Classe Audio SSP-800 User manual

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

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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.

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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
custom theatre...........................................................................................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 ............................................................................ 13
Front Panels ...................................................................................................14
Rear Panel......................................................................................................17
serial number ......................................................................................... 17
The Remote Control.......................................................................................24
Initial Setup....................................................................................................26
Step 1: AC........................................................................................ 26
Step 2: cables................................................................................... 26
Step 3: sources................................................................................. 27
Step 4: amplifiers ............................................................................. 27
Step 5: loudspeakers ........................................................................ 28
Step 6: power up ............................................................................. 29
Understanding Surround Sound .....................................................................30
how many channels?.............................................................................. 30
matrix or discrete? .................................................................................. 30
post-processing....................................................................................... 32
Using the SSP-800/CT-SSP..............................................................................33
source selection...................................................................................... 33
mode selection....................................................................................... 34
video preview........................................................................................ 35
controls .................................................................................................. 36
system trims ..................................................................................... 36
configuration select.......................................................................... 37
The Menu System ..........................................................................................38
system setup ........................................................................................... 39
volume setup.......................................................................................... 39
max volume..................................................................................... 40
startup volume ................................................................................. 40
IR setup............................................................................................ 40
automation....................................................................................... 41
mute setup ....................................................................................... 41
input setup ............................................................................................. 42

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name................................................................................................ 42
audio ............................................................................................... 43
configuration.................................................................................... 43
in use ............................................................................................... 44
video................................................................................................ 44
next input......................................................................................... 44
triggers.................................................................................................... 44
profiles ................................................................................................... 45
room EQ................................................................................................. 46
configuration .......................................................................................... 46
name................................................................................................ 47
distances.......................................................................................... 47
levels ............................................................................................... 48
in use ............................................................................................... 48
speakers........................................................................................... 48
auxiliary channels............................................................................ 50
black level.............................................................................................. 51
teach IR .................................................................................................. 51
display setup .......................................................................................... 51
brightness......................................................................................... 52
timeout ............................................................................................ 52
language .......................................................................................... 52
OSD (on screen display) .................................................................. 52
colors............................................................................................... 53
volume............................................................................................. 53
Dolby/DTS ............................................................................................. 53
Dolby Pro Logic IIx .......................................................................... 54
DTS Neo:6....................................................................................... 54
remote Fkeys .......................................................................................... 55
important note on Fkey use.............................................................. 55
status ...................................................................................................... 56
version info...................................................................................... 56
sensors ............................................................................................. 56
CAN-Bus ................................................................................................ 56
features ........................................................................................ 56
hardware setup ......................................................................... 57
using CAN-Bus................................................................................. 58
CAN-Bus shared features .............................................................. 59
configuration.................................................................................... 59
operate............................................................................................. 59
AC status.......................................................................................... 59
status................................................................................................ 59
CAN-Bus model specific features ........................................................... 60
PlayLink........................................................................................... 60
amp info .......................................................................................... 61
event log.......................................................................................... 61
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................62
Care & Maintenance ......................................................................................65
Specifications.................................................................................................66
SSP-800 Dimensions......................................................................................67
CT-SSP Dimensions........................................................................................67
Installation Worksheet...................................................................................69

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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 #: ____________________________________________

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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 theater 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.
• 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 .

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• 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.