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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
bwguy's avatar
bwguy
227 posts
 
Agree with jakesnack.  You will be happy with the 2 channel performance of the Classe Sigma SSP.  Although there might other options for home theatre processing, I am more than happy 
with the 5.1 surround sound quality as well.  
akhil OP
7 posts
 
Thank you bwguy and jakesnak! Waiting impatiently to setup and try the new system!

@stereo5  haha yes, it's a rare find. I live in the bay area, CA, where rents are ridiculous, and I'm still quite young. This is a small house/cottage unit in someone's backyard with a living room, kitchen, bath, bedroom and private yard. Maybe 600 sqft built? But it's perfect for me since I wanted cathedral ceilings, privacy and no shared walls so I can listen to music in peace, and costs only as much as a nice apartment.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,385 posts
 
@akhil,

Sounds like a good deal.  My brother in law who lives outside of LA,  sold a house he bought in the 80's for just over a million.  He bought it for less than 200K.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
in SoCal called a Casita, essential for many. ;-) enjoy your tunes
soix
9,456 posts
 
But not just any AVP, I’m trying to ask about a Classe product that was designed with 2 channel in priority and not surround?
Yeah, but you’re still replacing a well-regarded tube pre with the preamp section of a solid state AVP.  All I’ll say is be prepared for a different type of sound.  Better or worse? That’s purely dependent on your tastes, but I’d say the Classe is facing an uphill battle.  The good news is that if you find you prefer the ModWright you can just keep it and use its HT bypass to incorporate the Classe and have the best of both worlds, albeit with just a tad bit less simplicity.

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