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SSP as 2-Channel Preamp With Sub???

sorry if this is an obvious question, but is it possible to use an SSP in analog direct mode AND a subwoofer?

i'm consolidating my rig and will be using an SSP as a preamp for HT and 2-Ch listening, and from what i've read, the best 2-ch sound is possible when using the analog bypass (or direct) mode on an SSP. BUT, in doing so, there's no way to get a sub channel.

so, for those that would prefer to run their SSP in analog bypass mode, but also use a sub to augment small speakers, how is this done? in my 2-channel rig, my preamp has multiple outputs that i use... i fail to see how i can replicate this using an SSP.

any suggestions would be appreciated!
128x128srosenberg
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srosenberg OP
209 posts
 
@db... i don't own an SSP presently - just planning / researching right now. i'm just going off everything i've read, which is pretty consistent in that these SSP's really only excel for 2-channel listening when used in analog direct (bypass) mode.

i don't know one way or another, as i haven't had a listen yet... if there are some out there that are comparable to decent 2-channel preamps in digital mode, i'd love to know about them!
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dbphd
1,630 posts
 
My mistake, Srosenberg. I read SSP to mean Classe SSP 800, one of the processors reviewers suggest can serve well as the basis of a system used for stereo, multi-channel surround, and HT. I'm using a Cary Cinema 11a, another processor lauded for audio quality. I've been very satisfied with it for stereo, with both digital and vinyl. Well recorded DSD surround can be glorious. Try the Arts recording of Corelli violin sonatas for a treat.

db
edorr
714 posts
 
At least one SSP has a crossover in the analog domain (in addition to digital), which will do what you want - the ADA Mach IV. There may be others.
hooper_ke
37 posts
 
If you purchase a Theta Casablanca you may not want to use your DAC anymore. The CB is known as one of the best, or the best, SSP for two channel audio as well. I would love to hear how a CB compares to W4S DAC if you get a CB. I am considering a used CB for music/HT or the Marantz AV7500 for HT and a W4S DAC 2 for music.
raks
468 posts
 
I’ve got a Theta Casablanca II with one of the 6 inputs set up in the Analog Direct mode. The Theta manual says “Since there is no surround processing in Analog Direct, the sub woofer, phantom center channel, and crossover effects are not available”. In the Analog Matrix mode, the manual says the signal routing is the same as for Analog Direct, but adds that the surround channels can be crossed over “creating a sub channel”, but the front left and right channels cannot be crossed over. In other words, if you’re running two channel Analog Matrix, the sub crossover effects are not available.

IMHO, I can’t imagine a straight up two channel stereo rig sounding better than the Casablanca.
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