The future of Classe'

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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As rumors abound concerning the future of Classe' Audio, this was posted by Jason Victor Serinus of Stereophile tonight from Classe audio:

“Classé has not closed. However, we have stopped development on the Delta Series to ensure that the products deliver the experience people have come to expect from Classé Audio and Bowers & Wilkins. We will continue to sell Sigma Series products, and our customer service and support have not been effected. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Patrick Butler
B&W Group North America”
 
Manufacturing offshore to China without the appropriate decrease in price was the beginning of the end.

And this is the end.
 
I have owned classe amps for many years. They make fantastic amps. I hope that this is just a bump on the road. [emoji17]
 
The store I worked at years ago used to sell Classe and stopped selling them shortly after they got sold to the B&W group. I thought they started going downhill with the "Delta" series. Those of us that worked at the store enjoyed the older amps and preamps more (CA-201, CA-301, CAM-350, Omega series, etc...). I've heard their newer products over the years, but, they've never captured my attention like the old stuff. It would be nice if they can reboot and come back with some stronger products.
 
I hope one day they will be back like Mark Levinson with a bunch of new high quality products. I used to own the CAM-350, until 10 years ago I swapped them for a pair of Parasound Halo JC1. The Classe were really great sounding amps with a beautiful midrange!


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk
 
I asked my local dealer about this, and he said he had a conversation with Dave Nauber (president of Classe) on this very topic within the last week. I don't want to break any confidences, so I'll just say that it sounds like things aren't really as dire as they appear to be on the surface, and the brand should continue on with a reinvigorated look at the product plan.
 
2nd hand Classe CA-2200 amps are still a popular choice with classic Infinity speakers like the Renaissance 90's, with some nice ARC tubes up top. I don't know if that amp was designed after the sale to B&W? Regardless it a very nice amp, and now great value on the used market.
 
They used to have great integrated amps back in the day - i lusted after a CAP-151.

Seems they really focused on HT and ditched the 2 channel market a decade ago. Too bad.
 
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