Power Amplifier Reviews

I'm constantly amazed by the steadily improving sound of real-world-priced components, but it's fun to see how far mind-bogglingly fantastic high-end electronics have come. Yes, I have to admit that there's a certain amount of poseur gear that sports nosebleed pricing but doesn't really deliver sound that's much better than everyday good stuff. Have no such worries here, though. Anthem's Statement D2 surround processor and P5 amplifier are the real deal. Even by high-end standards, their capabilities are inspired.

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Even before you hear Classé's new Delta series of electronics, you'll probably want to do what I did—feel them up. This is not just because their curved aluminum-and-steel chassis are exquisite works of industrial art—your fingertips wield extraordinary control over the SSP-300 surround processor. The matching CA-5100 five-channel power amplifier will supply the muscle to make your home theater roar.

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<LI>Price: $7,600</LI>
<LI>Channels/Power: Seven channels; 200-Watts per channel into 8 ohms</LI>
<LI>Inputs: Single-ended and balanced</LI>
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<LI>Price: $5,000</LI>
<LI>Channels/Power: Seven channels; 150-Watts per channel into 8 ohms/300-Watts into 4 ohms</LI>
<LI>Inputs: Single-ended and balanced</LI>
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<LI>Price: $8,000</LI>
<LI>Channels/Power: Five channels; 200-Watts per channel into 8 ohms/370-Watts into 4 ohms </LI>
<LI>Inputs: Single-ended and balanced</LI>
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<LI>Price: $995-$1,995 (stereo unit $995, plus $200 per additional channel module)</LI>
<LI>Channels/Power: 2-7 channels; 180-Watts per channel into 8 ohms/270-Watts into 4 ohms</LI>
<LI>Inputs: Single-ended</LI>
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