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The CAV-180 sits in Classé’s respected older high-current power-amp tier, and at US$2,350 this asking price is firmly ambitious versus the recent used market: it’s well above the US$2,013 75th percentile and far over the US$1,675 median. It’s not absurd if the unit is exceptionally clean, but it’s priced as a premium example rather than a normal one.
What makes it worth a look is the usual Classé strength: smooth, controlled power, a refined top end, and the kind of grip that suits demanding speakers without sounding hard. If it’s original-owner, fully serviced, and complete with box or paperwork, that supports the ask; otherwise, I’d want some real cosmetic or provenance upside before paying this much.
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.
