Classe Audio CT-SSP User manual

Owner’s Manual
SSP-800/CT-SSP
Surround Sound Processor

2
Classé marks the “CE” symbol indicating compliance of this device with the EMC (Electromagnetic
Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community.
Classé complies with the European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/96/EC concerning Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). is product must be appropriately recycled or processed in accordance with
these directives. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance.
Classé products are designed and manufactured to comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
as stated in the European Parliament and Council Directive 2002/95/EC.
NOTICE
All of us at Classé take extreme care to ensure that your purchase will remain a prized investment. We are proud to inform you
that all Classé components have been ocially approved for the European Community (CE) mark.
is means that your Classé product was subjected to the most rigorous manufacturing and safety tests in the world. e CE
mark certies that your purchase meets or exceeds all European Community requirements for manufacturing consistency and
consumer safety.
is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) is device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
is device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. ese limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. is equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and o, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna;
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandthereceiver;
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdierentfromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected;
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.
CAUTION:Changesormodicationstothisequipmentnotexpresslyapprovedbythemanufacturercouldvoidtheuser’s
authority to operate the equipment.
is product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents ad other intellectual property
rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other
limited viewing uses otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
e information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. e most current version of this manual will be
posted on our web site at http://www.classeaudio.com.

3
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
 7. Donotblockanyventilationopenings.Installinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers)
that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. e wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects lled with liquids, such as vases, are
placed on the apparatus.
16. TocompletelydisconnectthisapparatusfromtheACMains,disconnectthepowersupplycordplugfromtheACreceptacle.
17. e mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
e lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presenceofuninsulated“dangerousvoltage“withintheproduct’senclosurethatmaybeofsucientmagnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
e exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

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Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 6
Exceptional Design Features ............................................................................. 7
versatile connectivity ................................................................................ 7
superior performance ................................................................................ 7
clean, dedicated power............................................................................. 7
high fidelity audio ..................................................................................... 7
professional grade video ........................................................................... 7
room equalization and speaker control..................................................... 8
flexible GUI .............................................................................................. 8
video preview ........................................................................................... 8
refined circuit design................................................................................. 8
extensive listening tests ............................................................................. 8
extraordinary longevity ............................................................................. 8
Unpacking and Placement................................................................................ 9
unpacking your SSP .................................................................................. 9
SSP-800 placement considerations............................................................ 9
CT-SSP rack-mount installation ............................................................... 10
CT-SSP stand-alone installation instructions ............................................ 10
warm-up/break-in period ........................................................................ 12
operating voltage .................................................................................... 12
voltage protection ............................................................................... 15
Front Panels .................................................................................................... 14
Rear Panel....................................................................................................... 17
serial number .......................................................................................... 17
The Remote Control........................................................................................25
Initial Setup..................................................................................................... 27
step 1: AC ............................................................................................... 27
step 2: cables .......................................................................................... 27
step 3: sources......................................................................................... 28
step 4: amplifiers..................................................................................... 28
step 5: loudspeakers................................................................................29
step 6: power up ..................................................................................... 30
Understanding Surround Sound ...................................................................... 31
how many channels?............................................................................... 31
matrix or discrete?................................................................................... 31
post processing........................................................................................ 33
Using the SSP-800?CT-SSP .............................................................................. 34
source selection ...................................................................................... 34
mode selection........................................................................................ 35
video preview ......................................................................................... 36
controls ................................................................................................... 37
system trims......................................................................................... 37
configuration select............................................................................. 38
The Menu System ...........................................................................................39
system setup................................................................................................ 40
volume setup........................................................................................... 40
max volume ........................................................................................ 41
startup volume .................................................................................... 41
IR setup ............................................................................................... 41
automation.......................................................................................... 42
mute setup .......................................................................................... 42
input setup .............................................................................................. 43
name................................................................................................... 43

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audio................................................................................................... 44
configuration....................................................................................... 44
in use .................................................................................................. 45
video................................................................................................... 45
next input............................................................................................ 45
triggers .................................................................................................... 45
profiles .................................................................................................... 46
room EQ ................................................................................................. 47
configuration........................................................................................... 47
name................................................................................................... 48
distances ............................................................................................. 48
levels................................................................................................... 49
in use .................................................................................................. 49
speakers .............................................................................................. 49
auxiliary channels ............................................................................... 51
black level............................................................................................... 52
teach IR....................................................................................................... 52
display setup ............................................................................................... 52
brightness................................................................................................ 53
timeout.................................................................................................... 53
language ................................................................................................. 53
OSD........................................................................................................ 54
colors ...................................................................................................... 54
volume.................................................................................................... 54
Dolby/DTS .................................................................................................. 55
Dolby Pro Logic IIx ................................................................................. 55
DTS Neo:6 .............................................................................................. 55
remote Fkeys............................................................................................... 56
important note on Fkey use..................................................................... 56
status........................................................................................................... 57
version info ............................................................................................. 57
sensors .................................................................................................... 57
CAN-Bus..................................................................................................... 57
features ................................................................................................... 57
hardware setup........................................................................................ 58
using CAN-Bus........................................................................................ 59
CAN-Bus shared features......................................................................... 60
configuration....................................................................................... 60
operate................................................................................................ 60
AC status ............................................................................................. 60
status ................................................................................................... 60
CAN-Bus model specific features ............................................................ 61
playlink ............................................................................................... 61
amp info.............................................................................................. 62
event log ............................................................................................. 62
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 63
Care & Maintenance ....................................................................................... 66
input factory defaults................................................................................... 66
Specifications................................................................................................. 67
SSP-800 Dimensions....................................................................................... 68
CT-SSP Dimensions......................................................................................... 69
Installation Worksheet..................................................................................... 70

6
Introduction
Welcome to the Classé family!
CongratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheClasséSSP-800/CT-SSPSurround
Sound Processor, a next generation processor with reference-quality
performance. We are sure that you will enjoy it for many years to come.
Classé values the relationships with our customers and intend on supplying
the highest level of support along with our product. Registering your product
will allow us to keep in touch and will ensure that you are notied regarding
any future updates or options which become available. Furthermore, in the
unlikely event that your product needs service support, a product that is already
registereddoesn’tneedyouroriginalsalesslipforproofofwarranty.
You can register online at www.classeaudio.com or complete and mail the
registration card located in the separate warranty booklet.
Please take a few moments now to register your new Classé
processor and record your serial number here for future
reference.
Serial #: ____________________________________________

7
Exceptional Design Features
e SSP-800 is a next-generation surround sound preamp/processor, conceived
withpureperformanceasitsraisond’être.Itseamlesslyunitesamultitudeof
disparate audio and video signal formats to faithfully reproduce your music and
movies as the artist intended.
custom theatre eSSP-800isalsoavailableinaCustomeaterchassis(CT-SSP),specially
designedtofacilitaterackmountinstallations.eCTseriesoersanalternative
to the Delta series industrial design and may also be used on a shelf or in a
traditional cabinet by installing the supplied feet and front panel security tabs.
versatile connectivity eSSP-800/CT-SSPisaten-channelpreamp/processorwithbothbalanced
and single-ended connections for all channels. A comprehensive set of analog
and digital inputs and control interfaces enable compatibility with most
contemporary AV system equipment.
superior performance Advanced circuit topologies, component parts, and circuit layout techniques
combine for superior audio performance. Opto-couplers and low voltage
dierential signal (LVDS) pathways thoroughly isolate audio, video, and control
circuits.
clean, dedicated power Analog audio circuits benet from a dedicated linear power supply based on a
low noise toroidal transformer. Digital and control circuits draw from a separate
low-noise, high current switching supply.
high fidelity audio Custom-congured digital-to-analog converters and output stage components
ensure exceptional dynamic range and resolution.
professional grade video eSSP-800/CT-SSPincorporatesprofessionalgradevideocircuitrythathas
extraordinary bandwidth and dynamic range. Due to this, it can handle even the
mostdemandingvideosignalsspeciedintheHDTVstandard.Whetherthe
video is carried on HDMI, high denition component, or standard denition
cables, it is decoded and made available for display and preview. Reference
quality circuitry is used throughout the video path, delivering uncompromised
picture quality.

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room equalization
and speaker control All home theater sound systems are aected by room characteristics. Sound
reections and sound absorption can create dramatic variations in the
performance of your system, particularly in the lower frequencies. e
SSP-800/CT-SSPfeaturesasystemoflterswhich,inthehandsofan
experienced acoustician, can help optimize the performance of your system.
flexible GUI efrontpanel’sLCDtouchscreensupportsanextremelyexibleand
versatile graphical user interface (GUI) while maintaining a clean, uncluttered
appearance.eSSP-800/CT-SSPprovidesarangeofcontrolsthatmight
otherwise require dozens of buttons and knobs on the front panel. Despite this
power and exibility, it remains simple to operate in day-to-day use.
video preview e front panel touchscreen lets you view any selected video source in your
system.esource’sresolutioncanbedown-convertedfortheLCDpanel,
giving you total exibility to view any video source regardless of its resolution.
refined circuit design Only the top performing audio components were designed into your
SSP. e converter chips, passive components, op-amps, and analog power
supply are all best-in-class parts. Furthermore, the PCB (printed circuit board),
and pad material has been specically chosen to provide the best performance.
Even the routing of the traces is optimized to get the best performance out of the
circuit. Every detail is tested, every possibility exhausted, until we are content
with the results.
extensive listening tests Our experience has shown that great measurements alone do not guarantee
superb audio or video performance. For this reason, all Classé products are
laboriously ne-tuned during the development process by carefully controlled
usage tests. Every individual stage is evaluated and adjusted before the product
is released for production. As in the case with measured performance, actual
performance of every unit is veried as part of our production standard.
extraordinary longevity Because Classé has developed highly rened circuits over many years, we have
vast experience in what works well over the long term. Using this knowledge
base, along with quantitative results derived from highly accelerated life testing
(H.A.L.T.)allowsustoselectonlythemostreliableparts.isattentionto
detail and design allows us to manufacture products which stand the ultimate
test.Time.
Just as past Classé products have done for their owners, we are certain that
your new Surround Sound Processor will give you many years of continuous
enjoyment.

9
Unpacking and Placement
We have taken all precautions, and made every eort to make the SSP simple
and straightforward to install and use. Still, we recommend that you take
a few minutes to review this manual. Even if you are having the processor
professionally installed, you will want to know how to eciently operate it to its
potential.
e SSP menu system includes features that provide you with a great deal
of ne-tuning. Still, we have no way to evaluate outside variables such as the
acoustical characteristics of your listening space and the associated equipment
of your home theater system. erefore, it is up to you to make the nal audio
adjustments for the optimum performance of your system.
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to have your processor
installed and calibrated by your dealer. e experience, training, and
specialized equipment they have can make a profound dierence in
the nal performance of your system.
unpacking your SSP CarefullyunpacktheSSP-800/CT-SSPSurroundSoundProcessoraccording
to the supplied instruction sheet. Do not forget to remove all accessories from the
carton.
Important! Keep all packing materials. Transporting the SSP without using
the packaging specifically designed for it may result in damage
that is not covered under the warranty.
SSP-800 placement
considerations Before installing your SSP-800 into the system, be sure to read the following
placement suggestions.
• DonotplacetheSSP-800directlyonthetopsurfaceofa
conventional power amplier or any other heat source. Also keep the
processor out of direct sunlight.
• PlacetheSSP-800sothattheIRwindowonthefrontpanelisclearly
visible and not blocked.
• Position the SSP-800 in a central and convenient location for both
visibility and use. e processor is the hub for all other component
connections and generally your primary interaction point. In addition,
byplacingtheprocessorclosetotheothersystemcomponents,you’re
minimizing the cable lengths and hence reducing the amount of noise
that’sintroducedintothesystemthroughthecabling.

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• Leave adequate clearance behind the SSP-800 for the AC cord and
connecting cables. We suggest six inches (15 cm) of free space to allow
cables sucient room to bend without crimping or undue strain
.
• Allowatleastthreeinches(7.5cm)ofclearanceaboveandtoeach
side of the processor for ventilation. Do not obstruct the area around
the processor so that excess heat can dissipate through normal air
circulation. Avoid placing the processor on a soft surface, such as
plush carpeting, that may restrict airow.
Important! Obey all placement considerations. Not obeying the
placement considerations may result in damage that is not
covered under the warranty.
CT-SSP rack-mount
installation
FORRACKMOUNTINGINSTALLATIONCONTACTYOURCLASSÉ
PROFESSIONAL.
CT-SSP stand-alone
installation instructions
NON-RACK-MOUNT INSTALLATION FOR SSP:
1a. Install (4) feet and secure with (4) #6 at washers and
(4) 6-32 X 9/16 philips pan head screws.
Tighten to
5.0 in-lbs (0.56 N-m)
Optional accessory feet can be purchased and installed as below.

1111
1b. Install (4) accessory feet (FC90895) and secure with
(8) 6-32 X3/4 screws.
Tighten to
8.5 in-lbs (0.96 N-m)
Important! Install (2) securing brackets when using the CT-SSP in a stand-
alone (non-rack-mount) installation.
Important! For stand-alone CT-SSP installations, follow the same
placement considerations as outlined for the SSP-800.
2.Installleftandrightfaceplatesecuringbrackets(L7326forCT-SSPand
CT-AMPS,andL7907forCT-5300)securewith(4)8-32X3/8philips
pan head screws.
Tighten to
5.0 in-lbs (0.56 N-m)

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warm-up/break-in period Your new Classé processor delivers outstanding performance immediately.
However, you can expect to hear subtle improvements as it reaches normal
operating temperatures and breaks-in.
In our experience, you can expect the greatest changes within the rst 300 hours.
Afterinitialbreak-in,you’llenjoyconsistentperformancelevelsforyearsto
come.
e only exception is if the unit is unplugged for an extended period of time,
during which the processor will cool down. Depending on the degree of cooling
involved, you should expect a brief warm-up period before the Surround Sound
Processor’ssoundqualityisatitsbest.
operating voltage e operating voltage of your SSP has been factory congured to 100V, 120V,
220V, 230V, or 240V AC, depending on the country in which you purchased it
(in European Union countries, CE regulations specify 230V).
is voltage setting is not user selectable. Ensure that the voltage
rating on the rear panel of the SSP-800/CT-SSP Surround Sound
Processor matches the AC voltage rating of your electrical outlet. If the
AC voltage is incorrect, please contact your local authorized Classé
dealer or distributor.
Important! Attempting to operate your SSP from an incorrect AC voltage
rating may cause irreparable damage to your processor,
which may not be covered by your warranty.
If you are not planning to use the Surround Sound Processor for an extended
period of time, for example due to vacation or other travel, we suggest that you
disconnect it from AC power.
Make certain that the Surround Sound Processor is in Standby prior
to disconnecting it.
Physically disconnect any and all valuable electronics from AC power during
electrical storms. A lightning strike anywhere near your home can generate a
tremendous surge on the AC mains that can jump across a simple power switch.
A surge from a lightning strike, which may be many thousands of volts, can
cause serious damage to any piece of electronics, no matter how well designed
and protected.

13
voltage protection eSSP-800/CT-SSPSurroundSoundProcessorcontainsprotectionfeatures
that prevent the processor from operating at dangerously high or low voltages.
ese features are incorporated to help protect the processor from dangerous
power surges and other power irregularities that could cause extensive damage
to the processor. is circuitry guards against the following irregular supplied
power conditions.
• StartupVoltage:IftheACmainsvoltageisNOTwithinarangeof
approximately –15% to +10% of its nominal value, the SSP does not
turn on. For example, a 120V AC service generally requires the AC
mains voltage to be no lower than 95V and no higher than 135V in
order for the processor to turn on and operate normally.
• Over-voltageConditionduringOperation:IftheACmainsvoltage
surges by roughly 10% or more during operation, the Surround
Sound Processor enters a protection mode and shuts down. e
Standby LED ashes to indicate that the protection mode has been
engaged. An error message also displays on the LCD touch screen.
• Under-voltageConditionduringOperation:IftheACmainsvoltage
sags by 15% or more, the Surround Sound Processor does continue
toplaysincethevoltageirregularitywon’tharmtheprocessor,but
the sound quality may be degraded due to the compromised power
conditions. e Standby LED ashes to indicate an irregular power
condition exists.
In such cases, normal operation can only resume when the following conditions
are met:
• eirregularityinthepowerinputisnolongerpresent.
• eSSPispowercycled,tocleartheprotectionmode.
Refer to the Troubleshooting section found later in this manual for more
information.

1414
MENU
SSP-800
MUTE
MENU MUTE
1256
43
Front Panels
efrontpanelsoftheSSP-800andCT-SSPareshownabove.enumbersin
the drawing refer to the descriptions that follow.
1 Standby/On Switch
Pressing the Standby button puts the SSP into standby mode – a low-
power state which leaves the Surround Sound Processor and outputs
inactive but still allows the processor to respond to system commands via
anyofthesupportedcontrolprotocols(IRinput,CAN-Bus,RS-232,or
triggers).
If the processor is already in Standby mode, pressing the Standby button
fully powers up the SSP.
• LEDOn–theSSPisinStandbymode,orthedisplayhastimed
out due to a display setting.

15
• LEDashes(atpower-up)–theSSPisintheprocessofpower-
up initialization.
•
LED O – the SSP is powered on, fully operational, and the display
active.
• LEDashesrapidly(afterpower-up)–theACmainsvoltageis
out of range.
2 Menu On/Off Switch
Press once to call up the main page of the menu system, which replaces the
normalfrontpageorHomepageoftheTouchscreenandOSD(On-Screen
Display). Press the Menu button again to revert to the Home page.
e menu system gives you control over operational details including:
system setup options, various display options (including the language used
by the menu system), and custom installation capabilities so that the SSP
integrates smoothly into the most complex systems. For more information,
see the Menu System later in this manual.
3 Touchscreen
e front panel touchscreen has two main functions:
• NavigationoftheSSPmenusandcontrolsbysimplytouching
the screen to make your selections.
• Viewingincomingvideofromtheselectedsource.
4 Audio Mute Control
e Mute button reduces the SSP volume by a pre-determined amount.
Pressing it a second time restores the volume to its previous level. is
behavior can be easily customized for very specic user requirements. (See
the section on Volume Setup for more information.)
NOTE: If you increase the volume using either the front panel
volume knob or the remote control while Mute is engaged, the
mute control disengages, and audio adjustments are executed
starting from the muted level. is is a safety measure to prevent
accidentally restoring the volume at unexpectedly high levels.
5 IR window
e location of the IR (infrared) sensor for the remote control is behind
this window. In most cases, there must be a clear path between the IR
window and the remote control in order for the SSP to acknowledge the
remote control commands.
IftheIRwindowisnotinview,forexampleifit’splacedinacabinetor
closet, then the rear panel IR input can be utilized for remote control use.
For more details about this option, see the IR input description in the Rear
Panel section found later in this manual.
In addition to receiving IR commands, the SSP can also transmit IR
commands to third-party learning remote controls. For more details about
this option, refer to the Teach IR description in the Menu Tree section
found later in this manual.

1616
6 Volume Control Knob
e large rotary knob on the right side of the front panel controls the
system volume level.
The volume knob increases and decreases volume in precise 0.5dB
increments throughout most of the volume range. At extremely low
volume, the step size is increased somewhat to facilitate moving between
extremely low and normal listening levels. e volume range is from
–99.0dB to +14.0dB.
You can also change the volume control display to suit your preferences.
For more information, refer to the Volume description in the Display Setup
section found later in this manual.

17
HDMI OUTHDMI IN
COMPONENT IN
YPbPr
YPbPrYPbPr
S-VID1 S-VID2 1 2 1234 12
1 2 COMPONENT OUT
VIDEO IN
CAN IN
USB
7.1 AUDIO IN ANALOG AUDIO IN
R1 L1 L2
R2
L3
R3
RL
RR
CEN
SUB
SL
SR
FL
FR
OPT1 OPT2 OPT3 OPT4
COAX1 COAX3
COAX4COAX2
IN OUT RS-232
TRIGGERIR
DIGITAL INPUT
CONTROL
DIGITAL
OUTPUT
COAX OPT OUT2OUT1
CAN OUT
A1
A2
AUX 2 AUX 1
R
L
FRONT R FRONT L ANALOG AUDIO OUT CENTER
S
C
SUB SURR R SURR L
SL
SR
REAR R
RL
RR
REAR L
CAUTION! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING
OF THE CENTER PIN OF THIS PLUG MUST BE MAINTAINED
AVIS! POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
LA FICHE CENTRALE DE LA PRISE DOITÊTRE
BRANCHÉE POUR MAINTENIR LA MISE À LATERRE
100-120V~
T800mAL250V
220-240V~
T500mAE250V
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TOTHE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFULINTERFERENCE, AND
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPTANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED,
INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAYCAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
12 3 456
789
Fabriqué au
Made in
CANADA
MOD SER
V W
SSP-800 XXXXXXX
70120 Hz
~
50/60
10 16 17 18 19
20 22
12 1311 1415
21
Rear Panel
e rear panel of the SSP-800 is shown above. e same rear panel layout also
appliestotheCT-SSP.enumbersinthedrawingrefertothedescriptionsin
this section.
serial number You’llndyourprocessor’sserialnumberonthetoprightedgeoftherearpanel,
as shown in the graphic above (the black label). Please record this number on the
Introduction Page (page 6) of this manual for future reference.
And since you have found the serial number, please use it to register your
purchase,ifyouhaven’tdonesoyet.Aswe’vesaid,yourregistrationisourway
of keeping in touch with you. We will use the information to advise you of any
updates or other items of interest. Registration is simple, so please register online
at www.classeaudio.com or ll out the registration card and drop it in the mail.
1 S-Video Inputs
e SSP supports two S-Video inputs, labeled S-VID1 and S-VID2. Use
these inputs when the output of your source component is S-Video.
S-Video (also called Super-Video or Y/C video) is an analog video format
in which the black and white (luminance or Y) and color (chrominance or
C) portions of the video signal are transmitted separately and recombined
by the receiving device. S-Video transmission produces less color bleeding
and better edge denition than a standard composite video connection.

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2 Composite Video Inputs
e SSP supports two composite video inputs, with RCA connectors
labeled 1 and 2. Use these inputs when the output of your source
component is composite.
Acompositevideosignal(alsocalled“basebandvideo”or“NTSCvideo”)
combines the black & white and the color components of a video signal
and transmits them over a single cable. Composite video transmission
always generates interference between luminance and chrominance
portions of the signal and, for that reason, is usually inferior in quality to
the S-Video format.
3 Component Video Inputs
e SSP supports two component video inputs, each with three RCA
connectors labeled 1 and 2 – the component video format requires three
separate cables labeled Pr, Pb, and Y. Use these inputs when the output of
your source is component.
Although still analog, a component video signal provides a much sharper
image than S-Video or composite formats. e component video delivers
color video signals by maintaining the three YUV signal segments in three
separate channels. YUV is a video format denition which denes the
“color space”, a mathematical model of the color within an image, of a
video signal. Y stands for luma (brightness), U for a color dierence signal
(blue minus luma or B-Y), and V for second color dierence signal (red
minus luma or R-Y). erefore, the three sections of the component signal
are Y (luminance – the black & white portion of the video), Pb (Blue
Color Dierence), and Pr (Red Color Dierence).
ToconnectthesourcecomponentvideooutputcablestotheSSP
component video input rear panel connectors:
• UsetheredcableforthePr(RedColorDierence)connectors.
• UsethebluecableforthePb(BlueColorDierence)connectors.
• UsethegreencablefortheY(Luminance)connectors.
e SSP accepts component video at either standard denition (SD) or
highdenition(HD)videorates.ComponentvideoisNOTacceptedat
1080p via analog component connections.
NOTE: Although the SSP component inputs support all resolutions
except 1080p, some source material will be restricted to 480p at the
source.

19
4 HDMI Inputs
e SSP supports four HDMI inputs, labeled 1 to 4. Whenever possible,
we recommend the use of HDMI for all audio and video source input
connections. e SSP is HDMI v.1.3b enabled, supporting Deep Color,
1080p @ 24/50/60 fps, and x.v.Color(xvYCC).
e HDMI (High Denition Multimedia Interface) format is the only
available single-cable digital pathway for both video and audio signals,
providing higher performance levels and simplifying component-to-
component connections. HDMI is backwards compatible with the
earlier video-only DVI (Digital Video Interface) standard. Adaptors
to convert a DVI cable connector to HDMI and vice-versa are readily
available. e HDMI standard also incorporates HDCP (High Denition
ContentProtection);aseparatecontent-protectiontechnologytoprevent
unauthorized distribution or duplication of copyrighted material.
5 HDMI Outputs
e SSP supports two HDMI outputs, labeled 1 and 2. e
SSP HDMI outputs support HDMI V.1.3b featuring Deep Colour,
x.v.Color(xvYCC), 1080p 24/50/60 fps, and provides a 2-channel SPDIF
downmix of the source material.
Non-HDMIsourcematerialisencodedforanHDMIdisplayatthe
source’snativevideorate.ByHDCPlicenseagreement,HDMIinput
signalscanNOTbeconvertedtoanalogformat,andareonlyoutputvia
HDMI at the incoming resolution.When an analog video input signal is
output via HDMI to the display, the video input is converted to digital
formatandoutputatitsnativerate.etwoHDMIoutputsareNOT
independent.
NOTE: HDMI is an interactive format, which can occasionally
cause format errors between the source devices and the output
display. If you connect the SSP HDMI outputs to two dierent
displays, the HDMI source automatically provides a signal
compatible for both displays. In some cases, this response can result
in less-than-optimal resolutions for one or both displays.
6 Component Video Output
e SSP is equipped with component video output via 3 RCA connectors
labeled Pr, Pb, and Y. Use this connection to connect to non-HDMI
displays. e component output does not support output of 1080p signals.
NOTE: Due to HDCP licensing restrictions the component video
output will not work with most source material input via HDMI.

20
7 Digital Audio Inputs - Coaxial
e SSP supports four digital audio inputs, with SPDIF connectors labeled
COAX1 to COAX4. ese inputs accept PCM data streams up to
24-bits long and up to 192kHz sampling frequency. We recommend using
cables that are optimized for digital audio signal transfer and that carry a
75Ω impedance rating. Your Classé dealer can help you with proper cable
selections.
8 Digital Audio Inputs - Optical
eSSPsupportsfourdigitalaudioinputs,withopticalTOSlinkTM
connectorslabeledOPT1toOPT4.eseinputsacceptPCMdata
streams up to 24-bits long and up to 192kHz sampling frequency. We
recommend using cables that are optimized for digital audio signal transfer.
Your Classé dealer can help you with proper cable selections.
NOTE: e bandwidth limits of TOSlink™ components are very
much strained at a 192kHz sampling frequency. For that reason we
recommend keeping the TOSlink™ connections at a maximum rate
of 96kHz.
9 Digital Audio Output - Coaxial
e SSP supports one digital audio coaxial output, with SPDIF connector
labeled COAX. is output can pass PCM data streams up to 24-bits long
and up to 96kHz sampling frequency.
10 Digital Audio Output - Optical
ese digital outputs carry only digital audio data, excluding any sub-
code information which some recorders might use to extract CD track
information.
11 7.1-Channel Analog Audio Inputs
ese inputs are designed for any multi-channel source with analog
outputs, such as SACD players. When connecting the analog audio inputs,
make sure to attach each cable from the source component output to the
appropriate SSP input.
Starting from the source, connect the Front Left output to the FL (Front
Left)inputoftheSSP,thenthesourcecenteroutputtotheCEN(center)
input of the SSP, and so on.
ese analog audio input signals are passed through the SSP and to the
speakers with no processing. When these inputs are selected, only volume
control is enabled.