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Condition is unknown, so at US$2,350 this is best read as a fair-to-strong ask rather than a bargain unless it’s exceptionally clean and fully serviced. The Classé CAV-180 is a respected high-current stereo amp, but without condition details I’d benchmark it as a mid-market used buy, not an easy steal.
What makes it worth a look is the usual Classé strength: solid build, good drive into real-world speakers, and a refined, non-fatiguing presentation that still has grip and scale. If it’s original, quiet, and comes with proof of service or careful ownership, that adds real value. The main thing to check is age-related wear and prior repair history, since older power amps can hide capacitor or relay issues even when they seem to work.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Classé Audio emerged from Canada in 1979, founded by music enthusiast Mike Viglas in partnership with engineer David Reich. Frustrated by unreliable high-end electronics during a demonstration, Viglas sought superior performance, leading to the company's debut product: the DR-2, a 25-watt-per-channel Class A stereo amplifier launched in 1980. This pure Class A design not only inspired the brand's name but also established its early reputation for open, natural sound and unwavering reliability, with headquarters just outside Montréal.
The brand specializes in high-performance electronics, excelling in amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and processors for both music and home theater systems. Early models set the tone for authoritative power delivery, evolving into robust units delivering 250-300 watts per channel while maintaining sonic finesse. Classé has consistently prioritized no-compromise research and manufacturing, focusing on components that deliver theater-grade dynamics and musical precision without venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Classé commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its Canadian heritage and build quality, once handcrafted in Quebec. Acquired by the B&W Group in 2001 and later by Sound United in 2018, it remains a benchmark for reliable, powerful electronics that prioritize longevity and uncolored reproduction, appealing to buyers seeking investment-grade hi-fi.
See all Classé listings on RADAR.
