Classe Audio SSP-800 User manual

SSP-800
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR
DELTA SERIES

SSP-800
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR
High
Definition
Video
Meets
High
Performance
Audio
The surround sound processor is the core of
a high-end home theater system. It directly
connects to almost every other component in
the system and can either limit or reveal their
true potential. Starting over two years ago, the
Classé Design Team began an extensive evalu-
ation of the new breed of high definition audio
and video technologies. Their research served as
the inspiration for a new challenge: the creation
of the definitive SSP—a surround sound proces-
sor to set the standard as the high definition
era dawns. The result is the SSP-800, Classé’s
statement preamp/processor.
The SSP-800 was conceived with pure perfor-
mance as its raison d’être. It can seamlessly
weave audio and video into a faithful reproduc-
tion of the original master, reproducing music
and movies exactly as the artists imagined. It
was created by people who are uniquely quali-
fied, having both the technical skill and aesthetic
judgment to bring performances to life.
In recent years the development of high definition
audio and video has accelerated, rendering many
relatively new home theater components incom-
patible or obsolete. The early adopter’s quest for
the latest technology is never cheap or without
risk. But those who 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 a new component is released 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 a ten-channel preamp/proces-
sor, offering both balanced and single-ended
connections for all channels. 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.
All bass management filters, level adjustments
and parametric filters also benefit from
the added precision.
Superior audio performance is achieved by com-
bining this powerful DSP with balanced topolo-
gies, advanced component parts and meticulous
circuit layout. A dedicated linear power supply
using a low-noise toroidal transformer powers
the analog audio circuits. Digital and control
circuits are powered by their own dual-output,
low-noise, high-current switching supply.
High quality digital-to-analog converters and
output stage components are configured to
ensure exceptional dynamic range and resolu-
tion. Audio circuits are isolated from video and
control circuits by optocouplers and low voltage
differential signal (LVDS) pathways. Digital and
analog circuits and grounds are isolated from
each other among and within circuit boards.
Throughout the SSP-800 there are examples
of HD technology executed at the highest
quality level. It is the combination of advanced
technology and genuine quality that sets
the SSP-800 apart. And while technology and
quality give the SSP-800 its intrinsic value,
we measure its true worth first on the test
bench and then in the sound room.

sources may bypass all analog-to-digital, DSP
and digital-to-analog stages. Alternatively, the
full range of processing capabilities including
bass management and parametric equalization
is available for both analog and digital sources.
The SSP-800 changes the game by doing what
no preamp/processor has done before: it performs
as well with music as a dedicated stereo DAC
and preamplifier. The secret of its breathtaking
performance lies not in some new parts or special
features, although it has many. What sets the SSP-
800 apart is the depth of experience never before
brought to bear on a multichannel design.
MUSIC FIRST
Modern source components are increasingly
optimized for use with digital interconnections
and the SSP-800 capitalizes on this trend. Older
surround processors are typically equipped with
a vast array of analog inputs. These have been
minimized in the SSP-800 and largely replaced by
digital connectors. Four HDMI 1.4 (High Definition
Multimedia Interface) inputs for audio/video
sources are supplemented by standard SPDIF
(coax) and EIAJ (optical) digital inputs for audio.
HDMI is the connection standard adopted for
high definition A/V sources. An HDMI cable may
carry 1080p HD video signals (including 3D) and
uncompressed multichannel LPCM digital audio
as well as the latest HD audio codecs (Dolby
TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), Ethernet
(HEC), the Audio Return Channel (ARC) and
certain control signals. Several versions of HDMI
have been introduced, each surpassing the other
in bandwidth and support for additional features.
While the hardware used to transmit and receive
on HDMI may be labeled by its version number
(the SSP-800 uses version 1.4 for all HDMI inputs
and outputs), there will be differences among
products’ actual capabilities.
The SSP-800 uses HDMI 1.4 primarily to support
the component’s long life in an evolving market.
As new sources emerge, the SSP-800 offers the
potential for transferring more information into
and through its circuitry. For example, the video
signal path supports 36-bit Deep Color video, even
though Blu-ray Discs are only 24-bit video sources.
In general, the bandwidth of components and
circuitry in the SSP-800 is sufficient to accom-
modate all current and proposed next-generation
AV sources.
Music listening remains the most reliable method
of judging sound quality. In fact, no surround
processor can accurately reproduce movie sound
if it fails to reproduce music properly. At Classé, our
first priority is developing components that perform
exceptionally well with music. We then turn our
attention to processor decoding capabilities and
developing features that enhance flexibility and
in-room performance.
With musical performance as its benchmark, the
SSP-800 was conceived as a high-performance
multichannel preamplifier. For two-channel
listening both balanced and single-ended analog
Analog to Digital
Touchscreen Control
AND MORE
REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS
Classé Delta series components were the first
A/V products to offer touchscreen control. Since
then, touchscreen control has become an integral
benefit for other consumer electronics products.
Touchscreen control is more reliable and infinitely
more flexible than the older style controls using
push-buttons with fixed-segment displays.
The SSP-800 is custom installation friendly.
It is equipped with bi-directional RS-232
control and status, rear panel IR, front panel IR
transmitter/receiver, CAN BUS and DC triggers.
In addition to quality and technology, the SSP-800
has flexibility built in. Its ten-channel design cre-
ates the possibility of configuring two channels
for additional subwoofers or as mirrors of the front
left and right channels for bi-amplifying the front
left and right speakers. Alternatively, these two
channels may be devoted to delivering audio to
a separate room or system, with source selection
shared with the main theater and either fixed or
variable output.
Five-band parametric equalization is provided for
each of the ten channels to help tune the system
to its environment. Classé has elected to offer
the system EQ as a manual feature. While several
automated systems are available on the market,
the complexity of room acoustics guarantees
that no automatic system can achieve consistent,
Bring
Performances
to
Life...
optimum results. Our experience is that the best
results are obtained by combining measurements
with human judgment. The filters used in the EQ
are rendered accurately by our processor, which
uses floating point arithmetic operating in 64-bit
double-precision.
The wealth of knowledge applied to the SSP-800
design and the inspiration for its execution do not
come from a textbook—they come from the pas-
sion and dedication of those who have spent their
lives in the pursuit of higher performance. Classé
presents the SSP-800—the definitive preamp/pro-
cessor—for those who share our singular passion
for performance.
Digital Signal Processing is built onto a
replaceable module.
A custom designed low-noise toroidal
transformer is used for the analog
circuitry’s linear power supply.
DC regulation for the analog supply is
located near the front channel outputs on
the right side of the chassis.
An independent low-voltage, high-current
supply powers digital circuits.

USA & Canada • Classé Audio Inc.
5070 François Cusson • Lachine • Quèbec • Canada • H8T 1B3
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.classeaudio.com • email: [email protected]
Inputs and outputs
HDMI 1.4 5 in / 2 out
Component 2 in / 1 out
Composite 2 in
COAX 4 in / 1 out
Optical 4 in / 1 out
Analog XLR 1 pair in / 5 pair out
Analog RCA
1 set 7.1 in / 2 pair in / 5 pair out
DC trigger out 2
IR 1 in / 1 out
CAN Bus 1 in / 1 out
USB 1
RS-232 1
Video measurements
Input impedance 75 ohms
Composite / component
Output impedance 75 ohms
Component
HDMI Fully 1.4 compliant supporting ARC,
HEC, 3D video up to 1080p @ 24 fps,
36-bit deep color and xvYCC
Audio measurements
Maximum output level 8vrms
Single ended
15vrms
Balanced
Maximum input level 2vrms
Single ended via DSP
6vrms
Single ended via bypass
4vrms
Balanced via DSP
12vrms
Balanced via bypass
Output impedance 56 ohms
Input impedance 100kohms
Total harmonic distortion 0.001%
Digital source / Bypassed analog source
0.002%
Processed analog source
SSP-800
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR
DELTA SERIES
Prices and specifications subject to change. We are not responsible for typographical errors.
Printed in Canada on recycled stock.
DTS is a registered trademark & the DTS logos and Symbol are trademarks of DTS, Inc.
Dolby, Pro logic, Dolby TrueHD and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Frequency response 20Hz – 200kHz <0.1dB
Stereo analog bypass
20Hz – 20kHz <0.2dB
All other sources
Signal to noise ratio 102dB
Bypassed analog source
100dB
Processed analog source
105dB
Digital source
Audio formats Dolby Digital Surround EX
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby TrueHD
DTS-ES discrete
DTS 3/2/1
DTS 96/24
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio
24bit/32-192kHz PCM
Post processing modes Dolby pro logic IIx
DTS-ES matrix
DTS Neo:6
Mono
Mono plus
Stereo (downmix)
Music plus
Movie plus
Party
Video conversion Composite to component and HDMI
Component (upto 720p-1080i) to component and HDMI
HDMI to HDMI
Dimensions
Width 17.5” (445mm)
Depth 16.5” (419mm) (excluding connectors)
Height
6.75” (172mm)
Net weight 29 lb (13 kg)
Shipping weight 38 lb (17 kg)