Every now and then, we know it’s time to upgrade our audio/video equipment. Manufacturers know it too, so even when they have reliable and quality pieces, we can’t wait to hear about what they do next.

Classe Audio recently did the upgrade thing with the bow of its new reference preamplifier/processor, the SSP-800—the latest model in the Delta Series that has given us the SSP-300 and SSP-600 preamp/processors.

The SSP-800 has everything your theater will need and more. It’s handles 10-channels, with both balanced and single-ended connections for all channels, and works on a Texas Intstruments-based platform with 64-bit double precision.

The rear of the SSP-800 takes into consideration the increasing amount of digital sources, by minimizing the typical array of analog inputs and focusing on the digital connectors, including four HDMI 1.3a inputs for A/V supplemented by standard coax and optical digital inputs for audio.

On the video side, the SSP-800 can more than accommodate Blu-ray, as its video signal path supports 36-bit Deep Color video and Blu-ray discs are 24-bit sources. On-screen display messages an be overlaid on all video signals, and resolutions up to 1080p are available to see on the touchscreen.

Look for the SSP-800 this month, with an MSRP of $8,000.

About the Author:
Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!