This conversation is proof to me that you can make a good system sound bad, or suboptimal, but a poor system will only be helped so much by a well-done setup. On top of that, of course, hearing will vary.

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B&W 802D(2) B&W HTMD2 B&W 803D(2) B&W ASW825 McIntosh MC501(3) MC402 MX-136 MVP-871 Benchmark DAC1 Apple Mac Mini Rega P3-24 RGPC 400 pro WireWorld interconnects

I guess the reason I prefer McIntosh amps over other's are for the aesthetic look and sound quality. I do enjoy looking at the display as much as hearing the sound. The Classe looks plain to me along with Rotel, Krell, etc. There all great amps but when it looks like a big square box with a single power button. IMO, It's kinda plain. At least with the Mac's I have something to look at. While my friends opinion say's they look old and he hates the meters. He's a Rotel & Classe fan. He own's Klipsch speakers and prefers the Classe sound. As I told him, there are many manufacturers to choose from just for that reason. Some people prefer the plain look. (lack of better word) He does push it in my face that he paid less for his amps and SSP600. The NEW Classe amps look nice, I'll have to give them a fair listening too, although it's going to be hard to beat my 501's and MX-136. I believe Classe has a new lineup to replace the SSP800.The new CT SSP. Not sure of the price point though.

I dont think the CT replaces the Delta series. I may be wrong but I think they mate with the CT Series of B&W, and are optimized for custom and hidden installs.

Here is an interesting review that compares the 501s and the CAM-400...
http://www.avguide.com/comparative-r...wer-amplifiers

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For I am not ashamed, for I know [in] Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able...

The SSP 800 is new, just came out last year, the CT 800 is exactly the same except for the outside box, and as mentioned it is designed for a rack.

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5.1 Theatre: B&W 800Ds, HTM1D, 803Ds, 2 JL Audio F113s, Sound Anchor stands, McIntosh MC501s, MC303, Classe SSP800, Oppo BD93, Mach Mini Music Server, JVC RS2, 119" DaLite, PS Audio Powerplant x2, Symposium fat padz, RB Jrs, Wireworld cabling
2.1 System: B&W 805Ds, Rel R305, McIntosh C500T(Gold Lions), MC501s, Olive 4HD, Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2, Pioneer Exclusive P10/Koetsu Urushi Vermillion, Avid Pulsare Phono, PS Audio PPP, Wireworld Silver Eclipse ICs, Silver Electra PCs

Correct.

Ps...how do you like your SSP800? I am considering picking one up. Did you ever have the 600?

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For I am not ashamed, for I know [in] Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able...

I didn't have a 600, though I listened to one in the store a few times. I luv it, I cannot get over the musicality of it, the built in DACs are superb, I run my computer straight into it and it sounds superb...lots of soundstage, detail without any harshness.

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5.1 Theatre: B&W 800Ds, HTM1D, 803Ds, 2 JL Audio F113s, Sound Anchor stands, McIntosh MC501s, MC303, Classe SSP800, Oppo BD93, Mach Mini Music Server, JVC RS2, 119" DaLite, PS Audio Powerplant x2, Symposium fat padz, RB Jrs, Wireworld cabling
2.1 System: B&W 805Ds, Rel R305, McIntosh C500T(Gold Lions), MC501s, Olive 4HD, Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2, Pioneer Exclusive P10/Koetsu Urushi Vermillion, Avid Pulsare Phono, PS Audio PPP, Wireworld Silver Eclipse ICs, Silver Electra PCs

If you made Classe and B&W, what would you tell your reps to sell customers?

I had Classe and 501 on B$W800D. Nice amp those Classe. Good sound all around. They make some really cool audible clicks when you turn them on.

Fairly smooth highs and reasonable detail perhaps a bit forward for my laid musical taste. Bass sounds funny to me. Less controlled even colorized.

The 501's were another story. If there is such a thing as analog sound, the Macs delivered it. Drop dead gorgeous mids, musical highs and much more natural bass. Life like vs good audio gear if you know what I mean.

Mac amps get my vote no question.

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What I used to have... MCD/MDA1000, Pass Labs XVR1, 501x4, Magnepan 20.1,, JL 212 X 2, Equitech 3Q
- Long Live Two Channel -