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Can a Classe SSP replace a dedicated stereo pre?

Hi everyone! I appreciate the opinions and knowledge on this forum and I've been reading a while. 

I am looking to move laterally from a 2-channel setup to a basic 5.1 surround setup, as my listening does involve TV and movies. Most of my sources are digital.

My current setup involves a sabaj d5 DAC, a Modwright SWL 9.0se preamp, Odyssey Khartago extreme monoblocks, and some excellent DIY 3-way speakers.

I couldn't be happier with this for two channel listening. 

In my research for multichannel pres/avrs, I heard most people saying that the only ones that sound really good for stereo are ones made by Classe, Krell and Bryston within my budget. I'm really hoping to simplify my setup and not have to use ht bypass, switch between two preamps etc.

I've made an offer for a Classe SSP sigma. Do you think this could potentially replace my Modwright without losing much SQ?

Thank you!
akhil
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I have a Krell Showcase HT processor. My Luxman Cl38U SE two channel tube preamp sonically completely beats the Krell for music.
jakesnak
176 posts
 
I have a Classe' Sigma SSP preamp. For a surround sound processor it is outdated. Not good. In 2 channel, setting's in XLR Digital Bypass it will hold its own against preamps much more expensive.
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the replies!

I have a Krell Showcase HT processor. My Luxman Cl38U SE two channel tube preamp sonically completely beats the Krell for music.
I believe the Sigma was deemed better than the Krell for 2 channel performance, so I’m hopeful. Though I think your Luxman is obviously a superior preamp, I don’t think my budget is near that level of performance.

I have a Classe’ Sigma SSP preamp. For a surround sound processor it is outdated. Not good. In 2 channel, setting’s in XLR Digital Bypass it will hold its own against preamps much more expensive.


I only care about SQ, not really much about getting the latest. I can’t get more than 5 speakers, don’t care about Atmos, and have only one 4k HDR source that feeds into the TV first. I plan to split HDMI and feed audio into the SSP, so I don’t need the latest codecs etc.

I have a sabaj d5 DAC, not sure if it’ll outperform the DAC in the Sigma?


jakesnak
176 posts
 
The Dac in the SSP is very good? Hard to say which will perform better. Only way to tell is in XLR BYPASS, run your D5. Then take it out of bypass and listen to the SSP. It has a very good Burr Brown Chip.
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
222 posts
 
I have the Classe Sigma SSP Mkii and am really happy with it. I am primarily 2 channel but have a 5.1 system for music concerts and movies. I don’t want anything more than 5.1, but it can handle 7.1. The DAC is excellent, but I have recently been using Lumin T2 streamer and connecting it via XLR and setting the Classe in digital bypass mode. The Sigma acts as a great analog preamp.
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