3 Classe CAM350 or Krell 300-400cx

[misterdoggy]

please from people who have or have had these amps or know them

I need advice. I have the kavs 2250 and 3250 but have a chance to pick up 3 Classe CAM350's $1700 each. I know BW does all its testing with Classe Amps so their speakers will be more aligned with Classe. This is an older model as well and I wonder if it is as solid as krells which are bulletproof.

The question is whether or not to switch over to Classe sell my Krell's and do the CAM350 for the 802d's in the l and r and center then find another Classe like a 301 for the surrounds

or

just find a used 300 or 400 cx Krell to drive just the L and R and use the 3250 for center and surrounds.

Help !

[Karma]

HI doggy,
Do not consider changing unless you can audition the equipment under favorable conditions (in your system if possible). I know you know that but you are getting greedy and letting your judgment fail.

Sparky

[sikoniko]

the good thing about the classe is they will hold their value. if you dont like them, you can probably sell them quick.

[Indytown]

the good thing about the classe is they will hold their value. if you dont like them, you can probably sell them quick.

Doggy, the Classe will sound differnet. Your ear may be adjusted to Krell. Tough call.

[misterdoggy]

I don't have the luxury of a tryout. Not where I am in France. Its been feeling around in the dark forever.

[misterdoggy]

Well I took a decision after speaking with some friends in the know and have decided to stay with Krell. so I am looking for a FPB300CX or FPB400CX in 240V.

2 reasons:

one Classe resale value is much less than Krell.

From what I've "heard" although it seems Classe is less fatiguing, Krell has much more Bass and "punch" and even though I listen to mostly Piano Music and Rock and Roll I prefer punch to warmth.

So I've let the threesome 3 x cam350's @ 1700 ea pass. My search continues

[Karma]

HI doggy,
I'm relieved. Buying audio sight unseen is very risky. I think you did the right thing. My comments are not intended to elevate Krell over Classe. Rather, at this level one's choices will be dictated by taste instead of others opinions or product reviews. This can only determined by personal audition. You have expressed this view yourself.

Sparky

[misterdoggy]

HI doggy,
I'm relieved. Buying audio sight unseen is very risky. I think you did the right thing. My comments are not intended to elevate Krell over Classe. Rather, at this level one's choices will be dictated by taste instead of others opinions or product reviews. This can only determined by personal audition. You have expressed this view yourself.

Sparky

Sparky,

You got me there. I don't practice what I preach. I probably gave the advice to my American friends who can have their friendly B&W, Classe or Krell dealer file over 5 or 6 Amps going for $5k to $10k each to see which sounds better and take his pick.

I live in the French Alpes, I can have any number of Ski's to try out (Salomon Skis are made in my town) but if I want to see about good Hifi I have to drive an 1- 1/2 hrs to Grenoble to give a listen.

So I read and read, comments by people who own and have listened, not only in our chat group but on Audiogon and all the reviews. Just tap in Krell FPB400cx or Classe Cam400 and you can spend hours reading.

This is how I "feel" it out. Then I get it here and either love it or hate it.

Eventually I get it right.