Classé Delta Stereo and Delta Pre
Delta Stereo Preamplifier Description
The Classé Delta Pre is a stereo preamplifier and processor, designed for discerning music lovers. Firstly, it is a very complete analog preamplifier with both balanced and unbalanced inputs and with an extensively adjustable MM/MC phono preamp section on board. The analog signal only travels through an analog path, unless you choose otherwise. Walking through the menu it becomes clear why it can be useful to have the analog signals digitized by the Delta Pre. For example, features such as sound control (Tilt, Bass/Treble), Parametric EQ, Mono and Bass Management are only available when the signal is in the digital domain.
In addition to a very complete analog preamplifier, the Delta Pre is also a very high-quality Airplay and UPnP Streaming Endpoint (Network Renderer) and a comprehensibly equipped DAC. In addition to the usual S/PDIF (both optical and electrical), AES/EBU and USB inputs, the Pre optionally even offers 4K-compatible HDMI inputs and outputs.
Using the unit’s touch display, you can easily operate all of its functions using only a handful of screens. In the menu, all physical connectors can be freely assigned to all available inputs and the virtual buttons on the display. You can enter any name you want for any given input, and unused entries can also be hidden for faster access.
Touch screen Display
The display is not a modern OLED type but a simpler robust type with a proven track record from the automotive industry. This is a very conscious design decision as it relieves customers from having to worry about the display’s longevity. With every product, the Classé approach is that it should work for as long as possible without any problems. And, of course, I can only encourage that way of thinking. And there’s another reason why I think the choice of a standard LCD over OLED is a smart move. OLED screens always burn-in in the long run, and especially with static information such as high-contrast white text on a black background, this goes really quickly. Not over the course of years but already in weeks and I speak from experience! This is why, with my CH Precision components, I always have the screens off. As beautifully contrasty and high-res they may be, if you end up not using them then the manufacturer has missed the target.
What I feel is not the best decision is that Classé has opted for a relatively unwieldy resistive type of display for the touch system. These touchscreen types require a certain amount of pressure in order to register input and as a result, the display is not very responsive nor very accurate. You have to press quite hard and when I click too quickly, sometimes the display does not register a touch. While it works and will likely keep working forever, a more sensitive capacitive screen (as used in phones) would have been nicer in this price range.
In addition to the stereo outputs, there is a stereo set of AUX outputs and a Subwoofer output, all in both RCA and XLR. The AUX outputs can be used as secondary outputs in a bi-amping setup or as an additional subwoofer output to create a stereo subwoofer setup with individual L/R calibrations. Using the menu, you can specify the cut-off points for both the main channels and the subwoofer (s) in steps of 10 Hz with a steepness of 6dB, 12dB or 24dB. In this way, you can not only supplement the bass, but also counteract peaks and zeros very effectively, for example, if these are caused by room modes and/or differences between the placement of the left and right main speakers in an asymmetrical room.
Literally all settings made can be stored in so-called Configurations, which behave like Snapshots, which can be recalled at any time. If desired, you can even assign the same physical input twice but with different settings, for example for music and home cinema applications.
Simplicity
Despite its great versatility, the Delta Pre has a beautifully simple appearance. A power button, a touch display, a menu button, a USB input, a headphone connection and a volume knob, that’s it. No hidden buttons behind a large flap as is often the case with home cinema amplifiers. While the Delta Pre is indeed a pure stereo component, it does offer a Home Cinema Passthrough so that it can be used in an existing cinema setup. The pass-through function is not limited to 1 single input but can be used with all the inputs. You can simply specify for each input whether the tone control is active, how much gain needs to be applied and whether the volume control should be bypassed.
The Delta Pre’s volume knob is something special by the way. Firstly, it feels solid and weighty and it runs wonderfully smooth and evenly without even the slightest play. That is something that I have only seen so beautifully implemented with Jeff Rowland preamps. Even the CH Precision’s rotary control lags a bit behind, not to mention the downright wobbly Goldmund volume knobs. Secondly, the Classé’s volume can be set extremely precisely in 0.25dB steps. That’s something I’ve never seen before.
Remote Control and input selection
The supplied hefty remote control is beautifully designed and so sturdy and weighty that you could probably use it as a hammer. Although it works well and you can, in principle, control all of the unit’s functionality in conjunction with info on the unit’s front panel display, a big disadvantage of the remote control is that sources cannot be selected directly. You can remotely call up the input menu on the Pre’s display and select the input you are looking for. However, the display is not readable from a distance greater than a few meters, let alone at my 6-meter listening position. In my case, I need to rely on a second option for input selection which is to toggle through the available inputs using the arrow keys until you find the one you are looking for. Unfortunately, the names of the selected inputs are shown even smaller on-screen than the aforementioned ones, meaning that I have to select them by ear. That still wouldn’t have been much of a problem if the preamplifier switched instantly but that’s not the case. The different types of inputs require a varying amount of time from 1-2 seconds to lock, and while the device is in this process, it will not accept any input from the remote. So, even if you know that the desired input is 3 steps away, you cannot quickly click 3x but you will have to wait after every single click for the Pre to complete the switch before you can continue clicking. This annoyance can be minimized by only activating the inputs that you actually use in the menu but if you are impatient by nature, as I am, it will still lead to enough irritation to make me walk to the device walk and choose the desired input directly from the touch display.
Classé responds:
The PRE remote control can’t have direct inputs as such because the inputs themselves are so configurable (they can be disabled). Using the F-keys, at least for your two or three favorite inputs (which should be set up in the first three buttons), easily solves the problem without you having to remember exactly what is where.
Apart from my two points of criticism in terms of operation, I have absolutely nothing to criticize. If you nevertheless feel that this review is heading in a sour direction, rest assured, what will follow is nothing but praise. Whichever input I use, the Delta Pre performs consistently at a very high level.
App control
The Delta Pre can also be controlled from a tablet using the Classé App. The unit’s web interface can be found in any browser via its IP address and it can be pinged, but for some reason, the Classé iPad app, freshly downloaded and said to support the Delta Pre, did not recognize the unit. Going from the app’s demo function, however, the interface looks great and it would solve all my operational nags mentioned above.
Christian,
Another super thorough well written review thank you. On your description of the Delta pre and it’s Dac I am sure I’m misreading but it sounds like you’re saying the Delta isn’t resolute enough to differentiate between Dacs. Given how much you liked the preamp I’m sure that’s not the case and I’m misconstruing what you wrote.
Thanks,
Jon
Hi Jon, although you can find a preamp that is more transparent and it does add a little bit of its own character, the Delta Pre actually has very good resolution. It’s more that the built-in DAC just works so well that there is little to gain by using an external DAC. What happens is that you only move sideways. I’ve encountered this before with preamps and amplifiers with built in DACs, where it seems there is often (indeed not always) a special synergy or advantage to using the built-in DAC.
Christiaan,
I did have a chance to test the Classé Delta Pre + Classé Delta Stereo Power Amp at home for a week, so I was extra curious to find out if we had similar findings. The fan noise was too loud for me. No need to look for dark background in other components if you have a fan noise killing all of it.
I personally don’t think fans belong in high end audio components for home use.
I found it to be rather even in the frequency delivery but I lacked some speed in the transients. High quality design and material but I think the price was too high compared to the performance. Bass delivery wasn’t to my liking at lower volume levels. Belting out music at loud volumes without any strain my be favorite working day for the Classé.
Also very narrow angle of response for the remote. For this amount of money there are other more tempting options, in my book.
I also missed texture in the midrange that is one of the Analog Domain M75D highlights.
Christiaan I realize that it has been three years since you reviewed the AD and that you have maybe shifted your preference to even more neutrality. From sonic memory and your old notes would you today consider that AD midrange texture as colored or neutral?
Do you have any suggestions for audition if I like a similar midrange texture and richness as the Analog Domain M75D but a little bit more open and airy in the top? And maybe a tad less dry bass, if I can wish three things 🙂
Will you have a Vinnie Rossi review coming up? Seen it sitting in your room for a while now.
Stay safe.
Hi Per, a friend has Analog Domain, and so, the delivery remains vivid in my mind. It’s not colored in any way. CH is not really more neutral either, mostly just more refined and more highly resolving. I feel that Analog Domain is very neutral and, while controlled, also natural, with a pure and open, communicative midrange. I find it to be very realistic, not enriched or smoothed or warmed up in any way, nor hardened or edgy. Yes, the bass is a little dry, certainly compared to the Classe’s, and I also agree on the treble being dark. As for alternatives that retain the AD strengths while not having the deficiencies, the next step up for me was the CH, I’m afraid. Vinnie Rossie will issue an updated model that I will review.
Thank you for your comments Christiaan.
I forgot to mention that I also find the AD to be a little too polite. I miss some of the transient attack.
The best I have heard the AD is in a system that has a DCS DAC stack feeding it and driving a pair of Marten Coltrain. The room was a dedicated listening room but fairly small 20-25 m2. The owner also likes to play very loud. 90-95% of max. volume on the AD M75D. The sound was fabulous and non fatiguing to listen to even at very high volume levels. I think it was partly due to the dryer bass in the AD the Coltrains didn’t overpower the small room with too much bass. And the “gentle” treble of the AD never felt piercing even though it was VERY loud.
But in my home with my TAD CE-1 speakers I was missing a little immediacy/attack at my much lower listening levels (living in an apartment). Is CH or Audio GD more snappy than AD? I’m also curious to what Soulution 330 could bring to the table. I know you have many times referred to the Soulution 711 power amp. Have you heard the 330? With your long term exposure to both CH and Soulution what would you say differ them sonically? Do both have a midrange that is on the same organic, timbre and textured level as AD?
I have tested so many amplifiers, some rather expensive with separate pre and mono blocks, but have so far always been missing the natural qualities of the AD midrange. The reason I asked you if you considered the AD midrange to be “neutral” or colored is that so many other amplifiers sound rather unnatural and lifeless in comparison. It has almost become a brain ghost for me. There is of course no perfect amplifier out there but I’m still hoping to find one that ticks my boxes and have the compromises that I can accept.
Keep up the great work with your reviews and I will keep a special eye out for that Vinnie Rossie one.
Hi Per, as this thread developed, we moved a little bit too much beyond the topic of this comment section. It’s ok for now but for follow-up questions (if not related to Classe), it will be better to discuss them under more related articles.
CH is not snappier or more immediate than AD. The Classe is, and so is AGD. For a comparison between the 711 and the A1.5, please see this mini-review. I haven’t heard the 330 but the 711 is not snappier than Classe or AGD. Amps that are, usually deviate from neutrality. I’m not sure if I had already mentioned the Anthem STR? That’s the snappiest amp I have heard. It’s got tight bass and a similarly neutral midrange but it is drier and edgier than all the aforementioned amps. See the review for the specifics. Oh, the Vinnie is also quite snappy but I’ll have to wait for the updated version to reach a conslusion. In conclusion, may I ask if you found the Classe to be snappy/lively enough? If not, then I fear that the amplifier may not be the culptit in your system.
Hi Christiaan,
As you wrote ”- While on this subject I also noted that the amp sounds best when playing a little louder. At lower volume, it loses some of its finesse and becomes a little less exciting.” I also found the Classé to be lively enough on moderate to louder volume levels but losing its excitement and pros on lower volumes – to a higher degree than some other amps.
I should also factor in that with lower volume levels the disturbing fan noise made me loose excitement over the Classé and I would possibly judge the sound different if it had been quiet.
I will return with further comments under more related articles, as per your suggestion.
Thanks.
Hi Per, the Classe is not hyper-detailed nor very finely resolving which adds to it sounding better when playing a little louder. This also makes the fan less noticeable. When playing a little louder, I really like its propulsive sound and it sure LOVES to play at even louder levels. Nevertheless, I agree that the fan remains an important factor to consider.
Hello , i use Classe CP-800 with CA-2300 (previous series ), i can tell you how i resolve fan noise , when i listen misic , i put one pillow in front and another in back of amplifiers , without stop air flow . BR
Yup, that will surely reduce the noise but I don’t think it is good for the amp’s health. Capacitors age faster when hot.
Hi Christiaan,
as always very good review that does not fall short when pointing on things not so great. A rare and difficult to do thing as reviewers depend on review samples.
But you still gave the Classe a fair review which even Classe should find positive.
I am seriously intreagued by the new Classe Delta and i have one question.
I was thinking the great sound of the Classe is due to the fact that it runs in class A almost all the time. You said they sound better when played louder.
Did you ever notice a difference in sound when the amp goes into class a/b ?
I wonder if i would be better up buying the Mono amps instead because with 35W class A they should never need to switch to a/b (unless you rock loud).
What do you think ? Mono or Stereo ?
Thanks.
Markus
Hi Markus, Alas, there is no way to tell when the amp goes from Class-A to Class-AB. That said, I don’t think this is the main reason why the amp sounds the way it does. By that, I mean that I think its character is inherent to its overall design and more likely the result of decisions made in the power supply and driver stages than on the Class-A concept. Of course, Class-A does propvide theoretical benefits in that there is no crossover distortion which can be audible as a lack of hardness/edge. While I have not compared the Classe Delta stereo to the monos, usually, when increasing the number of output devices results in a higher power rating along with other obvious benefits. But unless the monos are simply the contents of the stereo amp divided over 2 chassis, depending on the exact changes, this can also influence the character or nature of the amp. It is possible that the monos sound tighter or leaner, or alternatively perhaps slightly more diffuse, or less refined. Or they could be better overall. I just don’t know. The only way for you to know is to try both options. If you do happen to make this comparison, do let me know what you think!
tx for your response. even though you left the question partially unanswered (how could you when you could not make the direct comparison) i appreciate it.
It helped in the way that you pointed out that you guess they will more likely sound the same than different (because of design choices) and that class a/b or not might not be a concern. I want to buy used so i might not be able to make that comparison that is why i was curious 🙂
If i am able to i will report.
Tx again.
Markus
I also experienced something that was never true years ago …
that the stereo amp can sound even better than the mono versions in ones system.
Hi Markus, Having double power supplies is almost always a very good idea, especially with power-hungry speakers. But depending on the internal changes, a stereo amp can indeed sound subjectively better than the mono version. It depends on which aspects of the performance are found to be most important to the listener. Please note that there is a difference between technical or audiophile aspects, and the overall character. I would assume the stereo and mono Classe amps have the same basic character but there will surely be differences in some fields. Just which differences I cannot say without having compared this myself. Happy hunting!
One last question about the Delta Pre. I saw it was also a recommended product in the DAC list. I assume it means that the Delta Pre has a very good DAC, too.
I use a Audiovalve Solaris as Pre and it has a super DAC i think. I also have the latest Macintosh CD Player with their latest DAC, too. The Solaris beats it easily that is how good it sounds.
Do you think one can happyly live with the Delta DAC or will it feel like the bottle neck (compared to the rest of a high price and quality system) ?
I think the Delta pre has a great DAC on board, certainly at the price. There are better DACs but they will cost as much as the Delta pre itself or more.
Hi Christiaan,
I love the reviews on this site and I found, as an owner of the Delta PRE, that your description matches my experience almost exactly!
I’m looking at upgrading to another DAC and I was looking for something with similar character as the Delta PRE, which I find to have a great bottom end (warm?) and extremely non-fatiguing to listen to.
I’ve tried a host of other DACs including the Tambaqui and dCS Rossini APEX and found them fatiguing despite improvements in detail and soundstage.
Any recommendations up to ~$20k for a DAC that would improve detail and soundstage but retain the non-fatiguing listening experience I love?
Thanks!
Nice feedback, thanks. Accuphase DC-37 is very smooth and rich, and relaxed, but well detailed. APL could be an option, and if tubes are on the table then you could consider the Aries Cerat Helene.
Thanks Christiaan. One more – how about the Aqua DACs? Especially La Scala with the tubes? Thanks again
The Aqua La Scala is precise, lively, and expressive, not really lush, smooth, or warm, which I think is the “non-fatiguing” sound you are after. That said, for me it is one of the best DACs in its price range.
Great Review Christiaan, I own a pair of Classe Delta Mono’s that drive my new Wilson Audio Alexx V’s. I have a VAC Sig Mk2 SE as a Pre. It sounds wonderful to my ears. However, I can’t help think I’m missing something with these amps. Thinking of moving to CH or something similar but am concerned the delta in SQ would be small compared to the amount I would have to spend. What do you think? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Love your site!
Hi Scott, I would not classify the difference between Classe Delta and CH Precision as small. Yes, you pay considerably more, but you also get more. It is diminishing returns as always, but here, we are talking amplifiers with different skillsets. The CH amp(s) is/are worth aspiring to if you are looking for higher resolution, more air, more refinement, nimbler/more lightfooted/faster bass, and overall more sophistication. I think even a single A1.5 would drive the Alexx very well but CH amplifiers have less “bombastic” slam than the Classe. They can definitely rock but they are not Krells or Brystons in that respect.
I may have missed it, but do you remember which of your power cables was used on the power amp?
I think that must have been a Belden 19364 with Bals Schuko and Oyaide C-004 IEC.
Thanks
I have a Delta hence my curiosity. The front end is likely to change to a Grimm MU2, then I will try out some alternative power cables. Gigawatt will be among them, and probably the Mad Scientist Ultra.
Hi, Christiaan-
Wonderful review. Your reviews assist me more than any other online or magazine based audiophile reviews. I am considering purchasing a Delta Stereo amplifier, but I am curious to how it would compare to a class A or AB Accuphase or Esoteric amplifiers (I am not sure if you have reviewed Esoteric gear)? To me, Accuphase is a very rich sounding amplifier and Esoteric has a strong, almost hard tone sound. I have been told that the Delta Stereo is somewhat in between or has the best qualities of both the Accuphase and Esoteric… with none of the deficits… kind of a happy medium. Any additional insights that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks for the nice feedback! 🙂 I’ve not heard Esoteric amplification in a controlled environment but I think what you’ve been told makes sense. Most Accuphase amps are indeed quite smooth, some too much so for my taste. The Classe Delta is both: smooth yet robust, solid, and expressive, not hard but also not too laidback.