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D2v vs Classe ssp800, which would you prefer?

I have narrowed my choice of ssp's to either the Anthem D2v or Classe ssp800 and would like to hear peoples opinions. It seems to me the anthem has more features but not quite as good sounding as the ssp800. Any thoughts on what you would have in your system?? I am currently an avm30 owner and love it! Obviously, I am very familiar with how it works and its set uo, i.e stay with what you know. My room is not thad bad either. The system is paradigm sig's, mac mc207amp and Marantz ud9004. (would love to own the Mac MX150 but it is priced out of contention. Thanks
docrobbi
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dbphd
1,620 posts
 
What about the new Classe' processor Kal Rubinson raves about in the latest issue of Stereophile? It's just a bit more than the SSP 800, and looks less self-consciously stylish. I haven't heard either the D2v or SSP 800, but the local dealer who handles both tells me only the SSP 800 will give me the audio quality I get with my vintage Proceed PAV/PDSD pre/pro.

db
upgrade1394
1 posts
 
The new Classe CT-SSP is the same as the SSP-800, just wearing different exterior. Between the Anthem and Classe, the SSP-800 has far better dynamics, superior interface and configurability and awesome cosmetics. Even the 2-ch mode is very satisfying, coming close to the pinnacle of 2-ch performers, e.g., Theta CB3 with Extreme DAC. It is hard to find used SSP-800 and it holds its value extremely well
docrobbi OP
37 posts
 
I agree, but to play the devil's advocate, does arc level the playing field? For music I would think the Classe would prevail. But in a mixed system, ht and music would not arc be helpful. My room is not that problematic, but I hear arc is very illuminating. Also the D2 does THX post processing. Any comments?
mclsound
159 posts
 
I have owned a D2 and SSP600 and if you are into movies more than music or movies/music at resonable volumes(100db or less) the Anthem is a good bet...BUT..If you love music and at much louder levels(above 100db) go with the classe...
The Anthem at extremely high volumes in 2ch/multi ch music has a obvious digital sound.
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