Classe Audio SSP-300

I'm selling my Classe` Audio SSP-300. It was a top of the line Home Theater Processor when it was first introduced. I used it in a system where I did the video switching at the TV and used the processor for the sound. It does not have HDMI inputs. I recently replaced the power supply and had it serviced at the same time. If you are looking for the very best in Audio you should research this item and you will find for the price I'm selling there isn't anything else on the market that will come close to it. Included is the Classe SSP-300, Original packaging, Original Remote Control, Calibration Microphone and cable, and Owners Manual. Firmware has been updated to the most current version.

From Sound and Vision Magazine: The SSP-300 ($4,500 when new) is a 7.1 channel surround preamp-processors from Classé Audio. The SSP-300 has Classé's distinctive industrial design, with rounded front corners and a brushed aluminum finish. The front panel is dominated by the touchscreen LCD panel and a giant volume control. Classé recognizes the importance of vibration control; the chassis is extremely solid, made of both steel and aluminum, and the feet incorporate compliant NavcomTM material. The overall appearance is a kind of understated elegance, and the quality of the fit and finish is first-rate. The back panel has a wide array of inputs and outputs, including 7.1-channel analog inputs/outputs, AES/EBU as well as coaxial and TosLink digital inputs, various control ports, including DC trigger, Classé CAN bus control ports (future control and communication applications), and RS-232 (for updating with future software-based features and adding external control accessories such as large touchscreen remotes) . One input jack present on the SSP-300 is part of an autocalibration system for which a microphone is supplied.

The remote control is heavy, finished in brushed aluminum, with a refreshingly uncluttered array of buttons, including one that turns on backlighting for the buttons. There are four Function buttons that can be programmed to control aspects of the SSP-300's functioning not covered by other buttons on the remote (eg, call up a specific sub-menu). The SSP-300's surround processing functions include Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II (but not the latest Pro Logic IIx), DTS-ES Matrix, Discrete, and Neo:6, as well as THX Ultra II Music and Ultra II Movie. All digital processing functions are handled by a 32-bit Motorola 56367 DSP, with A/D conversion by AKM AK4524s and D/A conversion by AKM 4394s, all converters operating at 24-bit/96kHz. Classé points out that, more than the choice of DSP, A/D and D/A chips, the sonic performance of a product like the SSP-300 depends on many small refinements?use of a slightly higher or lower voltage in a certain part of the circuit, selecting one of a half dozen 0.1% film resistors of the same value, all of with the same measured performance?validated by extensive listening tests.

On the video side, the SSP-300 boasts wide-bandwidth switching (150MHz, 100dB isolation from crosstalk) using Analog Devices AD8185s. The SSP-300 also features video transcoding, so that all standard definition video sources (composite, S-video, or component) are processed by 10-bit video decoders/encoders to produce outputs in all formats. 

Specifications: Specifications
Audio processing modes: Stereo, Analog Multichannel 6-8 channels, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS Neo:6, THX Ultra II Movie, DTS Ultra II Music
Analog audio inputs: 11 pairs (RCA), 7.1-channel analog
Digital audio inputs: Four S/PDIF RCA, TosLink optical, one AES/EBU
Analog audio outputs: Eight main (RCA),three pairs (RCA) rec., one pair (RCA) zone
Digital audio output: One TosLink
Video inputs: Four composite, five S-Video, three component.
Video outputs: Four composite, three S-Video, one component.
Other connections: RS-232, Classé CAN bus, microphone, IR input (main and zone), 2 DC trigger outputs.
Frequency response: DC-200kHz +/- 0.1dB
Distortion: (THD+noise): <0.003
Maximum input voltage: 5Vrms
Maximum output voltage: 10Vrms
Gain range: -100dB to +14dB
Input impedance: 100kOhm
Output impedance (main output): 100kOhm
S/N ratio (ref. 10Vrms input): 100dB
Channel separation: >100dB
Crosstalk (any input to output): >-120dB @1kHz
Rated power consumption: 30W
Idle power consumption: 29W
Overall dimensions (WHD): 17.5 x 4.75 x 16.5"
Net weight: 30lbs.