Classe CP-800 Stereo Preamplifier

Classe CP-800 Stereo preamplifier ($5000) at HomeTheaterReview. His conclusions:

“The final question that has yet to be answered: is the CP-800 stereo preamp processor from Classe worth it? In a word, yes. In two words, hell, yes. While I know some may look at its $5,000 retail price and shake their heads and call me crazy, consider this. In an attempt to match the Classe’s performance in my system I needed four, count ‘em four, separate components at a cost of around $5,000 before I was able to approach (note that I didn’t say match) the capability and sound quality provided by the CP-800. So is the CP-800 a value-oriented product? I think so, for Classe could’ve easily charged more, but they didn’t and I respect them more because of it. Sure, there are going to be haters out there, but allow me this one last point in defense of not only the CP-800, but also my affinity for it.

My last reference two-channel preamp was another Classe piece, their flagship Omega Pre-Amplifier MKIII, which at $17,500 is among the most expensive preamps I’ve ever hosted. I lived with the Omega MKIII for nearly a full year, utilizing it each and every day and loving every second of it. I almost went so far as to make it my very own, that’s how strongly I felt about its performance. As I write this, I’m glad I didn’t, for as taken as I was with the Omega MKIII, I consider the CP-800 to be its superior in every conceivable way.

That is why, as of this review, I have to call the CP-800 the best two-channel preamp I’ve heard to date. While there are more than a few competitors coming down the pike, I don’t think that the CP-800 will be upset any time soon. If you’re in the market for a truly high-tech and high-end stereo preamp, I urge you to audition the CP-800, for not only do I think the 800 will blow your mind, I also believe it may be the last preamp you will ever buy.”

You can read the full review here.