Originally posted by AV-OCD
Official SSP-800 Owners Thread
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Originally posted by sikonikoNeil,
you bring up a topic that I'm not sure many have a real grasp on at this point. I think the EQ section of the SSP is worthy of its own thread. Perhaps those that understand it better would be willing to help those of us who don't learn? Maybe we can all learn together.
Neil- Bottom
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I really don like the way the little eye from my harmony wireless extender looks on the front of a processor. They should ad an IR read on the back ofthe unit as well as the front. Is there a way to connect or hardwire a cable from the 800 to the harmony extender?- Bottom
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Originally posted by SRT-10 ViperI've orderd the 800 and would like to review the user manual prior to getting the system. I looked on the Classe site and didn't see the manual for the 800. Is there an on-line manual anywhere?
I have searched for this also, but with no success. It would have been nice to have read it and been familiar with its' contents prior to the 800's arrival. Would've saved some time.- Bottom
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Originally posted by VancouverI really don like the way the little eye from my harmony wireless extender looks on the front of a processor. They should ad an IR read on the back ofthe unit as well as the front. Is there a way to connect or hardwire a cable from the 800 to the harmony extender?
There is an IR port on the back, but hifiguy will have to go into details, because I believe he said Classe made it proprietary.
I would try it first though. The IR seems to be VERY sensitive. I don't have a retransmitter on my SSP and it works just fine being behind me. There is an IR port on the amps, so it might be possible that CANBUS is used to send the IR signal to the other devices. Not positive on that though.I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIt sounds like you endorse the merits of EQ then. Are you planning on taking a crack at adjusting the SSP-800's EQ youself or having it done professionally?
I'm interested on the level of impact it has on the 800's sound.
I recommend speaking with your local high-end audio shop about getting a referral to an acoustician. You want a shop that regularly does full-blown HT installs as it is common to have an acoustician involved in the design of the room treatments including measuring the room and calibrating an outboard EQ.- Bottom
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Originally posted by VancouverI really don like the way the little eye from my harmony wireless extender looks on the front of a processor. They should ad an IR read on the back ofthe unit as well as the front. Is there a way to connect or hardwire a cable from the 800 to the harmony extender?
The IR jacks on the SSP-800 are not proprietary. I'm not sure if CANBus will also transmit IR between components. It doesn't seem to.- Bottom
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Originally posted by VancouverI really don like the way the little eye from my harmony wireless extender looks on the front of a processor. They should ad an IR read on the back ofthe unit as well as the front. Is there a way to connect or hardwire a cable from the 800 to the harmony extender?
skz- Bottom
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Originally posted by AV-OCDDespite having taught myself how to read graphs and set EQ filters, I am still going to have a pro do it and look over his shoulder in the process. I hope to learn from seeing a trained pro do it and it will give me a better understanding of how to tweak the results in the future.
I recommend speaking with your local high-end audio shop about getting a referral to an acoustician. You want a shop that regularly does full-blown HT installs as it is common to have an acoustician involved in the design of the room treatments including measuring the room and calibrating an outboard EQ.
Is it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
Unfortunately the store I have dealt with for years went out of business recently and no one locally deals in Classe or B&W. So, I'm flying blind on this one.
Isn't there some guy that posts on AVS who travels around the country calibrating tv's and sound systems? Can't remember his name, but he seemed to have a good reputation over there.- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIs it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
Unfortunately the store I have dealt with for years went out of business recently and no one locally deals in Classe or B&W. So, I'm flying blind on this one.
Isn't there some guy that posts on AVS who travels around the country calibrating tv's and sound systems? Can't remember his name, but he seemed to have a good reputation over there.
I spoke with a local installer in Florida, and they sounded fairly competant about calibrating in-home systems. You may also want to contact those in your area. To find them, first go to the Classe website, find the locate dealers section and enter your zip code. The custom installers will be the ones you will want to contact.
If you don't see any listed, you might want to email Classe to see if they have any suggestions for people that may be able to work with their products in your area.- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIs it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
Unfortunately the store I have dealt with for years went out of business recently and no one locally deals in Classe or B&W. So, I'm flying blind on this one.
Isn't there some guy that posts on AVS who travels around the country calibrating tv's and sound systems? Can't remember his name, but he seemed to have a good reputation over there.
MODIA
21001 North Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-515-0565- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIs it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
Unfortunately the store I have dealt with for years went out of business recently and no one locally deals in Classe or B&W. So, I'm flying blind on this one.
Isn't there some guy that posts on AVS who travels around the country calibrating tv's and sound systems? Can't remember his name, but he seemed to have a good reputation over there.
It would have been nice if the SSP-800 had a few more filters per channel though and some different filter shapes, like a couple of shelf filters. (Shelf filters raise all frequencies above or below a certain cut-off point, similar to the way bass and treble controls work.)- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIs it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
Unfortunately the store I have dealt with for years went out of business recently and no one locally deals in Classe or B&W. So, I'm flying blind on this one.
Isn't there some guy that posts on AVS who travels around the country calibrating tv's and sound systems? Can't remember his name, but he seemed to have a good reputation over there.
Check some of the other manufacturers' dealer lists like Krell, McIntosh, etc. to see what comes up in the search.- Bottom
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Originally posted by skuzzybThere is an IR port on the back, but if Classe implemented it the same way as they did in the SSP600, which from all indications they have, you will need a Delta IR interface box. Most IRs are idle low, active high, however, the Classe implements this the exact opposite so you will need the interface box to invert the signal, then it becomes an idle high, active low. Once this goes on it works like a charm, and a lot more reliable than an emitter on the front. You should be able to get a Delta IR box from your dealer or from Classe service for free.
skz- Bottom
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Originally posted by beden1I did the search on Classe website for dealers, and there is only one listed in Arizona. I can't believe there is only one dealer in the entire state? This economy is getting very bad!
MODIA
21001 North Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-515-0565
There is a few other hi-end dealers here that carry McIntosh, Krell, Linn, etc.. I'll check with them and see what they say.
Of course I'll set the 800 up and see how it sounds before making any decisions about outside help. Knowing my curious nature though, I will probably be wondering how tweaking the EQ would improve the sound regardless of how good it is initially.
Thanks for doing the research for me, I'll check out those sites.
Neil- Bottom
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Neil,
That is amazing in what was one of the fastest growing areas in the US, to not have one Classe dealer.
One of the dealers in SE Florida is now gone also. That still leaves a few, but for how long?
Too bad they didn't have some big sales before closing their doors.Last edited by beden1; 06 October 2008, 09:15 Monday.- Bottom
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Decided to join the party
I'd just like to say I'm a proud new owner of an SSP-800. :T
I had initially planned to wait for the dual DSP board to be in production before buying. However, I was in SoCal for the weekend, and being one of those Arizona refugees without a Classe dealer, I decided to stop by a dealer there to inquire about the 800.
As it turned out, the dealer had an 800 sitting in his stock room. He said the unit had been pre-ordered, but the person who placed the order had to go to Europe for a couple months and decided not to buy it.
I couldn't resist, and just let it sit there, so picked it up. I also ordered a CA-5200, which should hopefully be here in a week and a half.
Hopefully, this will cure my upgraditis for a while. ops:- Bottom
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Originally posted by GumpIs it necessary for the acoustician to be familiar with Classe and the SSP-800 in particular, or are all parametric EQ's fairly standard?
KalKal Rubinson
_______________________________
"Music in the Round"
Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round- Bottom
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Originally posted by Kal RubinsonAny experienced and qualified acoustician can handle PEQs, so there is no requirement that he be familiar with Classe, in specific. In fact, having multiple setups with individual EQ settings is very desirable and not too uncommon.
Kal
What is the rational for having several EQ set ups for the same listening room ?- Bottom
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Originally posted by rogerdnKal,
What is the rational for having several EQ set ups for the same listening room ?
KalKal Rubinson
_______________________________
"Music in the Round"
Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round- Bottom
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Originally posted by AV-OCDI'm using the IR port on the back of the SSP-800 without any sort of adaptor. See my post just before Skuzzy's.
It is good to hear that it is a standard implementation as the Delta IR box also needed power to it. When I finally decide to upgrade that is one less interface to worry about. Do you know if the IR codes have remained the same from the SSP600?- Bottom
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Originally posted by skuzzybMissed that as well. ops:
It is good to hear that it is a standard implementation as the Delta IR box also needed power to it. When I finally decide to upgrade that is one less interface to worry about. Do you know if the IR codes have remained the same from the SSP600?
Classé SSP-800-IR_CODES_v1 24.pdf (22.33K, 10/2/2008 3:44:20 PM)
"If 'A' equals success, then the formula is 'A = _ X + Y + Z.' 'X' is work. 'Y' is play. 'Z' is keeping your mouth shut." -- Albert Einstein- Bottom
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Originally posted by skuzzybMissed that as well. ops:
It is good to hear that it is a standard implementation as the Delta IR box also needed power to it. When I finally decide to upgrade that is one less interface to worry about. Do you know if the IR codes have remained the same from the SSP600?I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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Originally posted by Kal RubinsonAny experienced and qualified acoustician can handle PEQs, so there is no requirement that he be familiar with Classe, in specific. In fact, having multiple setups with individual EQ settings is very desirable and not too uncommon.
Kal- Bottom
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Originally posted by sikonikoI have a logitech Harmony 1 and I used the programming for an SSP-600 to set it up, because that was what Logitech offered. generally speaking, most everything works. I did find some inconsistencies with specific settings, like changing processing modes, for example.- Bottom
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Originally posted by skuzzybThe nice thing about Classe was that they provided a PCF file for the 600, I then just imported it into my Philips Pronto and it worked like a charm. No dodgy codes to worry about, no Hex codes to convert, and it has been 100% reliable. Hope they make something like that available for the 800.
Eric- Bottom
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With all due respect to RebelMan and the others on this thread, why the over the top anticipation for his review? Is his opinion any more valuable than any of the others on this board that offer intelligent, well thought out commentary? Will his review, and his review only, sway you one way or the other?
I suggest you relax, let it go. Listen to one for yourself, make an informed judgement, whatever that is. RM will get to it when he gets to it.- Bottom
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Hi all,
The manual (Version 3.1) for the SSP-800 is now available at:
Congratulations to all the SSP-800 owners. I will audition one as soon as my dealer in Edmonton (Premier Audio) has one free. I will make a decision in the new year after the upgrade chip is made available.
Jim- Bottom
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Originally posted by Minardi2With all due respect to RebelMan and the others on this thread, why the over the top anticipation for his review? Is his opinion any more valuable than any of the others on this board that offer intelligent, well thought out commentary? Will his review, and his review only, sway you one way or the other? I suggest you relax, let it go. Listen to one for yourself, make an informed judgment, whatever that is. RM will get to it when he gets to it.Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower- Bottom
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Originally posted by Minardi2With all due respect to RebelMan and the others on this thread, why the over the top anticipation for his review? Is his opinion any more valuable than any of the others on this board that offer intelligent, well thought out commentary? Will his review, and his review only, sway you one way or the other?
I suggest you relax, let it go. Listen to one for yourself, make an informed judgement, whatever that is. RM will get to it when he gets to it.
You have a valid point. Even though I have the SSP-800 and I am thoroughly enjoying it, I am curious as to others impressions. Although I am looking forward to RebelMan's review of the SSP-800, I have appreciated the input of others as well.
Each person has a different ear, and their descriptive evaluation of the SSP-800 are different in style. My initial written evaluation was much shorter than most, and I am almost to the end of the 300 hour "break-in" period. Others have offered a much more detailed detail description of their first impressions, and I have appreciated their written evaluation.
Honestly, I think one reason people have been wondering about RebelMan's evaluation of the SSP-800 is that he initially described the unit in such great detail based upon the specs, and he protrayed a strong value statement for the potential of the SSP-800 based upon those specs.
Don't get me wrong. I think RebelMan's (and others) value statement for the SSP-800 and Classe' were right on target. It is just that now I think some of us are just curious as to his detailed evaluation of the SSP-800 after it has gone through the "break-in" period."If 'A' equals success, then the formula is 'A = _ X + Y + Z.' 'X' is work. 'Y' is play. 'Z' is keeping your mouth shut." -- Albert Einstein- Bottom
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I agree and would like to hear RM's thoughts on the SSP-800 if only to see if his experiences correlate with mine and to get a broad sampling of opinions. I'm also curious to know if he actually experienced any changes in the sound of the unit after break-in.- Bottom
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I also like to hear others opinions and see/read if they share my experience/opinion. I've also found that others can put to words things that I am experiencing that I am unable to explain.
I'm very excited to see/read magazine reviews and find out if the "pros" share my [our] opinion. The SSP-800 is a benchmark... no a reference piece IMO and I anticipate that many people are anxiously looking at it (wettou - it's time to get off the pot). Look at the growth this club has enjoyed since the SSP-800 has hit the market!
If it isn't considered speaking for RM, I can tell you I know he is working diligently on his review and wants it to be thorough and live up to the expectations that are set. He is a bit anal in that way.I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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SSP-800 and iTunes
Hi to all -
I have a little over 210GB of uncompressed music files (AIFF), and I am using a Power Mac G5 and iTunes as a music server. The Mac computer has a 3.5mm Miniature phone jack, analog audio output (line out), and the SSP-800 has an L2 and R2 ports in the analog audio in section. I ‘m using a 3.5mm miniature cable that connects in the back of the computer and the other end is terminated with two RCA’s that connects to the back of the SSP-800. I have configured the SSP-800 so with the press of the Fkey4 from the SSP-800 remote control I can listen to SACD CD’s and regular CD’s from iTunes in my power Mac G5, so my questions are: Is this a good setup? Is this the better way to listen uncompressed music through the SSP-800 and iTunes? How about SACD Music? I have a small collection of SACD CD’s and have these files stored in iTunes as well. I want to hear the quality of SACD music through the SSP-800! Listening to SACD/CD music is better this way, or just put a SACD/CD directly on the PS3/Rotel? I have been thinking about Wadia music server and iPod touch but there is not enough storage in the current iPod touch! :cry: In addition, I wanted to take advantage of the SSP-800 quality DACS. From your experience what is the ultimate and best option to listen to quality music? My setup consisted of the SSP-800, CA-5200, Rotel RCC-1055 CD player, PS3 (can play SACD) and 703’s speakers. I hope I explained it right and understandable. :roll: Any recommendations/advice will be very much appreciated! ;x(
Thank you.
Carlos- Bottom
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Originally posted by wer4ccsnHi to all -
I have a little over 210GB of uncompressed music files (AIFF), and I am using a Power Mac G5 and iTunes as a music server. The Mac computer has a 3.5mm Miniature phone jack, analog audio output (line out), and the SSP-800 has an L2 and R2 ports in the analog audio in section. I ‘m using a 3.5mm miniature cable that connects in the back of the computer and the other end is terminated with two RCA’s that connects to the back of the SSP-800. I have configured the SSP-800 so with the press of the Fkey4 from the SSP-800 remote control I can listen to SACD CD’s and regular CD’s from iTunes in my power Mac G5, so my questions are: Is this a good setup? Is this the better way to listen uncompressed music through the SSP-800 and iTunes? How about SACD Music? I have a small collection of SACD CD’s and have these files stored in iTunes as well. I want to hear the quality of SACD music through the SSP-800! Listening to SACD/CD music is better this way, or just put a SACD/CD directly on the PS3/Rotel? I have been thinking about Wadia music server and iPod touch but there is not enough storage in the current iPod touch! :cry: In addition, I wanted to take advantage of the SSP-800 quality DACS. From your experience what is the ultimate and best option to listen to quality music? My setup consisted of the SSP-800, CA-5200, Rotel RCC-1055 CD player, PS3 (can play SACD) and 703’s speakers. I hope I explained it right and understandable. :roll: Any recommendations/advice will be very much appreciated! ;x(
Thank you.
Carlos
As far as SACD, let me know when you find a solution.I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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Originally posted by wer4ccsnHi to all -
I have a little over 210GB of uncompressed music files (AIFF), and I am using a Power Mac G5 and iTunes as a music server. The Mac computer has a 3.5mm Miniature phone jack, analog audio output (line out), and the SSP-800 has an L2 and R2 ports in the analog audio in section. I ‘m using a 3.5mm miniature cable that connects in the back of the computer and the other end is terminated with two RCA’s that connects to the back of the SSP-800. I have configured the SSP-800 so with the press of the Fkey4 from the SSP-800 remote control I can listen to SACD CD’s and regular CD’s from iTunes in my power Mac G5, so my questions are: Is this a good setup? Is this the better way to listen uncompressed music through the SSP-800 and iTunes? How about SACD Music? I have a small collection of SACD CD’s and have these files stored in iTunes as well. I want to hear the quality of SACD music through the SSP-800! Listening to SACD/CD music is better this way, or just put a SACD/CD directly on the PS3/Rotel? I have been thinking about Wadia music server and iPod touch but there is not enough storage in the current iPod touch! :cry: In addition, I wanted to take advantage of the SSP-800 quality DACS. From your experience what is the ultimate and best option to listen to quality music? My setup consisted of the SSP-800, CA-5200, Rotel RCC-1055 CD player, PS3 (can play SACD) and 703’s speakers. I hope I explained it right and understandable. :roll: Any recommendations/advice will be very much appreciated! ;x(
Thank you.
Carlos
You need one of these:
or one of these:
Find the best headphones, speakers and home audio. 365-day returns, free shipping over $100 and legendary customer service!
For SACD use your PS3, as iTunes will down-rez the recording which defeats the purpose.- Bottom
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Originally posted by sikonikoThe SSP-800 is a benchmark... no a reference piece IMO and I anticipate that many people are anxiously looking at it (wettou - it's time to get off the pot). Look at the growth this club has enjoyed since the SSP-800 has hit the market!
I will get off when Classé delivers the SSP-800 with the new upgraded board that can deliver the new Codec DTS Master Audio and Dolby Digital True HD. Until then, I will stay on the pot :B. Of course you are welcome to buy a unit now and that way I don't have to worry about losing money if it is never ugraded, which as per Classé statement: "We are 100% committed to the DSP upgrade but the important thing to remember is that it is not absolutely urgent....."
In addition, since I already experienced a manufacturer promesses "Integra Research RDC 7.1" saying an upgrade will come in the near Future that never materialized I will stay cautious.
In the meantime enjoy
Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower- Bottom
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Originally posted by wettouBe polite, :smootch:
I will get off when Classé delivers the SSP-800 with the new upgraded board that can deliver the new Codec DTS Master Audio and Dolby Digital True HD. Until then, I will stay on the pot :B. Of course you are welcome to buy a unit now and that way I don't have to worry about losing money if it is never ugraded, which as per Classé statement: "We are 100% committed to the DSP upgrade but the important thing to remember is that it is not absolutely urgent....."
In addition, since I already experienced a manufacturer promesses "Integra Research RDC 7.1" saying an upgrade will come in the near Future that never materialized I will stay cautious.
In the meantime enjoy
all in good fun... all in good fun. no harm meant. :W
I am curious though, are you basically holding out on principle that they deliver on the promise to upgrade the DSP more so than what it can offer?
Have you considered that when the chip does come out, if you buy the proc, you may regret holding out all this time?I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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Wettou -
Why not just buy a player that does the decoding for HD audio internally to tie you over until the SSP-800 is upgraded. I do this with a PS3 and it works wonderfully. In fact, I really don't care if the DSP upgrade ever comes as i don't need it.
- Tim- Bottom
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Originally posted by AV-OCDOn many Mac's the 3.5mm phono jack doubles as a optical digital connection.
You need one of these:
or one of these:
Find the best headphones, speakers and home audio. 365-day returns, free shipping over $100 and legendary customer service!
For SACD use your PS3, as iTunes will down-rez the recording which defeats the purpose.
Thank you for your help and a quick reply ;x( . I was going to jump and go for the Mini to Toslink cable but taken a closer look at the back of the Desktop, I noticed that I have a free Optical Digital Audio out Port, so I was thinking to go for the Toslink to Toslink cable instead. Which way yields better performance? going Mini to Toslink or Toslink to Toslink? I know it is a dump question and you already answer my question in the first place, :cry: but I just want to make sure I am doing it the right way. You mention something that on Mac’s the 3.5mm phono jack doubles as optical digital connection. What is that means? My apologies in advance for my completely ignorance on this subject. ops: Thanks again
Carlos- Bottom
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Originally posted by sikonikoAs far as SACD, let me know when you find a solution.
KalKal Rubinson
_______________________________
"Music in the Round"
Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round- Bottom
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Originally posted by Kal RubinsonGet an Oppo 980, set it to output PCM via HDMI and connect that to the SSP-800.
Kal
Thats what I've done. But I'd like to think that one day a media server could decode sacd/dvd-a...I'm just sittin here watchin the wheels go round and round...- Bottom
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Originally posted by Kal RubinsonGet an Oppo 980, set it to output PCM via HDMI and connect that to the SSP-800.KalFarming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the corn field."Dwight D. Eisenhower- Bottom
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