mono blocks classe CA-M300 VS stereo classe 2300 for bowers 802 diamond

[Tripp]

Hi folks I am really new to this and joined the forum for some help to decide between few choices...
I have recently bought 802 diamonds and intend to gradually build a home theater around and need help with power amplifiers..here are some options available to me..
Option a
Classe cam 300 monoblocks vs classe 2300...space is not an issue and I am more interested to find out if 2300 will be as good as 300 monoblocks or worth another 2K. ..I will have OPPO 105 and pioneer LX75 to use as preamp at the moment..I also have bowers 686 as surrounds, but no center at present...
Option b
McIntosh mc302 stereo( 300x2) which is in my budget vs newer mc425 (450x2 ) worth another 4K. ...?
Option c
Krell duo 300 newer amp 300rd watts stereo or bryston 4K sst2
Price wise bryston is the cheapest with best warranty
Krell mcintosh 302 and classe 2300 and krell duo 300 stereo amps are same price....
I luv the sound of classe cam 300 but felt increasing the volume all the time but sound was very soothing to ears...I listen to all types of music...unfortunately no other place here offers me option to simultaneously hear the combo with 802 diamond series...I will be truly grateful from all of yous to help me pick the right amp...
cheers
Current gear
speakers bowers 802 diamond bowers 686 jamo 507, home theatre pioneer LX75, Burson conductor headphone amplifier headphones audeze lcd2 Sen 600 ultrasones900

 

[Mike]

Bump.

My vote is for the 2300.

 

[MDP]

Welcome to AS !

Of the brands of amps you have mentioned, I would go with Classe'. They are a great match with your 802 diamonds.

 

[Steve]

Classé is a typical match for B&W 802 Diamonds and an obvious choice. It's nice gear and it gets down to personal choice.

If you are going to build a hybrid 2ch/multi-ch system, I think brand synergy is key. You need to decide now what direction to go else you will waste money down the line.

You are weighing up Classé vs McIntosh vs Krell vs Bryston to drive B&W loudspeakers. Consider each brand's product lines and try to visualise the additional components you will be purchasing to build a hybrid 2ch/HT system with a budget in mind. Add 30% to that budget because there are hidden trappings going hybrid multi-ch. You will be building a complex system.

Personally I'm not a fan of Classé being a McIntosh guy. I have a very high regard for Bryston for value and support. I would probably choose Bryston over Classé for the longer term purpose you have in mind.

If I were to suggest a start for you, I would be biased and say go with the McIntosh MC452. A great fully balanced stereo amp. An amp that could be repurposed should you wish to scale up and use it to drive side surrounds in the future. A multi-ch amp will be required either way. That basis would commit you to building a McIntosh rig. If resale or collectibility are also value considerations, McIntosh is renowned for holding greater resale value longer term.

 

[Johnny B Good]

i have the 2300 running my 800 diamonds and it does it with ease.
I tried the bryston, but didnt like it. Also considered mcintosh, but couldnt get an in home audition with them so didnt bother.

After living now with the 2300 for a couple of months, i havent even considered a change in direction, as it continues to improve as the hours build up

 

[Tripp]

i have the 2300 running my 800 diamonds and it does it with ease.
I tried the bryston, but didnt like it. Also considered mcintosh, but couldnt get an in home audition with them so didnt bother.

After living now with the 2300 for a couple of months, i havent even considered a change in direction, as it continues to improve as the hours build up

Cheers mate..just around you finally settling with a stereo 2300 did you compare it with classe cam 300 mono locks ..is their much of a difference between them audibly- sound stage music separation etc?would another 2G be worth investing in mono blocks instead..

 

[Tripp]

Thanks Steve..based on your comments re-costs I will be best off with Classe as dealers relationship is strong..but again Mcintosh just looks so good and also most expensive of the whole lot including a new mono block for future center or multichannel another amp. My heart is with mcintosh but everything else is favoring classe...as it will be cheaper overall.. if I still go ahead with mcintosh only 302 is in my range..is their a huge audible between 302 and 452...cheers

 

[Johnny B Good]

Cheers mate..just around you finally settling with a stereo 2300 did you compare it with classe cam 300 mono locks ..is their much of a difference between them audibly- sound stage music separation etc?would another 2G be worth investing in mono blocks instead..

i never did compare, i only compared a few stereo amps. I think for your 802's the 2300 would be more then enough, but again, if the budget stretches the monos should be slightly better one would assume.
Ore put that extra 2g towards the 5 channel model at a later date for your surround sound

 

[Steve]

Thanks Steve..based on your comments re-costs I will be best off with Classe as dealers relationship is strong..but again Mcintosh just looks so good and also most expensive of the whole lot including a new mono block for future center or multichannel another amp. My heart is with mcintosh but everything else is favoring classe...as it will be cheaper overall.. if I still go ahead with mcintosh only 302 is in my range..is their a huge audible between 302 and 452...cheers

There is quite an audible difference between the two amps. The MC452 is a fully quad balanced amp whereas the MC302 is a differential design. The MC452 sounds almost like the MC601s.

 

[Tripp]

Cheers all of you guys…learning a lot and appreciate all your comments…thank you

 

[Tripp]

 

[Tripp]

i never did compare, i only compared a few stereo amps. I think for your 802's the 2300 would be more then enough, but again, if the budget stretches the monos should be slightly better one would assume.
Ore put that extra 2g towards the 5 channel model at a later date for your surround sound

……WOW you just gave me a brilliant idea, I really never thought about it and its definitely worth considering. It will save me a lot in further power amplification, space, money !!! cheers …Will now cross fingers and hopefully get dealer to give me a really good price…most importantly if I do move to a bigger place, I can always biamp the 802s..

 

[db33]

I had the classe 2300 with the 802di in a HT system. more as enough!

My center was Htm2d and 805d SR: powered CA3200.


the match Classe + B&W is good. in HT 5 channel or more) have 2 x cam300 dont make a big difference. for a 2 channel pure stereo I say the 2 monos but with a HT system the 2300 sound very very fine. in the future you can event. try a bi-amplification with 2x 2300.

 

[Glareskin]

After auditioning the 802 Diamonds with Classé (the obvious dealer choice) and MacIntosh (I forgot the type number) I considered the Classé the better choice.
However after hearing the third option I went this one: the Audionet AMP mono amplifier.

These amplifiers have a wide frequency range up to 200kHz and high speeds. Much like Solution, Goldmund but are affordable like the JOB amps.
I can tell you that the AMP's are driving the Diamonds like it takes no effort. Very tight bass and wide and deep stereo image. If you can find a dealer ask for a demo at your home situation.

 

[Tripp]

After auditioning the 802 Diamonds with Classé (the obvious dealer choice) and MacIntosh (I forgot the type number) I considered the Classé the better choice.
However after hearing the third option I went this one: the Audionet AMP mono amplifier.


These amplifiers have a wide frequency range up to 200kHz and high speeds. Much like Solution, Goldmund but are affordable like the JOB amps.
I can tell you that the AMP's are driving the Diamonds like it takes no effort. Very tight bass and wide and deep stereo image. If you can find a dealer ask for a demo at your home situation.

Thank you for sharing, it does look like a well made amp unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone around here in New Zealand selling Audionet amps…
sJust out of curiosity which Classe Amp did you like more then Mcintosh…?? thank you..

 

[db33]

After auditioning the 802 Diamonds with Classé (the obvious dealer choice) and MacIntosh (I forgot the type number) I considered the Classé the better choice.
However after hearing the third option I went this one: the Audionet AMP mono amplifier.


These amplifiers have a wide frequency range up to 200kHz and high speeds. Much like Solution, Goldmund but are affordable like the JOB amps.
I can tell you that the AMP's are driving the Diamonds like it takes no effort. Very tight bass and wide and deep stereo image. If you can find a dealer ask for a demo at your home situation.

Thank you for sharing, it does look like a well made amp unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone around here in New Zealand selling Audionet amps…
sJust out of curiosity which Classe Amp did you like more then Mcintosh…?? thank you..

Audionet have a damping factor higher vs. Mc & Classe and is good with Raidho speaker. Classe or Mc with B&W802di? personal taste. Classe for ME is much better as the Mc. Mcintosh is a ampli that I dont agree/like.

For me the point is if you will have a HT system or a high end stereo system.

1. you will a 5.1 or 7.1?
2. L&R 802di -> Classe 2300. -> cam300 is at the same level of the 2300 really improvement? 2x CAM600.
L&R 802di + center Htm2di SR 805di -> 5300 classe audio. preampli Anthem D2 or SSP800.
or
802di with the 2300 for a good stereo system + B&W new CM serie for center and SR -> preampli like a Pioneer,
Yamaha, Onkyo....-> if so one HT ampli/receiver give you satisfaction in stereo too ok good and use the ampli inside to drive the SR and the center.


I had the Raidho C3.1 with passlabs 250.5 and 350.5 -> not a good combo.


Audionet or other power ampli (Jeff Rowland?!) are too a good solution but I don t now is they are available in New Zeland...


at the end other point is how much $$$$$ and you have a dedicated room with a beamer or LedTV 65"or so like that?

 

[Glareskin]

Just out of curiosity which Classe Amp did you like more then Mcintosh…?? thank you..

I am not 100% sure because I continued with Audionet instead of Classé or McIntosch but it was mono's and they had the typical Classé roundings. I am pretty sure it was the CA 600 like in this setting:

Another suggestion: why don't you go for 4x Job 250 mono's? There are on the market since two months and only available online.

THE JOB 225

http://audioshark.org/amplifiers-8/job-monoblocks-5914.html#.VKffN8b_s0o

Arguably one of the best amos you'll find! Goldmund technology of a reasonable price 1700 USD each. You could go full bi-amping with for Job mono's for 6800 USD!!

And they are strong enough. A friend of mine drove his difficult to drive Gauder's with a single Job 225 without problems. So with 2 mono's per channel you would easily drive the Diamonds.

 

[Tripp]

Audionet have a damping factor higher vs. Mc & Classe and is good with Raidho speaker. Classe or Mc with B&W802di? personal taste. Classe for ME is much better as the Mc. Mcintosh is a ampli that I dont agree/like.

For me the point is if you will have a HT system or a high end stereo system.

1. you will a 5.1 or 7.1?
2. L&R 802di -> Classe 2300. -> cam300 is at the same level of the 2300 really improvement? 2x CAM600.
L&R 802di + center Htm2di SR 805di -> 5300 classe audio. preampli Anthem D2 or SSP800.
or
802di with the 2300 for a good stereo system + B&W new CM serie for center and SR -> preampli like a Pioneer,
Yamaha, Onkyo....-> if so one HT ampli/receiver give you satisfaction in stereo too ok good and use the ampli inside to drive the SR and the center.


I had the Raidho C3.1 with passlabs 250.5 and 350.5 -> not a good combo.


Audionet or other power ampli (Jeff Rowland?!) are too a good solution but I don t now is they are available in New Zeland...


at the end other point is how much $$$$$ and you have a dedicated room with a beamer or LedTV 65"or so like that?

That's exactly right...bit silly of me, but again I plan to get their eventually..7.1 will be my set up for future...I have pioneer lx75 180x180 @ 6 ohms in 9 channel..I will just use this amp to run 684 (100@8ohms) as front surround and Jamo 507 (150@4ohms)as back speakers...using pioneer for leftover amplification will be resort if I go stereo or use 5 channels amplification through classe 5300...tv and stuff is sorted but will get projector in next few years along with improving this plan. Current budget is just for power amplification ...

 

[Tripp]

Jeff Rowland is available here locally but also as expensive as Mcintosh 452…for 400 watts in stereo…which is actually less powerful then Mcintosh 450 stereo. Furthermore I am still unsure how it will sound with 802 diamonds…Quiet impressive stats from Audio net…unfortunately they are just not available locally. Talking about availability, its shame you can't compare a lot of amps locally with 802 diamonds…either you get speakers, or you get amps.. further more, dealers are not open for at home audition...

 

[Anatta]

What about the NZ made Plinius?