Home theater processor HELP

default -- Fri, 06/26/2009 - 08:35

I currently use KRELL S 1000 with KRELL TAS to drive the front left right and center with the surround speakers...in addition to these i use a ROTEL stereo power amp to drive the rears...its a 7.2 system..with martin logan motif and stage as the speakers and a pair of descent-i subs..

i am in the look out for a new processor as i am not too happy with the krell... i wud love to have 2 sub connections and open to hear your suggestions...

Robert Harley -- Fri, 06/26/2009 - 15:05

What's your budget for a new controller? Since you currently have a Krell, I assume that you're looking for something commensurate in price. If so, check out my review of the Classe SSP-800 in the August issue of TAS.

nazo (not verified) -- Fri, 06/26/2009 - 16:23

I am willing to go as long it takes to get a new good proc.... i will check out your review on classe...
one question though...does the 800 have xlr inputs.?

JLeeMD (not verified) -- Fri, 06/26/2009 - 17:28

I don't think the Classe has Dolby HD or DTS Master HD decoding yet.

Matt (not verified) -- Wed, 07/08/2009 - 23:53

Anthem Statement D2v or Classe SSP-800??
Robert,
     I've read your excellent book on high-end audio and have been reading The Absolute Sound for years. The Anthem D1 & D2 have received excellent reviews in recent years, and I've finally saved the cash to purchase the new D2v for my system. I wanted a surround sound processor that gives me beautiful stereo sound for my music collection as well as great film sound. I rent, so I don't have the control over my listening space that I would like. For this reason, ARC really appealed to me (as a solution to some of the acoustical challenges that I can't address as well without owning, and altering, my space). I've also been looking forward to Dolby Volume. (I currently walk my neighbor's dog in exchange for occasional reference level listening.) My one reservation about the Anthem has always been my fear that I'll be let down by the sound quality of stereo music playback. (Many reviewers compared the sound quality of the Integra 9.8 and 9.9 to the Anthem D2, and I found the Integra inadequate for stereo music listening.)
      I was ready to pull the trigger on the Anthem D2v when I read your review of the Classe SSP-800.  Your praise of the sound quality has me strongly considering this unit instead. My only fear is that the absence of ARC or some similarly sophisticated room eq. system will leave me with acoustical problems that degrade the performance of the system.  (As for Dolby Volume, a little online research led me to an interview with Classe's Dave Nauber, who says that they're considering adding Dolby Volume to the SSP-800 in a future upgrade.)
     You've recently heard the SSP-800 and, a few years back, shared positive comments on the Anthem Statement D1. I can get a sweet deal on either the Statement D2v or the SSP-800 if I purchase before the end of the month. I can audition the Classe at the store, but I'll need to make my decision without hearing the Anthem at all. I've found myself wondering "What would Robert do?"  Please advise!
     (My speakers are Vienna Acoustics Baby Beethoven Grands with a Maestro center and Bach Grand surrounds. I currently have a 5 channel Primare amp with single ended connections only).
     Matt

Robert Harley -- Thu, 07/09/2009 - 13:10

To answer "nazo"'s question first, the SSP-800 has balanced XLR connectors on some inputs and all outputs.
As for the lack of Audyssey on the SSP-800, I am fully satisfied with its performance despite no Audyssey. Although Audyssey is a great technology, the SSP-800's intrinsic sound quality doesn't leave me wanting.
Having said that, however, I have a near-ideal acoustic environment that will result in less improvement by Audyssey. It is possible that in more challenging room, the benefits of Audyssey will overcome the sound-quality advantage of the SSP-800. I have heard only the original Anthem controller, not the latest version. Although the Anthem D1's sound was quite transparent, the SSP-800 is a noticable step up on transparency and resolution.
Sorry I couldn't give a more definitive answer.

Matt (not verified) -- Fri, 07/10/2009 - 12:02

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Robert! You could probably spend the rest of your life just responding to queries already in your email box. I'll probably get an acoustician to visit my space and evaluate it before making my decision.
Yesterday I took my current source and amp to Definitive Audio in Seattle (kudos to those folks for facilitating this) and we put the SSP-800 in the mix. The Classe was very smooth; the upper register was fantastic!
Matt