Price Paid:  $0.00 from Private

Summary:
First things first, for all you audio video enthusiasts out there.Cal Audio CL 2500 series ht components are the most dynamic and clean sounding HT products you can buy period. (IMHO) They can be serviced if needed by Scott Morris email me for his address.I have been using the Processor and dvd for 3yrs no problems and just added the Amp and all i can say is WOW! For movies this the best I have ever heard period and I have listened to Krell,Proceed,Mcintosh,Anthem,Parasound ETC: For the price you can get these for it's beyond unbelievable.

Strengths:
Signal to noise ratio,dead quiet to scaring the hec out of you when called upon.Will not make your ears bleed. Very smooth sound.Beautiful Looking AND BETTER SOUND THEN ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR MOVIES PERIOD ...

Weaknesses:
For two channel the processor is awesome and can easily be used a your dedicated pre-amp for 2 channel.The dvd is also very good with cd's but I use a Meridian 508 for cd's. The amp lacks the uuper air compared to the very best two channel amps. A still at the used prices Dan Above bought another MCA 500 Amp and uses it today.....

Similar Products Used:
Citation, Parasound Threshold =owned or own now and have auditioned extensively Krell Proceed Integra,Conrad Johnson Boulder, Mark Levinson,mcintosh

Price Paid:  $7500.00 from Dealer

Summary:
Best of both worlds!(Keep in mind this is part of an audio-video system). I use it with Thiels CS 6''s and 7.2''s which are known to be power hungry, but my set up does not give up an inch no matter how hard I push it, that is because, you should know as I was informed this amp needs a steady (read strong )current supply, with at least 30 amp circuit breaker (the more the better)in order for it to supply the speakers with unlimited like power. Trust me on this one (as I was told) YOU WILL BE THRILLED! (big happy grin)....

Strengths:
Once Past the current supply issue... (this probably applies to all high current/power amps...) Basically unlimited power reserves, Does everything effortless,lots of inner detail with amazing dynamic swings.. as good or even better than the rest out there ! REALLY !

Weaknesses:
None in my opinion, at present!, I will keep you posted....

Similar Products Used:
In A.V. Rig''s of :Linn, Proceed, Levinson, Rowland, Parasound, Theta, ATI, BAT, ...

Price Paid:  $3850.00 from Private individual, Dan above reviewer

Summary:
I basically agree with everything that Dan says about the amp expect it not having enough power for reference levels. I guess Dan "jams" a little harder than I do because I've never felt the need for more power than the 500 watts a channel this beast puts out. It's like having Godzilla stopping around in your room and breathing fire. I bought the amp from Dan and found him to be a true audiophile and will take his word for how the amp performed with his speakers and listening habits. I could never reach the limits of the amp with my set-up without the police being called! The is the best amp I have ever owned. Usually, you would not expect an amp but rather the pre-amp to add this kind of detail to the music. My old Aragon amps were great and I loved them. But this amp outclasses them in every areas as it should at almost double the price. But even if it were only a 2 channel amp, I'd feel it was a steal at the price I paid! I am thrilled. Finally a component that I can keep for years without having to even consider upgrading.

Strengths:
Lack of coloration, fast accurate bass, extreme detail, extremely powerful

Weaknesses:
Big, and heavy

Similar Products Used:
Aragon 8008X5, Theta Dreadnaught,

Price Paid:  $6600.00 from Dealer

Summary:
Equipment:

Classe SSP-50
Panasonic HD-1000 DVD/Transport
B&W 801II w/ NorthCreek External Crossover
Martin Logan Logos Center
Velodyne HGS-18
of course, Cal Amp....

I have used many amplifiers to match many different speakers in my time, all of about 3 years. The CAL amplifer will meet ANY speakers in the world for a home theater set up, no question, no issues AT ALL! Power is always available, it is deep, accurate, yet delicate in the upper side of life.

The unit itself is absolutely gorgeous to look at, provided you have the space. 24" deep is hard to find a spot for, but a nice amp stand sure makes it stand out!

This amp is rated at 500x5 into 8 ohms, and accordint to Sensory Audio, will dip to 0.5ohm.

The bad news......

At EXTREME volumes, in TWO CHANNEL listening, driving a set of B&W 801II (not efficient speakers) the amp does not kick into that extra level. Keep in mind, this is past referrence level listening levels, this is pushing the speakers and amplifier (not to mention my circuit breaker) capacity! This was JUST done to test limits, not that me (pretty insane in volume) or 99.9% of the world would ever listen to it at these levels.

It is a fabulous amplifier, one that I would say would be difficult, if not impossible, to better for home theater.

Kudos Cal...........

Strengths:
Power, cleanliness, depth, accuracy, build quality, and of course, beauty!

Weaknesses:
Size!

Similar Products Used:
Krell KAV-500, KAV-1500, BAT VK-500, PSE Studio V Signature Monoblocks, Bryston 7BST, McIntosh MC-300, Citation Audio 7.1 (bridged running 450x2), Golden Theater GTA-1, and lastly, the Lexicon 512 (aka Bryston).