Classe Audio Surround Sound Processor SSP 800 User Manual

Owners Manual  
SSP-800  
Surround Sound Processor  
Important Safety Instructions  
1. Read these instructions.  
2. Keep these instructions.  
3. Heed all warnings.  
4. Follow all instructions.  
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.  
6. Clean only with dry cloth.  
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)  
that produce heat.  
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one  
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. e wide blade or the  
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for  
replacement of the obsolete outlet.  
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point  
where they exit from the apparatus.  
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.  
12.  
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the  
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury  
from tip-over.  
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.  
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any  
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the  
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.  
15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are  
placed on the apparatus.  
16. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.  
17. e mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.  
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.  
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,  
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
CAUTION  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT  
REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER  
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.  
e lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the  
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage “ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude  
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.  
e exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important  
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.  
3
Contents  
Introduction ......................................................................................................6  
Exceptional Design Features .............................................................................7  
versatile connectivity ................................................................................7  
upgradable DSP ........................................................................................7  
superior performance................................................................................7  
clean, dedicated power.............................................................................7  
high fidelity audio.....................................................................................7  
professional grade video ...........................................................................7  
room equalization and speaker control.....................................................8  
flexible GUI ..............................................................................................8  
video preview ...........................................................................................8  
refined circuit design.................................................................................8  
extensive listening tests .............................................................................8  
extraordinary longevity .............................................................................8  
Unpacking and Placement................................................................................9  
unpacking your SSP-800...........................................................................9  
placement considerations........................................................................10  
warm-up/break-in period ........................................................................10  
operating voltage .................................................................................... 11  
voltage protection ...............................................................................12  
Front Panel......................................................................................................13  
Rear Panel.......................................................................................................15  
serial number ..........................................................................................15  
The Remote Control........................................................................................22  
Initial Setup.....................................................................................................24  
step 1: AC ...............................................................................................24  
step 2: cables ..........................................................................................24  
step 3: sources.........................................................................................25  
step 4: amplifiers.....................................................................................25  
step 5: loudspeakers................................................................................26  
step 6: power up .....................................................................................27  
Understanding Surround Sound......................................................................28  
how many channels?...............................................................................28  
matrix or discrete?...................................................................................28  
post processing........................................................................................30  
Using the SSP-800 ..........................................................................................31  
source selection ......................................................................................31  
mode selection........................................................................................32  
video preview .........................................................................................33  
controls...................................................................................................34  
system trims.........................................................................................34  
configuration select.............................................................................35  
The Menu System ...........................................................................................36  
system setup................................................................................................37  
volume setup...........................................................................................37  
max volume ........................................................................................38  
startup volume ....................................................................................38  
IR setup...............................................................................................38  
automation..........................................................................................39  
mute setup ..........................................................................................39  
input setup ..............................................................................................40  
name...................................................................................................40  
audio...................................................................................................41  
4
configuration.......................................................................................41  
in use ..................................................................................................42  
video...................................................................................................42  
next input............................................................................................42  
triggers ....................................................................................................42  
profiles....................................................................................................43  
room EQ .................................................................................................44  
configuration...........................................................................................44  
name...................................................................................................45  
distances .............................................................................................45  
levels...................................................................................................46  
in use ..................................................................................................46  
speakers ..............................................................................................46  
auxiliary channels ...............................................................................48  
black level...............................................................................................49  
teach IR.......................................................................................................49  
display setup...............................................................................................50  
brightness................................................................................................50  
timeout....................................................................................................50  
language .................................................................................................51  
OSD........................................................................................................51  
colors......................................................................................................51  
volume....................................................................................................51  
Dolby/DTS..................................................................................................52  
Dolby Pro Logic IIx .................................................................................52  
DTS Neo:6 ..............................................................................................52  
remote Fkeys...............................................................................................53  
important note on Fkey use.....................................................................53  
status...........................................................................................................54  
version info .............................................................................................54  
sensors ....................................................................................................54  
CAN-Bus.....................................................................................................54  
features ...................................................................................................54  
hardware setup........................................................................................55  
using CAN-Bus........................................................................................56  
CAN-Bus shared features.........................................................................57  
configuration.......................................................................................57  
operate................................................................................................57  
AC status.............................................................................................57  
status...................................................................................................57  
CAN-Bus model specific features............................................................58  
playlink...............................................................................................58  
amp info..............................................................................................59  
event log .............................................................................................59  
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................60  
Care & Maintenance.......................................................................................63  
Specifications..................................................................................................64  
Dimensions.....................................................................................................65  
Installation Worksheet.....................................................................................66  
5
Introduction  
Welcome to the Classé family!  
Congratulations on your purchase of the Classé SSP-800 Surround Sound  
Processor, a next generation processor with reference-quality performance. We  
are sure that you will enjoy it for many years to come.  
Classe values the relationships with our customers and intend on supplying  
the highest level of support along with our product. Registering your product  
will allow us to keep in touch and will ensure that you are notified regarding  
any future updates or options which become available. Furthermore, in the  
unlikely event that your product needs service support, a product that is already  
registered doesn’t need your original sales slip for proof of warranty.  
registration card located in the separate warranty booklet.  
Please take a few moments now to register your new Classé  
processor and record your serial number here for future  
reference.  
Serial #: ____________________________________________  
6
Exceptional Design Features  
e SSP-800 is a next-generation surround sound preamp/processor, conceived  
with pure performance as its raison d’être. It seamlessly unites a multitude of  
disparate audio and video signal formats to faithfully reproduce your music and  
movies as the artist intended.  
versatile connectivity e SSP-800 is a ten-channel preamp/processor with both balanced and single-  
ended connections for all channels.  
upgradable DSP A Texas Instruments DSP with double-precision 64-bit architecture processes all  
audio data. Floating point capability insures the most accurate results possible.  
All bass management filters, gains, and parametric filters benefit from the added  
precision. e DSP and critical support circuitry occupy a replaceable module  
for precision upgrading when necessary.  
superior performance Advanced circuit topologies, component parts, and circuit layout techniques  
combine for superior audio performance. Opto-couplers and low voltage  
differential signal (LVDS) pathways thoroughly isolate audio circuits, video  
circuits, and control circuits.  
clean, dedicated power Analog audio circuits benefit from a dedicated linear power supply based on a  
low noise toroidal transformer. Digital and control circuits draw from a separate  
low-noise, high current switching supply.  
high fidelity audio Custom-configured digital-to-analog converters and output stage components  
ensure exceptional dynamic range and resolution.  
professional grade video e SSP-800 incorporates professional grade video circuitry that has  
extraordinary bandwidth and dynamic range. Due to this, it can handle even the  
most demanding video signals specified in the HDTV standard. Whether the  
video is carried on HDMI, high definition component, or standard definition  
cables, it is decoded and made available for display and preview. Reference  
quality circuitry is used throughout the video path, delivering uncompromised  
picture quality.  
7
room equalization All home theater sound systems are affected by room characteristics. Sound  
and speaker control  
reflections and sound absorption can create dramatic variations in the  
performance of your system, particularly in the lower frequencies. e SSP-800  
features a system of filters which can correct many room effects and provide the  
best possible sound.  
flexible GUI e front panel’s LCD touchscreen supports an extremely flexible and  
versatile graphical user interface (GUI) while maintaining a clean, uncluttered  
appearance. e SSP-800 provides a range of controls that might otherwise  
require dozens of buttons and knobs on the front panel. Despite this power and  
flexibility, it remains simple to operate in day-to-day use.  
video preview e SSP-800’s front panel touchscreen lets you view any selected video source in  
your system. e source’s resolution can be down-converted for the LCD panel,  
giving you total flexibility to view any video source regardless of its resolution.  
refined circuit design Only the top performing audio components were designed into your  
SSP-800. e converter chips, passive components, op-amps, and analog power  
supply are all best-in-class parts. Furthermore, the PCB (printed circuit board),  
and pad material has been specifically chosen to provide the best performance.  
Even the routing of the traces is optimized to get the best performance out of the  
circuit. Every detail is tested, every possibility exhausted, until we are content  
with the results.  
extensive listening tests Our experience has shown that great measurements alone do not guarantee  
superb audio or video performance. For this reason, all Classé products are  
laboriously fine-tuned during the development process by carefully controlled  
usage tests. Every individual stage is evaluated and adjusted before the product  
is released for production. As in the case with measured performance, actual  
performance of every unit is verified as part of our production standard.  
extraordinary longevity Because Classé has developed highly refined circuits over many years, we have  
vast experience in what works well over the long term. Using this knowledge  
base, along with quantitative results derived from highly accelerated life testing  
(H.A.L.T.) allows us to select only the most reliable parts. is attention to  
detail and design allows us to manufacture products which stand the ultimate  
test. Time.  
Just as past Classé products have done for their owners, we are certain that  
your new Surround Sound Processor will give you many years of continuous  
enjoyment.  
8
Unpacking and Placement  
We have taken all precautions, and made every effort to make the SSP-800  
simple and straightforward to install and use. Still, we recommend that you  
take a few minutes to review this manual. Even if you are having the processor  
professionally installed, you will want to know how to efficiently operate it to  
full potential.  
e SSP-800 menu system includes features that provide you with a great deal  
of fine-tuning. Still, we have no way to evaluate outside variables such as the  
acoustical characteristics of your listening space and the associated equipment  
of your home theater system. erefore, it is up to you to make the final audio  
adjustments for the optimum performance of your system.  
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to have your processor  
installed and calibrated by your dealer. e experience, training, and  
specialized equipment they have can make a profound difference in  
the final performance of your system.  
unpacking your SSP-800 Carefully unpack the SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor according to the  
supplied instruction sheet. Do not forget to remove all accessories from the carton.  
Important!  
Keep all packing materials. Transporting the SSP-800 without  
using the packaging specifically designed for it may result in  
damage that is not covered under the warranty.  
9
placement considerations Before installing your SSP-800 into the system, be sure to read the following  
placement suggestions.  
• Do not place the SSP-800 directly on the top surface of a power  
amplifier or any other heat source. Also keep the processor out of  
direct sunlight.  
• Place the SSP-800 so that the IR window on the front panel is clearly  
visible and not blocked.  
• Position the SSP-800 in a central and convenient location for both  
visibility and use. e processor is the hub for all other component  
connections and generally your primary interaction point. In addition,  
by placing the processor close to the other system components, you’re  
minimizing the cable lengths and hence reducing the amount of noise  
that’s introduced into the system through the cabling.  
• Leave adequate clearance behind the SSP-800 for the AC cord and  
connecting cables. We suggest eight inches (20 cm) of free space to  
allow cables sufficient room to bend without crimping or undue strain  
• Allow at least three inches (7.5 cm) of clearance above and to each  
side of the processor for ventilation. Do not obstruct the area around  
the processor so that excess heat can dissipate through normal air  
circulation. Avoid placing the processor on a soft surface, such as  
plush carpeting, that may restrict airflow.  
.
Important!  
Obey all placement considerations. Not obeying the  
placement considerations may result in damage that is not  
covered under the warranty.  
warm-up/break-in period Your new Classé processor delivers outstanding performance immediately.  
However, you can expect to hear subtle improvements as it reaches normal  
operating temperatures and various components, especially capacitors,  
“break-in”.  
In our experience, you can expect the greatest changes within the first 300 hours.  
After initial break-in, you’ll enjoy consistent performance levels for years to  
come.  
e only exception is if the unit is unplugged for an extended period of time,  
during which the processor will cool down. Depending on the degree of cooling  
involved, you should expect a brief warm-up period before the Surround Sound  
Processor’s sound quality is at its best.  
10  
operating voltage e operating voltage of your SSP-800 has been factory configured to 100V,  
120V, 220V, 230V, or 240V AC, depending on the country in which you  
purchased it (in European Union countries, CE regulations specify 230V).  
is voltage setting is not user selectable. Ensure that the voltage  
rating on the rear panel of the SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor  
matches the AC voltage rating of your electrical outlet. If the AC  
voltage is incorrect, please contact your local authorized Classé dealer  
or distributor.  
Important!  
Attempting to operate your SSP-800 from an incorrect  
AC voltage rating may cause irreparable damage to your  
processor, which may not be covered by your warranty.  
If you are not planning to use the Surround Sound Processor for an extended  
period of time, for example due to vacation or other travel, we suggest that you  
disconnect it from AC power.  
Make certain that the Surround Sound Processor is in Standby prior  
to disconnecting it.  
Physically disconnect any and all valuable electronics from AC power during  
electrical storms. A lightning strike anywhere near your home can generate a  
tremendous surge on the AC mains that can jump across a simple power switch.  
A surge from a lightning strike, which may be many thousands of volts, can  
cause serious damage to any piece of electronics, no matter how well designed  
and protected.  
11  
voltage protection e SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor contains protection features that  
prevent the processor from operating at dangerously high or low voltages. ese  
features are incorporated to help protect the processor from dangerous power  
surges and other power irregularities that could cause extensive damage to the  
processor. is circuitry guards against the following irregular supplied power  
conditions.  
• Startup Voltage: If the AC mains voltage is NOT within a range of  
approximately –15% to +10% of its nominal value at startup, the  
SSP-800 does not turn on. For example, a 120V AC service generally  
requires the AC mains voltage to be no lower than 95V and no  
higher than 135V in order for the processor to turn on and operate  
normally.  
• Over-voltage Condition during Operation: If the AC mains voltage  
surges by roughly 10% or more during operation, the Surround  
Sound Processor enters a protection mode and shuts down. e  
Standby LED flashes to indicate that the protection mode has been  
engaged. An error message also displays on the LCD touch screen.  
• Under-voltage Condition during Operation: If the AC mains voltage  
sags by 15% or more, the Surround Sound Processor does continue  
to play since the voltage irregularity won’t harm the processor, but  
the sound quality may be degraded due to the compromised power  
conditions. e Standby LED flashes to indicate an irregular power  
condition exists.  
In such cases, normal operation can only resume when the following conditions  
are met:  
• e irregularity in the power input is no longer present.  
• e SSP-800 is power cycled, to clear the protection mode.  
Refer to the Troubleshooting section found later in this manual for more  
information.  
12  
1
2
3
4
5
6
MUTE  
MENU  
SSP-800  
Front Panel  
e front panel of the SSP-800 is shown above. e numbers in the drawing  
refer to the descriptions that follow.  
1
Standby/On Switch  
Pressing the Standby button puts the SSP-800 into standby mode – a  
low-power state which leaves the Surround Sound Processor and outputs  
inactive but still allows the processor to respond to system commands via  
any of the supported control protocols (IR input, CAN-Bus, RS-232, or  
triggers).  
If the processor is already in Standby mode, pressing the Standby button  
fully powers up the SSP-800.  
• LED On – the SSP-800 is in Standby mode, or the display has  
timed out due to a display setting.  
• LED flashes (at power-up) – the SSP-800 is in the process of  
power-up initialization.  
LED Off – the SSP-800 is powered on, fully operational, and the  
display active.  
• LED flashes rapidly (after power-up) – the AC mains voltage is  
out of range.  
2
Menu On/Off Switch  
Press once to call up the main page of the menu system, which replaces the  
normal front page or Home page of the Touchscreen and OSD (On-Screen  
Display). Press the Menu button again to revert to the Home page.  
e menu system gives you control over operational details including:  
system setup options, various display options (including the language  
used by the menu system), and custom installation capabilities so that the  
SSP-800 integrates smoothly into the most complex systems. For more  
information, see e Menu System later in this manual.  
13  
3
4
Touchscreen  
e front panel touchscreen has two main functions:  
• Navigation of the SSP-800 menus and controls by simply  
touching the screen to make your selections.  
• Viewing incoming video from the selected source.  
Audio Mute Control  
e Mute button reduces the SSP-800’s volume by a pre-determined  
amount. Pressing it a second time restores the volume to its previous level.  
is behavior can be easily customized for very specific user requirements.  
(See the section on Volume Setup for more information.)  
NOTE: If you increase the volume using either the front panel  
volume knob or the remote control while Mute is engaged, the  
mute control disengages, and audio adjustments are executed  
starting from the muted level. is is a safety measure to prevent  
accidentally restoring the volume at unexpectedly high levels.  
5
IR window  
e location of the IR (infrared) sensor for the remote control is behind  
this window. In most cases, there must be a clear path between the IR  
window and the remote control in order for the SSP-800 to acknowledge  
the remote control commands.  
If the IR window is not in view, for example if it’s placed in a cabinet or  
closet, then the rear panel IR input can be utilized for remote control use.  
For more details about this option, see the IR input description in the Rear  
Panel section found later in this manual.  
In addition to receiving IR commands, the SSP-800 can also transmit IR  
commands to third-party learning remote controls. For more details about  
this option, refer to the Teach IR description in the Menu Tree section  
found later in this manual.  
6
Volume Control Knob  
e large rotary knob on the right side of the front panel controls the  
system volume level.  
The volume knob increases and decreases volume in precise 0.5dB  
increments throughout most of the volume range. At extremely low  
volume, the step size is increased somewhat to facilitate moving between  
extremely low and normal listening levels. e volume range is from  
–99.0dB to +14.0dB.  
You can also change the volume control display to suit your preferences.  
For more information, refer to the Volume description in the Display Setup  
section found later in this manual.  
14  
1
2
3
4
5
6
15  
14  
8
11  
12  
13  
16  
17 18  
7
9
10  
19  
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.  
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:  
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND  
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED,  
INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.  
MOD  
SER  
50/60  
SSP-800  
XXXXXXX  
70  
CANADA  
CAUTION! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING  
OF THE CENTER PIN OF THIS PLUG MUST BE MAINTAINED  
120  
V
W
Hz  
~
Fabriqué au  
AVIS! POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE  
LA FICHE CENTRALE DE LA PRISE DOIT ÊTRE  
Made in  
BRANCHÉE POUR MAINTENIR LA MISE  
À
LA TERRE  
1
COMPONENT IN  
2
HDMI IN  
HDMI OUT  
2
COMPONENT OUT  
VIDEO IN  
Pr  
Pb  
Y
Pr  
Pb  
Y
Pr  
Pb  
Y
S-VID1  
S-VID2  
1
2
1
2
3
4
1
CAN IN  
CAN OUT  
DIGITAL  
OUTPUT  
DIGITAL INPUT  
7.1 AUDIO IN  
ANALOG AUDIO IN  
R1  
COAX1  
COAX2  
COAX3  
COAX4  
FL  
SL  
CEN  
RL  
L2  
L3  
IR  
TRIGGER  
OUT1 OUT2  
USB  
RS-232  
L1  
IN  
OUT  
OPT1  
OPT2  
OPT3  
OPT4  
COAX  
OPT  
FR  
SR  
SUB  
RR  
R2  
R3  
CONTROL  
REAR R  
ANALOG AUDIO OUT  
100-120V~  
T800mAL250V  
220-240V~  
AUX 2  
AUX 1  
FRONT R  
FRONT L  
CENTER  
SUB  
SURR R  
SURR L  
REAR L  
A1  
L
S
C
SL  
RL  
T500mAE250V  
A2  
R
SR  
RR  
20  
22  
21  
Rear Panel  
e rear panel of the SSP-800 is shown above. e numbers in the drawing refer  
to the descriptions in this section.  
serial number You’ll find your processor’s serial number on the top right edge of the rear panel,  
as shown in the graphic above (the black label). Please record this number on the  
Introduction Page (page 6) of this manual for future reference.  
And since you have found the serial number, please use it to register your  
purchase, if you haven’t done so yet. As we’ve said, your registration is our way  
of keeping in touch with you. We will use the information to advise you of any  
updates or other items of interest. Registration is simple, so please register online  
1
S-Video Inputs  
e SSP-800 supports two S-Video inputs, labeled S-VID1 and S-VID2.  
Use these inputs when the output of your source component is S-Video.  
S-Video (also called Super-Video or Y/C video) is an analog video format  
in which the black and white (luminance or Y) and color (chrominance or  
C) portions of the video signal are transmitted separately and recombined  
by the receiving device. S-Video transmission produces less color bleeding  
and better edge definition than a standard composite video connection.  
15  
2
Composite Video Inputs  
e SSP-800 supports two composite video inputs, with RCA connectors  
labeled 1 and 2. Use these inputs when the output of your source  
component is composite.  
A composite video signal (also called “baseband video” or “NTSC video”)  
combines the black & white and the color components of a video signal  
and transmits them over a single cable. Composite video transmission  
always generates interference between luminance and chrominance  
portions of the signal and, for that reason, is usually inferior in quality to  
the S-Video format.  
3
Component Video Inputs  
e SSP-800 supports two component video inputs, each with three RCA  
connectors labeled 1 and 2 – the component video format requires three  
separate cables labeled Pr, Pb, and Y. Use these inputs when the output of  
your source is component.  
Although still analog, a component video signal provides a much sharper  
image than S-Video or composite formats. e component video delivers  
color video signals by maintaining the three YUV signal segments in three  
separate channels. YUV is a video format definition which defines the  
“color space”, a mathematical model of the color within an image, of a  
video signal. Y stands for luma (brightness), U for a color difference signal  
(blue minus luma or B-Y), and V for second color difference signal (red  
minus luma or R-Y). erefore, the three sections of the component signal  
are Y (luminance – the black & white portion of the video), Pb (Blue  
Color Difference), and Pr (Red Color Difference).  
To connect the source component video output cables to the SSP-800  
component video input rear panel connectors:  
• Use the red cable for the Pr (Red Color Difference) connectors.  
• Use the blue cable for the Pb (Blue Color Difference) connectors.  
• Use the green cable for the Y (Luminance) connectors.  
e SSP-800 accepts component video at either standard definition (SD)  
or high definition (HD) video rates. Component video is NOT accepted at  
1080p via analog component connections.  
NOTE: Although the SSP-800 component inputs support all  
resolutions except 1080p, some source material will be restricted to  
480p at the source.  
4
HDMI Inputs  
e SSP-800 supports four HDMI inputs, labeled 1 to 4. Whenever  
possible, we recommend the use of HDMI for all audio and video source  
input connections. e SSP-800 is HDMI v.1.3b enabled, supporting  
Deep Color, 1080p @ 24/50/60 fps, and x.v.Color(xvYCC).  
e HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) format is the only  
available single-cable digital pathway for both video and audio signals,  
providing higher performance levels and simplifying component-to-  
component connections. HDMI is backwards compatible with the  
earlier video-only DVI (Digital Video Interface) standard. Adaptors  
to convert a DVI cable connector to HDMI and vice-versa are readily  
16  
available. e HDMI standard also incorporates HDCP (High Definition  
Content Protection); a separate content-protection technology to prevent  
unauthorized distribution or duplication of copyrighted material.  
5
HDMI Outputs  
e SSP-800 supports two HDMI outputs, labeled 1 and 2. e SSP-  
800 HDMI outputs support HDMI V.1.3b featuring Deep Colour,  
x.v.Color(xvYCC), 1080p 24/50/60 fps, and provides a 2 channel SPDIF  
downmix of the source material.  
Non-HDMI source material is encoded for an HDMI display at the  
source’s native video rate. HDMI input signals are NOT converted to  
analog format, and are only output via HDMI at the incoming resolution.  
When an analog video input signal is output via HDMI to the display, the  
video input is converted to digital format and output at its native rate. e  
two HDMI outputs are NOT independent.  
NOTE: HDMI is an interactive format, which can occasionally  
cause format errors between the source devices and the output  
display. If you connect the SSP-800 HDMI outputs to two  
different displays, the HDMI source automatically provides a signal  
compatible for both displays. In some cases, this response can result  
in less-than-optimal resolutions for one or both displays.  
6
Component Video Output  
e SSP-800 is equipped with component video output via 3 RCA  
connectors labeled Pr, Pb, and Y. Use this connection to connect to non-  
HDMI displays. e component output does not support output of 1080p  
signals.  
NOTE: Due to HDCP licensing restrictions the component video  
output will not work with all source material input via HDMI.  
Depending on the material component output may be restricted to  
480p.  
7
Digital Audio Inputs - Coaxial  
e SSP-800 supports four digital audio inputs, with SPDIF connectors  
labeled COAX1 to COAX4. ese inputs accept PCM data streams up to  
24-bits long and up to 192kHz sampling frequency. We recommend using  
cables that are optimized for digital audio signal transfer and that carry a  
75Ω impedance rating. Your Classé dealer can help you with proper cable  
selections.  
8
Digital Audio Inputs - Optical  
TM  
e SSP-800 supports four digital audio inputs, with optical TOSlink  
connectors labeled OPT1 to OPT4. ese inputs accept PCM data  
streams up to 24-bits long and up to 192kHz sampling frequency. We  
recommend using cables that are optimized for digital audio signal transfer.  
Your Classé dealer can help you with proper cable selections.  
NOTE: e bandwidth limits of TOSlink™ components are very  
much strained at a 192kHz sampling frequency. For that reason we  
recommend keeping the TOSlink™ connections at a maximum rate  
of 96kHz.  
17  
9
Digital Audio Output - Coaxial  
e SSP-800 supports one digital audio coaxial output, with SPDIF  
connector labeled COAX. is output can pass PCM data streams up to  
24-bits long and up to 96kHz sampling frequency.  
10 Digital Audio Output - Optical  
ese digital outputs carry only digital audio data, excluding any sub-  
code information which some recorders might use to extract CD track  
information.  
11 7.1-Channel Analog Audio Inputs  
ese inputs are designed for any multi-channel source with analog  
outputs, such as SACD or DVD players, although we highly recommend  
using the HDMI or digital outputs if possible. When connecting the  
analog audio inputs, make sure to attach each cable from the source  
component output to the appropriate SSP-800 input.  
Starting from the source, connect the Front Left output to the FL (Front  
Left) input of the SSP-800, then the source centre output to the CEN  
(centre) input of the SSP-800, and so on.  
ese analog audio input signals are passed through the SSP-800 and  
to the speakers with no processing, to preserve the purity of the original  
signal. When these inputs are selected, only volume control processing is  
enabled.  
12 2-Channel Balanced Analog Audio Inputs  
e SSP-800 was designed with a 2-channel balanced analog audio input,  
using a pair of balanced XLR connectors labeled R1 and L1. Use this input  
with any 2-channel analog source component with balanced outputs.  
NOTE: is input conforms to the AES (Audio Engineering  
Society) “pin 2 = hot” convention. e pin assignments of these  
XLR-type female output connectors are:  
Pin 1: Signal ground  
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)  
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)  
Connector ground lug: chassis ground  
Verify that the source components are compliant with this  
convention (Classé components are compliant). If not compliant,  
contact your Classé dealer for assistance.  
13 2-Channel Single-Ended Analog Audio Inputs  
e SSP-800 was designed with a pair of 2-channel single-ended analog  
audio inputs using the RCA connectors, labeled L2/R2 and L3/R3. Use  
these inputs with any 2-channel single-ended analog source component.  
NOTE: e Balanced and Single Ended 2-channel analog audio  
inputs can be set for either bypass mode (no DSP processing) or  
converted to digital format to allow bass management, surround  
mode processing, and/or equalization.  
18  
14 IR Input  
Use the IR input when the front panel IR window does not have a clear  
line-of-sight with the remote control, for instance, when the SSP-800 is  
installed in a cabinet or closet. Attach this input to an infrared repeater  
system to route signals from the remote control to the SSP-800 via a mono  
mini-jack (3.5mm phono).  
e list of available IR command codes can also be used in macros for  
sophisticated remote control systems, facilitating the control of the  
SSP-800 in the larger context of the complete system.  
15 IR Output  
Use the IR output to pass IR commands from an external IR transmitter  
through the SSP-800 to another component, when necessary. e output  
uses a mono mini-jack (3.5mm phono) with the same properties as the  
diagram in the previous section.  
16 Trigger Outputs  
e SSP-800 supports two trigger outputs, with mono mini-jacks (3.5mm  
phono) labeled OUT1 and OUT2. Each trigger outputs a 12V DC signal  
at 100mA and each can be controlled individually. Use these outputs to  
control other system components such as amplifiers, screens, and window  
blinds. Refer to the Triggers description in the Menu System section for  
more details.  
17 USB Port  
e USB port is for downloading future system software updates. e  
latest system software is posted on the Classé website (www.classeaudio.com)  
and may be downloaded/installed by you or your Classé dealer simply  
following the step-by-step instructions.  
18 RS-232 Port  
e primary purpose of the RS-232 port is to support the use of external  
commands to allow remote control of the SSP-800 by such systems as  
TM  
AMX and Creston . For more information about these systems, contact  
®
your Classé dealer.  
e RS-232 port can also be used to download the operating software for  
the SSP-800, when updates are released. As in the case of the USB, the  
latest system software is posted on the Classé website (www.classeaudio.com)  
and may be downloaded/installed by you or your Classé dealer simply  
following the step-by-step instructions.  
NOTE: e RS-232 connector is inactive when a USB device is  
connected.  
19  
19 CAN-Bus Input and Output  
CAN-Bus (Controller Area Network) allows several Classé components to  
be connected together for simultaneous operation, such as switching from  
On to Standby. Using the CAN-Bus Input and Output connectors, the  
Classé components can be daisy chained together and controlled via the  
CAN-Bus interface.  
NOTE: e final component in the daisy chain MUST have a  
termination plug inserted into the CAN-Bus output.  
For more information, refer to the CAN-Bus section found later in this  
manual.  
20 10-Channel Analog Outputs  
e SSP-800 supports ten analog audio outputs, with both balanced  
(XLR) and single-ended (RCA) connections. Connect the appropriate  
Front L/R, Sub, Surr L/R, and Rear L/R connectors to the appropriate  
power amplifiers.  
NOTE: e Rear L/R connectors are only active when the  
SSP-800 output is setup for a 7.1-channel surround system.  
e Aux 1 and 2 outputs are programmable and can be used for the  
following purposes:  
• Assigned as a 2-channel down-mix of the selected multi-channel  
signal for either an analog recorder or a separate listening area.  
• Assigned to follow the main Front L/R speakers for use in a  
biamplification arrangement.  
• One or both may be assigned as additional subwoofers with the  
ability to select between mono, and stereo modes.  
Refer to the Menu System section for more details regarding optional uses  
for the auxiliary analog output channels.  
NOTE: e Balanced (XLR) Output pin assignments adhere to  
the AES (Audio Engineering Society) “Pin 2 = hot” standard. e  
XLR male outputs carry the following pin assignments:  
Pin 1: Signal ground  
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)  
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)  
Connector ground lug: chassis ground  
Refer to the operating manuals of your balanced-input power  
amplifiers to verify that the pin assignments of their input  
connectors adhere to this standard (Classé power amplifiers are  
compliant). If your amplifiers are not compliant, ask your Classé  
dealer for assistance.  
20  
21 Main Power On/Off Switch  
is switch connects and disconnects the SSP-800 from AC.  
NOTE: Changes to settings are stored whenever the SSP-800 is put into  
Standby. Turning off power to the unit before first entering Standby mode  
erases any setting changes that have been made since the unit was last placed in  
Standby mode.  
22 AC Power Cord Input  
e detachable three-conductor AC power cord and the socket into  
which it connects conform to rigorous standards developed by the IEC  
(International Electrotechnical Commission).  
Danger!  
Your SSP-800 contains potentially dangerous voltages and  
current capabilities. Do not attempt to open it! There are no  
user-serviceable parts inside. All service must be referred to a  
qualified authorized Classé dealer or distributor.  
21  
The Remote Control  
Your SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor includes a versatile remote control for  
both the processor itself and several aspects of the rest of a Classé-based system.  
e buttons are arranged in logical groups according to their functions. e  
remote control of the SSP-800 is shown on the left. e numbers in the drawing  
refer to the descriptions that follow.  
1
2
LIPSYNC  
1
Basic Functions  
3
4
5
e four buttons along the top of the remote control groups the following  
basic control functions:  
PRESET  
CONFIG  
Light turns on the backlighting of the remote control for better  
visibility under low-light conditions. After a few moments of  
inactivity, the backlight switches off automatically.  
Info opens the Status display on the SSP-800 front panel  
touchscreen. See the Menu System section found later in the  
manual for details about the Status display.  
6
PROFILE  
Display cycles through the three brightness levels of the front  
panel touchscreen display.  
7
Standby switches the SSP-800 between the Standby and Operate  
states.  
2
Audio Processing Functions  
e next three buttons offer the following processing controls for the audio  
signal:  
Lipsync is an audio-only function that delays the arrival time of  
the audio portion of an A/V (Audio/Video) source. If the audio  
and video portions of the source do not reach the speakers and  
the display simultaneously, the resulting material appears to be  
out-of-sync. Video processing often delays video signals relative  
to the audio, with the result being that the audio track is played  
too early. e Lipsync function allows you to delay the audio  
until it is correctly synced to the video track. e adjustment  
range is 0 to 150 ms. Lipsync affects all channels equally.  
Night engages or disengages the Night mode for Dolby Digital  
soundtracks. e Night mode is a dynamic range compressor  
that reduces peaks and increases low-level passages so you can  
still enjoy the full range of movie soundtracks but with less  
chance of disturbing others.  
Mode displays the available surround modes on the front panel  
touchscreen. Press the navigation arrow keys to move up and  
down the list, then press Enter to make your selection. For  
additional information about the surround modes, refer to the  
Using the SSP-800 section found later in this manual.  
3
Input Sel (Selection) Button  
To change inputs, simply use the Input Selection arrow buttons to step  
through the inputs.  
You can deactivate unused inputs to keep your input selection list smaller  
and easier to navigate. Refer to the Menu System section found later in the  
manual for further instructions.  
22  
4
5
Preset Config (Configuration) Button  
is button steps through the configurations set to “in use”. If there is  
already a configuration active (due to being a default) for a particular input  
it will be overridden until the input is selected again, or the user selects  
that default configuration.  
Volume Control & Mute Buttons  
e Volume Up and Down arrow buttons increase or reduce the overall  
volume level of the audio output. e Mute button controls the system  
volume level. Pressing the Mute button reduces the audio output volume  
level by a pre-determined amount. You can customize selected features of  
both the Mute button and volume level. Refer to the Volume description in  
the Menu System section found later in the manual for further instructions.  
6
Navigation & Menu Buttons  
e central section of the remote control contains the navigation buttons  
and the menu access buttons. is array of buttons is used for navigating  
the menu system on the SSP-800. Each of the buttons performs the  
following function(s):  
Menu accesses the main screen for the menu system, in the same  
fashion as the front panel Menu button.  
Home returns the touchscreen display to the Home page, which  
presents the normal operation options – Source, Mode, Video  
Preview, and Controls. e Home button essentially acts like a  
“back to start” button – no matter how deeply you’ve navigated  
into the menu system, a simple button push returns you to the  
front page.  
Navigation Arrows are the Up (S), Down (T), Left (W),  
and Right (X) arrow buttons, which allow you to select, by  
highlighting, the different menu options with the menu system.  
Enter selects options. Pressing the Enter button selects the  
highlighted menu item in any menu screen.  
Profile button accesses the Profile page(s). Profiles are customized  
versions of the system’s Home screen. You can name these profiles  
and pre-program them so you have direct access to frequently  
used controls. See the Profiles description in the Menu System  
section found later in the manual for more details.  
Trim button accesses the System Trims menu screen, which allows  
you to make temporary adjustments to speaker levels and the lip  
sync feature. ese temporary trims do not override the settings  
you made through the Setup menu and are discarded when you  
select a new source. See the Menu System section found later in  
the manual for more details.  
7
Function Keys (F1 to F4)  
e last four buttons on the remote control are the Function buttons, or  
FKeys, which provide additional flexibility to the SSP-800 remote control.  
ink of them as “favorite” buttons that provide direct access to a specific  
function or command not covered by the other buttons. Refer to the  
Remote Function Buttons description in the Menu System section found  
later in the manual for more information.  
23  
Initial Setup  
Your SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor is delivered with default factory  
settings to facilitate initial setup. But we highly recommend that you work with  
your Classé dealer for the final setup of the SSP-800 processor. Your dealer’s  
knowledge and experience with Classé products will ensure that your surround  
system is optimized for your listening space.  
However, if you can’t wait to get started, this section is designed to assist you in  
setting up and becoming familiar with the SSP-800 hardware. Once the initial  
setup is complete, be sure to read the rest of this manual to familiarize yourself  
with the daily operation and customizable features of your SSP-800 Surround  
Sound Processor.  
Step 1 Connect the SSP-800 and all system components to AC power.  
Important!  
Make sure everything – especially your power amplifier(s)  
– is turned off before connecting power!  
Connecting all system components to AC power, before making any  
interconnections between components, ensures that every component has a solid  
connection to ground. is lessens the chances of a static discharge that may  
damage delicate electronics or your loudspeakers.  
Step 2 Choose the appropriate cables.  
Before you start connecting components together, let’s take a minute to discuss  
the cables you will be using. e audio outputs available on the rear panel  
include both balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced, or single-ended, RCA  
connectors.  
Single-ended RCA audio connections are the most popular means of  
transmitting audio in consumer electronics. As long as you use high quality, low  
capacitance cables, single-ended connections provide very satisfactory results.  
However, balanced audio connections between components provide the best  
analog signal connection because they effectively double the signal strength.  
More importantly, as compared to single-ended connections, they significantly  
improve resistance to common noise, therefore enhancing audio transparency,  
detail, and dynamics.  
Please consult your local Classé dealer for advice on which cables are best suited  
for your system.  
24  
Step 3 Connect all source components to the SSP-800 rear panel.  
Source devices that you may want to integrate into your surround system might  
include audio and video devices, such as CD and DVD players, and your main  
display, such as a flat-panel display or projection system. If necessary, refer to the  
Rear Panel section in this manual for a detailed description of each connector  
found on the rear panel. Your local Classé dealer can also provide useful  
suggestions for what source components you should add to your system and  
guidance in setting them up.  
Make sure you keep a detailed record of the rear panel  
connectors that you used while connecting the source  
components!  
To help keep track of the different sources, we recommend keeping a pencil-  
and-paper record while you set-up the surround system. You’ll need to know  
what connectors each source is attached to when you enter the setup menus. An  
Installation Worksheet is included at the end of this manual to assist you.  
NOTE: In the SSP-800 default settings, each rear panel input  
is associated with an input selection within the Setup menu. A  
complete list of the factory default input settings is available at the  
end of this manual.  
Step 4 Connect the power amplifiers to the SSP-800 rear panel.  
Important!  
Verify that the power amplifier(s) is plugged in but powered  
OFF before connecting to the SSP-800!  
We recommend using high quality cables with XLR connectors. Connect the  
cables to the Main Analog Audio outputs on the SSP-800 rear panel, using the  
balanced XLR connection options.  
NOTE: ese pin assignments are consistent with the standards  
adopted by the Audio Engineering Society. Refer to the operating  
manuals of your balanced-input power amplifiers to verify that the  
pin assignments of their input connectors correspond to the SSP-  
800. If you are using Classé amplifiers, this note does not apply.  
If needed, the pin assignments of the XLR-type male output  
connectors are:  
Pin 1: Signal ground  
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)  
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)  
Connector ground lug: chassis ground  
25  
Connect the Main Analog Audio Outputs, either RCA or XLR, from the  
rear panel of the SSP-800 to the corresponding inputs on your amplifier(s) as  
follows:  
• Connect the SSP-800 Front Left and Front Right outputs to the  
inputs of the amplifier(s) designated for the Front Left and Front  
Right speakers, respectively.  
• Connect the SSP-800 centre output to the input of the amplifier  
designated for the centre channel speaker.  
• Connect the SSP-800 Left Surround and Right Surround outputs to  
the inputs of the amplifier(s) designated for the Left Surround and  
Right Surround speakers, respectively.  
• If you are setting up a 7.1-channel system, then also connect the  
SSP-800 Left Rear and Right Rear outputs to the inputs of the  
amplifier(s) designated for the Left Rear and Right Rear speakers,  
respectively.  
• If you are using a subwoofer, connect the SSP-800 subwoofer output  
to the input of the designated amplifier or powered subwoofer.  
NOTE: Make sure connections from the subwoofer output go only to an  
amplifier connected to a subwoofer, as low frequency signals can damage a  
small full-range speaker not designed for high output bass reproduction.  
Verify that each cable is clearly labeled so that you don’t mix them up. When  
connecting a cable, make sure the cable has a good connection and is firmly  
attached to the rear panel connectors on both the amplifier and the SSP-800.  
e SSP-800 also provides two Auxiliary analog audio outputs. See the Rear  
Panel section for more details about the Auxiliary outputs.  
Step 5 Connect the loudspeakers to the amplifiers.  
Important!  
Verify that the power amplifier(s) is plugged in but powered  
OFF before connecting to the SSP-800!  
Connect each loudspeaker to its designated amplifier(s) channel. Pay close  
attention to the phase of the speaker connections – always connect an amplifier’s  
red (+) terminals to the red (+) terminals of the loudspeaker. Likewise, connect black  
(–) terminals to black (–) terminals.  
26  
Step 6 Power up the system!  
Now you are ready to power up your SSP-800 and your surround system.  
Turn the rear panel power switch of the SSP-800 to ON.  
e initial power-up cycle of the SSP-800 takes approximately 90  
seconds. During this time, the blue LED on the standby button flashes.  
• When the power-up cycle is complete, the SSP-800 enters Standby  
mode. e LED stops flashing but remains illuminated, indicating  
that the SSP-800 is in Standby mode. Refer to the Front Panel  
section, for more details about Standby mode.  
• Press the Standby button or the front panel touchscreen to bring the  
SSP-800 to its fully ON mode. e front panel touch screen displays  
a blue screen with an “initializing” message and then switches to the  
home page of the menu system. Refer to the Menu System section  
found later in the manual for more information.  
e physical setup of the SSP-800 and system components is complete.  
27  
Understanding Surround Sound  
Today’s sophisticated surround sound systems have spawned a bewildering  
array of technologies and acronyms. In this section, we’ll give you a basic  
understanding of what all that jargon means. As a result, you’ll be better  
equipped to take advantage of the best that home entertainment has to offer.  
how many channels? Today’s home entertainment systems reproduce soundtracks that include  
anything from one to eight separate channels of information. Examples include:  
• Watching mono movies, such as Casablanca or e Wizard of  
Oz, having only a single channel of audio information in the  
soundtrack.  
• Listening to a musical CD, which is typically stereo or 2-channel  
sound.  
• Watching the original Star Wars in the original Dolby Surround  
Pro Logic format, which is four channels of information derived  
from two channels.  
• Watching a recent movie or T.V. show in a 5.1-channel or  
7.1-channel surround format, which identifies that the source  
material has either five or seven full-range signals for the front,  
surround, and rear speakers plus the .1 signal for the Low  
Frequency Effects (LFE), also referred to as the LFE channel, for  
the subwoofer.  
Your SSP-800 handles all of these tasks with ease, switching to an appropriate  
processing mode automatically upon sensing the nature of the incoming signal.  
However, you may still have to select from the available choices. For example,  
disc-based media often contains multiple soundtracks with varying numbers of  
channels and even different languages. Because you may have to choose the one  
you want to hear using the menu of the media itself, you should know what  
jargon you’ll likely see.  
matrix or discrete? When movie-makers first wanted to expand beyond simple stereo (left and right  
audio channels), they had a problem - the entire infrastructure on which they  
depended was stereo.  
Dolby Laboratories solved that problem with a system called Dolby Surround  
®
that embedded two extra channels of audio sound into the existing stereo pair  
so that specialized circuitry could retrieve the extra information with reasonable  
accuracy. is technique, whereby channels are mixed together with the  
intention of separating them later, is called matrix encoding and decoding.  
e disadvantage, as you might expect, is that it is difficult to completely and  
perfectly separate two channels that have been mixed together.  
28  
By contrast, modern soundtracks use discrete channels of information. at is,  
each speaker has a distinct signal that is completely independent of every other  
channel. is approach is clearly more desirable, since it gives the movie-makers  
more creative control over the quality of your experience. Musicians also prefer  
discrete formats, since it allows them to place their instruments and voices with  
greater precision, to create the musical effects they desire.  
ere are many multi-channel formats available. Table1, below, identifies  
the most common multi-channel formats to help you sort out some of the  
possibilities.  
Table 1: Common multichannel modes  
Name  
# Chs  
Matrix/Discrete  
Comments  
analog stereo  
2
Discrete  
Found on almost all sources, including  
tape decks, tuners, and CD players.  
analog multi-  
channel input  
6-8  
4
Discrete  
Matrix  
A multi-channel analog input used  
mostly for SACD & DVD-Audio.  
Dolby Surround  
Pro Logic  
e original matrix decoding system  
designed to squeeze four channels into  
two and then retrieve them.  
Dolby Pro  
Logic II  
Up to 5.1  
Up to 7.1  
Matrix  
Matrix  
An improvement of Dolby’s original  
Pro Logic matrix decoder, Dolby PLII  
is designed for 5.1 surround systems.  
Dolby Pro  
Logic IIx  
An improvement of Dolby PLII, this  
version uses the 2ch or 5.1channel  
source audio to create as many as 7.1  
channels (depending on speaker setup)  
of surround sound.  
Dolby Digital  
1.0-5.1  
6.1  
Discrete  
Discrete  
e most common modern digital  
source, used in HDTV, DVD, etc.  
(formerly AC-3)  
Dolby  
Digital EX  
A 7th channel of discrete information  
was recorded during filming and  
is encoded into the media. is  
information is used to create a single  
rear centre, or two mono rear centres  
depending on the speaker setup (6.1  
or 7.1).  
DTS  
1.0-5.1  
6.1  
Discrete  
Similar to Dolby Digital in practice,  
though it uses a different technology.  
DTS-ES Matrix  
Mostly Discrete e centre rear channel is a matrix  
channel encoded into the left and  
right surround channels. e  
processor reads flags and “unfolds”  
the centre channel information; all  
other channels are discrete.  
DTS-ES Discrete  
DTS Neo:6  
6.1  
5-6  
Discrete  
Matrix  
All 6.1 channels are discrete  
Designed for the playback of film or  
music sources and can derive 5 or 6  
channels with surround and/or rear  
speakers  
29  
Dolby Digital  
Plus  
1.0 - 7.1+  
Discrete  
Audio codec which allows for higher  
bitrates, 7.1 channels or more  
(currently limited by HD DVD,  
Blu-ray disc standards), while still  
remaining compatible with older  
5.1 systems. e codec was designed  
based on Dolby Digital but provides  
the necessary versatility going into the  
future.  
Dolby TrueHD 1.0 - 7.1+  
Discrete  
Discrete  
Discrete  
is is a true next-generation  
surround mode where the audio  
is bit-for-bit identical to the high-  
resolution studio master audio.  
Similarly to Dolby Digital Plus  
the track contains a 5.1 core for  
backwards compatibility.  
DTS-HD  
5.1 - 7.1  
5.1 - 7.1  
is is a bit-for-bit identical copy  
of the studio master track on your  
media, and therefore produces the  
best possible reproduction. Master  
Audio still contains the DTS core to  
remain backwards compatible with  
older DTS systems.  
Master Audio  
DTS-HD  
High Resolution  
Audio  
is is used when there is not  
enough space on the disc to hold the  
complete Master Audio track. ough  
not a bit-for-bit representation, High  
Resolution Audio provides increased  
bitrates while still providing the DTS  
core for backwards compatibility with  
older systems.  
post-processing e first thing the SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor does is recover the  
various channels delivered by your source with accuracy and fidelity. is might  
be a single-channel mono signal, a Dolby Digital Surround EX soundtrack with  
6.1 channels, or anything in between. e signal may have been delivered via  
satellite receiver, cable set-top box, DVD, or even downloaded from the Internet.  
Once the SSP-800 has decoded the selected signal, you can then choose to send  
it to the output unchanged, or you can add further processing, often called post-  
processing. is kind of processing is particularly useful for utilizing additional  
surround speakers with limited audio track sources. For instance, processing a  
2-channel stereo source with Dolby Pro Logic IIx generates a 7.1-channel output  
so that you can enjoy the audio source in full surround sound.  
30  
Using the SSP-800  
Your SSP-800’s versatile touchscreen LCD supports most of your day-to-day  
operations and provides access to a flexible menu system for setup functions  
that aren’t accessed as often as others. Although using the touchscreen is quite  
intuitive, the menu system is extensive. is section of the owner’s manual  
outlines the use of this touchscreen in day-to-day operation of the system.  
When you bring the SSP-800 out of its Standby mode, the touchscreen displays  
an “initializing” message and then switches to the Home page of the menu  
system, as shown below.  
e Home page displays four options – Source, Video Preview, Mode, and  
Controls – on the top half of the screen. e bottom half of the screen displays  
the active input, surround processing mode, plus the current volume level (in  
both a graphical bar across the bottom of the screen and as a large numeric  
decibel value). is is the starting page for all of the day-to-day operations of the  
SSP-800 and can be quickly accessed at any time by pressing the Home button  
on the remote control.  
source selection Touching the Source option opens the Source selection menu. e SSP-800 has  
a total of 20 selectable inputs, which are all interchangeable.  
Touch any input button on the touchscreen to select it as the current input.  
If the input you want to activate is not on this screen, press the More button  
for the next page of input options. Or, press the Back button to return to the  
previous page.  
Continue to press the More button to scroll through the available active inputs.  
When the screen with the last input is selected, the More button changes to a  
Home button.  
If you don’t have this many sources in your system, you can deactivate any  
unused inputs. When an input is deactivated, that input button is removed from  
the Source selection menu. is can be useful as it reduces the number of input  
options, making navigation and selection faster. See e Menu System for details  
on deactivating unused inputs.  
31  
mode selection While you can specify default surround processing modes for each input,  
there are times when you may wish to select a different mode for a particular  
recording. For example, when watching a classic movie from the 1940s, you may  
prefer to hear it in mono using only the centre channel speaker.  
Touch the Mode option on the Home page to open the Mode Select menu,  
which displays a complete list of processing modes. Modes that are grayed out  
cannot be applied to the current audio source. For instance, a mode designed for  
a stereo signal is not available while listening to a multi-channel Dolby Digital  
audio track.  
Touching the up or down arrows scrolls through the list of modes. Touch any  
mode (that isn’t grayed out) to select it. e SSP-800 processing changes to the  
newly-selected mode. Press the Back button to return to the Home page. e  
available modes are described in Table 2.  
Table 2: SSP-800 available surround processing modes  
Name  
Description  
Mono  
Outputs sound to the centre channel only. Use it  
for mono sources such as classic movies, mono TV  
broadcasts, etc.  
Stereo  
Outputs to the Front Left and Front Right channels only.  
is is the preferred mode for music reproduction.  
Produces mono output at the same level from all available  
speakers.  
Uses the mono input to output mono signals on the L, R,  
SR, SL, and RR, RL if they are active.  
Produces stereo output in all available speakers. e  
output is proportioned with a 60% centre width and a  
50/50 front-to-surround distribution. Approximately  
15% of the total output is directed to the rear channels (if  
used).  
Music Mode Party  
Mono Plus  
Movie Plus  
Music Plus  
Produces stereo output in all available speakers with  
a 25% centre width, a 70/30 front-to-surround  
distribution and 15% to the rear channels.  
Provides audio signals for a 5-channel surround sound  
field from matrix-encoded stereo sources. Spatial  
qualities vary for non-encoded sources.  
Dolby PLII  
Dolby PLIIx Music  
An extension of the Dolby Pro Logic mode, Dolby PLIIx  
expands existing stereo or 5.1-channel matrix-encoded  
audio signals for 6.1- or 7.1-channel discrete playback.  
e Music mode features three additional user controls:  
Centre Width (for adjusting balance to favor the Centre  
or Left and Right front channels), Panorama (for wrap-  
a-round surround effects), and Dimension (to adjust the  
depth of the surround sound field).  
32  
Dolby PLIIx Movie  
Dolby PLIIx Matrix  
e Movie mode routes the special effects signals to the  
surround channels for a fuller, dramatic impact while  
viewing movies and films.  
e Matrix mode provides a sound field similar to  
the Music mode, but does not have the additional  
adjustment options.  
Dolby PLIIx Game  
DTS Neo:6  
e Game mode also routes the special effects signals to  
the surround channels.  
Expands existing stereo or 5.1-channel audio signals for  
playback with 6.1- or 7.1-channel systems. Use with  
matrix-encoded digital stereo sources.  
DTS Neo:6 Cinema  
e Cinema mode emphasizes front information and  
processes surround effects to reproduce a very diffuse rear  
sound field.  
DTS Neo:6 Music  
Discrete  
Use the Music mode when playing non-encoded stereo  
audio tracks. Also includes a Centre Width adjustment.  
Provides a “native” format mode where no processing is  
performed; the source signal is simply “passed-through”  
to the output. For example, when HD Audio codecs  
such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are  
decoded in a Blu-ray player, they may be transferred as  
Discrete multi-channel LPCM signals to the SSP-800.  
Note: In this mode, sound is sent to all active speakers with  
data in the soundtrack.  
DTS Neo:6 Cinema ES  
DTS Neo:6 Music ES  
Dolby Surround EX  
Dolby Digital EX  
Provides the DTS Neo:6 mode with the addition of  
discrete- or matrix-encoding to the surround back  
channels.  
Provides the DTS Neo:6 mode with the addition of  
discrete- or matrix-encoding to the surround back  
channels.  
Derives matrix-encoded rear channel audio signals from  
5.1-channel audio signal sources. Only available for  
input sources flagged with Surround EX encoding.  
A 7th channel of discrete information was recorded  
during filming and is encoded into the media. is  
extra channel of information is used to create a single  
rear centre, or two mono rear centres depending on the  
speaker setup (6.1 or 7.1).  
video preview e Video Preview option allows you to select and view the video source on the  
front panel touchscreen, so you see what is being output to the main display.  
is is useful in installations where the SSP-800 is located out of direct line-of-  
sight to the display. Only the currently active video input can be previewed.  
Touch the Preview option from the Home page. e touchscreen now displays  
the selected video source. To return to the home page, simply touch the display  
again. If the current input has no video source assigned, touching the Preview  
option displays a message stating that the Preview option is unavailable for the  
selected input.  
33  
controls Touching the Controls option opens a new menu, as shown below. e  
Controls page allows you to adjust a variety of processor functions, such as  
audio levels and delays, as well as selecting listening configurations.  
ese adjustments are temporary; when a new input is selected, the adjustments  
are deleted and replaced with the saved values. If you want to recalibrate the  
audio levels because of an equipment change, use the Speaker Setup menu, not  
the Controls menu. Similarly, use the Input Setup menu to save a permanent  
change to an audio delay or configuration.  
system trims e System Trims menu controls several parameters of the SSP-800’s operation  
that may occasionally need adjustment to suit a particular recording. Touching  
the System Trims option opens the System Trims menu page, as shown below.  
e available adjustments are:  
level trims - provides Left/Right Balance, Centre, Surround, Rear,  
Subwoofer, and Aux1/2 level adjustments. As an example, you might want  
to raise the level of the Centre channel speaker by 2 or 3 db if the dialog  
in a particular movie is difficult to understand. In addition to the normal  
subwoofer trims, two additional buttons (LFE 0dB, and LFE -10dB) offer  
an extra -10dB of trim. You may find certain older DTS Music discs with  
the LFE channel recorded 10dB higher than normal. e LFE -10dB  
button allows you to quickly adjust for this scenario.  
audio delay - provides an overall delay, called Lipsync, to adjust for cases  
where the timing of the video signal seems to trail the audio. You may run  
into this problem with the occasional DVD, due to inattentive mastering  
of the disc itself. If you find this problem most of the time, then adjust  
the delay setting for the input in the Setup menu. Remember that these  
are only temporary trims, so use this system trim only for the occasional  
adjustment needed for a specific disc.  
Dolby late night - this mode offers intelligent moderation of the dynamic  
range in Dolby Digital recordings. is is especially useful when you want  
to watch a movie in the evening, but are concerned about disturbing the  
neighbors or others in the household who might prefer to be sleeping during  
your action movie. is feature is specific to Dolby Digital soundtracks and is  
grayed out, or unavailable, when listening to other surround formats.  
reset trims - allows you to reset the system trims back to the values  
reflected in the Setup menu for that input. NOTE: is is NOT a factory  
default command.  
34  
configuration select Touching the Configuration option opens the Configuration Select menu,  
which allows you to select the current configuration you want to activate.  
Configurations, which reflect the speaker setup of your system, are defined and  
may be renamed in the Setup Menu. e Configuration Selection menu allows  
you to choose from up to six different system configurations.  
For example, you might use different configurations that you call stereo and  
movies for configuring the system for full-range two-channel versus multi-  
channel with subwoofer(s). Conveniently you may even use configurations to  
optimize levels and distances for different listening positions.  
For more information regarding the Configuration setup, refer to the Menu  
System section.  
35  
The Menu System  
e comprehensive menu system provides setup and configuration controls for  
the SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor. ese installation-specific features let  
you customize how the SSP-800 works within the context of your particular  
system.  
Pressing the Menu button on the front panel opens the main Menu page, which  
is divided into six sections as shown below. e menu screens are always shown  
on the front panel touchscreen and can also be viewed as an OSD (On Screen  
Display) on the main video display.  
e button on the top right of the menu pages provides a “More” button, when  
additional menu options are available, or a Home button for returning to the  
Home page. Pressing the Menu button again either returns to the Home page,  
or returns to the Main Menu page, depending upon your location in the Menu  
system.  
36  
system setup Touching the System Setup option from the main Menu page opens the System  
Setup page, which contains six setup options as shown below.  
From the System Setup menu, you can:  
• tailor your inputs to your particular source components  
• configure and calibrate the system to take best advantage of your  
loudspeakers  
• create shortcuts through the “profile function” to access your preferred or  
most frequently used functions  
• program the behavior of the SSP-800’s DC triggers  
volume setup Touching the Volume option from the System Setup menu opens the Volume  
Setup page, as shown below.  
e options on this menu page allow you to:  
• set a maximum volume level  
• control the volume level of the system when it is turned on  
• customize the behavior of the mute control  
• adjust IR and automation volume command speeds  
37  
max volume e Max Volume page allows you to establish a maximum volume setting  
for your system. is scale runs from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating that you  
do not want any artificial limit placed on the maximum gain your Surround  
Sound Processor can provide. is setting is interactive. You can set the value  
to something less than 100, and then adjust the volume to see whether it is  
appropriate.  
NOTE: e volume knob itself does not set the maximum volume; you  
must set the maximum volume level in this Max Volume setup menu.  
startup volume Touching the Startup Volume option allows you to set up a preferred volume  
level for when the SSP-800 wakes out of standby. is starting volume level can  
be configured in two ways:  
• the Last Volume option sets the starting volume to the last level selected  
before the unit was powered down. e mute setting is also remembered.  
• the Specific option allows you to set a specific volume level with the mute  
control on or off.  
IR setup Touching the IR option displays the IR volume speed setup page, shown below.  
Similar to the rotary knob setup, the IR volume speed controls the degree at  
which the volume is stepped through when the remote control volume button  
is pressed. ree settings are available – Fast, Normal, and Slow. e default  
setting is Normal.  
38  
automation Touching the Automation option displays the Automation volume speed setup  
page, shown below.  
is volume control is specifically for use with automation control systems. Such  
control systems can vary in how quickly they repeat ramped volume commands.  
By first selecting a suitable volume control speed on the SSP-800 Surround  
Sound Processor, the programming required to tailor the speed from the control  
interface is simplified.  
mute setup e Mute Setup page allows you to choose how the mute button functions. e  
options for mute control are:  
classic - completely mutes all audio so that when the Mute button is  
pressed, no audio is heard.  
specific - allows you to select the exact value to which the volume is  
attenuated. If the current volume is already below that level when muting  
is engaged, the volume remains unchanged.  
damping - reduces the current listening level by a specified amount..  
e Specific and Damping options are especially useful in situations where  
you still want to hear the audio source but need to reduce the volume level  
temporarily. For example, let’s say you are watching a football game and the  
phone rings. You need to take the call but would still like to monitor the  
progress of the game. Pressing the Mute button, while it’s set for specific and  
damping, provides a simple solution.  
39  
input setup Each of the 20 inputs supported by your SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor  
can be customized in several ways to enhance system performance or to simplify  
controls. e Input Setup menu always opens to the setup page for Input 1. e  
menu contains six buttons that completely define each input – Name, Audio,  
Configuration, In use, Video, and Next input, as shown below. e same  
menu is used to set up each input:  
name  
e Name button provides a way to customize the names of the inputs as  
displayed on the input selection screens. For example, if you have the Classé  
DVD transport connected to Input 6, you may want to rename the input  
to “CDT-300” to make it easier to remember. Each name can be up to 14  
characters long.  
To change an input name to something more specific to your system, use the  
four buttons along the bottom of the Input Name menu, shown in the Input  
Setup diagram above. e buttons provide the following functions:  
• e left arrow button acts like the backspace key on a computer keyboard.  
Touch this button to delete characters by moving the cursor to the left.  
• e right arrow button adds characters by moving the cursor to the right.  
• e + and buttons allow you to change the current character by scrolling  
through the available list of characters. is list includes all upper- and  
lower-case letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0 to 9, and a variety of  
punctuation.  
When you’ve completed modifying the input name, touch the Back button to  
return to the Input Setup menu.  
40  
audio e Audio Input menu allows you to select the offset, delay, and favorite  
processing settings, affecting how the audio from this input source is handled.  
offset is used to ensure that all analog source playback is at comparable  
levels. ere can be significant differences in output levels among analog  
sources (this is not a problem with digital sources), which can lead to  
unexpected changes in volume when switching among multiple sources.  
e SSP-800 provides an offset adjustment range from -5 to +10 dB.  
delay introduces an audio delay to compensate for a delayed video signal.  
e delay is added to all channels and addresses the “lip sync” problems often  
found with modern digital televisions using sophisticated video processing.  
NOTE: If you see a consistent “lip sync” problem with all materials played by  
this input source, then adjust the delay parameter to compensate for the issue.  
However, if you only notice problems with a few specific materials, then leave  
the input delay at its default value and make temporary adjustments to the  
System Trims menu, available from the Home page, while playing the problem  
source materials.  
favorite processing determines the default surround mode that the  
SSP-800 initially uses when it receives either a two channel (“stereo”) or a  
multi-channel signal from the selected input source. For example, you may  
want to use Dolby Pro Logic II Music as the default mode for stereo signals  
from your CD player, while preferring plain two-channel reproduction  
for the signal from your FM tuner. Touching either the 2-channel or the  
multi-channel buttons displays a list of the available surround processing  
modes for the chosen signal type, from which you may select your  
preferred default setting for this source.  
connector identifies which rear panel connection the input should use.  
Any of the rear panel audio inputs are assignable to any of the input setups.  
bypass select determines if the incoming analog signal is converted to  
digital format or left in an analog format. If the Bypass Select is NOT  
highlighted then the SSP-800 converts all of the incoming analog signals  
to digital for further processing. If you prefer to pass your signals through  
the SSP-800 unaltered, except for volume control, then touch the Bypass  
Select button to make it active. NOTE: is option is automatically selected  
when the Connector parameter is set to 7.1-bypass.  
configuration e Configuration button allows you to assign one of the six configuration  
options as the default for the input being set up. If you don’t want a specific  
configuration assigned to this input, select the No Default option. In this  
case, the last used configuration is maintained when the input is selected.  
Configurations are speaker setups, and are discussed in more detail later in this  
section.  
NOTE: e default Configuration assignment can be temporarily  
overridden from the controls button on the Home page. See the section,  
Using the SSP-800, for more details.  
41  
in use is button identifies active inputs. If the In Use button is highlighted, then  
the Input is active. If the In Use button is NOT highlighted, then the input is  
considered inactive and is removed from the source selection list.  
Deselecting the In Use button for unused inputs is a good way to simplify  
source selection. e Source menu on the Home page only lists active inputs so,  
if the In Use button is NOT highlighted in the input setup menu, that input  
does NOT appear in the Source menu.  
video e Video button should be used when setting up video sources. It opens the  
Input Video Connector menu which lists the available video connections on  
the rear panel, allowing you to identify which rear panel connection the input  
should use. Any of the rear panel video inputs are assignable to any of the input  
setups.  
next input e Next Input button scrolls through the inputs from Input 1 to Input 20. So,  
once you’ve completed the Input 1 setup, click the Next Input button to access  
the Input 2 setup controls, and so on through Input 20.  
NOTE: e Back button returns to the previously viewed menu.  
triggers e SSP-800 has two available trigger controls. Each may be programmed to  
either “logic” (12V) or “inverse logic” (0V) settings. e ability to change the  
way the trigger operates can solve installation-specific problems that otherwise  
require external devices that add to both the cost and complexity of your system.  
e Event button is used to assign the trigger activation to a specific event. e  
triggers can be associated with the Standby mode, a specific input, configuration,  
surround processing mode activation, or even a combination of these. To use the  
Inverse Logic option, simply highlight the Inverse Logic button on the Triggers  
setup page.  
For more information on the use of DC triggers, we recommend you speak with  
your authorized Classé dealer.  
42  
profiles A Profile allows you to create a number of shortcuts to various functions of your  
surround sound processor.  
Two separate profiles can be customized with up to six commands each. Any  
defined profile has a named button available on the home page, as shown above.  
NOTE: By default both profiles are inactive, therefore the profiles button  
does not appear on the home screen.  
To modify a profile name touch the Name button. A profile name can be  
up to 14 characters long.  
Touch the Commands button to select the functions that are displayed  
in the profile. Under Commands is a list of up to 6 command buttons.  
For each button, you may assign a function from the list of operations.  
Effectively you are creating a customized page of the operations you might  
use the most.  
• Select the OSD button to show the profile control page on the video  
display when that profile is selected. Otherwise, selection of the profile  
commands is seen only on the front panel LCD.  
• Select the In Use button to add this profile to the Home page menu.  
Profiles give you the ability to directly access functions without having to  
remember how to navigate to their location in the menu structure. ese are  
especially useful if you frequently find yourself navigating to the same set of  
commands.  
43  
room EQ e SSP-800 Room EQ capability allows you to build very precise digital audio  
filters to help correct for fixed sonic irregularities in your room. ese filters  
should be constructed based upon audio measurements made by a well-qualified  
acoustical engineer. ese powerful filters are made available in a completely  
manual fashion to help your professional installer give you the best listening  
experience possible.  
As many as five filters can be built for each speaker channel, except the Aux  
channels defined for Bi-Amp or downmix. A Bi-Amp channel assumes the same  
filters as defined for the Front Left and Right partner channels.  
In order to define the Room EQ filters, select Room EQ from the Setup Menu.  
Choose which channel(s) you wish to adjust. Individually select and activate a  
band, then tune it with the appropriate centre frequency, Q, and gain. Once the  
appropriate number of bands have been activated and tuned, use the Activate  
Group button to turn the filters on and off as a before/after check on your  
progress for the channel.  
You do not need to have filters defined for every channel. e installer need  
only make the adjustments to the channels necessary to correct for the room’s  
interaction. We encourage you to consult with your authorized Classé dealer to  
properly calibrate the SSP-800 Room EQ function.  
configuration Your SSP-800 has default settings for each speaker, but these settings should  
be adjusted to match your system for optimal results. You may want to consult  
your authorized Classé dealer to precisely adjust the settings to match your room  
environment. On your own, you can identify each speaker’s distance from your  
seating position, but it’s difficult to make speaker level corrections by ear. Your  
dealer’s technician uses an SPL meter or specialized room measurement software  
to optimize levels and adjust speaker equalization, a powerful tool to help  
optimize your room’s interaction with your speakers.  
e Configuration Setup menu allows you to define up to six different  
speaker configurations. Touch the button for the specific configuration you  
want to set up to open the configuration setup menu, shown on the right.  
e menu contains four buttons that completely define the configuration  
Name, Distance, Levels, and Speakers – plus a fifth button that activates the  
configuration. e same menu is used to set up each configuration.  
44  
name e Name button provides a way to customize the names of the speaker  
configurations. Each name can be up to 14 characters long.  
To change a configuration name to something more specific to your system,  
use the four buttons along the bottom of the Configuration Name menu. e  
buttons provide the following functions:  
• e left arrow button acts like the backspace key on a computer keyboard.  
Touch this button to delete characters by moving the cursor to the left.  
• e right arrow button adds characters by moving the cursor to the right.  
• e + and buttons allow you to change the current character by scrolling  
through the available list of characters. is list includes all upper- and  
lower-case letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0 to 9, and a variety of  
punctuation.  
When you’ve completed modifying the configuration name, touch the Back  
button to return to the Configuration Setup menu.  
distances e Distances setup page allows you to adjust the speaker distances to accurately  
reflect the actual placement of your speakers. Touch the speaker location you  
wish to adjust and then measure the distance between each speaker and the  
primary listening place with a tape measure or equivalent. You can then enter  
the resulting distance value into the menu by touching the decrease or increase  
buttons, shown below.  
NOTE: You may find that some speaker options are not available for  
selection. ose speakers do not currently exist in that specific configuration.  
e speaker selections for each configuration are made on the Speakers page,  
which will be discussed in the sections which follow.  
45  
levels e Levels menu allows you to adjust the output levels of the speakers. An SPL  
meter should be used from the primary seating position to ensure that each  
speaker delivers the same sound pressure from a given test noise audio signal.  
Touch the Noise Seq button to activate the noise generator; the top of the menu  
now states “Levels Noise: L” – indicating that the test noise is being generated  
on the front left speaker. e test noise automatically moves to each of the  
available speakers, as indicated by the menu title, and continues to rotate around  
the room until the Noise Seq button is touched again.  
NOTE: You may find that some speaker options are not available for  
selection. ose speakers do not currently exist in that specific configuration.  
e speaker selections for each configuration are made on the Speakers page,  
which hasnt been discussed yet.  
To modify the actual levels, touch the speaker you want to update and then  
adjust the level using the increase and decrease buttons. Set the SPL meter to  
“C” weighting and Slow response. Each speaker level should be adjusted until  
the SPL meter reads 75dB at your main listening position.  
in use is button identifies active configuration. If the In Use button is highlighted,  
then the Configuration is active. If the In Use button is NOT highlighted, then  
the configuration is considered inactive and is not available for selection in the  
Input Setup menu or in the Home page Control section.  
speakers e Speakers configuration page identifies which speakers are active for each  
configuration, as well as the crossover level for each speaker. e Auxiliary  
channels can also be configured through this menu.  
First, touch the Speaker Config button to set up the 7.1-channel speaker  
configurations. en we will discuss the Auxiliary channel setups.  
46  
Each speaker opens the same menu with two buttons – size and crossover. To  
modify the crossover for the selected speaker, touch the Crossover button and  
then adjust the setting using the increase and decrease buttons. e crossover  
setting applies a high pass filter to the speakers set on crossed over, and a low  
pass filter to route bass information to the sub (if enabled). When the speaker  
is set to large, and e-bass is enabled the crossover determines which low  
frequencies will simultaneously get routed to the sub(s).  
e Size option allows you to pick either Full Range or Crossed Over for each  
speaker. e None option is available on the surround, center, or rears. Selecting  
None disables the channel(s) output. If None is highlighted then that speaker  
location is not available for selection in other menus.  
NOTE: You cannot disable the Front L/R. If you disable the surround  
speakers, then the rear speakers are not available for selection.  
e Subwoofer configuration page, shown above, has two buttons available  
Sub Enabled and e-bass. If the Sub Enabled button is highlighted, then the  
configuration includes an active subwoofer and the LFE (Low Frequency Effects)  
information is routed to it as well as any low pass energy from the crossed  
over channels. If you do not enable a subwoofer for the system, then the LFE  
information will be routed to any full range speakers in the configuration. When  
a subwoofer is enabled and the e-bass option selected, the low frequency signals  
from all speakers (both crossed and full range) are passed to the subwoofer along  
with the LFE (if available from a discrete stream). is effectively duplicates the  
bass energy present in full range speakers.  
NOTE: If the Sub is not enabled e-bass will be grayed out and not selectable  
as the LFE is already being distributed to any full range  
speakers available.  
e Crossover Slope button enables you to select the preferred crossover slope,  
either 12dB/octave or a steeper 24dB/octave. Touch the desired value so that it is  
highlighted.  
47  
auxiliary channels Now that the main speakers have been configured, we’ll discuss the Auxiliary  
Channel configurations. On the Speaker setup page, touch the Aux Channels  
button to open the Auxiliary Channels menu. e SSP-800 has two auxiliary  
channels that can be utilized as additional subwoofers, assigned as a 2-channel  
down-mix of a selected multichannel signal, or configured to bi-amped left and  
right audio.  
Alternatively, touch the None option to disable the auxiliary channels and leave  
them unused.  
Touch the Subs button to configure the auxiliary channels as additional  
subwoofers. Touch the Mono2 or Mono3 buttons to put two or three mono  
subwoofers in your sound system. In this configuration all subwoofers are  
receiving identical signals. Touch the Stereo LR or Stereo LCR buttons to make  
the subwoofers stereo Left and Right channels, or stereo Left, Centre, and Right  
channels, respectively. Please refer to the table below to determine which rear  
panel outputs are associated with a particular channel. To avoid inundating the  
room with bass by adding a second subwoofer (or third), this does not simply  
double or triple the bass energy in the room. e total bass energy is properly  
distributed among the subwoofers defined in the system.  
Output Connector  
LR configuration  
LCR configuration  
S
L Sub  
R Sub  
X
L Sub  
R Sub  
C Sub  
Aux 1  
Aux 2  
Use the Downmix–fixed or Downmix–variable options to provide a two-  
channel down-mix of the selected multichannel signal, which then follows the  
Main Front Left and Right speakers. e Downmix–fixed option sends the  
stereo output with a fixed volume level. e Downmix–variable option sends the  
stereo output with a variable volume control that duplicates the main volume  
settings. e Downmix option is very useful in situations where you want  
to monitor the main zone audio from another room. For instance, if you are  
watching the football game and need to leave to make dinner, you can feed the  
down-mixed audio to the kitchen and keep up with the game while you cook.  
Touch the Bi-Amp button to configure the auxiliary channels for a bi-  
amplification mode, where a single speaker is driven by a stereo, or two mono,  
amplifiers. In this mode, the two auxiliary channels exactly follow the Front  
Left and Right channels. To use the bi-amplification option, the Bi-Amp button  
on the Aux Bi-Amp page must be highlighted. is page also provides the level  
offset controls. Use the increase and decrease buttons to adjust the offset level.  
NOTE: For a Bi-Amp system, the Speaker Level adjustments for  
the left and right channels also simultaneously affect the Aux Left  
and Right, since the Bi-Amp channels now operate in tandem.  
48  
black level e more button on the System Setup screen accesses the Black Level setting.  
e “video setup” in North America assumes that black is reproduced at a video  
level of 7.5 IRE units, while most of the rest of the world assumes that video  
black is represented by a video level of 0 IRE units. e SSP-800 can operate  
either way; you should pick the standard common to your area for compatibility  
with the rest of your video sources.  
teach IR e complete list of SSP-800 discrete infrared (IR) command codes extends far  
beyond what is practical for handheld remote controls. However, many of these  
functions are critical if you plan to create a customized remote control with  
macros that take command of your entire system. Without these discrete codes,  
many of the macros you might want to create simply won’t work reliably.  
e Teach IR page displays a scrolling list of all the available IR codes in the  
SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor. Simply scroll to the command you want  
your macro-capable remote to learn and touch the Send IR Code button. e  
SSP-800 continuously sends the appropriate command code via the front panel  
- as long as the button is pressed – until your third-party remote control has  
learned it.  
For more information on control systems, we recommend you speak with your  
authorized Classé dealer.  
49  
display setup e Display Setup menu page, shown below, allows you to configure the  
brightness, display timeout, and language used in the front panel and menu  
system. It also determines the format and color of the OSD (on-screen display),  
and how volume settings are displayed on your system.  
brightness e Brightness setting of the SSP-800 front panel touchscreen has three possible  
values: low, medium, and high. Select the appropriate setting based on the level  
of ambient light typically found in your listening room while using the system.  
A high brightness setting usually works best in brightly-lit rooms; you may  
find that a lower setting is less visually intrusive under more subdued lighting  
conditions.  
timeout If you prefer listening to music in a dimly-lit or darkened room, you may  
find even the low brightness setting of the display somewhat distracting. You  
can essentially turn off the touchscreen by reducing the timeout value of the  
backlighting so as to turn it off entirely after a period of inactivity you select. In  
this context, activity refers to any use of the user interface. is includes hard  
buttons, the LCD touchscreen, and the remote control.  
For example, if you reduce the timeout to its minimum setting, the backlighting  
illuminates the display as soon as you interact with any of the SSP-800 controls,  
and remains lit for only three seconds – just long enough for you to check a  
setting. If you continue to use any of the controls (at least once every three  
seconds), the display remains lit. After three seconds of inactivity on your part,  
the backlight extinguishes itself, essentially turning off the touchscreen. Or, if  
you prefer to have the active source preview, instead of a black screen, you can  
select the timeout value of the touchscreen and then highlight video on timeout.  
When the touchscreen timeout value is reached, the active video source is shown  
on the touchscreen.  
If you prefer the display of the SSP-800 to remain on whenever not in  
Standby mode, select the Never option. e lamp in the touchscreen display is  
designed for harsh automotive environments and will give you many years of  
reliable operation. If you plan to leave the unit on continuously, however, we  
recommend that you keep the timeout delay set to less than one minute.  
NOTE: setting the brightness to a lower setting does not increase  
the life of the lamp.  
50  
language e Language menu offers a choice between six different languages supported  
by the SSP-800. e language selected is then used for all touchscreen and  
menu system text. Classé has also provided our international distributors with  
a software tool that makes it possible for them to customize the translations to  
suit their local customs and terminology. is allows us to be sure operation of  
the SSP-800 is just as intuitive in countries other than its birthplace, Canada.  
OSD (on screen display) e SSP-800 can report changes to its status via the On Screen Display.  
Selecting Duration from the OSD menu allows you to define the amount of  
time events are displayed, up to a maximum of 5 seconds. e Events screen  
allows you to select which individual events you want displayed. To make your  
selection, scroll through the list using the arrow keys on the right of the screen,  
then highlight the desired events. e default is for all events in the list to  
generate an OSD message.  
colors e Colors menu page gives you the ability to customize the color of the OSD  
and touchscreen. Besides the default blue, the screen may be shown in silver,  
red, or green. If a different color is chosen, the change takes place immediately  
so you can view the colors before leaving the menu page.  
volume ere are two common ways of displaying the volume information in a multi-  
channel system: absolute and relative.  
e absolute system refers to the notion that most people think of the number  
0 as meaning nothing, e.g., no sound at all. In this system, 0 means “sound off  
” and larger numbers indicate high volumes. While this method is intuitive,  
there’s really no reference for how loud a particular setting is except through  
prior experience.  
In the relative system, there is a calibrated, reference volume referred to as 0dB.  
is reference volume is the same level at which movies are played in theaters.  
Regardless of how large or how small the theater, a setting of 0dB is always  
the same, known volume. Changes from that volume level are shown as either  
positive (louder) or negative (quieter). People who have spent any time making  
recordings will recognize that this is similar to the notion of 0dB on a record  
level meter.  
In any event, the SSP-800 offers both systems so that you may choose what  
makes the most sense to you personally.  
51  
Dolby/DTS e SSP-800 incorporates both Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6  
technologies for converting a two-channel signal into an enjoyable multi-  
channel listening experience. e Dolby/DTS Setup menu allows you to  
modify the Dolby PLIIx Music or DTS Neo:6 Music processing settings to best  
suit your personal preferences.  
While they differ in the details of their implementation and in the subjective  
result, on a conceptual level they do the same thing: they analyze the  
information embedded in two-channel recordings, looking for clues that can  
indicate how the sound in those recordings might best be redistributed to the  
various speakers in a multi-channel system, simulating a discrete multi-channel  
recording.  
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode has three user-adjustable parameters:  
Panorama presents a wider, deeper front soundstage. e effect is  
somewhat signal-dependant, meaning that it is more pronounced with  
some recordings and less so with others. With a good recording, however,  
the effect can be quite dramatic. Panorama is active when the button is  
highlighted.  
Centre Width determines how much of the centre-channel information  
is allowed to remain in the left and right speakers. A low setting places all  
of the information that creates a phantom centre image in a normal stereo  
system into the centre channel speaker instead (sometimes referred to as a  
“hard” centre channel). A high setting leaves this information in the left  
and right speakers, fading out the centre channel speaker. Intermediate  
settings provide a great compromise between the seamless spaciousness  
of a great stereo system and the wide listening area of a multi-channel  
system, where you don’t need to be in the “sweet spot” to hear a centre  
image.  
Dimension shifts the overall balance of the processing towards the back  
of the room. In very “dry” recordings lacking recorded ambience, a higher  
dimension setting helps to restore a sense of space to the reproduced  
sound. In extremely “wet” recordings with lots of ambience, you may  
want to reduce the dimension setting to avoid excessive or distracting  
spaciousness.  
DTS Neo:6 By contrast, the DTS Neo:6 setting couldn’t be simpler. e only user-  
adjustable parameter for DTS Neo:6 Music mode and ES Music mode is the  
centre width control. It functions in a similar manner to the centre width  
control for Dolby Pro Logic IIx.  
52  
remote Fkeys e remote control supplied with the SSP-800 has four function keys (Fkeys),  
each of which gives you instant access to a specific system function that might  
otherwise be buried in the menu system.  
For example, if you use the balance control frequently, you may want to consider  
programming one of the Fkeys to directly access the balance control. By saving  
the balance control as an Fkey function, you do not need to access the menus  
to change the parameter..  
e remote control F1 to F4 buttons correspond to the Function Keys displayed  
on the touchscreen. Select the Function Key that you would like to program,  
en to select the one you want simply scroll through the list (by touching  
either the up or down arrows on the right), and then touch the specific function  
you want that Fkey to perform.  
important note on Fkey use All Classé remote controls provide these same four Fkeys, so that you need not  
worry about which remote you happen to pick up. us F1 on the Surround  
Sound Processor’s remote control sends the same infrared signal as F1 on the CD  
player’s remote control.  
While this is intended to minimize confusion amongst different remotes (since  
this aspect of them will all perform identically), you should take care when  
assigning different functions on different components to the same Fkey. Doing  
so can result in two components doing two different things at once, in response  
to a single press of a button on the remote control. is can sometimes be  
useful. As an example, F1 could set the Surround Sound Processor to the CD  
input, and also set the CD player to Play, both from the press of a single Fkey.  
53  
status e Status screen provides several items of information on the currently playing  
disc, as well as access to information on the software used in and the internal  
sensors of the SSP-800. While on this page, pressing the more key will access the  
CAN-Bus features.  
version info e version info button on the status screen takes you to the Version  
Information screen, which displays information on various pieces of software  
used by your SSP-800. If you ever have occasion to call our technical support  
people to ask a question not covered in this manual, they may want to know  
precisely what version of software your unit is running. Having this information  
available will help enable them to give you the best possible service.  
sensors e sensors button on the status screen takes you to the Sensors screen, which  
displays information about several internal sensors within the SSP-800. It is  
unlikely you might ever need the sensor information, unless directed to do so by  
a customer service representative at Classé in order to help troubleshoot some  
unexpected problem.  
CAN-Bus Classé’s Controller Area Network, or CAN-Bus, opens the way to a new level  
of interaction between our Delta range of amplifiers, preamps, processors and  
source components. When the SSP-800 is connected with CAN-Bus, the  
different elements of a Delta series system are in constant communication,  
creating a “global” network that delivers system wide status information and  
shared operational features, all through the touchscreen display.  
features CAN-Bus will allow a single Delta series touchscreen to:  
• Display status information for every connected unit, including amplifiers  
which do not have a touchscreen display.  
• Create a “PlayLink” that allows an SSP or Preamp to automatically switch  
to the correct input when a Delta series source component starts playback.  
• Adjust the global system brightness.  
• Configure the entire system to go in and out of standby at the touch of a  
button and also bring individual components in and out of standby.  
• Mute any connected unit.  
54  
hardware setup 1  
Classé Delta Series Products  
Two or more Classé Delta series products are required, at least one of which  
must have a touchscreen display.  
2
Category 5 Network Cables  
ese are ordinary network cables, commonly used for broadband Internet  
connections. ey should be typical “straight through” cables not the “crossed  
over” type, and the total required will be one less than the total number of  
Delta series components in your system.  
3
4
CAN-Bus Terminator  
At minimum, a single CAN-Bus Terminator will be required. It is inserted  
into the CAN-Bus OUT connector of the last component in the CAN-Bus  
daisy chain. One is included in the box with your SSP-800. They are also  
available free of charge from your nearest Classé Customer Support Centre  
SSP-300 & 600 CAN-Bus Interface Box  
Systems that include an SSP-600 or SSP-300 will also require an  
SSP-300/600 CAN-Bus Interface Box. ese are included with the products or  
available free of charge from your nearest Classé Customer Support Centre  
e diagrams below illustrate how to connect the CAN-Bus hardware.  
Any combination of models in any order without SSP-300 or SSP-600.  
CAN-BUS  
IN  
OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
Any combination of models in any order with SSP-300 or SSP-600.  
CAN-BUS  
IN  
OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
CAN-BUS  
IN OUT  
NOTE: Daisy chain must be terminated with CAN-Bus Terminator.  
55  
using CAN-Bus CAN-Bus is controlled via the touchscreen of any Delta series component. ere  
is no master component, so Delta series systems where two or more units have  
a touchscreen can be controlled through any of the touchscreens. However, it is  
probably easiest to start using CAN-Bus through just one.  
CAN-Bus is accessed by pressing the menu button on the face of the unit or  
remote, then the status button, followed by the more button.  
e touchscreen will then display the CAN-Bus devices screen, which lists  
connected Delta series components by model & serial number.  
Highlighting a unit on the CAN-Bus devices screen identifies it as the target  
unit. e front panel LEDs of the target unit will start flashing (unless you  
highlight the unit that you are using to access CAN-Bus).  
Once you have chosen the target unit press select. e target unit’s LEDs will  
stop flashing and the touch screen will list the CAN-Bus features available to it.  
Some CAN-Bus features are shared by all models, some are specific to individual  
models.  
56  
CAN-Bus shared features e following CAN-Bus features are shared by all models.  
configuration Selecting configuration will present the CAN-Bus configuration screen  
allowing access to name, global brightness, and global standby features..  
name enables you to set the name that this component will be listed under  
in the CAN-Bus devices screen. e name will appear next to the unit  
model and serial number, and facilitate the identification of units in large  
systems.  
global brightness enables you to adjust the touchscreen and LED  
brightness of all the components in your system by changing the  
brightness of a single touchscreen. All CAN-Bus software updates  
automatically set the updated unit to global brightness. If you want a  
particular unit to be excluded from global brightness, deselect global  
brightness for that unit.  
global standby enables you to bring your entire system in and out of  
standby by pressing the standby button of any unit or remote. All  
CAN-Bus software updates automatically set the updated unit to global  
standby. If you want a particular unit to be excluded from global standby,  
deselect global standby for that unit.  
operate e operate settings allow you to bring the target unit in and out of standby, or  
mute. is key will be disabled for the unit whose touchscreen you are using to  
access CAN-Bus.  
AC status e AC status screen displays information from the target unit’s electrical  
supply sensors. Two screens are available, with the second accessed by selecting  
more.  
status e status screen is the simplest way to access essential information about  
the target unit. It displays the target unit’s model number, software version,  
operational status and serial number.  
57  
CAN-Bus model e following CAN-Bus features are model specific.  
specific features  
PlayLink  
is feature is exclusive to Delta series disc players and will only function if  
the disc player is connected to a CAN-Bus enabled preamp or surround sound  
processor.  
When PlayLink is active, pressing play on the disc player will also automatically  
switch the preamp/processor to a specified input. is means that you can listen  
to a CD or watch a DVD literally at the touch of a button.  
e first step in using PlayLink is to choose the input you wish to be selected  
when play is pressed on the disc player. Press the PlayLink icon, then select the  
correct input from the list.  
Once you have selected the input press back, then select configuration.  
PlayLink is activated and disabled through the PlayLink icon on the CAN-Bus  
configuration screen.  
PlayLink is automatically active after a software update, and the PlayLink icon  
will only appear on the CAN-Bus configuration screen of a Delta series disc  
player.  
PlayLink can only select a single input per disc player. It is therefore  
not designed for users who regularly play both CDs and DVDs  
through different inputs from a single disc player. When PlayLink is  
active the disc player will default to the same input every time play  
is pressed, regardless of whether it is playing CD or DVD.  
58  
amp info Available for amplifiers only, this screen displays the data provided by the  
heatsink and AC Module temperature sensors.  
NOTE: is feature is only accessible when the target amplifier is on.  
event log Reserved for amplifiers, this feature is a protection circuitry event log which can  
only be accessed when the target amplifier is in standby. e protection circuit  
shuts down the amplifier or channel if it overheats or if its output could damage  
your speakers. e event log details the circumstances surrounding the amp  
going into protection and should be referred to in situations that require the  
intervention of your dealer or Classé customer support.  
e log can report the following events interpreted as follows:  
+ve slow blo trip & -ve slow blo trip — e average current has reached  
the safe operating limit.  
+ve fast blo trip & -ve fast blo trip — e peak current has reached the  
safe operating limit.  
over temperature trip — e unit temperature has reached the safe  
operating limit.  
DC protection trip — e DC output level has reached the safe operating limit.  
Communication failure — ere has been a loss of communication  
between the amp’s system monitoring sensors.  
AC line trip — e power supply has reached the limits of the amp’s safe  
operating range.  
ese events are rare and generally occur due to issues that are external to the  
amp. ey should be interpreted positively. e amp is doing what it’s designed  
to do.  
59  
Troubleshooting  
Always refer any service problems to your Classé dealer. However, if you run into  
a problem, we recommend referring to this section first as sometimes an error is  
not a malfunctioning product, but simply an oversight in the proper setup of the  
component. is section provides suggested solutions to potential problems.  
If none of these solutions work, please consult your Classé dealer for assistance.  
ere are no user-serviceable parts inside the Surround Sound Processor.  
Important!  
Verify that the power amplifier(s) connected to the SSP-800  
is powered off before checking any cable connections and  
before power cycling the Surround Sound Processor.  
1
Everything appears to be powered on, but there is no sound.  
3 Adjust the volume control to a moderate level - audible but not  
excessive.  
3 Make sure that the selected source component is powered on,  
not in Standby mode, playing an audio track, and not in pause  
mode.  
3 Ensure that the proper input has been selected for the current  
source.  
3 Verify that the Mute control is NOT active.  
3 Ensure that the amplifier is powered up and not in Standby  
mode.  
3 Check the Menu -> System Status information to verify an audio  
signal is being received.  
3 Verify that all cables are securely connected to the proper inputs  
and outputs, with no kinks or stress points.  
2
There is no sound and the Standby LED is not lit.  
3 Ensure that the SSP-800 is properly connected to the electrical  
outlet - the AC cord is positioned firmly in the AC mains  
receptacle in the rear panel and the power switch is in the On  
position.  
3 Verify that the power from the electrical outlet is within 15% of  
its specified line voltage. If the power fluctuates outside of this  
range, then the SSP-800 has switched to protection mode, which  
requires a power cycle to reset the Surround Sound Processor to  
its normal operating mode.  
3 If the SSP-800 is properly plugged in and the power from the  
electrical outlet is at the proper level, try the following: Put the  
SSP-800 in Standby mode, switch off the main power switch on  
the rear panel, and unplug the Surround Sound Processor for  
at least thirty seconds. en plug the cord back in and trying  
powering up again. Sometimes, a brown-out (short-term power  
loss) can activate the protection mode, which requires a power  
cycle to reset the SSP-800 to its normal operating mode.  
3 Remove the AC cord from the unit, and open the fuse holder  
immediately above the AC cord inlet. If the fuse is blown,  
contact your qualified Classé dealer immediately.  
60  
3
Only one speaker seems to be playing.  
3 If the problem occurs with all inputs, check the interconnecting  
cables between the preamp and the power amp. Also check the  
speaker wires for secure connections.  
3 If the problem occurs with only one input, check the input  
balance control setting of that input: select the problem input,  
then access the input balance control by touching Controls  
from the Home page of the front panel touchscreen, then  
select System Trims -> Level Trims, and then verify the balance  
control for the speakers. Check the speakers are active on the  
configuration assigned to this input.  
3 Check that the speakers are active on the configuration assigned  
to this input.  
3 Check the interconnect cables between the source component  
and the SSP-800.  
4
5
The IR remote control does not seem to function.  
3 Ensure that there are no obstacles between the IR remote and  
the IR sensor, located to the right of the Mute button.  
3 Replace the batteries in the remote control.  
There is a hum coming out of the speakers.  
3 If you are using single-ended interconnects, make sure they are  
not placed alongside any AC power cords. Also make sure that  
they are not too long – long single-ended interconnecting cables  
have a natural tendency to pick up noise even when shielded.  
3 If any source components are connected to cable TV, try  
disconnecting the cable television line from the source  
component. If the hum goes away, you need an isolation device  
between your cable TV converter and the source component.  
Your Classé dealer can help you obtain one of these inexpensive  
devices.  
6
There is a hum coming from the SSP-800.  
3 is symptom suggests that there are a lot of DC offset or other  
artifacts on your AC mains line. Try connecting to another AC  
circuit – not merely a different plug, but a completely different  
outlet.  
3 Check to see if you have any halogen lighting or dimmers on  
the same AC circuit as the SSP-800 as they can cause the power  
supply transformers to hum.  
7
If there is no video or bad video displayed on an output  
device.  
3 Check the Menu -> Status information on the front panel  
touchscreen to verify the status of the incoming video. If no  
video signal is present, recheck the listed video input connection  
and the video source.  
3 If a valid video signal is present, press the Preview button on  
the Home page. e preview should show the incoming video  
signal. If the touchscreen is blank, verify the incoming source is  
in fact transmitting the desired video program.  
3 If the preview image has improper colors from a component  
source, either the component source is transmitting an RGB  
signal (unsupported) or the Pr and Pb wires are crossed.  
61  
3 If there is a preview image but no output image, check the  
display connection. Ensure the YPrPb cables are properly  
connected if using a component video TV. Some display devices  
may not display the source’s output resolution (for example,  
component 720p going into a standard definition display or an  
HDMI source which is preset to an unsupported resolution for a  
particular HDMI display.  
3 If the preview image looks good but the colors are wrong on the  
component video display then check that the component cables  
are properly connected. NOTE: Only a non-copy protected YCrCb  
HDMI source can be viewed on a component display. Other types of  
HDMI sources show either no picture or improper colors.  
8
Voltage Protection Circuit  
When the SSP-800 is connected to AC power, the AC input enters  
the component through a Voltage Sensing Circuit, which checks  
the voltage level every 25 milliseconds. Power can only reach the  
component once it has passed the Voltage Sensing Circuit. e circuit  
verifies that the power is within tolerable operating levels:  
3 of 10% of its AC line voltage setting.  
3 between 11% and 15% of its AC line voltage setting.  
e following behavior of the SSP-800 is the result of the Voltage  
Sensing Circuit:  
3 If the external voltage is within the performance range, the  
product functions normally.  
3 If the external voltage enters the range of the safe operating  
limit, the standby LED flashes every half-second but the product  
otherwise continues to function normally.  
3 If the external voltage exceeds the safe operating limit for  
10 consecutive seconds, the protection circuitry engages and  
an error message appears on the touchscreen.  
3 If the external voltage falls below its performance range, the  
standby LED flashes indefinitely every half-second until the  
voltage is insufficient to sustain normal operation.  
3 You have to cycle power to reset the protection circuitry. If you  
attempt to reset the SSP-800 while the external power supply  
remains outside the safe operating limit, the protection circuit  
re-engages, putting the SSP-800 back into Standby mode. We  
therefore recommend that you wait until the standby LED  
stops flashing before cycling power and resetting the protection  
circuitry.  
62  
Care & Maintenance  
To remove dust from the cabinet of your Surround Sound Processor, use a  
feather duster or a lint-free soft cloth. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we  
recommend isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.  
Dampen the cloth with alcohol first and then lightly clean the surface of the  
Surround Sound Processor with the cloth. Do not use excessive amounts of  
alcohol that might drip off the cloth and into the Surround Sound Processor.  
Caution!  
Power down and remove the AC power cord from the  
SSP-800 before performing maintenance. At no time should  
liquid cleaners be applied directly to the Surround Sound  
Processor, as direct application of liquids may result in  
damage to electronic components within the unit.  
input factory defaults For your convenience, here are the factory default settings for the SSP-800  
Surround Sound Processor.  
Input #  
Default Audio Connector  
Coaxial Digital 1  
Default Video Connector  
1
2
3
None  
None  
None  
Coaxial Digital 2  
Coaxial Digital 3  
4
Coaxial Digital 4  
Optical Digital 1  
Optical Digital 2  
Optical Digital 3  
Optical Digital 4  
XLR Analog 1  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
None  
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
RCA Analog 2  
RCA Analog 3  
Coaxial Digital 1  
Coaxial Digital 2  
Coaxial Digital 3  
Optical Digital 1  
Optical Digital 2  
Optical Digital 3  
XLR Analog 1  
RCA Analog 2  
RCA Analog 3  
63  
Specifications  
All specifications are accurate at the time of printing. Classé reserves the right to  
make improvements without notice.  
Frequency response  
20Hz - 200kHz < 0.1dB, stereo analog bypass  
20Hz - 20kHz < 0.2dB, all other sources  
Distortion (THD+noise) 0.001%, digital source/bypassed analog source  
.002%, processed analog source  
Maximum input level (single-ended)  
Maximum input level (balanced)  
Maximum output level (single-ended)  
Maximum output level (balanced)  
Gain Range  
Input impedance  
Output impedance (main output)  
Signal-to-noise ratio (ref. 10Vrms input)  
2Vrms (DSP), 6Vrms (bypass)  
4Vrms (DSP), 12Vrms (bypass)  
8Vrms  
15Vrms  
-100dB to +14dB  
100kΩ  
56Ω  
102dB, bypassed analog source  
100dB, processed analog source  
105dB, digital source  
better than 100dB  
better than -120dB @ 1kHz  
75Ω  
Channel separation  
Crosstalk (any input to any output)  
Video input impedance  
Video output impedance  
75Ω  
HDMI  
v.1.3b supporting Deep Color, 1080p @ 24/50/60 fps,  
and x.v.Color(xvYCC).  
Rated power consumption  
75W  
Mains voltage determined by the needs of country for which the unit  
was manufactured; cannot be reset by dealer or user  
Overall dimensions  
Width: 17.5” (445mm)  
Depth (excluding connectors) : 16.5” (419mm)  
Height: 6.75” (172mm)  
Net weight  
Shipping weight  
29 lbs (13 kg)  
38 lbs (17 kg)  
For more information, see your Classé dealer, or contact:  
Classé Audio  
5070 François Cusson  
Lachine, Quebec  
Canada H8T 1B3  
Telephone +1 (514) 636-6384  
FAX  
Internet:  
email:  
+1 (514) 636-1428  
Classé and the Classé logo are trademarks of Classé Audio Inc. of Lachine, Canada. All rights reserved.  
AMX® is a registered trademark of AMX Corporation of Richardson, TX. All rights reserved.  
Crestron™ is a trademark of Crestron Electronics, Inc. of Rockleigh, NJ. All rights reserved.  
HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent #’s: 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380;  
5,978,762; 6,226,616; 6,487,535; 7,003,467; 7,212,872 & other U.S. and worldwide  
patents issued & pending. DTS, DTS Digital Surround, ES, and Neo:6 are registered  
trademarks and the DTS logos, Symbol and DTS 96/24 are trademarks of DTS, Inc.  
© 1996-2008 DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
64  
Dimensions  
17.50"  
[ 444.5mm  
]
6.00"  
[ 152.4mm  
]
6.78"  
[ 172.1  
MENU  
MUTE  
SSP-800  
.78"  
[ 19.7mm  
2.42"  
[ 61.5mm  
12.66"  
[ 321.6mm  
]
]
2.42"  
[ 61.5mm  
]
16.48"  
[ 418.5mm  
]
12.40"  
[ 315.1mm ]  
17.30"  
[ 439.3mm  
1.65"  
[ 41.9mm ]  
2.20"  
[ 55.9mm  
13.09"  
[ 332.6mm  
]
]
17.50"  
[ 444.5mm  
]
65  
Installation Worksheet  
Source:______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
Source: ______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
Source: ______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
Source: ______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
Source: ______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
Source: ______________________________________________________________  
Audio Connector:______________________________________________________  
Video Connector:______________________________________________________  
Input:_______________________________________________________________  
66  
Classé Audio  
5070 François Cusson  
Lachine, Quebec  
Canada H8T 1B3  
+1 (514) 636-6384  
+1 (514) 636-1428 (fax)  
North America: 1 800 370 3740  
Europe: 44 (0) 1903 221 700  
Asia: (852) 2790 8903  
All Others: +1 514 636 6394  
Copyright © 2008 Classé Audio, Inc. Printed in Canada.  
V 3.1  
091908  

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