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Analog source: VPI TNT Mk.V, JMW Memorial tonearm, Grado Reference cartridge.
Digital source: SimAudio Moon Eclipse, Oracle CD players.
Preamplification: VAC CPA1 Mk.III preamplifier, Conrad-Johnson Premier 15 phono stage and 17LS line stage.
Power amplifiers: VAC Renaissance 70/70, VTL Ichiban and Mark Levinson No.20.6 monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Magnepan MG 3.6/R, Meadowlark Kestrel "Hot Rod," Castle Severn.
Cables: Interconnects: Nirvana SX Ltd. Speaker: Synergistic Research Resolution Reference and Designer's Reference.
Accessories:…

As is usual with Stereophile's tests of amplifiers, I soak-tested the Classé CAM 350 by running it for an hour at one-third power before performing any further tests. At the end of this period, its heatsinks were way too hot to touch, as was the rear of the chassis, which suggests that the amplifier's thermal capacity is optimistically specified. This probably won't be a problem unless you use the CAM 350 for sustained high-power use with notoriously low-impedance speakers like the Thiel CS5.

When I tested the unbalanced input, I used a shorting strap to…

Distortion levels were also very low, particularly with balanced drive. Fig.4 shows the THD+noise percentage plotted against frequency at a 3V output level. Yes, there is a rise in measured THD at higher frequencies and into 2 ohms, but the basic circuit appears to be extremely…