Classe CP-800 users?

[KMC45]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

No. It's a good DAC - but it's not a DAC2X. That's my point. I would compare it to SS DACS I've owned in the under $2,000 category. I think its fair to say its equivalent DACS in the under $2,000 category. It's a good DAC in a $5,000 MSRP preamp. I prefer it to the SABRE DAC. Is it a DAC2X or dCS beater? Heck no.

Compared to the DAC in my Oppo 95 and 105, (which I have compared head to head), the CP800 is better.

Having played songs from my iPhone, uh, yes, the cp800 is much better. Much more natural sounding. Better bass. Better soundstage.

Given the bass control, analog and digital inputs and a good DAC, the CP800 is an amazing preamp at $5k. Add to that the CP800 has black black backgrounds and a wide soundstage and played on par with my C1000P and its a ridiculously good preamp value.

Mine is going no where.

Thanks

[enatai252]

The DACs in the CP800 are sourced from Wolfson. These are the same DACs (Wolfson 8741 32bit/192k) used in the Linn Klimax DS(which costs a little more that $2K). There are two DACs, one per channel. The Classe SSP-800 which I also own uses a BB1792 chipset. I disagree with Mike about the negative comparison of the CP800 with that of any DAC over $2k (although maybe he was trying not to boast)...I have the Vivaldi, Ref DAC, DAC8, SSP-800, CT-SSP, CP-502, ML390s, CD555, NDS...and more all in current operation throughout several systems...The CP800 is used as preamp/Dac for a Naim streamer directly into a Stax headphone system. I would not say it tops everything out there...(i am amazed with the Vivaldi stack)but would be competitive with the DAC8 in SQ and for the money and features...would be tough to beat.

I also have an Oppo unit with the SABRE dac...and would pick any of the units above over that for 2 channel digital through the analog outputs. I do very much like the oppo for Blu-ray and am a big fan of the value for the money there as well.

I do like to know what each of my components is using for technology...however, I find that the implementation of the chip-set is just as important as the chip set selection...if not more so. I would go listen to the CP-800 and let us know what you think.

[mbovaird]

Competitive with the DAC8? Cool! I've never heard that DAC - but that's great to hear. Glad you like it. Mine is going no where. I'm streaming MOG through it right now (listening to the new Eric Clapton LP) and it sounds great.

It's a funny thing about DACS. I still love the sound (for the money) of some of the tube DACS I've owned.

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by KMC45

Mike,

On another forum you were bragging about the DAC in the CP-800 and some guy posted that it was nothing more than an IPOD quality DAC. I don't know if the guy was right or wrong, but I never saw you make another post in that thread.

Was that guy right?

short answer is that ipods use chipsets from cirrus and wolfson...the latest touch products using wolfson and I believe the classic ipods use cirrus. But it is not the same wolfson chip used in the Linn and Classe CP800 product which is of a higher quality than the ipod. I believe the "some guy" was either uninformed, attempting to start a debate or both. Hope that helps.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I believe the "some guy" was either uninformed, attempting to start a debate or both. Hope that helps.

Most likely and certainly not worth the effort or time on my part.

Thanks for the additional info!

Mike

[KMC45]

Originally Posted by enatai252

short answer is that ipods use chipsets from cirrus and wolfson...the latest touch products using wolfson and I believe the classic ipods use cirrus. But it is not the same wolfson chip used in the Linn and Classe CP800 product which is of a higher quality than the ipod. I believe the "some guy" was either uninformed, attempting to start a debate or both. Hope that helps.

Thank you.

[enatai252]

Glad to help

[transaminasi]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

transaminasi... Welcome!

[transaminasi]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

The DAC is quite good. It's not a SABRE DAC (which is not good IMO). Compared to DAC's in the $2000+ range - it can't compete. But in the $1000 range - it holds its own.

I do not know if the dac of the CP800 can be evaluated to a dac from $ 1000.
I think the fact that it is built allows a reduction of costs (chassis, marketing, etc.) and therefore could be that would be comparable to a $ 2000 dac. According to you? Which dac could be compared?
Ps: errors are due to google translator...

[dca]

Isn't it a bit strange to try to compare the DAC alone ?

I mean, a more meaningful comparison would be to compare the CP-800 to a combination of another DAC + preamplifier (+ active crossover and equaliser ideally).
Unless of course the idea is to feed another preamplifier from the output of a CP-800 but I doubt that chaining preamplifiers like this would improve the sound.
And the upgraded digital board is supposed to be out in the coming month or so anyway.