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: