Classe Audio CP-800 Pre Amplifier

Electrical Disclaimer Description

This Classe CP800 has been the key for me in seamlessly integrating my home theatre and hifi system with room acoustic tuning.  The CP800 is highly configurable, and very transparent.

I did not expect to be selling this CP800,  but I got a good deal on a Classe Delta Pre MK11 (you know how it goes….)

Before buying the CP800, I did much research on how to best integrate HT and HiFi, along with getting the best out of my room acoustically.  

For hifi, my main source is vinyl. I wanted a high quality dedicated pre-amp to drive mono amps (now Classe CA-M600s), into my tower speakers (now Bowers 802 D3), whilst seamlessly integrating a sub (now Bowers DB3D).  The CP800 does this.  I have the sub crossover set at 40 Hz.  It is adjustable.  All outputs on my system are XLR.  The CP800 also supports RCA outputs if needed.  

For HT, the CP800 acts purely in HT by-pass / pass through, so I get to use my M600s feeding the 802s.  In this config, the DB3D is driven directly by my AVR LFE RCA output.

On room acoustics, the CP800 supports 5 adjustable PEQ filters for each of the Left, Right and Bass channels, at up to -20 db per filter.  For my room, the 5 filters per channel is enough.  I run the filters between 29 Hz to 200 Hz. The PEQ filters have enabled me to tame the bass nodes out of my room. Makes a big impact of quality of music.  As an fyi, due to aesthetics and room design, it is not viable for me to install bass traps.    

I de-installed it last week.   The CP800 worked flawlessly in the config I had set, which was vinyl on RCA 2, AVR on RCA 3, Digital Steamer on XLR 4, with mono amps outputs on XLR, and Sub on XLR. Also supports 2 Subs. All inputs and outputs are highly configurable via touchscreen input.

There are many great review online. 

This unit presents in very good (almost new) condition.  It has the optional phono board installed. I did use this for some years, but now have a Linn Uphorik.  The remote is black anodised aluminium, and has a few minor scratches (see photos).  Comes with original box.

Possible to audition in Menai NSW for serious buyers only, with highly probable sale to be negotiated prior.   

On pricing, I have set the price using Claude to analyse the market globally and derive a fair local market price.  Claude range for this unit is; 

"Fair domestic second-hand value (Mk1, mint, boxed, phono card): roughly AUD $3,200–4,200, with a clean example around $3,500–4,000.   Import-parity (landing one yourself): ~AUD $4,000–4,500.”

Thanks for looking.