A couple of years ago, I was in the market for a processor under $10K. I considered the Theta Casablanca with superior cards option, Proceed PAV and surround piece (sorry I forgot the name of it), Proceed AVP, both Krell units, the Lexicon DC-1, EAD Signature, and the Classe' SSP-50. I spent months comparing the units' features and auditioning as many as I could. I was mostly interested in sound quality; I wanted a zero compromise "audiophile"-grade 2-channel pre with the ability to produce top notch DD and DTS performance. In the end, I chose the SSP-50. The only thing that seemed to come close was the EAD Signature (followed by the SSP-25 which I auditioned after my selection) but at that time, the EAD had some glitches. Surround performance was similar among the processors, however the Classe' stood out as the best 2-ch pre I've ever heard -IMHO.
There are some drawbacks with the '50; while it has top-notch audio performance, its video performance is by far the worst! I have a 10yr old Pioneer receiver with much better video performance! Luckily, my Sony XBR TV has enough inputs to accommodate my video sources - otherwise I would rate the Classe's video performance as unacceptable.
(Video sources should be plugged directly into the TV or monitor for best performance, anyway)
If audio performance is all you're looking for, by all means, give the SSP50 an audition (if possible). If you plan on using the pre as a video switcher, it may be wise to make another selection.
At only $2K!?!?!?!?!?!!!!, you can't go wrong with any of your $6500 MSRP choices!
Good luck.
There are some drawbacks with the '50; while it has top-notch audio performance, its video performance is by far the worst! I have a 10yr old Pioneer receiver with much better video performance! Luckily, my Sony XBR TV has enough inputs to accommodate my video sources - otherwise I would rate the Classe's video performance as unacceptable.
(Video sources should be plugged directly into the TV or monitor for best performance, anyway)
If audio performance is all you're looking for, by all means, give the SSP50 an audition (if possible). If you plan on using the pre as a video switcher, it may be wise to make another selection.
At only $2K!?!?!?!?!?!!!!, you can't go wrong with any of your $6500 MSRP choices!
Good luck.