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How can I tell if Classe DR-6 preamp is "Reference"

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Chet

(A)

I bought a Classe DR-6 preamp used. Seller said it was the Reference model with the upgraded cables. It doesn't say "Reference" on the front. I cant find that it says "Reference" anywhere. Is the seller misled or have I been misled?
It does have some SERIOUSLY THICK cables both to the power source and from the power supply to the preamp section.
Haven't had a chance to plug it into my system yet because have been overwhelmed at work.
Anybody have a DR-6 Reference and can enlighten me?

Follow Ups:

Thanks! (nt) - Chet 23:32:18 05/16/03 (0)
nt
Re: How can I tell if Classe DR-6 preamp is "Reference" - TBone 07:19:33 05/15/03 (8)
i dont think there was ever a "reference" model!!!
the cable between the power supply and the pre-amp makes a huge difference in sound quality with this unit. The first cable supplied by Classe compromised the sound ... although even with this cable this pre-amp went on to win the high-end pre-amp showdown (comparing many) in TAS years ago.
I suspect you have a much better cable. Like i stated ... this cable makes more of a difference than the power cord (ps to wall) does ... a lot more!!!
This is an excellent pre-amp ... but unless you have a highly regarded phono rig with a high quality MC, you may never hear its true potential. One of the best phono stages in the industry!!!
High bandwidth, superb frequency extention and transparency, uncompressed dynamic capability and excellent depth of field ... this pre-amp requires (or DEMANDS) the best source components to perform as designed.
Mine has had a few minor modifications, cardas female rca, some minor damping of the caps, some wire re-routing, internal silver wire, and much better vibration isolation ... which is important with this unit since it is a bit microphonic.
With many in house auditions over the years - some with a few so called high-end class A rated 'over-achievers' - the comparisons have only made me appretiate the dr6 more & more ... few current phone based pre-amps are its equal!!!
TBone
- Re: How can I tell if Classe DR-6 preamp is "Reference" - Chet 21:04:08 05/15/03 (1)
  I have an LP12/Lingo/circus w/ Denon DL103d MC cart. My downstream components may not be up to the job though.
  - your ... - TBone 10:04:58 05/16/03 (0)
    analog system is no slouch ... in fact its a very capable front end esp. if attention to setup is considered.
    IMO .. the tt/arm/cart and phono stage are the most important parts, so your well on your way ... and with this setup you may find out that your backend is better than you once thought.
    Good Luck,
    TBone
- Re: How can I tell if Classe DR-6 preamp is "Reference" - Terry 08:56:19 05/15/03 (5)
  As far as I know, there definitely was a "Reference" DR-6. The changes from the regular model were quite significant and you could have your regular DR-6 upgraded to the Reference. It was not a cheap upgrade, however, close to $800 if I recall correctly.
  - well ... not my experience ... - TBone 11:43:27 05/15/03 (4)
    my classe has been back in the hands of classe since i have owned it ... and they send it back to me 'tuned-up' but without additional upgrade options or possible internal changes.
    In my conversations with classe ... there was once an upgrade that supplied a remote control interface ... but
    In actual fact - the only person i would let touch my classe for any sort of 'reference' upgrade would be Dave Reich himself!!!
    TBone
    - Re: well ... not my experience ... - Terry 14:26:34 05/15/03 (3)
      I wish I had kept my old back issues of TAS as I am quite certain they discussed this in one issue. Anyway, I had my DR-5 upgraded to the DR-5 reference (although it was not called this) and a friend of mine had his DR-6 upgraded as well. The regular DR-6 was not on the market all that long before it was replaced with the, so called, Reference and, as I already mentioned, I don't think Classe ever officially renamed it "the Reference".
      - also ... - TBone 10:16:55 05/16/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: well ... not my experience ... posted by terry on May 15, 2003 at 14:26:34:
        
        i see that you had the dr5(r), and that you know have the AI.
        I never did hear the DR5 ... so i cannot comment on the difference in sound quality between the two.
        however ... i just recently tested the the AI in my home earlier this year for over three weeks. It was a serious audition ... which meant that i would not have returned it if it was indeed better.
        I really enjoyed my time with the AI ... but ...
        TBone
      - Re: well ... not my experience ... - TBone 09:59:51 05/16/03 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Re: well ... not my experience ... posted by terry on May 15, 2003 at 14:26:34:
        
        well ... i just researched this with some people who know classe quite well. They claim they had a DR6R - but the "R" stood for remote - not "reference". The DR6 was then replaced with the SIX ... which essencially was a DR6 with some passive parts replacements.
        Some claim that the early DR6 had an absolute phase switch and the 'reference' had this removed because of problems.
        Some refer to the DR7 as the 'reference' ... but ....
        Classe later (post DR) referred to the SIX as there "reference" ... but once again ...
        I was also told ... if the unit had the brass handles it was a "reference product" ....
        Some claim it was the move to a cardas cable - from PS to PRE that was the "reference".
        Well ... when i sent mine to classe ... they sent it back with only a tune-up and said that it was the latest DR6 model. Yet it had no "reference" label attached.
        go figure ...
        TBone
        
        Re: well ... not my experience ... - Terry 12:21:56 05/16/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: well ... not my experience ... posted by TBone on May 16, 2003 at 09:59:51:
        
        What you say here does make sense to me. I can well believe that the "R" stood for remote and not "Reference". When I sent my DR-5 back for the update I had a choice of going for just the "parts upgrade" (what I have been calling the "reference" upgrade) or for also getting the remote upgrade. I went for both. This was all a long time ago and I cannot remember all the details (definitely getting old).
        I can also well believe you prefer the sound of your 6 to the AI. I prefer the AI to my DR-5 but the differences are (were) not night and day. As the 6 was clearly significantly better than the 5 (I always regretted not getting the 6), no suprise you prefer it to the AI.
        Anyway, happy listening!
Re: How can I tell if Classe DR-6 preamp is "Reference" - Terry 05:38:42 05/15/03 (0)
I cannot remember if there was an "R" or any other symbol on the DR-6 that indicated that the preamp was the reference model. However, I can confirm that one of the major differences between the regular and reference models was in the quality of the cable connecting the power supply to the preamp. As you indicate that this cable is "seriously thick", you definitely have the Reference and congratulations, it is a great preamp.
What the seller means was... - millen 23:09:07 05/14/03 (0)
this pre amp used to be Classe's reference which is true at that time when it was being manufactured. By the way if its any consolation to you this is a classic unit especially if it comes with phono stage. Enjoy!!

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