Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Classé Audio DR 6 Preamplifier (SS) by bonjo

Model:	DR 6
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2000.00?
Description:	Dark face plate with out board power supply
Manufacturer URL:	Classé Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Classé Audio

Review by bonjo ( A ) on April 07, 2002 at 13:33:24
IP Address: 24.86.3.26

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for the DR 6

The DR 6 was a preamp that was produced in the early 90's. Given this models age, I sent it in to Classe' for revamping. They put in a new volume pot, ( Alps Black Beuty ) ajusted the bias. The resistors and capasitors speced out like new.
The DR 6 comes with an onboard phono stage. It is the load and gain is ajusted with the use of resistors. As a line stage pre-amp it works well. There is good dynamic range. Bass is full and deep. It is on the dark side of the sound stage. As discribed in the review of the 47.5 it has all the same qualities. Where this amp really shines is the phono stage. I am using an Oracle Delphi II turntable with a Kuzma tone arm and a Benz micro glider MC cartridge. It is really impressive. It definatly beats the quality of most CD sound. I am using a SFD 1 DAC and a McCormack SST 1 transport. Unless the CD was mastered recently, it does not compare. My vynal sounds much better than my aluminium. A good XRCD will compete with my LP's, but I still listen to my LP's more than my CD's.
It is too bad that Classe' does not make a preamp of this quality today.

Product Weakness: Line section does not compare to Krell or Levinson
Product Strengths: Phono stage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	DR-9
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DR-6
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Oracle
Speakers:	Custom
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardis
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Rock
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	two years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Line section does not compare to Krell or Levinson
Product Strengths:	Phono stage.