I'm so excited to have this piece at home! I previously had a Rotel processor (980) and amp (985), but needed a seperate dDD decoder, and a seperate DTS decoder. I was caught in a move a decided that 4 pieces was too many for my rack and explored new options. I was happy with the Rotel stuff, but after trying out some new processor/amp combo's- Irealized it was time to move on. I did some reading on the smr cite and tried out the lexicon dc-1- but not for me. I just wasn't as happy with it. Then I tried out the sunfire, and theta pre's again not for me. Finally, I had it narrowed down to the proceed and classe. This is being used as primarily a stereo peramp and a hometheater pre second (about 75 to 25.)
Both peices were superb with music. I loved them both, but I could not here a $5,000 improvement in sound by choosing the proceed pieces. I love the classe and it is very simple to set up. Music at home has never come close to sounding so great! I listen to a lot of funk jazz (Galactic, Stanton Moore, MMW).

Anyway, one of the things I like the most is the Trim function. You can actually adjust any of the 6 speakers levels from the remote and it is reset to the way you set it up originally azs soon as you power the preamp down!!!
This eliminates having to adjust my subwoofer level from behind the damn thing for every new cd I throw in!
My one complaint would be the red display... it's fantastic during the day and unreadable at night unless you're standing about 3 feet above it. Not a horrible problem, but I don't know too many listeners who put their preamp on the bottom shelf of their rack!

One more rave would be the on-board DtoA converter (24 bit). I use the Rega planet now only as a transport thanks to a nice digital cable from my local hifi hut.

Associated equip: Rega Planet, Classe 6 channel cav 75, sony dvp7700, B&W cdm7se's, cdm cse, 2se's for the rear, a Mirage 12 inch sub, and Tara lab refence series interconnects and speaker wire. (Hoping to upgrade to the N804's once they're available in the US).

I'm replacing with this unit a very fine preamp the legandary Threshold T-3.In direct comparissons of 2 channel music, I'll miss the dynamics and transparency of the T-3, case closed.
I wanted to get the SSP-50 but numbers, numbers . . . after serious consideration to the Accurus ACT- 3, Sunfire TheaterMaster, Theta,and B&K and the all mighty ($12,000)Krell. I finally settled for my ears/ heart and wallet.
The Krell was an overwhelming piece and it did everything right, but to my ears lacked that intimacy that I crave when I listen to my 2 channel music (which is about 80 % of the time), That crystal clear "pristine transparency" that I was seeking it wasn't there when I started to really paying attention to the sound of these kilobuck Pre-Pros.
So I traced a thick line at the budget (about $4,500 retail), and for the money, there was absolutely nothing that did better music, movies, or anything better for the matter I had to make another $3-to-9 K jump for a very little improvement and I could not possibly justify it, the laws of diminishing return start to come into play ( a lot more $ for a little bit more quality, and not in all areas at all . . .)
I do not use any of the artificial surround modes except the AC-3 and waiting for my first in home DTS experience yet.
I've talked to Classée about the lacking of being able to record analog from any of the digital fed inputs, but they told me that was the way the piece was designed.
The remote is simple, elegant, solid (very solid), intuitive and very easy to program, the sound is outstanding!!!, Classée says the SSP-50 is so much better but I think I'll put the other $3,500 in other part of the system (screen maybe).
O.K....O.K. it's a wonderful piece, no problems of any kind, the red digital display separates it from the rest of all bluey guey crowd and I love it!!
As Pre-Processors go this is, according to the diminishing laws of return the finest, most musical and detailed $3,000 unit I've heard thus far!!
A definite winner in my list!

This is just a follow-up after the brake-in of the SSP-25.As a Home theater piece is UNBELIEVABLE!!! I would not have any problem comparing expressing the superiority of this fine piece to the other stuff in the market on the same price!!!
As the time goes on the unit seems as a preamp to take on a better character, a more believable pressence, a palpabiliy that makes you smile alone in the twilight, listening to your favorite music those female voices, ooooohhhhhhh!, so seductive, it makes me reach for CD's that I haven't heard in a while, and going back to my Cd sorage unit for more CD's.
It makes me stay until 3 or 4 in the morning to listen for new things, perhaps a conversation that was going on in the studio when they recorded Joe sample's recording.
The real size of the catherdral where they recorded Misa Criolla, I did not know that the Cathedral was so large . . . it goea from my driveway to the pool and from the garage to the kids bedroom, wow what a sounstage.
We're talking two channels here.
Auiquest has put-out a few blues (not my favorite music genre until I've heard these artists play,... and the recordings....)
The blues sampler was recorded with dynamics enough to scare you out of your chair when the attacks of the guitars and precussions hit they are so believably real.
Also the test of dynamics provided on the Chesky CD the dynamic drum test never sounded so there.
in the same CD Ana Caram has a track in which she sings so sweet, and she smiles ever so slighly about halfway down the song, yo can see that too.
As a two channel preamp, it is also wonderful, very musical, I connected the CAL transport direct with Illuminatti D-60 to its digital SPDIF input as a D/A converter sounds great, but I still preffer the sound of the CAL Tubed D/A converter which connects to an analog input on an analog bypass mode using either Kimber KCAG or KS 1020, the KCAG makes things more livelier more dynamic and supernatural fast, with an extremely dark background it sets the spotlight on guitars and sting instruments, the stage is much closer, you're sitting on 2nd row here.
The Kimber KS 1020 you're sitting on 5th row, but you can see all the way to the back of the stage, microdynamics seem better not as supernaturalfast as the KCAG but very detailed.
There is no spotlight on guitars and other string instruments, the stage being deeper is more evenly layered, the mid and upper bass seem more natural.
The CAL Alpha connects to CAL Delta to AES/EBU with Wydeye 110 Ohm from Apogee Electronics, and through the KS-1020 seems the best combination.
The D/A in the Classé SSP-25 sounds wonderfult has a more extended stage seems wider but I feel the Alpha / Delta combo gives me a little closer to heaven I just purchased new tubes which I'll replace next week.
The SSP-25 feeds L-R front channels feed an Aragon 4004 Mk-II through Kimber KCAG's and from then to a run of 4TC to the top drivers, and 8VS to the subs on the NHT 3.3's
Since my room needed more bass, I also added a Velodyne F-1800 R-II fitted with their new 1,250 watt amplifier, connected by 5 meter run of Hero (Kimber)
I only use the Velodyne with a roll-off above 50 Hz.
Just use it for impact, and IMPACT I get!!!
I have to give again a 5 star commendation for this product.
One thing, I did not like the power cable provided so I use Kimber power cord and it did made a difference, I can hear it!!

If you're in the market for a preamp processor, give the Classé a good listen.
You'll like it.

I am in the process of completing my HT setup, but want to make it clear that 2 channel reproduction is very important to me. I have been grappling with whether to go with the "all in one AV pre" or with a 2 channel pre and outboard decoder. Cost (my budget is $2300) really limits the 2 channel + decoder. Enter the classe ssp-25. Today I picked up the classe for a demo in my home system and the demo was stricly for 2 channel repro. It was the stores demo model so it has the hours logged in already, really no need for additional break in period. So.... I originally picked 6 discs, listened to them through the current set up (the Onkyo 828 as the pre--mated with ATI 1505 and NHT VT-2's, and the Onkyo 530 cd player). The weak link is the cd player and that is the next upgrade following the pre. I went through a varity of music (Cassandra Wilson-Blue Moon Daughter/ Steve Vai-Passion & Warfare/ Incognito-Jazz Funk/ Sting-Music from the Living Sea/ Dave Wenkl-synergy/ Sade-greatest hits). I chose one song from each cd, jotted down notes of characterists and then switched pre's from the Onkyo to the classe. listened to the same tunes and added about 5 more cd's. I have now switched back to the Onkyo. So after 5+ hours, I have found that there are surely differences in the sound, as would be expected. You cannot accuse the classe of rolling off on the top end. It has a SOMEWHAT bright sound up top, and this could VERY WELL be due to the components it was matched with. The bass was reproduced nicely (I set it up 2 ways, first was in the "NO SUB" setting,allowing the full range of the NHT's to go. Then used 2 of the ATI's channels to bi amp the towers, going into the subs from the "SUB OUT". The front speaker settings were obviously set to large. Both ways sounded very nice. So the detail was there, the bottom end was there and the top end was there, but a bit too much top end for me. Clarity very good. Having switched back to the Onkyo I have the softer highs and surprisingly it also has nice seperation and detail, but the bass is not as controlled. The Onkyo has an all around nice sound, but I guess you would call it a bit laid back. I will have the Threshold T3 home tomorrow for a demo. It will be interesting to compare the "2 channel pre VS. the AV pre" . After todays demo I will give classe points for build quality (it's solid) ergonomics (very easy to use and set-up) layout (again very simple to figure it out without the manual) and sound quality. It performed better then I had expected in 2 channel and it was actually very good sounding in stereo surround. If it was not for the extended hi's I would get this unit(again the extended hi's I would probably say are due to the matching, and I am in no way considering changing the amp or speakers). Since I have the unit for 3 days, tomorrow I also plan on getting other cables to try and "control the hi's", and will then compare it to the Threshold. FYI, I have checked with many places in the U.S. and this unit can be had, brand new (not a "B" model), from an authorized dealer with full warranty for $2,200. One of the negative features of this unit (while the remote is also built like a tank) is the fact that the remote is non-learning, which would cause you to spend additional $$ on buying a learning/universal remote. I'll give this unit 4 very solid speakers

Over the past 2 months I have been helping my brother search for a new HT pre amp. He was ready to purchase the Acurus Act 3, when I told him about a friends suggestion to listen to the Classe. To be honest, the Act 3 was a solid unit, and for his initial budget of $1,500 it fit the bill nicely. But just for an A/B comparison we tested these 2 units side by side. The Classe really is a very well built, fantastically accurate piece. I was quite surprised to find how much I enjoyed the classe in the demo (I am admittedly a 2 channel snob). The sound really was superb, offering what sounded to be the flattest signal of the 10 (or so) ht pre's we auditioned over the past 2 months. Of the things I liked most about the unit, the 2 that stood out were (1) the volume control on the Classe was precise and solid (this was one of the features I truley disliked with the Acurus) and (2) the fast switching between inputs (again, another feature I was not crazy about with the Acurus). We both liked this unit so much that I leant him the extra $1000 (he got his for $2500). My brother began his venture into hi-end about 8 months ago, and thus far his system consists of NHT 2.9's, and 1.5's as the surrounds, the Sherbourne 5 channel amp, a Marantz 63 SE Cd player and now the Classe. I believe his speakers and pre amp will be the last 2 pieces in this system that he will need to upgrade. He has been taking his time and diligently shopping around, and thus far has put together quite a system....and the Classe fits in nicely (even though he bought it new, he did much better then the suggest retail price of $3,000). He's got me thinking of setting up a Home Theater set-up in my basement (and has my 2 daughters on his side). If I do break down and do this, I will surely get the Classe as the central nervous system of my home theater.
Highly recommended

Stereo Sound, Construction, flexability.

I replaced my B&K AVP 4000 pre-amp with the Classe ssp 25 after sampling several other units. The Acurus act III was the most recent and I have to say did not sound as good as the reviews would indicate. I have listened to the Classe for 2 weeks and am very impressed with all aspects of sound but the 2 chanel stereo sound is the most impressive. It could stand as a high end stereo pre-amp and still be worth the money. The DTS and Dolby Digital is also very good with seemles surround effects. I cannot reccomend this high enough for the price.

Similar Products Used:

B&K AVP 4000 / Acurus act III

its a true audiophile DAC/Preamp at half the price of its competition

red on red display is a bit weird

I listened to CD audio playback via a digital in from a transport on each of : Meridian 561, 568, Krell HTS, Proceed AVP and the Classe ssp-25. I chose the ssp-25. (that says it all really)

I dont really see the value in writing pages on the differences in sound between them, they were all good - But the ssp-25 sounds equall to or better than any of these and its half (in some cases less than half) the price -

The meridian and the classe sounded transparent, whereas the proceed added the recognisable levinson "sound" to the signal path, but I advise anyone to listen to them all
before choosing.

As a pre-amp the classe definately drives an amplifier correctly - full bass impact and instant transients too.

Aside from sound I must say the setup menu and ease of use of this unit is truly in a league of its own. I plugged it in, fiddled a few nobs and I had it all set up within 10 minutes and I didnt even read the manual. This included THX speaker balance and delay settings - its sooooo easy - you very definately dont need an on screen display with this.

The build quality is also excellent ..an aluminium remote!! its better than sex :-) If I spend thousands on something its reassuring to know its built like a tank.

This unit represents the best way for people to get into audiophile territory without going broke. My only advice would be to make youre you get decent speakers and an amp as well or you wont hear what this unit can do.

Ive found some examples of systems on this site quite horrifying (eg some people connecting consumer amplifiers to audiophile speakers = waste of their money)

My system :

Vienna Acoustics Mahler speakers (http://www.sumikoaudio.com)

Gryphon amplifiers and interconnects (http://www.gryphon-audio.dk)

Harmonic Technologies silver digital interconnects (http://www.harmonictech.com)

Sony DVD player

And yes some people can hear the difference between digital interconnects, if you cant, spend less money and buy
a new couch, as with everything in this business, just cos it costs more doesnt mean its better, use your ears, never trust a salesman.

special note :

With reference to all the reviews of people with any brand of processor preamp complaining about 2 second delays when you skip tracks or pause a cd - that is your transport !! - get a transport with memory buffering that doesnt break the bitstream and you wont have the problem, case closed.

Similar Products Used:

Meridian 561, 568, Krell HTS, Proceed AVP

I owned this preamp for time, I had problems from the outset with rear channels going on and off. I could not duplicate problem at the dealer, very frustrating, finally it stopped working all together, it was shipped back to classe ,they found a bad dsp board, the problem with doing all this is that they are a canadian company and it takes awhile for repairs amd shipping (several weeks), when I eventually got it back I sold it. rating it I would give it 5 stars on music and 2 stars on home theater, 1 star on warranty repairs

Searching for the Sound I called it.... 3 years later and a Classe ssp-25 Ifound it. I listen to both music and movies so it was very important to find
something that did well with both....

Before the classe I had a B&K 4090 which was my first venture into seperates.
I used a Rotel 985 5-channel Amp & the B&K 4090 preamp.. It was a major improvement over the all in one Receiver but the sound still wasn't totally
there for music....

I went to all Cardas cables & interconnects which helped calm things a bit
but not quite there...

I then bought a two channel & three channel Amps from Rotel the 991 & 993...
Higher current & greater Damping factor helped over the 985 but once I connected
the SSP-25 from classe I couldn't believe what I heard... For music no matter
what I listen too it sounded great... Wether it was Black Sabbath or Enya
I loved it... I also love the 24bit DAC's and use them as my D/A Convertor
for my ADCOM GCD-700 cd player...

The SSP-25 is simple to setup and simple to use... The build quality is
outstanding and the quality of the parts used inside are excellent....
The only thing is I which the LCD display was a better color.

The SSP-25 as just a music pre-amp is wonderful and for home theatre it's
just as wonderful....

Other Equipment used: Paradigm Reference Speakers all the way around...
Studio 60's for the front
CC-450 for the center
ADP-450 for the rears
SW2200 Reference Sub
DVD Player A110

Bought this preamp used a month ago,it replaced a Denon 5600 wich was workingvery nicely but could not drive(not enough current output) the B&W M 802s
I recently bought.
I started by bying a Parasound HCA 2200mk11 to push the 802s,the sound was so nice I got a Parasound 2003 for the 3 other channels and used the Denon as a preamp.
I was told by a few salesmen that the denon was the weak link in my system!!!
Installing the classe made my setup come ALIVE...
THe ssp 25's controls are great, the volume control is super fast, setup
is easy to do. The red display is a little weird to look at or read.......

MUsic in analog bypass mode is sublime (Arcam alpha 9 + Cardas cross inter.)
The surround decoder works amazingly, Prologic sounds almost like ac3 in the Denon and Digital sounds out of this world, the LFI signal going to the sub (DEF tech Powerfield 1500) is much more refined.

I am very pleased with the Classé ssp25