I have never really been impressed with Classe. They're good but for the money they seem to bit more audio Jewelry than guts. I personally would buy a Rotel power amp over a Classe power amp on a sound level. And when I look at the prices - well to me Classe just doesn't rise to the level above a Rotel. Now I heard the top models with the N801 some years ago so it oculd have been that Classe and B&W aren't a great match...I need to put it into context - it is highly possible that in another set-up the Classe's really sing.

I get the same feel for Copland as well - some of this gear just seems very pricey and equalled or betterred for less.