Review: Classe' CA M600 monoblocks

[MDP]

I have had these amps in my system for about 2 months now. I thought it was time to share some thoughts and observations.

The Classe' CA M600s are rated 600w @ 8ohms,1200w@4ohms. Their frequency response is 1Hz-100kHz. Input impedance is a friendly 50k ohms,both balanced and single ended. Signal to Noise ratio is an amazing -120db.
Classe' has done a few interesting things with the 600s. One of the neat things is the way they cool the amps. They have a tunnel that runs from front to back. The circuit boards are located on both sides of the tunnel. Air is drawn into the tunnel from a vent in the front , and is then exited out the back by a small fan. The fan speed is controlled by sensors that determine the ideal temp for the circuits. On the back of the amps are 2 pairs of 5 way binding posts,allowing true bi-wireing,if thats something you want to try. Both balanced and single ended inputs are provided. The 600s also have a sophisticated protection system to keep the amps safe from all the usual culprits.

Listening to the Classe's for the first time was an education in what happens when you rid your system of unwanted background noise. I found that I was playing them way too loud. They actually started to hurt my ears. I thought to myself,this is not good !! I got out my Radio Shack SPL meter and found that I was listening at way over 100db. After turning down the volume,it seemed that the music was not nearly as loud as normal. What I figured out was I was used to hearing all that hash,distortion, or however you want to describe it.

The Classe's really have a clarity to them that's hard to believe. I'm sure that the very impressive Signal to Noise ratio has a lot to do with what I'm hearing. Jet black backgrounds. A blank canvas for the music to soar ! Overall tonal balance would have to be described as neutral. I have listened to hundreds of recordings,trying to figure out if they lean to the warm,or to the cool side. What I've found is if the recording is a little on the warm side,that's what I hear. If it's on the cool side, then it comes out just that way. They're very transparent to both the source,and source components,but one of the things i really love about them is,they don't make my lesser quality recordings unlistenable.

Soundstage is very good,instruments and voices in their proper places. Depth is also very good,not as 3D as some,but still very good.
One of the best things the Classe's do is instrumental and vocal textures. Absolutely as good as I have ever heard. The textures of both are as lifelike as any pair of amps I've ever heard. A real sense of space surrounds both instruments and voices. Also, a great sense of acoustical space.

Overall,I'm thrilled with my purchase. The Classe's have power to spare,driving my Salon 2's without breaking a sweat. An overall beautiful sound that will keep me happy for a long time !!

[mbovaird]

Great review Mark! These are John Atkinsons reference amps and rightly so! He called them one of the best amps he's ever heard! Wow. Congrats! What a wonderful setup you have: Salon 2's + Classe CA-M600's + Pass preamp = awesome!!

Mike

[joeinid]

Mark,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on those wonderful amps. I am really glad your happy with them. I am sure your system sounds amazing.

[jeffkrag]

Mark, what amps did you have/try before the Classe?

[cmalak]

Mark...I believe also jacob Heilbrun from TAS reviewed these very positively and I believe he kept the amps as well. Congrats and enjoy them in good health

[MDP]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

Mark, what amps did you have/try before the Classe?

Jeff, I had McIntosh MC 402, McIntosh MC 501's, and the Anthem Statement M1 monos.

[MDP]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Mark...I believe also jacob Heilbrun from TAS reviewed these very positively and I believe he kept the amps as well. Congrats and enjoy them in good health

Cyril, thank you so much. I always enjoy reading your posts !!

[MDP]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Mark,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on those wonderful amps. I am really glad your happy with them. I am sure your system sounds amazing.

Thanks Joe,

I heard something very interesting about you today

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by MDP

Jeff, I had McIntosh MC 402, McIntosh MC 501's, and the Anthem Statement M1 monos.

That's a lot gear. I don't remember anyone giving you a hard time going through all those amps



Congrats Mark!

[MDP]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Great review Mark! These are John Atkinsons reference amps and rightly so! He called them one of the best amps he's ever heard! Wow. Congrats! What a wonderful setup you have: Salon 2's + Classe CA-M600's + Pass preamp = awesome!!

Mike

Thanks Michael, you're very kind !!