Classé Audio was founded in 1979 by Mike Viglas (a Greek immigrant to Montreal) and David Reich (a talented engineer) after Viglas's expensive tube amplifier failed during a party. The company introduced their first amplifier, the DR-2, in 1980 - a 25W stereo amplifier operating in class A that inspired the company name. Classé specializes in high-end audio amplification including amplifiers, pre-amplifier processors, and integrated amplifiers for audiophiles, musicians, and recording professionals. Originally part of Bowers & Wilkins Group from 2001, Classé was acquired by Sound United in January 2018 and now operates alongside brands like Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio.