RB-1080 or Classe CA-201

[Raphie]

That's the question, i am replacing my RB-1070 (now playing back surround)
The RMB-1095 will move to center and surrounds & backsurrounds freeing up the L & R main channels for a stereo amp. When you have the opportunity to buy either for the same budget (RB-1080 new, or CA-210 2nd hand but in MINT condition)

Your oppinions please for improved 2 CH stereo as wel as your thoughs on intergration with the RNB-1095 (yes know the 1080 is the closest match, but how far of is the CA-201?

[DanR]

In my opinion the Classe CA-201 is hands down a better amp, but your ears are the only judge that matters. Classe makes a very, very nice product.

[jlee]

I've tried the CAM-200 vs. the 1080 and clearly like the CAM-200... CAM-200 will have better pitch accuracy, no mid bass hump like the 1080, better bass extension (can be heard if you have a REL sub that first feeds through the CAM-200... the 1080 rolls off the lowest notes and therefore by the time the signal gets to the REL, a lot of it is missing!), and cleaner more extended highs. The CAM-200 is better than the 1080 in every way unless you like an artificial mid bass emphasis.

That beind said, I would think the CA-201 would have nearly identical characteristics to the CAM-200... I would go with the 201...

Sonically, for HT, it will integrate just fine... I use a 1080 for my rears and 3 CAM-200 for the front... down the road, you may want to get 1 CAM-200 for the center so all 3 fronts are more similar... and then use just 4 channels for the rear (it will be easier on your 1095 to use only 4 instead of all 5 channels).

[Raphie]

Thanks guys, gutfeel confirmed CA-201 it is then