Simple and accurate

Long mute on the D/A converter

Some have complained about the lack of an on screen display. I truly appreciate the fact that it does not have one and combined with the simple menu, making changes is quick and easy without anyone in the room being distrubed by the on screen menu.

This is without a doubt a great 2 channel preamp, especially because this is just how I choosed this preamp. Quite frankly HT is the last of my worry. This preamp is very transparent and combined with an excellent sounding built-in D/A converter, I can tolerate my VRDS-10 for a bit longer.
My only complain is the length of time the D/A converter takes to un-mutes before any sounds is heard. This is much more annoying while listening to music in two channel PCM mode. Also, when pausing a movie (DVD) one misses nearly 2 seconds of dialogue or sound.

This preamp should keep me going for a good couple of years.
Regards
Bernard Durand


SSP-25 Preamp
SimeAudio Celeste 4150se Power amp
VRDS-10 transport
Martin Logan Aerius i
Energy EL-12 Subwoofer
Panamax 1000+

Similar Products Used:

You tell me. I made my shopping easy

Superb surround processing and 2-channel stereo reproduction.

Only 1 digital optical input (but plenty of coaxial!).

Now that I've had my unit for over 5 months, I can truly give it it's deserved recognition. I reviewed it when I first bought it (see my previous post), but I was emotionally biased since I had just purchased the unit. Therefore, this should appear less biased.

The processor is superb. I have never heard music so transparent and clear through any processor! The 2-channel stereo reproduction capabilities of this unit are amazing. This is an audiophile-quality stereo pre-amp that does home theater as well.

Plenty on inputs and outputs, balanced too. The volume knob is smooth and silky and there is absolutely NO noise from this processor.

Everything else is just as I said it in my first post. WOW!

Similar Products Used:

Theta Casa Nova, Proceed AVP, Lexicon MC-1, Krell HTS, B&K Ref20, Citation 5.0, Sunfire Theater Grand, Parasound 2500

see my earlier review

This is a follow up to my previous review of this product.

One of the reasons I was so positive about this product was basicly the quality of sound you get for your $ compared to many other processor preamps on the market.

Because of this Ive been able to save up and buy an upgrade for my system, I picked up a 2nd hand meridian 508 cd player -> I think the best thing about SACD is we will all be able to buy reference grade cd players for 1/4 the original price :-))

Anyway I just wanted to say the ssp-25 is performing brilliantly in analog bypass mode as a preamp for my cd player.

Of course the dual differential dacs, jitter filter and class A discrete output stage in the meridian cd player leave the ssp-25-s dac for dead but keep in mind its a $3000 cd player.

The great thing is that the analog preamp in the ssp-25 is performing well enough to do my new cd player justice (no easy task) and the ssp-25 is more than I would ever need for dvd's

Musicality, analog by-pass, simple and fun to use

Limited bass management

First of all, to the previous reviewer: I've checked this pre/pro in various configurations and never experienced any noticeable "noise" while powered on. There is little "hum" when one puts his ear very close to the driver itself, but show me any other box that doesn't have it !!!
There maybe grounding issue ( ie. floating ground ) involved.
Now back to the sound: for me this unit doesn't add any colours to the incoming source signal (analog by-pass mode) that is so common out there with pre/pros. Added "signatures" are not always bad, but why don't we audiophiles use bass/treble controls in reproduction of sound ! - well, I hope strictly for the same purpose as to reproduce the sound as close as possible to the source material.
I listen to music 90% of the time, but this was the only product out there that allowed me to continue in that direction ( reproduction of music ) with added digital processing capabilities.Yes, it doesn't have all the latest and greatest thx/dts add ons, extensive video switching etc., but for me it is extremely musical and for it's price of $3000 US (retail) it provided me with solid foundation to build upon in the future.

Similar Products Used:

Proceed, Acurus, Parasound and Theta

Simplicity at it best.

Long delay in the DA converter. Noisy back groud see below

For a preamp of this price range, coming from Classé, the noise is way too much. Worst in balance mode !!!!!!! yet still present in single ended (RCA), while listening to classical music, one can hear a breathing sound coming from the main speakers. Let alone will watching a DVD and having the volume up.

This is a follow-up review to my previous posting.
Due to an unfortunate cosmetic flaw on my second unit, Classe' replaced it, and I am now on the 3rd unit.
This unit, like the previous ones, is a solid 5 for sound, and build quality.
The analog bypass mode is worth the price of admission, and digital d/a is quite good, bettering my Theta Chroma, usually even with the Chroma's HDCD.
The new unit, like the other two, has the two second delay on the d/a's.
When a CD is inserted, it cuts off the first 2 seconds, requiring me to re-start.
When the DVD switches layers, same two second delay.
I spoke with Classe's Robert Adam, and he assured me my new unit had "the latest and greatest" software.
So, Classe' seems unwilling, or unable to work through this issue, as Robert stated "just let the Cd read the TOC, then it will come up before you start"...incorrect, at least with my Pioneer Elite DV-05.
Disappointing, but it still is a 5 for sound, even considering this anomoly.
Still highly recommended.

Two-Channel analog bypass, THX, Seamless Surround envelopment, build quality, SOUND, SOUND quality

Long delay time on an interrupted bitstream (layer switch).

After doing many months of discussions with my avb buddy, and an extended listening evaluation, at home, I decided on the SSP-25 as the processor of choice.
My listening/viewinc consists of the following priorities: Music 90%, Movies, 10%; CD and LP are about 50/50 for music.
Budget was set at $3000.
So, with all processors out there, the field was pretty narrow, as a true analog bypass was mandatory.
The Parasound AVC-2500, a wonderful piece, with more versatility, and overall user-frienliness, was in the running, for a time, but was ruled out due to it's general inferior quality, and no analog bypass. Still, a fine piece, but for a music-focused system, analog bypass a must.
My original demo piece was an older black unit, and the new one I bought is the newly styled silver with a black insert to match the new Classe' look. It is impressive, to say the least.
I had an unfortunate experience, in that the first sample I had died, with the analog bypass being doa.
My dealer promptly ordered another to replace it, altho it was another "UPS Ground" 7 day wait. No big deal.
The new unit, performs flawlessly. Both have sounded better after break-in, with the bass becoming more focused, tight, and tuneful.
Soundstage is improved, as well. Give this unit a couple weeks to break in, and it will be enough, I think.
After the break-in, it is an awesome stereo pre-amp, probably worth the price of admission, on it's own. A solid 5 on the pre-amp.
On the HT side, it is easy to use, does it's own selection, if so desired on the processing modes, and does not spit, or pop, just works like it is supposed to.
A minor quibble, is that the d/a's take two seconds to lock onto anything...DTS/DD, or PCM digital. When I play a cd, using the digital out from my Pioneer Elite DV-05 as a CD/DVD transport, the first two seconds are sometimes cut off, before the 25 will display "PCM Stereo". I understand this to be common with a number of HT/Preamps, and compounded by the use of a DVD player as a transport, due to the outputting of the digital signal in many ways, and the processor having to look at the signal.
When the DVD switches layers, the signal is lost for another two seconds, and sometimes cuts off a bit of dialog, depending on the individual DVD, and what happens after the switch. I am working with Classe' on this one, and they feel it can be corrected with a software update.
Stay tuned!
Operation on a day-to-day basis is very simple, and I think I actally prefer no OSD, as there is no screen flashing that "he's adjusting, again", when I do a "balance trim", on-the-fly while a film is playing.
The red display, improved in the newly styled units, with a mylar between the display glass and the display, is easier to read than on the old units, as it does not allow as much ambient light to reach the display, while not apparently dimming it, either. A good change.
So, this unit is highly recommended for the serious music listener who, like a lot of us, cannot have, or afford, a dedicated room for HT, and must combine systems.
A solid 5, all things considered.
I also recommend a good dealer, as I found out, Classe's customer service is hard to deal with, and Classe' wants to deal with the dealer first. My dealer here in Portland, OR, is very professional, and works with us both to resolve any issues. I have, now, the personal e-mail for the VP, and we've been communicating on the software issue.
He is working on it, now.
Mike Colwell

Build quality, value, two channel sterio

Canadian company repairs may take a while

This is one great preamp pro. First let me say that I have found most of the new pre pros to very good with great Ac3 and DTS. The Classe had the best 2 channel that I listened to and I listen to them all. I feel quite strongly that for most HT this $3,000 is ALL one should spend on a pre pro. If you need better go to the movies. I currently use an ATI 1505 amp B&W 804s in front HTM center and 805s RS LS. What more could you want. You may spend more on a pre pro but why? The Classe rang the bell for me. I liked the proceed AVP but not $2,000 more than the Classe. The new Parasound 2500 sounds good, but I felt the build quality was much better on the Classe. I paid $2500 for mine so If your in the market you should pay no more than I did. Its a five star unit. Honest !!

Similar Products Used:

Theta, Proceed

Excellent sounding as 2 channel preamp, easy to set up

Limited flexibility (not upgradable to newer formats, fixed
crossover frequencies, only 3 surround modes)

I have waited for almost 6 months before leaving a review so
I could get a good feel for this preamp/processor. My conclusion: this is a steal at the price.

The unit can compete with excellent sounding 2 channel preamps. I previously had an ARC LS9, and the SSP25 is airier sounding, deeper soundstage, tighter bass, et. -- it basically bettered the ARC LS9 in nearly every respect. I listen to mainly 2 channel stereo music, and I have been thoroughly pleased with the 2 channel performance. It is clearly superior to the Lexicon DC-1 (compared both in my home system for a couple of weeks), and though I didn't get to hear in the same system, appears to better the Theta Casa Nova and Meridian 561 in this area as well. The Classe also has an analog bypass mode that is a must for audio purists, and provides one set of balanced inputs/outputs.

As a processor, it again is excellent sounding. In straight DD or DTS mode, it again bettered the Lexicon unit in nearly every respect. The dialog in movies is extremely clear, and the overall experience is very dynamic and clean. There are only 3 surround modes (stadium, club and natural), and these are nice sounding, but definitely not state of the art. If the unit has any weaknesses, it would be in the features department. The subwoofer output is only active if your main speakers are "small" or you are listening to surround modes. Also, the crossover frequency is fixed at 80 HZ, so you are somewhat limited in maximum matching of sattelite/subwoofer combinations. This is an area in which the Lexicon is clearly the winner, with variable crossover frequency settings and numerous surround modes. But when it comes to the sound, especially 2 channel music, I could not think of a better unit under $5000 (especially when you can pick up a used one for under $2000). Unless you want to step up to the Krell or the top Meridian and Theta processors, I don't think you can get any better sound. The only thing that might hold someone back would be the flexibility issue.

Associated equipment:
Legacy Focus and Studio speakers
Bryston 4BST and 8BST amps
Nordost Red Dawn interconnects
JPS Labs Superconductor speaker cable
Classe CDT-1 transport
Panasonic A-110 DVD

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon DC-1

Build quality, excellent surround sound detail, outstanding stereo performance, great remote control.

No GUI (on-screen user interface), display may be difficult to see during the day (red on red!).

Well, well. It has been a long time coming, but I finally made a decision. I have compared this pre-amp to a very wide variety of preamps/processors, but the Classe' ultimately won my heart and ears.

First of all, the Classe' is one of the only surround processors which is outstanding on 2-channel audio. The Theta is the ONLY other surround pre/pro which comes close. Secondly, the detail and the imaging of the center channel and surround channels on surround material is stunning. The center channel sounds very clear and natural. There is no strain to hear details, which makes watching 2 or 3 movies pleasurable, not tiresome. The THX encoding makes a great difference on the front soundstage. It sounds uniform as the sound moves across the front of the screen.

All the above units do at least on thing correct, but the Classe' did more than any of these at a much more reasonable price. Classe' doesn't clutter the board with unnecessary DSP modes and fancy inputs, tuners and many other things that are not necessary in a surround processor. Sure, the Sunfire will offer many more gadgets, a programable remote control, a tuner, 10 DSP modes, etc, but the Classe' will sound better! After all, isn't that what it's about? The Krell sounded incredible, but at $1400 more than the Classe', I preferred to invest that money somewhere else in my system. There was little difference on surround material and I thought the stereo material sounded better on my Classe'. As for the others in the competition, there is just no comparison to this processor. It is among the best in its class. The next step would be to go with a $12,000 Krell AVS or Theta Casa Blanca. Until then, the Classe' will be entertaining me for years to come.

The few gripes I have about the Classe' are small and I can learn to deal with them. There is no on-screen menu. Although I used to complain about my on-screen menu with my Yamaha receiver, I feel it's easier to setup the sources, speakers and modes. However, every time you need to make a small adjustment to the surrounds, volume, etc, the on-screen menu would interrupt the viewing of the movie. By not having a on-screen menu, this simply does not become a problem. You can make all necessary adjustments to modes, sources and system setups without interrupting the viewing of the movie. The other small gripe is the remote control. It's not programmable, but it's aluminum and weighs a ton! So, I'm still happy. The display screen could have been red on black or black on red, but red on red makes it very difficult to see during the day. But it looks cool! So, I'll deal with it.

All in all, if you are in the market for a $3000-5000 processor, check the Classe' SSP-25 for yourself. At the bottom end of that price range, you can't go wrong! Match it with the Classe' CAV-150, 6-channel amplifier and you are ready for some serious home theater.

Similar Products Used:

Proceed AVP, Lexicon DC-2, Krell HTS, B&K Ref20, Citation 5.0, Theta Digital Casa Nova, Sunfire Theater Grand.