I haven't heard these latest Classe amps but the previous "Delta" series were seriously awful sounding, flat, gray sounding with very poor dynamic contrasts. I have heard as well the old Classe, which ran Class A and had huge hot heat sinks for a "measly" 45 watts. A friend had a pair to drive Apogee Scintillas (yes the 1 ohm version)! Excellent sound for an all SS amp. I wouldn't be surprised if this new Classe amp/preamp sounds very analytical and totally missing the music.