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Can a Classe SSP replace a dedicated stereo pre?

Hi everyone! I appreciate the opinions and knowledge on this forum and I've been reading a while. 

I am looking to move laterally from a 2-channel setup to a basic 5.1 surround setup, as my listening does involve TV and movies. Most of my sources are digital.

My current setup involves a sabaj d5 DAC, a Modwright SWL 9.0se preamp, Odyssey Khartago extreme monoblocks, and some excellent DIY 3-way speakers.

I couldn't be happier with this for two channel listening. 

In my research for multichannel pres/avrs, I heard most people saying that the only ones that sound really good for stereo are ones made by Classe, Krell and Bryston within my budget. I'm really hoping to simplify my setup and not have to use ht bypass, switch between two preamps etc.

I've made an offer for a Classe SSP sigma. Do you think this could potentially replace my Modwright without losing much SQ?

Thank you!
akhil

Showing 6 responses by akhil

akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the replies!

I have a Krell Showcase HT processor. My Luxman Cl38U SE two channel tube preamp sonically completely beats the Krell for music.
I believe the Sigma was deemed better than the Krell for 2 channel performance, so I’m hopeful. Though I think your Luxman is obviously a superior preamp, I don’t think my budget is near that level of performance.

I have a Classe’ Sigma SSP preamp. For a surround sound processor it is outdated. Not good. In 2 channel, setting’s in XLR Digital Bypass it will hold its own against preamps much more expensive.


I only care about SQ, not really much about getting the latest. I can’t get more than 5 speakers, don’t care about Atmos, and have only one 4k HDR source that feeds into the TV first. I plan to split HDMI and feed audio into the SSP, so I don’t need the latest codecs etc.

I have a sabaj d5 DAC, not sure if it’ll outperform the DAC in the Sigma?


akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thanks bwguy, I think I have the same plan and it's good to hear the Sigma is doing well for you.

ghdprentice, I live alone in a small 1 room house, and cannot justify keeping 2 separate systems :) Your theater setup looks great! I am trying to do exactly that, get the best sounding processor I can afford (Hence the Classe), that has analog passthrough.
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thank you dmcneilr and vinylshadow! Your inputs help a lot. 

I have purchased a Sigma mk1 for now, if Classe is still offering upgrades I can try to get that done myself. 

Super excited, I am moving to a new rental and will try both my existing preamp and the Classe there!  
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Can an AVP replace a Modwright SWL 9.0se?No. Just no.
But not just any AVP, I’m trying to ask about a Classe product that was designed with 2 channel in priority and not surround? People say it sounds nearly the same as the CP-800 stereo pre, which I have no experience with, hence no basis to compare with my SWL.

Have you heard the CP-800 or SSP sigma by any chance?


@jumia, you might want to get a preamp or integrated amp with ht bypass if you want to use both. 2 channel sources feed into the stereo preamp while surround sources feed into the AVR/AVP. Then the pre-outs from the AVR go into the stereo preamp's bypass input so you reuse the speakers for ht.

I could use that as an option, but I'm trying to see if I can simplify down to one amp without losing quality.
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thank you bwguy and jakesnak! Waiting impatiently to setup and try the new system!

@stereo5  haha yes, it's a rare find. I live in the bay area, CA, where rents are ridiculous, and I'm still quite young. This is a small house/cottage unit in someone's backyard with a living room, kitchen, bath, bedroom and private yard. Maybe 600 sqft built? But it's perfect for me since I wanted cathedral ceilings, privacy and no shared walls so I can listen to music in peace, and costs only as much as a nice apartment.
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thank you so much for all of your help! I've now been running a Classe Sigma SSP for about two weeks, and I absolutely love it for both two channel and surround. I A/Bed against my Modwright SWL 9.0SE for pure 2-channel and honestly, sounds just as good in bypass mode. 

I do prefer my Sabaj D5 DAC to the in-built DAC, but it's a small upgrade. I use that for stereo music from digital sources.

Movie soundtracks absolutely come to life with this (which is really important for me), and dialog clarity is pretty phenomenal too. I think it's a very relevant option for people even today who want to combine 2 and 5 channels using just single digital sources, and not having to deal with ht bypass.

I run 4k content only, and I'm able to get around the older HDMI issues by just using a HDMI matrix, so I didn't need the MK2.

Hope this helps someone else on the fence!
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