Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Would i buy it again? No.

Because it can't play CDRs, it become useless even it does sound good and proudly shows Classe quality.

Strengths:
Abit pricy.

Weaknesses:
Can't play CDR... that means bad to alot of people.

Similar Products Used:
Shanling, Sony, Denon, YBA/Audio Refinement, Classe ... etc.

Price Paid:  $600.00 from USED

Summary:
I must disagree with some of the earlier reviews, not airy enough, top end too bright. WHAT the heck, this unit is heads and shoulders above anything ive heard before. and this price on the used market is great. it sounds like what it should sound like and that is a very good reproduction of the music period.
im running all tube gear and this bad boy really brings out the naturalness of the recording. nothing else just the way the music was recorded. the looks are also very good as it would compliment any setup.

Strengths:
build quality
looks
sound

Weaknesses:
none so far

Price Paid:  $1440.00 from SE

Summary:
Dear
Reader

My Classe CDP.3 went down, and was fixed by the company in less than two weeks. During this time period I had a chance to listen to some top rated 24-bit machines. These 24-bit machines (1500-2000 US) had more "Air" at the upper registers than the CDP.3, but lacked the excellent tonal balance of the Classe product.

The CDP.3 was inserted back into my system upon it's return. I was very pleased with the overall sound quality. It is very well matched to the CAP-151, which is the foundation to my system. Two weeks may seem like a great deal of time for a player to be down, but I view high-end products as long terms Holds".

Great product/support from the Classe and the Stereo Exchange.

Thank You
Russ


PS: In thirty years of Audio, I have seen my AR, Classe, CJ, and ML gear all have minor problems. It is part of the deal.

Strengths:
Top. Open and smooth
Mid. Richness with good inner detail
Low. Very solid and tight
Sound Stage. Wide and deep
Build. As good as it gets

Weaknesses:
Problems with Laser unit
Lack's "Air" at the upper registers

Similar Products Used:
Arcam, CAL, Denon, and Linn

Price Paid:  $1440.00 from Stereo Exchange

Summary:

Dear

Reader


This is a follow-up on my prior review.

The Classe CDP .3 build quality is state of the art, but its sound quality is not.

It is a fine sounding $1,500 player, but is simply out "Classed" by the 24-bit offerings from AR and Classe. Granted these players are twice the price, but they offer a far better musical experience.

The Classe CDP .3 offers the following.

Top. Smooth and open, but lacks detail.

Mid. Natural. Getz/Gilberto #2 shines in this space.

Low. Solid and tight.

Tone. Spot on.

Sound Stage. Excellent placement, but bettered by the AR and Classe 24-bit offerings.

In a nutshell, do not expect a world beater in the Classe CDP .3 player. The Classe CDP .3 offers outstanding build quality and natual sound. It is a solid value in this space, and I would expect owners of the CAP 101 and CAP 151 to mainly purchase this player. It mates well with other Classe products, but as has always been the case with high-end audio, it may not be the best choice in a "Non-Classe" setup.

I am very pleased with my Classe CDP .3, and highly recommend this player to all CAP 101 and CAP 151 owners. On a final note, it works very well with Monster Cable M1000i (XLR) and Kiber KCAG offerings.

A safe choice for those in the Low-End of the Classe sapce.

Strengths:
Smooth Natural Sound

Weaknesses:
Lack of Detail

Similar Products Used:
AR and Classe 24-bit players

Price Paid:  $1440.00 from Stero Exchange

Summary:

Dear

Reader


I may be biased becuase I work for TD Waterhouse, but the fact is that the Classe CDP .3 is a fine offering from Canada.

This player must be broken in for at least one-hundred hours before it sounds musical. Below are my findings.

Top. A little bright. Rating B+

Mid. Open and smooth. No Koestu Rosewood. Rating B

Low. Good solid bass, which is on par with the Proceed. Rating B+

Tone. Natural. Rating B

Sound Stage. Wide and deep. Rating B

In a nutshell, this player is a great match for my Classe CAP 151. Listed below is my current set-up.

Classe CDP .3
Monster Cable M1000i
Classe CAP 151
Monster Cable M2.2s
Vienna Mozarts

My review is based on a player that costs $1,600 US Dollars, and is meant to be used with low-end Classe gear. An honest niche review. The ARCAM gear was excellent, but the .CDP leverages off my CAP 151. Hence, my purchase of the CDP .3 player from Classe.

Strengths:
Build quality and smooth sound

Weaknesses:
Midrange bloom

Similar Products Used:
ARCAM, Denon, Proceed, and Yamaha