The Next Generation of Audio Componentry Excellence - Classe Unveils New SSP-800

Classé Audio has once again changed the game for high end A/V components with the release of the new SSP-800 high performance surround sound multichannel preamplifier/ processor.

After two years of research by the Classé design team, the resulting SSP-800 is a ten-channel preamp/processor packed with examples of HD technology executed at the highest possible quality. It offers a combination of advanced technology and a passion for performance that marks it out as a product of outstanding quality.

“In recent years the development of high definition audio and video has accelerated, rendering many relatively new home theatre components incompatible or obsolete,” says David Nauber, Executive VP – Brand Development at Classé.

“The early adopter’s quest for the latest technology is never cheap or without risk. But those who have sought out the highest quality components have been able to relax and enjoy them. They know that the latest technology is rarely a threat to genuine quality.”

“When Classé release a new component which wraps important new technologies in a package of superior quality, it is time to sit up and take notice. The introduction of the SSP-800 is just such an occasion, when enthusiasts should consider upgrading their systems.”

The SSP-800 is obviously a serious piece of home theatre equipment, but as with all Classé products, music performance comes first. So it’s no surprise that the SSP-800 does something that no multichannel processor has done before: it performs as well with music as a dedicated stereo DAC and preamplifier.

In fact, it was conceived as a high-performance multichannel preamplifier, with two-channel sources allowed to bypass all the analogue-to-digital, DSP, and digital-to-analogue stages.

And only when the SSP- 800 proved itself to be an exceptional stereo preamplifier did the research team turn its attention to the processor’s decoding capabilities.

The SSP-800 offers both balanced and single-ended connections for all channels. Classé have developed a powerful new Dual DSP processing engine for the surround sound processor, which enables on board HD audio decoding. Audio Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is handled by a Texas Instruments-based platform, which operates in 64-bit double precision. It uses floating point arithmetic for all audio signal calculations to ensure the most accurate results possible.

Superior audio performance is achieved by combining powerful DSP with balanced topologies, advanced component parts and meticulous circuit layout. A dedicated linear power supply using a low-noise toroidal transformer powers the analogue audio circuits. Digital and control circuits are powered by their own dual-output, low-noise, high-current switching supply.

In addition to the DSP and video processing up to 1080p, the SSP-800 offers support for video technology which covers not only current, but also proposed next-generation video sources. For example, the video signal path supports 36-bit Deep Colour video, even though Blu-ray Discs are only 24-bit video sources.

The SSP-800 is also incredibly flexible and custom installation friendly, and boasts an impressive four HDMI1.3a inputs (plus two outputs) for audio and video sources. These are backed up with optical and coaxial digital audio connections and balanced and single ended analogue inputs. In all, the SSP800 offers a remarkable total of twenty customisable inputs.

The provision of ten channels, all available in either balanced (XLR) or single ended (RCA) formats gives users an impressive selection of options: for example two channels can be configured for additional subwoofers, or as mirrors of the front left and right channels for bi-amping, or even to supply a stereo system in a separate room.

Five-band parametric equalization is provided for each of the channels to help tune the system. After testing various automated systems, Classé decided that a manual system provided the best route to consistently optimum results, the attainment of which relied on a combination of accurate measurement and human judgement.

The SSP-800 maintains the acclaimed, customisable Classé touchscreen control of the SSP-600 it replaces, but adds video playback. This allows users to watch source material on the touchscreen display separately from any screens that are connected, and it does so in anything up to and including 1080p high-definition!

Finally, as part of Classé’s Delta series, the SSP-800 is a work of art in itself, with its distinctive curved lines, brushed silver casework and blue, red, green or silver touchscreen illumination making it the perfect partner for any high-end system.

The SSP-800 is available now for the RRP of $14,900.

SSP-800 Specifications:
  • 4 x HDMI 1.3 inputs / 2 outputs
  • 1 pr Balanced XLR input/ 5 pairs output
  • Fully 1.3b compliant supporting 1080p @ 24/50/60fps, 36-bit deep colour and xvYCC
  • Dolby surround sound decoding, including Dolby True HD and Dolby Digital Plus
  • Full suite DTS modes, including DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD
  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 200kHz <0.1dB
  • Total harmonic distortion: 0.001%
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 100-105db dependent on source
  • Video conversion: Composite / s video to component and HDMI; Component (up to 720p-1080i) to component and component (up to 480p) to HDMI; HDMI to HDMI
Complete specifications available here.

< back to new products