In the past decade-plus of reviewing topnotch audiophile and home theater gear, I can think of few products that have caught my attention more than the Classe' Audio CA-M400 monoblock amps. Priced at $5,000 each or, as reviewed, $10,000 per pair, the Classe' CA-M400 is certainly expensive but still not anywhere near the price of top-of-the-line audiophile reference amps from the likes of Krell (Evolution), Halcro and Mark Levinson. Upon first glance, you can't help but to be impressed with the industrial design of the Classe CA-M400. Its rounded edges and off-while/silver coloring, dressed with stylish black trim, makes the amp look like it belongs in the Museum of Modern Art, as well as potentially on the floor of your listening room.

Additional Resources
• Read more amplifier reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find some audiophile speakers to match the caliber of the CA-M400.

Getting past looks, the Classe CA-M400 is a 400-watt powerhouse that has a clean, open sound. The highs aren't overly warm, but have a nice air to them. The mids are what really sing about the Classe CA-M400. Its ability to reproduce vocals, especially female vocals, and specifically complex piano pieces, is most noteworthy. The bass on the Classe CA-M400 is also very noteworthy. While not as bombastic as, say, a Krell amplifier, the Classe's 400 watts per channel can take any speaker, in my case, the often tough-to-drive Revel Ultima Salon2 loudspeakers, and power them with ease to rock concert volumes. Overall, the sound of the Classe CA-M400 is very well balanced.

High Points
• The Classe' Audio CA-M400 offers ultimate audiophile monoblock performance, on par with the most expensive options from Krell, Mark Levinson and Halcro, at a fraction of the price.