Classe CT-2300 Stereo Power Amplifier Review

[admin]

The Classe CT-2300 300wpc/600wpc (8/4 ohms, respectively) two-channel power amplifier is well engineered from inside and out. Classe's unique ICTunnel keeps the amplifier running cool under all operating conditions making it an ideal option for rack mounting. Feed this baby the very best speakers you can afford and it will rewarded you with a sonic landscape not achievable by lesser designed amplifiers. From its benchmark test results to its pristine sonic virtues, I found my time with this amplifier to be a pure delight. After two months of dining on the CT-2300, I can say with total confidence that my appetite is fully satisfied. Highly recommended!


Discuss "Classe CT-2300 Stereo Power Amplifier Review" here. Read the article.

[Adam]

Hi, Gene - nice review! Those amps are way out of my league, but I like reading about them.

In the design overview, you show two top views that compare the CT-2300 to the CA-2300. Is the image of the CT-2300 an older version? The internal components are different from the CA-2300 (but you say they should be identical), and the number of speaker terminals doesn't match (looks like two columns of them instead of four).

[GranteedEV]

Great Review Gene. This seems like a very nice amp for a pair of Salk SS12s

[gene]

Hi, Gene - nice review! Those amps are way out of my league, but I like reading about them.

In the design overview, you show two top views that compare the CT-2300 to the CA-2300. Is the image of the CT-2300 an older version? The internal components are different from the CA-2300 (but you say they should be identical), and the number of speaker terminals doesn't match (looks like two columns of them instead of four).

thanks for your compliments.

Yes the internals are identical. just the layout is a bit different. Both amps have two pairs of binding posts for bi-wiring under the but the power transformer is oriented differently according to the pic. Classe told me they are identical so it is possible the components are different due to old/new pic as you mentioned.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Classe amps are nice and pretty and have great output numbers.

It's funny how some guys actually complained that Classe amps just don't make their speakers sound as good. Some guys are nuts.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Have you asked ATI to send AH an AT3007 amp yet?

Anyone has a Mark Levinson amp so we can compare?

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Great Review Gene. This seems like a very nice amp for a pair of Salk SS12s

What's the odds of Salk sending Gene a SS12 for review?

[Batman1969]

Perfect example of why the high end is dying. A $6K+ amp made in China. Looks cool, sounds good, but is the purpose of making the amp in China to make the amp more affordable and more available to the masses or to maximize profits? I'd say based on the price, maximize profits. I used to own a Classe 5 preamp. Good preamp. The 6 was awesome. I don't think either of these products were made in China. Having owned Classe and other high end products, I will stick with my home theater receiver made in China at 1/8th the price of the Classe, but at least 50% of the performance. Not dissing the performance of the product, but as a consumer, the retail pricing makes me want to puke given where the amp is made.

[panteragstk]

I usually don't try to steer a discussion, but why does where it's made automatically make it less desirable? If it is just as high in quality if it was made in the US/Canada then what does it matter?

[3db]

I usually don't try to steer a discussion, but why does where it's made automatically make it less desirable? If it is just as high in quality if it was made in the US/Canada then what does it matter?

I think what the previous poster is saying is that because its made in China where labor is dirt cheap, a price drop should be expected but its not the case. I happen to concur with him. Even though Classe is a Canadian company, I would expect the price to be cheaper now that its being built in China. $3000 per channel sounds very expensive.