Classe Audio Omega Mono Reference 500 Watt Latest Version

Please Note: Sale is for 1 (one) pair, not 1 (one) amp.

Many amps have been in my system (VTL, Simaudio, Krell), but the Classe Omegas are the best I’ve owned. They offer an amazing balance of utter power, resolution, delicacy, neutrality along with the convenience of solid state. They include a pair of manuals and the original Cardas Golden power cords (8-ft). Only a blemish on one face plate that is not easily recognizable until close examination.

SPECS:

Solid-state monoblock power amplifier with unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and two pairs of 4mm output binding posts. Rated output power: 500W into 8 ohms, 1000W into 4 ohms, 2000W into 2 ohms, 4000W into 1 ohm (all 27.0dBW). Sensitivity: 2.25V for rated output, balanced or unbalanced. Voltage gain: 29.0dB. Input impedance: 100k ohms. Output impedance: 0.017 ohm. Frequency response: 20Hz-2kHz, ±0.1dB. THD+noise: 0.002%. S/N Ratio: 135dB ref. rated output.

Stereophile REVIEW SUMMARY:

The Classé Omega monoblock is an extraordinary amplifier—extraordinary in its appearance, its engineering and construction, and, most of all, in its sonic performance. But despite its over-the-top power and energy reserves, it is in the handling of details that the Omega is most impressive. However, in spite of the apparent incongruity, I think that it is precisely because of the Omega's prodigious power, and its ability to precisely control a speaker's motion, that it could do such an incredible job with the subtleties. Prior to the Omegas' arrival, my system's tiniest details had been lost in the slight blurring that arose from the speakers not quite keeping up, or in the faint overhang and back EMF resulting from the drivers' momentum overmatching the amplifier.

The Classé Omega is not only the best power amplifier I've ever auditioned, but in many ways it exceeded my ability to evaluate it—I found myself instead evaluating associated components, setup details, the system's response to changes in the weather, even characteristics of a recording itself. The Omega simply got out of the way, providing a clear conduit, a straight wire with gain—a lot of gain—between my system's front-end and loudspeakers. And because of its ability to absolutely control a loudspeaker, a finer level of detail was able to pass through this conduit than through most other amplifiers. The result, for me, was a level of system performance and musical involvement beyond my previous experience.

Excellent working condition, tested before listing, sound fantastic. Serials numbers 1300173 & 1300182. Photos show actual items for sale. Serious inquiries only please. Local pickup available. If shipped will be shipped in custom foam lined crates fully insured.

These are widely recognized as the best amplifiers Classe ever built. They don't come up for sale very often - they're so good owners rarely sell them. Classe made improvements over time without changing the name, model number, or appearance - this pair of Omega Monos is the most recent and best sounding version which have the CAN Bus and related features that were also included in the Delta series.

I’m the 2nd owner (Nov 2018), having bought them from the estate of Darryl Ellis Rubin (billionaire), the original owner (2004). They were minimally used by him as they were in a guest room of a massive mansion and he had multiple audio setups. Literally he had purchased some 30 monos (equating to over $300k for his Classe Omegas alone!). Purchased from the Pacific Northwest’s premiere dealer (Definitive Audio). Maintained in a smoke-free and pet-free climate controlled environment (as they are currently). I’ve used them infrequently, also being the owner of several setups.

Shipping arrangements will be made after sale. These amps are large and HEAVY (230lbs each in shipping cases). Freight with lift gate service is recommended. Paypal or Bank wire are the preferred methods of payment. Paypal will add 3%. Purchased items will have a handling time of up to 3 business days from time of cleared payment.

Power supply regulation: The Omega Mono has the most substantial and sophisticated power supply regulation of any Classé product to date. 32 bi-polar transistors (the same quantity and type as the audio output transistors) are bolted onto a colossal heat sink. These transistors form the basis of the power supply regulation circuit and provide a totally stable supply for all the sections of the power amplifier. When reproducing powerful energy such as deep organ notes or driving bass, the power drain on a conventional system can be great enough to starve other parts of the audio circuit. However, in the Omega Mono power supply, even under the worst possible conditions, the voltage can only drop by one volt. As the audio circuits under full power never call for maximum power supply voltage, the result is a totally stable supply to all the audio circuits under all operating conditions.

Circuit board: The circuit boards are constructed from four bonded layers of epoxy resin, achieving an extremely strong, rigid and non-resonant foundation for the audio components. This construction keeps the signal path very short with the added benefit of containing the signal track within the sandwich of layers and preventing the ground plane from picking up any noise.

Dimensions: 19.5" (495mm) H by 11.5" (292mm) W by 23.75" (603mm) D. Weight: 192 lbs (87.3kg) net, 224 lbs (101.8kg) shipping. SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN CONUS. 2 CRATES PALLETIZED AND STRAPPED.