Ssp 800

[KahunaCanuck]

Seems like the Classe SSP 800 gets little discussion around these parts. When building this processor, Classe decided to forgo the areas that lead to Processors becoming obsolete so quickly, namely video up-converting and Auto Room Correction. In a world of Receivers that have 40 stickers on the front to show how good they are, and that change models yearly, this is strange behavior for many...not for me!

I have had this unit for approx. 5 years now (I was an early adopter), in that time they have upgraded the firmware many times (though not as often as Oppo!), and I have replaced a board inside to give it onboard DTS/Dolby High Res Surround processing (this was a free upgrade in the first year), and the option to upgrade to HDMI 1.4 for $1500, which I skipped as I don't want 3D.

In my system I have always used a good quality Bluray (currently Oppo 105) to do the video up converting, which the 800 does nothing to but passes it through with the on screen menus layered over top. I keep meaning to use the built in EQ to adjust for my room, but have only recently purchased the XTZ software to do a reading on it. If I lived in a different area I would have had someone come in and tune it for me.

In that time, my unit has worked flawlessly, sounds amazing, and is simple to use. Since adding the CA5300, it now controls that unit by way of a simple CAT5 cable, which not only adjusts the power on and lights on the amp, but gives you temp readings among other things.

I see on Agon these units going for $5,500 & up, I believe the new MSRP is around $10k. I still think that is really good value!

Stock Pics:






My System:

[joeinid]

Very nice Mike. Glad you are happy.

[mbovaird]

Mike - definitely a Classe fan here! I would have ordered one - but I wanted desperately to have Dolby Pro Logic IIz. I put these height speakers in and haven't been able to use them! Yes, I know that sounds crazy - but they are collecting dust. If the CP-800 had that, I would have ordered it in a second. Huge huge Classe fan here!

[MDP]

Mike, congrats on a beautiful system !!!!

I received my Classe CA M600's 5 days ago,I'm still breaking them in,But I can already tell you,they're staying !!!

Mark

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- Mike, very nice. >>> Classe does some of the best audio gear (quality sound & all).

* Do you have a front projector?

[HedgeHog]

Hi Mike,

Glad it's working well still in your arsenal!

I was also an early adopter and have done the dual proc board upgrade too. May still pursue the HDMI 1.4 swap so I can get HDMI-passthrough. I do wish they would implement a way to play files from a NAS and/or have more XLR in. Alas, I was informed that there will be no more hardware upgrades coming for the SSP-800 (they are still working on the Ethernet bit for the CP-800).

Soundwise, I feel it is very transparent and clean. My biggest complaint is that the HDMI implementation is not as good as it can be (although Dave Nauber, in his Q&A, said this is the best Classe can do). The handshake takes quite some time to establish and I find it has more drop-outs from handshaking issues that it should.

On a personal note, I am suspecting something is amiss with my analogue stage with the SSP-800. It is exhibiting a bit of sizzly, crackly highs that one associates with distortion or blown amps. On quieter passages or ones with less musical instruments, it is crystal clear top to bottom. But when playing rock or larger ensembles (symphonies), the sound seems more muddle. I wish we had another dealer locally to take it to as I really dislike ours.

Anyway, let's see what's next for Classe now that the brain behind the SSP-800 has left for another vendor (iirc, I heard he went to Ayre).

Cheers.

-Hedwig

[chessman]

Hedwig, welcome aboard!

[HedgeHog]

Hi Chessman...a belated thx for the welcome.

Mike, how are you connecting your Oppo to the SSP-800? Just one HDMI in?

[KahunaCanuck]

I have it with the HDMI and a set of WW Silver Eclipse RCAs...I plan to use XLRs when I free some up in my other system...

[Sharp 1080]

Originally Posted by KahunaCanuck

I have it with the HDMI and a set of WW Silver Eclipse RCAs...I plan to use XLRs when I free some up in my other system...

Have you tried using the split a/v method? Oppo recommends that connection method. HDMI 1 to your monitor and HDMI 2 straight into the Classe from your 105 for the audio. I tried it with my 105/800 combo and love it. When I listen to shiny discs (CD's) I use the XLR out of the 105 into the 800.