802D's with Classe M400 vs. 3200

[moonlightdrive21]

Both of these Classe amps received great reviews. I'm sure the Classe M400 mono amps are going to sound somewhat better.

However, was wondering if any of you tried or heard both amps with the 802D's and if you found the M400's to be "dramatically" better.

Thanks!
Dave

[chuck1801]

Yes. I demoed the M400s for about two weeks with my 802Ds. They were wonderful. I also demoed a CA2200 and it was so close that I simply could not justify the extra cost. I bought the CA3200 and a third 802D for about the cost of 2 M400s. The CA3200 has been in my system for many months now and will remain. I've not seriously considered replacing it since. I consider it a great amp and a great bargain.

[moonlightdrive21]

Yes. I demoed the M400s for about two weeks with my 802Ds. They were wonderful. I also demoed a CA2200 and it was so close that I simply could not justify the extra cost. I bought the CA3200 and a third 802D for about the cost of 2 M400s. The CA3200 has been in my system for many months now and will remain. I've not seriously considered replacing it since. I consider it a great amp and a great bargain.

Thanks so much for sharing that info!!

Did you find the bass weight and authority of the 3200 to be pretty much equal with the M400's? I also have the 802D's.

When I read reviews of the Delta 200 watt power amps and the Classe CDP-102 CD Player (which I am also close to getting), the one thing I keep hearing is that while the bass is very detailed, its weakness is that it's lean. This is a bit of a turn off for me since much of what I listen to is rock music, where strong bass is very important. Maybe the M400's are noteably better in this respect???

Fortunately, I will be able to hear the 3200's this weekend, but I will not be able to compare them with the M400's.

Thanks!!
Dave

[Kal Rubinson]

When I read reviews of the Delta 200 watt power amps and the Classe CDP-102 CD Player (which I am also close to getting), the one thing I keep hearing is that while the bass is very detailed, its weakness is that it's lean.

It's not lean, at least, compared to other non-Classe amps.

Kal

[Eliav]

It's not lean, at least, compared to other non-Classe amps.

Kal

I must agree with kal.
The CAM400 exhibit tight and authorative low end with the 802d. i have auditioned more expensive amps with the 802d ( Mac, Halcro) and did not find the cam400 lean at all compared to these amps. A 400watt top-notch amp which doubles to 800watt at 4 ohm cannot be fairly defined as "lean "IMHO.
Eliav

[moonlightdrive21]

I must agree with kal.
The CAM400 exhibit tight and authorative low end with the 802d. i have auditioned more expensive amps with the 802d ( Mac, Halcro) and did not find the cam400 lean at all compared to these amps. A 400watt top-notch amp which doubles to 800watt at 4 ohm cannot be fairly defined as "lean "IMHO.
Eliav

Eliav, my comments about possible leanness was referring to the 200 watt amps, not the CAM400's. I believe Kal's comments were also addressing the 200 watt amps (i.e., the 3200).

Thanks to both of you for commenting!!

Dave

[Kal Rubinson]

A 400watt top-notch amp which doubles to 800watt at 4 ohm cannot be fairly defined as "lean "IMHO.Eliav

Power output numbers do not equate with leanness or lack thereof. Somewhat independant, in fact.

Kal

[Eliav]

Power output numbers do not equate with leanness or lack thereof. Somewhat independant, in fact.

Kal

Thanks for mentioning this,Kal.
My basic understanding is that the "numbers" are among other things, translated to the ability to tightly control the woofers motion so that the low end reproduction is neutral as opposed to boomy or lean. I guess this is why Krell are known for their '"punch".
otherwise, which electronic properties make one amp a punching beast and one "lean" ? is there any at all ?
If not so, I would welcome a correction .
Regards
Eliav

[Kal Rubinson]

I do not know of any spec or single measurement that equates directly to bass being full or lean except, perhaps, pulse analysis or waterfall plots.

Kal

[chuck1801]

The short answer is no, the Classe CA3200 is not 'lean' in the bass with the B&W 802Ds.

I think the only editorial review of the CA3200 with 802Ds was Kal's in Stereophile, so I would think that the other reviews would not have much to say on the issue.

[moonlightdrive21]

I assumed that the Delta 2200, 3200 and 5200, while having a different number of channels, would be pretty much identical in sound and performance if all other things are equal. Was that a wrong assumption?

Thanks,
Dave

[Tweir]

I have not heard them on the 5200 yet. I have on the cam400's and I think that is the
best combo out their. The bass is very good. I listen to deeper bass tracks in r&b
and find out that I am hearing things recorded down there that i did not know was
there. I love the cam400's... Also I really listen to music only. And in using the
802d's on the mc402 I find that in normall listening the watt meter's are at 50 to 100watts and it is plenty loud at those levels...