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Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Classé Audio SSP-30 Preamplifier (HT) by BobH

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REVIEW: Classé Audio SSP-30 Preamplifier (HT)

209.145.217.165


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Model: SSP-30
Category: Preamplifier (HT)
Suggested Retail Price: $3000
Description: Preamplifier and HT Processor
Manufacturer URL: Classé Audio
Manufacturer URL: Classé Audio

Review by BobH on July 03, 2003 at 00:26:57
IP Address: 209.145.217.165
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I have just had the opportunity to compare two comparably priced multichannel preamplifiers from respected manufacturers. Nothing I expected was true and the experience was addictive.

I am used to the Classe' sound because I have had a Classe' SSP-25 for three years and have always been happy with the music. I was able to upgrade to the SSP-30 and therefore have multichannel hi-rez audio for the first time. "Aye, there's the rub!" and where "I was led down the primrose path."

I have been sneaking up on SACD and DVD-A by using 2-channel and learning that there really is an exciting improvement. Finally getting to multichannel was always the goal and the full range speakers all around are finally getting their use. Having separate players for SACD and DVD-A made it attractive to buy the "Brand B" multichannel preamp because it has two sets of 6-channel inputs. The Classe' has one set only (but it is 7.1 ready). I wanted the Brand B to sound at least as good as the Classe' for practical reasons. I wanted to wait to buy a "universal" player until the second generation, at least, showed up. I also figured that two high quality preamps were likely to be indistinguishable to someone like me who pays $20/m rather than $2000/m for interconnect cables . . .

As soon as I got the two preamps I spent unreasonable amounts of time immersed in multichannel recording nirvana. Ohmigawd, it is so good! I listen to primarily acoustic music and mostly classical so Channel Classics, Telarc, Teldec and even Sony are getting more of my money than my wife knows yet. Not to mention the fun of Greatful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and Bucky Pizzarelli. I was so blown away by the improvement in overall immersion in the music that I was not paying attention to the preamp test!

Back it up. Put on a tough stereo disc and prove that the preamps are roughly equivalent and pick one on features. If you do not yet have "Elliot Fisk plays Bach and Scarlatti" on Red Rose (Volume 6) then you are missing an enormously revealing test disc and some really fine live solo guitar performances. For $8 I think.

I had an interesting time a while back comparing acoustic guitars in a music store. As you move up in price you find the sound goes from a "plunk" to a beautiful resonating tone that's just pleasant to listen too all by itself. It's warm and full-bodied and delicious. I am not an audiophile and I sometimes find it hard to understand the vocabulary of reviewers. I play the harpsichord and violin though and I know a beautiful sound when I hear it.

Well, I had a "plunk"-ing preamp and a beautiful sounding preamp. I just couldn't believe my ears. I had been listening to one unit for days and then the other unit for days because I believed that the small difference would be hard to hear. Switching back and forth between these two preamps was startling. Got my wife to do it too, with no warning. She came up with the same descriptions. (Let's face it; you guys over 40 have poorer high frequency hearing than your wives.)

Brand B sounded almost digital or electronic when the strings were plucked. With the Classe' we could hear the resonance of the guitar case with each note, no matter how quiet or how brief. It's a wonderful SACD recording and performance.

Now I have to find a universal player, because I don't want to miss any of the recordings on the two formats. I didn't want that but I can't go back. Whatever Classe' is putting into this bottom-of-their-line preamp/processor is magic. I'm afraid to try even "higher-end" stuff.

That's my story. Get yourself a good recording and listen, 'cause the moron that says "they all sound the same" is, well, a moron. As for those interested in the Classe' features? More than I will ever use:

Ten inputs for AV and audio and the audio can be run directly to the power amp without any digital processing except for volume. Multiple inputs can be selected automatically by the unit so you don't have to think about which player you just put something in. Multiple zones so you can have speakers in other rooms. Test tones to calibrate volume and delays and displays and triggers and on and on. I'm just happy with the analog inputs from my universal player (yet to be bought). Music and movies like theaters will never match.

Now you can see why I used the term "Brand B". I don't want to embarass an otherwise well built product. But I have new-found respect for the folks in Quebec. Oh, yeah, five year warranty, no restrictions. And the display says "Goodbye now" when you turn it off.

PS: There is a newer SSP-30 MkII with more digital features available as well.


Product Weakness: Wish it had more 6-channel inputs.
Product Strengths: Exceptionally smooth, revealing sound. Solidly built, good warranty, and classy looks.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Classe' CAV-500 (500w/ch X 5)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Classe' SSP-30
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony CE775, Denon DV-1600
Speakers: Magnapan 1.6(2), 12(2), CC-1(1), REL Strata III
Cables/Interconnects: Monster Interlink 200
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, jazz, R&R
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 16 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: Curtains, plants, quilt,sofas
Time Period/Length of Audition: two weeks
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Classé Audio SSP-30 Preamplifier (HT) - BobH 00:26:57 07/3/03 ( 0)