Classe TEN (DR-10) Solid State Vintage Amplifier

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General:
This is my favorite era from Classe Audio. The model TEN is a slightly later version for the DR-10 which was designed by David Reich.

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

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

In very good condition with light scratches found on the top cover. After our bench review, we simply needed to bias and set the DC offset to bring the amp back to specs.

This amp has internal Stereo/Mono and SE/XLR switching. The amp is currently configured for single ended use in stereo mode. If you'd like us to change this prior to shipping 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.”

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA inputs and dual 5 way binding posts

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained.. 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.Reviews:
Click Here

Specs:
Power output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 400 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Input sensitivity: 1V
Signal to noise ratio: 100dB
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω (minimum)

Dimensions:
19" x 16" x 6.5"

Weight:
50 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable 

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

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.