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Model: | CA-101 |
Category: | Amplifier (SS) |
Suggested Retail Price: | $1495.00 |
Description: | 100wpc power amp, bridgeable to 350w @ 8ohms |
Manufacturer URL: | Classé Audio |
Review by NeuGeo (A) on June 14, 2004 at 22:16:34 IP Address: 172.147.18.105 | Add Your Review for the CA-101 |
My first Classe purchase was the CDP-10(cd player). The sound of the player was refined and musical to my ears. I preferred this player, after an extended audition, over a comparably priced Arcam unit. This official introduction to Classe compelled me to take a serious look at their other products.After playing the audiophile version of “musical chairs” for several years, I’ve become jaded.. This quixotic search for the perfect system has cost me thousands of hard earned dollars , I kind of felt like its time to settle down and make some sort of commitment.
Before the CA-101 arrived, I was using the Conrad Johnson MV55 to power my speakers(EposM12). The sound was pleasant enough but I felt I needed more power.
My amplifier quest was thorough. I scrutinized all the latest recommended components (in my price range) from multiple sources. Mcormack, Musical Fidelity, Conrad Johnson, Arcam, Creek, etc. One day while looking at used amplifiers at AudioClassics, I discovered an inexpensive Classe amplifier.
There was very little information available on this particular amp, although its larger siblings were extremely well received. One of the reviewers at HiFiChoice described Classe products as having a specific “house sound”. Well, since I was already convinced that my new CDP-10 was gods gift to red-book playback (I also considered component synergy) , I took a chance and traded in my MV55.
I am so delighted that I took a chance on this unit, not only does it involve me musically like the CJ MV55, it delineated details in ways I hadn’t expected. Rather than rummaging through excessive metaphors on the sound of this amplifier, let me just state that I like it. I really like this amp, especially after prolonged listening. sessions. The sound seem to get even better over a period of several hours. I couldn’t understand why this product hadn’t earned more positive reviews and notoriety . I would consider it a best buy, new and a steal in the pre-owned marketplace.To hell with popular opinion , I like it.
This amp (and CD player) deserved something superior to the front end I was currently using, a Myryad MP100 . I decided on a Premier 14 Linestage that became available at AudioClassics. It actually cost more than I had originally planned to spend on a preamp, I just decided to go for it. That was another good decision.
I really love the sound of music in my living room these days. The Home Entertainment Show in New York last month helped me to make comparisons and begin to realize that I’m almost settled down. I say almost because the CA-101 can be bridged for mono, so now I’ve got to have a second one .A dual-mono set up would only improve on the sound that I’m already in love with.
Come to think about it ,the Epos I use are bi-wire-able, I could conceivably use up to four amplifiers .But that would be crazy. Right?
Hey why do they call this place an Asylum)
Product Weakness: | none |
Product Strengths: | Clean ,sounds like music,build quality |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | na |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Conrad Johson Premier14 |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | na |
Speakers: | Epos M12 |
Cables/Interconnects: | DIY |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | all types |
Room Size (LxWxH): | x x x x x |
Room Comments/Treatments: | na |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | n/a |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | na |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Your System (if other than home audition): | na |
Follow Ups:
I too felt this was a very good amp for the money. In fact better than the Classe 201 and 301. Did you check out the reviews @
Well, I wouldn't go so far as saying the CA-101 sounds better than the CA-201 as they are essentially the same design. In a similar comparison, the CA100 and CA200 are electrically the same as the CA-101/CA-201. Only the cosmetics are different with the 101/201 having a two tone silver / black faceplate.I owned both the CA100 and the CA200 at the same time and for my Thiel speakers, the CA200 was the clear winner with a more open and effortless presentation (probably due to the extra power of the CA200).
I agree. The idea that a simmilar amplifier circuit with more power output will sound better doesnt sound like voodoo to me. I recall a VTL amp (ST-85 ? correct me if Im wrong))that was originally class C rated at Stereophile. The reviewer went on to say that in mono mode,using two amps, the performance merits class B status.
Yes, as a matter of fact I did read these reviews while investigating this wonderful amplifier. I "Googled" the CA-101 for a couple of weeks before buying. Now it seems that Classe is going upscale(more expensive)...glad I got in on the ground floor.
So I'm not misunderstood, I'm not saying that the CA-201 or CA-200 will always sound better than their lower power brothers. I'm just saying that in my system the higher powered 200wpc amps were better. I also owned the CA300 for a while which was 300wpc. It was no better than the CA200 at 200wpc - in my system. The CA200 was the 'sweet spot' for me. With relatively efficient speakers the CA100 or CA101 might be the 'sweet spot' in another system. In any case, I do like the Classe amps. Too bad they're going upscale because what they have today is pretty darn good w/o being crazy expensive. Enjoy your new gear!
What's the major difference between CA-200 & Fifiteen, some people said Fifteen sounded better, but, some said CA200 simple won ! However, I won't read much in details about their difference !!!
I really don't know what the technical differences were between the Classe Fifteen and the CA200 but I did own the Classe DR-10 (same as Clasee Ten) and the CA-100. Contrary to what some will have you believe, the older amps aren't always better. It was my experience that the CA-100 had better defined bass and low frequency resolution than that older Classe DR-10. Go figure.
Thanks AbeCollins.Actually, I have a Classe' CAP-151 integrated amp with B&W N805, they worked very very well, in my working place. Better than the Mark Levinson No.383 & Krell KAV300i than I had before.
In home, I have a pair of tubed power monoblock amplifiers. In the great summer, I don't want them to heat-up my room too much (but good in winter) to save power for airconditoning. I am thinking between, Fifteen & CA200 (around the same power) from two different sellers, I cannot compare in the same place for knwoing the sonic difference. And, per comments here, both genration sounded quite different !
The sound of tube amplification is quite addictive. I've owned the Premier 11 and the MV55 by Conrad Johnson. While the sound is a musical experience compared to some "pyrotechnique" solid-state designs I've heard. I always felt put off by the heat output.
On the plus side, tube rolling is an excellent user-freindly tweak.My current linestage (CJ Premier 14)gets only slightly warm. The class-A output of my CD player actually puts out more heat.
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