Classe SSP-800 Preamp/Processor

[admin]

One doesn't have to be interested in Home Theater too long before they come across the name "Classé." And from an aesthetic viewpoint alone, the name is apt. They make some of the best looking gear out there. Classé is taking processors to a new level with the release of their new SSP-800 - a 10 channel preamp/processor that promises bells and whistles that you didn't even know you wanted.


Discuss "Classé SSP-800 Preamp/Processor" here. Read the article.

[CharlyD]

Another glaring shortcoming for the SSP-800 is its inability to stream even audio content from a networked server. Every other recently introduced a/v processor that I'm aware of has the ability to stream at least CD quality audio over a network (Edit - Except the new ML which also missed the boat). I have little doubt that the most significant distribution method for hi-resolution audio will be internet downloads. DVD-A is nearly dead, and SACD is also withering. Unfortunately, very few vendors are delivering the components necessary to decode and play these formats, especially in multichannel (>2) formats. Adding the TCP/IP stack and user interface to the SSP-800 would incur only a few extra dollars in cost of goods. It makes no sense to me to be required to buy an additional box with expensive D/A converters to connect to a processor with conversion that is at least as good for only a volume control.

[Seth V]

Originally Posted by CharlyD

Another glaring shortcoming for the SSP-800 is its inability to stream even audio content from a networked server. Every other recently introduced a/v processor that I'm aware of has the ability to stream at least CD quality audio over a network (Edit - Except the new ML which also missed the boat). I have little doubt that the most significant distribution method for hi-resolution audio will be internet downloads. DVD-A is nearly dead, and SACD is also withering. Unfortunately, very few vendors are delivering the components necessary to decode and play these formats, especially in multichannel (>2) formats. Adding the TCP/IP stack and user interface to the SSP-800 would incur only a few extra dollars in cost of goods. It makes no sense to me to be required to buy an additional box with expensive D/A converters to connect to a processor with conversion that is at least as good for only a volume control.

Yes I also agree that the SSP-800 is a bit lacking on things it should have. The audio streaming would have been a fantastic addition. Yes the wave of the future is high resolution music downloads, and the inability to receive streamed music is IMO a big omission on the SSP-800.

Another biggie is no scaling/video processing and room EQ system. A modern pre/pro, and especially one that is $8k should have these things. Also another thing I noticed is that it has no THX processing. Their previous SSP-600 had THX, interesting that it was left off on this new one? It has 4 HDMI inputs which is good, but they should have included 6. I currently have 4 HDMI devices connected to my Denon AVP, and feel good knowing that I have 2 more on tap.

One you factor in a separate music streaming device, a separate high quality scaler/processor, and a separate room EQ system, you're looking at over $11k.

The SSP-800 is a very sharp looking product that no doubt will sound great, but it just doesn't offer everything that a lot of people are wanting in a high end piece like this one.

[Beans]

I believe there is a mistake in the first look. The Classe SSP 800 will only have HDMI 1.1 not HDMI 1.3a. Not a big deal in my books as player decoding of new audio formats is just fine, but until the upgrade from Classe comes the unit will only ship with HDMi 1.1


BTW Classe is possition this as the "best Processor at any price". They normally deliver in my opinion. this one could be steller.

[Beans]

Originally Posted by Beans

I believe there is a mistake in the first look. The Classe SSP 800 will only have HDMI 1.1 not HDMI 1.3a. Not a big deal in my books as player decoding of new audio formats is just fine, but until the upgrade from Classe comes the unit will only ship with HDMi 1.1


BTW Classe is possition this as the "best Processor at any price". They normally deliver in my opinion. this one could be steller.

oops my bad...it is shipping with 1.3a