LesB

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $2495.00 from Goodwin's High End

Summary:
I can't help but weigh in after having read the reviews. When I bought my CAP100 several years ago, I auditioned many amplifiers in my home for seeming weeks at a time. After trying all of the usual suspects available at the time (Krell, B&K, Audio Research, etc.) I found that I liked the CAP100 the best. I ordered one and Classe sent a CAP151, thinking I would like their new, more powerful, more expensive model better. After several days of listening to the CAP100 beside the CAP151, I concluded that the CAP151 was a step backwards. In spite of its higher power rating, it had far less punch in the deep bass. Otherwise it was similar to the CAP100. I was using Cambridge Audio R50's (made in England) and Infinity Preludes for my auditioning, so I wasn't taxing the power of the CAP100. I certainly didn't see any difference in power between the CAP151 and the CAP100 in spite of the added 50w of the CAP151. To end the story, I paid full price for the store's demo unit rather than having to settle for the CAP151.

Strengths:
Wide soundstage, midrange neutrality, sense of depth, bass punch

Weaknesses:
20 second delay on startup A little deep for some cabinets

Similar Products Used:
Krell, Audio Research, NAD, Adcom, B&K

ryder

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $900.00 from Used Dealer

Summary:
This integrated amp is a very good introduction to the entry high-end market. Although this amp may be already a classic, it is an extremely capable performer and the best bang for the buck (if you can afford one). This was my last integrated amp before I upgraded to separate boxes of pre-power. At certain times I regret selling and wanted the thing back for a 2nd system in my bedroom. This amp has great transparency and plenty of power in reserve don't let the 100W power rating fool you. Dynamics are as good as you can get the the top end detail was splendid with a warm but airy sound. Soundstage was rather bloomy though some may think it's coloured. A minor caveat is the bottom end which lacked the very deep bass notes but this was when comparing the CAP-100 to something like the Aragon 8008BB or Krell KAV-300i. In comparison with other amps in its price range no other amps come close to its pedigree. I've tried the CAP-101 and frankly speaking there isn't any difference between the 2, and the CAP-151 is just slightly better in terms of overall dynamics but you have to strain your ear to hear the difference. If you don't need the power, the CAP-100 is a worthy consideration. Highly recommended and if you can spot one in the used market don't hesitate and go get it!

Strengths:
Typical Classe sound, warm airy and bloomy

Weaknesses:
Bass (only if compared with other amps costing twice or more)

Similar Products Used:
Musical Fidelity A3cr, Naim Nait 5, Krell KAV-300i, Plinius SA-100 MK3

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
I have the CAP101 with Sonus Faber Concertino Speakers and a PSB sub. I had the Audio Analogue Puccini Remote Amp - highly rated in just about every major Magazine. Needed a little more drive and slam for the 85db low sensitivity original concertinos. So I got the CAP 101. The Cap 101 is a newer version of the highly rated Cap 80. Much more slam and about the same warmth, much more bigger and powerful sounding with better resolution. With the slightly soft sounding concertino, I felt the combo was slightly missing some high end extension. I had emailed the Classe Manager on the Classe Website and he had told me he actually preferred the 100 over the 101. So I sold the 101 and found a 100. The 100 is about 9 pounds heavier and has 14 capacitors instead of the 8 in the 101. This means more power reserve. The RCA's are higher quality too. The sound? same warm powerful sound, plus, greater high end extension! Cymbals are beautifully airy and even greater transparency. More details can be heard than ever before.

Strengths:
Power, midbass slam, quick transients, high end extension, warm midrange, good rythmn and pace, great resolution. You can buy this amp used possibly for the same price of the 101. For less than $1000 you cannot find any new amp that will give you this sound quality.

Weaknesses:
The remote is not as good as the 101's remote. The remote only has Volume and mute. Plus the remote is clunky and ugly compared with the newer 101 and 151.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Analogue Puccini Remote, Classe Cap 101, Harman Kardon Top of the line Receiver.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 from Agon

Summary:
All of what has already been said, and nothing less.

Strengths:
Transparency, timbre, refinement, etc.

Weaknesses:
Too picky!

Similar Products Used:
Aragon amp with Bryston pre. No integrateds.

Price Paid:  $1400.00

Summary:
Although a very old model, this amp is absolutely stunning! A huge step up from my previous Arcam 10 integrated. Associated equipment are b&w cdm1se, arcam 8cd, Nordost super flatline gold speaker cables, Nordost Solar Wind i/c. Will be getting Nordost Blue Heaven cabling next week..........can't stop upgrading after getting hold of this classe! Please partner the classe with quality equipment and expect an entry-level to high-end sound. The price paid was in Singapore dollars.

Strengths:
Everything sounds so real and good. Has that boogie factor to it

Weaknesses:
Cosmetics!! (Mine is the old model with the black front panel) The newer range cap-101 and 151 sound and look as good

Similar Products Used:
Arcam 10, ECI-3, MF A3