Where the Omega is fed by a massive, 2500kVA toroidal transformer, the CAM 350 uses a smaller but still massive 1200kVA unit. It uses 16 output devices per channel, like the Omega, but a smaller version of Classé's new UHC Transfer power-supply topography. However, Classé's MOSFETs of choice don't have the necessary current capacity for an amp like the CAM 350, so they're used only as a pre-driver, to feed a bank of high-current bipolar transistors-Sanken's very latest flat-pack devices, to be specific-which functions as the output stage.Īlso like the Omega, the CAM 350 is a truly differential, balanced circuit from input to output. Next are a bank of MOSFETs, again selected for their speed and low noise, and biased to avoid crossover distortion. The block starts with a pair of low-distortion JFETs as an input, used for their extremely low noise and speed. According to Classé, the CAM 350's design and topology were carefully optimized for speed as much as for brute-force current delivery, and reflect everything the company learned while developing their statement amplifier, the Omega.Īs in the Omega, the CAM 350's amplification block uses several types of devices, and a circuit designed to optimize and combine the strengths of each. Plus, the CAM 350 is no rough-around-the-edges bruiser, but a smooth, highly sophisticated design incorporating the very latest in circuit and device developments. As good as these systems have been, what I always inevitably found myself wishing for was 'a really good, big solid-state amp.'Īt 350W-or 700W into the Magnepan 3.6/R's 4 ohm load-I figured the Classé CAM 350 should be able to grant my wish. I've been using Magnepan loudspeakers on and off for the past 20 years, most often matching them with tube amps-VTL, for example, or perhaps VAC, Sonic Frontiers, or Audio Research. My mother's words echoed in my ears as I unboxed Classé Audio's CAM 350 monoblock amplifiers, and I couldn't help but smile.

'Be careful what you wish for, or you just might get it.'

Cam 350