Classe Audio DR-10 Vintage Solid State Amplifier

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General:
Built during the best era from Classe Audio, the DR-10 is a smooth and natural sounding amp capable of driving most speakers.

The DR-10 and the model TEN are almost identical versions designed by the legend David Reich.

A quick peak inside shows the exemplary build quality and component selection. It is rare to find one of these today with any electrical issues, which is a living testament to the robust design. 

Putting out a conservative 100W per side, this should power most speakers with ease. 

In nice condition with light scratches found on the top cover.

This amp has internal Stereo/Mono and RCA/XLR switching. The amp is currently configured for single ended RCA use in stereo mode. If you'd like us to change this prior to shipping to balanced XLR for your setup please let us know.

Stereophile’s Larry Greenhill said the following about the Classe Fifteen (same design, larger version of the Classe Ten): 

“No other power amplifier in my current arsenal, including two more expensive solid-state units, each of which received a Class A rating in Stereophile's "Recommended Components" in its time, could better the Classé Fifteen when it was driven by the Classé Six Mk.II preamplifier in Bypass mode.

The Fifteen was these amplifiers' equal in bass response, dynamic range, clarity, transient speed, overall coherency, and freedom from midrange grain, whether driving dynamic or electrostatic loudspeakers.

Only the more expensive and more powerful Krell KSA-250 could top it in soundstage depth.”

Cosmetic Notes:
- Scratching to top and sides as shown in our photos.
- Dings and marks on top and bottom edges of faceplate as shown in our photos.

Connections:
RCA and XLR inputs and dual 5 way binding posts

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
6/10 = Fair. Three to four minor scratches, or one major scratch. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Just the unit and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB

Sensitivity:
1 volt in for rated output

Input Impedance:
70 Kohms

Signal to noise ratio:
More than 100 dB

Total harmonic distortion:
0.1%

Power output:
8 Ohms = 100W Stereo / 400W Momo
4 Ohms = 200W Stereo / 650W Mono

Dimensions:
19" x 16" x 6-1/2"

Weight:
46 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.