Classe Design Philosophy
All of our components benefit from the same rigorous design goal: All Classe products must reproduce music with the harmonic and spatial integrity typical of fine instruments heard in a live, unamplified performance.
Single Circuit Design
To this end, we make extensive use of carefully optimized versions of the same basic circuit precisely matched to specific power requirements. This means that all Classe line level components and power amplifiers benefit from years of refinement. However, our efforts do not stop here.
Listening: The Critical Design Element
Once we determine general circuit values for a particular application, we listen carefully while exchanging and mixing different parts (transistors, capacitors, wiring, PC boards, etc.) and adjusting specific operating voltages within proper engineering ranges.
Extended Real-World Lifespan
Every Classe component, even the most affordable, benefits from our painstaking approach to design parameters. The result is an optimum balance between the often-conflicting demands of exceptional performance and long-term reliability. Our most expensive components gain from even tighter tolerance parts and highly segmented and exceptionally robust power supplies with large reserve- current capabilities.
Our Pride in Manufacturing, Your Pride in Ownership.
We build all of our components to the highest possible standards. From multi-layer glass-epoxy circuit boards, the full sized power-supplies, and the massive faceplates, every Classe product is a tribute to both the science and art of sound reproduction. We hope that you derive as much pleasure and satisfaction in using your Classe unit as we did in producing it.
Introduction
Class Audio has been producing high-performance audio/video electronics for more than 20 years. From their factory in Quebec, Canada, they have produced gear that has arguably performed among the absolute best of its kind, oftentimes at a much-reduced price when compared directly to its competition. For many years, I used the Classe CA-150 amplifier in my reference system and have long respected Class for both value, performance and their simple yet tasteful aesthetics and exceptional build quality.
The SSP 30 MKII A/V preamp represents the entry level in preamplification and theater processing from Class. The original SSP 30 had all of the latest features in theater processing at the time of its release. Since then, several new formats have been developed, so the SSP 30 needed a major update to stay competitive in this quickly evolving market. The SSP 30 MKII is currently available at a price of $3,000. With the MKII, in addition to Dolby Digital, you can now process todays hottest new DSP modes DTS, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Matrix, and Dolby Pro Logic II. The MK II also adds 7.1 analog audio inputs to support both SACD and DVD-A formats. For those of you who own the original SSP 30, the MK II upgrade can be purchased for $1,000. This is a factory upgrade and will need to be processed through your retailer. The unit will need to be returned to Classe in Canada.
The SSP 30 MK II is designed to support todays complex multi-room, multi-function home entertainment system installations. It has two independently programmable zones for audio and video. I/O connections include one AES/EBU digital input, two optical digital inputs, four COAX digital inputs, eight line-level inputs, six composite video inputs, six S-video inputs, composite and S-video outputs with or without onscreen display, 7.1 discrete analog inputs and a tape loop. Other features include three remote triggers, remote IR inputs and a RS232 port, all handy in complex custom home entertainment installations. The MKII version has no provisions for switching high-definition sources or component video. The unit measures19 inches wide, 12.75 inches deep, 4.4 inches tall and weighs 25 pounds.
I have always admired the build quality and styling of Class products. The SSP 30 MK II is no exception. From the moment I opened the box, I got the feeling that I was dealing with a very high-quality piece of hardware. The SSP 30 MK II has a look of modern industrial elegance, with its signature thick-machined front faceplate and clear finish. Class uses a second piece of machined aluminum with a black anodized finish around the display. Besides being a nice conservative styling touch, the dark finish helps to emphasize the display. The controls on the front of the unit include several smooth round buttons, along with a large machined aluminum multifunction selector knob. The remote is also machined aluminum and is custom designed for the processor. The remote does not have lighting, which is something that makes little sense for a product that can be expected to be operated in the dark, yet the button layout is clean enough to allow you to learn the button locations with a little practice. Every aspect of this products construction appears to be a cut above the competition in this price range. As a show of confidence in the quality of their product, Class includes a five-year warranty with the SSP 30 MK II.
Questions or Comments?
Call (508) 771-4434 for assistance. Click Here for Nantucket Sound location and contact information.
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