2. home-theater
  3. 136929-58905

Upgrade from Classe SSP 800 processor

Hey there,
I’ve been using the Classe SSP 800 in my dedicated home theater room for a while now and while its sound quality is spectacular I think it’s time for me to explore a new current processor that can decode new surround sound formats eg Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, Auro 3D, etc.
Any suggestions?

My SSP 800 has been used strictly for surround sound (home theater) as I do have a separate dedicated stereo setup and system in a separate two-channel listening room. So that said, the new processor will also be used strictly for home theater (surrounds).

My current home theater gears are the following :
* Oppo UDP 205.
* Sony 4k OLED tv (85").
* Classe SSP 800.
* Classe Delta CAM-600 monoblock amps to power my front LR speakers.
* Classe Delta CAM-300 monoblock amp (single) to power my center speaker.
* Classe Delta CA-2300 five-channel amp to power my surrounds.
* B&W 800 D3 front speakers.
* B&W 800 HTML1 D3 center speaker.
* B&W 804 D3 & 805 D3 for surrounds.
*JL Audio Gotham subwoofer.
* 2 of Audioquest Niagara 7000 power product.

I am going to start working on remodeling my dedicated HT room in order to accommodate additional overhead speakers for Atmos setup. And when I get a new processor I will also need to get additional multi-channel amps to power additional speakers necessary.
I might get rid of my B&W 804 D3 & 805 D3 surround speakers and get the B&W 800 D3 in-wall or on-wall speakers for surrounds instead. 

Any ideas as to what new av preamp processor to get? The one that’s capable of decoding Dolby Atmos & DTS-X. But I'm keeping all the Classe Delta series power amps and will need additional multi-channel amps to power additional overhead speakers etc possibly another Classe amps. 

Thanks in advance guys.

caphill
btw22
80 posts
 
@caphill
@rshad0000

Thank you so much to you both for a very thorough response. It’s been a big help. As much as I would like to have Atmos, I really don’t have the space and I’m pretty satisfied with 5.1 audio surround with my Classe for now. I would have to move my layout around a bit just to accommodate the extra 2ch amp, and the extra overhead speakers. I know what you both mean about that Classe “musicality”, and last thing I wanna do is compromise my 2ch.

I’m guessing I’ll stick to the classe for now till my options change. I’m fairly confident that you’re both correct in your findings regarding the Lyngdorf with 2ch, which is too bad because any processor over $10k retail is just overkill for my NYC apt. 

@caphill
Surely the Classe had great synergy with your Delta amps and B&W speakers. I myself have Dali Euphonias/5ch Simaudio Titan amp combo for more than 10 years now and it sounds wonderful. Can’t imagine a better combo without spending twice as much.

Thanks again to you both...
Happy Listening...
btw22
80 posts
 
Looks like the Bryson SP4 might be the best of both worlds but that $14K price tag is hard to justify. 
caphill OP
678 posts
 
@btw22 

I don't listen to two-channel music in my dedicated theater room. I have a separate two-channel setup in different listening room. But the SSP 800 is better than the Lyngdorf when used for watching bluray concert films and musical films on bluray & 4k UHD discs. Sounded more musical than the Lyngdorf. Even some great movies with great musical scores are better when played back through the SSP 800. 
rshad0000
271 posts
 
The Bryston SP4 looks interesting.  I noticed in one of the pictures it says that it’s,”Made in France”.   I believe Bryston is a Canadian company.  I wonder if they have someone building it for them?
caphill OP
678 posts
 
Yes, the Bryston SP4 looks like a great candidate.

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