Definitely sad news. I noted a while ago they retreated from the higher echelon of amplification equipment when they didn't continue the Omega series. The Delta series was very good and competed with most high-end gear, but not in the stratosphere.
One question that comes to mind is whether or not they considered divesting Classe from the acquired B&W Group. Classe had a following (me included), and it sounded like the next Delta generation already had significant amount of development completed. The brand would not compete with Rotel or Bowers & Wilkins. One thing I CAN see as a limitation is that many high-end brands are headed by relatively well known designers such as Charlie Hansen, Dan D'Agostino, David Wilson, Richard Vandersteen, Alon Wolf, etc. who serve as company spokesperson and design evangelist. Established companies with brand recognition, e.g. - Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, Bowers & Wilkins, etc. that have been acquired by conglomerates and/or the founders have retired seem to be able to survive. Classe probably isn't in that echelon unfortunately.
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Primary System (Always in flux):
Analog Source: Rega RP10
Phono Preamp: Bryston BP2/PS3
Digital Software: Roon, Tidal Streaming
Digital Music Server: Melco N1A/2
Digital Sources: Totaldac d1-twelve SE MkII (factory upgraded from MKI) with "live power" 4 output power supply, Oppo UDP-205
Preamplifier: Rogue Audio RP-9 (factory upgraded from RP-7)
Amplifier: Vandersteen M5-HPA
Speakers: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT w/IsoAcoustics Gaia 1 feet
Cabling: WW Platinum Starlight 7 digital wires, Totaldac Gigafilter USB filter, AQ Sky XLR, AQ Fire RCA
Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Oak spades ---> bi-wire spades
Power Cables: Esprit PC (for DAC), 2 WW Platinum Electra PC (Preamp/Phono Preamp), AQ NRG10 (Melco N1A/2), AQ Blizzard (Quatro Wood CT built-in subs)
Power Conditioning: 2 AQ Niagara 1000, 3 Oyaide R1 outlets
Sound Treatments: 23 ASC Tube Traps and 10 Panels
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