vs 700/2300 - how big is the difference?

[Antonkk]

I'm sure that the 700/2300 combo will sound better with my 802Ds but I can pick up used 500/2200 for 7 grand while new 700/2300 combo will cost me t at least 10 grand more. Is it worth the difference? How huge is it?

[Antonkk]

Anyone?

[mjb]

I have no experience with either combo, but I will say that just because a new model of pre or amp is released, it doesn't mean that the old one suddenly sounds rubbish! The 500/2200 remains an outstanding combination, and if you can get it for a good price, then all the better. I am resisting upgrading my 802d's for exactly the same reason! In addition, I don't like the idea of the fan and wind-tunnel cooling on the 2300. Although people have said it's hardly audible, I'm a traditionalist. The fan-less 2200 is probably preferable for an analog setup in view of an arguably lower noise floor (ok, clutching at straws here).

[doc47]

I replaced a BAT VK 500 with a Classe 2300.The reason was the left channel in the BAT failed twice despite 2 attempts by BAT to fix the problem. My dealer gave me a generous trade in for the BAT and I bought the CA 2300. I have a 2 channel setup with Nautilus 802. This amp is terrific and superior to the BAT. Except at turn on the fan has not yet come on during use or if it has it is not audible from my listening position. It is dead quiet with no hum and has been a definite upgrade to my system.

[gerardhn]

antonk,

you can also consider used 700./2200 (not that much more $)

for new I would wait for 800/2300 combo.

[wettou]

Love the CA-M600 the start is surprising at first but then oh my!!!

[style]

I agree with gerardhn.

Antonkk the combo cp800 & CA2300 will be very amazing.

the cp800 is not more expensive from a cp700 but can much more.

the ca2300 and ca2200 : open the cabinet and you can see the difference!
is not only a name: ICT techno are inside an dont go high in temperatur, in a 12 min. you go have the great sound .

I use the CA2300 to drive the 803DI in my HT system. Great :W

[style]

mjb: yes the "old gear" is not only why a new model is relasead that is no more a good product.
--> are not doesn't mean that the old one suddenly sounds rubbish : Yes.agree

but the new 2300 is very good: the cooling tunnel is very quiet.

I was also a fear that the noise / fan .... do not exist. :T

well, why you will go with the hdmi 1.4 is your ssp sound great?

...I'm a traditionalist. The fan-less 2200 is probably preferable for an analog setup in view of an arguably lower noise floor ....

:W :W :W :W

style

[mjb]

Not to dampen everyones enthusiasm, but the original poster asked for opinions on either a 500/2200 or 700/2300 combo, and whether an extra 10 grand for the 700/2300 is worth it - the recommendation is he should go for a 800/2300! Perhaps this isn't even an option, the CP-800 isn't even on the market yet :roll:

[mjb]

Style, I hope the SSP HDMI 1.4 upgrade will ensure that:
1. my SSP remains current
2. the option of 3D if desired
3. gain 1 extra HDMI input / faster switching
4. frustrating handshake issues should be resolved
5. the re-sale value is higher

[Antonkk]

Love the CA-M600 the start is surprising at first but then oh my!!!

I'm sure they are but I have my budget constrains. I can easily affor 500/2200 but have to think twice before getting 700/2300.

[style]

@ mike,

today I spoke with Classe over the hdmi: the upgrade 1.4 is only to waste your money.
if 3D is not in your target dont is a good idea.

ok, your SSP is "courrent and have a high re-sale value" but you will sell your SSP?

well, I no . no upgrade. :W
omar

[wettou]

Style, I hope the SSP HDMI 1.4 upgrade will ensure that:
1. my SSP remains current
2. the option of 3D if desired
3. gain 1 extra HDMI input / faster switching
4. frustrating handshake issues should be resolved
5. the re-sale value is higher

1. my SSP remains current: YES

2. the option of 3D if desired:
- Yes, but you have options since the SSP-800 doesn't decode video but only allow pass through what is the point!
A Bu Ray player with dual HDMi does that better OPPO BDP-95 :T

3. gain 1 extra HDMI input / faster switching:
- Ok for oneextra HDMi but the switching with the Oppo BDP-95 HDMi 1 is super fast

4. frustrating handshake issues should be resolved:
- NO more issues with Oppo BDP-95

5. the re-sale value is higher:
- It remains to be seen, maybe slightly $100 if that? Remember it still doesn't have video processing, sound is totally unaffected :B

[stuofsci02]

I agree.. Video processing in a pre/pro is way overated. I prefer to go direct from a good Blu-Ray player (ala Oppo) straight to the TV.

[gerardhn]

Sorry, what do all this HDMI/Blue ray stories have to do with original question.?? Pure stereo!!!

[stuofsci02]

I dunno.. I just picked up at the end when people were talking about the SSP...

[wettou]

Pure Stereo

Oppo BDP-95 with XLR connection to the SSP-800 works wonders :T

[Antonkk]

All right let' separate my original question into 2

1. How big is the difference between 500 and 700 pres in terms of soundstage, tonality?

2. How does 2300 differ from 2200 other than running cool and having 100/200 more watts? Can 2200 do 802Ds justice at all?

[style]

@Antonkk

a prototyp from the CP800 was present in Lugano Switzlernd with other "bi brands" in a high end event .
lisnten with a ct 2300 and ctm600. always with 802DI.

the cp800 vs. 700? sound is very different: how much? in the same % froma B&W d and DI = a bi upgrade.

the ca2200 and 2300? the cooling tunel inside the new "amplifier" is a very colol tecnoligie: the amplifier is ver fast at the top. in 12 min. you hifi give the 100% and the sound is "faster" vs. the 2200, very direct and clean.
is not a watt question. of course Classe make product for B&W at firs and more power is a freind from B&Wspeakers.
but the 802Di have a nice sound with 200 watt too!! if you go listen a track with your system the power go up & down and have only in little occasion peak of 200/300 watt. is a question of stability, a stable "eergy" deliverd at the speakers not how much watt!

[Antonkk]

@Antonkk

a prototyp from the CP800 was present in Lugano Switzlernd with other "bi brands" in a high end event .
lisnten with a ct 2300 and ctm600. always with 802DI.

the cp800 vs. 700? sound is very different: how much? in the same % froma B&W d and DI = a bi upgrade.

the ca2200 and 2300? the cooling tunel inside the new "amplifier" is a very colol tecnoligie: the amplifier is ver fast at the top. in 12 min. you hifi give the 100% and the sound is "faster" vs. the 2200, very direct and clean.
is not a watt question. of course Classe make product for B&W at firs and more power is a freind from B&Wspeakers.
but the 802Di have a nice sound with 200 watt too!! if you go listen a track with your system the power go up & down and have only in little occasion peak of 200/300 watt. is a question of stability, a stable "eergy" deliverd at the speakers not how much watt!

Style, unfortunately I have 802D not Di and I'm choosing between 500 and 700 pres, not between 700 and the new 800. I would love to have the budget for the top ones but not at the moment. Right now I'm driving my 802D with Mcintosh 6900 and the sound is very poor. It simply cannot drive the bass, there are no dynamics, everything sounds strained and compressed, there is no attack and speed.

[mjb]

I'm sure that the 700/2300 combo will sound better with my 802Ds but I can pick up used 500/2200 for 7 grand while new 700/2300 combo will cost me t at least 10 grand more. Is it worth the difference? How huge is it?

Why don't you just go for the 500/2200 and see how you like it? If you keep pushing the question, obviously people are going to recommend more and more toward the top of the line. As the saying goes "there's always someone with a bigger car", but unfortunately some of us have to be realistic. As I said above, just because new models come out doesn't make the outgoing models immediately sound like crap. So, try the cheaper combo, see how you like it, and upgrade from there if necessary.

[mjb]

Right now I'm driving my 802D with Mcintosh 6900 and the sound is very poor. It simply cannot drive the bass, there are no dynamics, everything sounds strained and compressed, there is no attack and speed.

I think this has more to do with the signature "sound" of Mcintosh, the 6900 is a 200 watt amp, no slouch in terms of power....

[style]

ok, you go wuth a second hand or demo pre?

I dont know how much you can have a 700 in Usa but in europa a 700 , demo , not a War preampli, is around the €. 4000.- without problem and are money.
the new 800 will be available for not much more.,,, but is your choice.

if is so go with te combo cp700 and ca2200. :T

[style]

i agree with mjb.

the great job made from B&w is thath the new DI serie work very fine with
not so much power.....well, power is needed but the speaker singing loud even without huge bag of watts vs. the "old" but great serie.

[Antonkk]

i agree with mjb.

the great job made from B&w is thath the new DI serie work very fine with
not so much power.....well, power is needed but the speaker singing loud even without huge bag of watts vs. the "old" but great serie.

Style, once again - I don't have the new 802 DI, I have the old 802D so I have to drive them, not the easy new ones.

[Antonkk]

I think this has more to do with the signature "sound" of Mcintosh, the 6900 is a 200 watt amp, no slouch in terms of power....

No, the amp shuts down regulary with Power Guard and the meters are always on the right side of the screen. There is no dynamics, no punch, no soundstage. The music can't leave the speakers and the bass is horrible.