CP-800 questions

[gimp]

I'm very interested in the CP-800 and have a few questions:

1) Is it true that the USB input currently supports a maximum of 96/24? Are there any plans to upgrade USB to support 192/24? If so, when will it be available and will be upgrade be done through a firmware update or will the unit need to be shipped to Classe?
2) When will the network connection be enabled? Will the upgrade be done through a firmware update or will the unit need to be shipped to Classe?
3) Are sampling rate and bit-depth (e.g. 96/24) displayed when playing digital sources?
4) Is there the capability to upsample?
5) What is the current US MAP or MSRP?

[Skyblue]

1) I dont know what resolution it can handle, however there is NO 192/24 material. Nothing. The only thing you can get is vinyl rips off the internet, and they often does not sound as good as the 16/44 cd version. Dont worry about it. At the time when such material appear at all, the usb interface will be long gone.

[gerardhn]

1) see above. All normal hi res availbale now ... it plays
2) end of the year. It costs 500€ , so wil not only software i might guess.
3)no, the software says it ..the cp says nothing
4)no, i mean it does it automatically internally, it is not selectable.

[busby]

1) Rear panel USB supports 32/44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz all at 24-bit. (The PC/Mac pads out 16-bit source material to 24 bits.) Front panel USB supports 32/44.1/48 kHz at 16-bit.
3) The display shows the sampling rate in the centre-bottom part of the screen.
4) Incoming sample rates of 44.1/88.2 kHz are up-sampled to 176.4 kHz; 32/48/96 kHz inputs are up-sampled to 192 kHz.

[gimp]

Thank you all for the responses. I actually own a number of purchased 192kHz/24-bit recordings. Some are ripped DVD-As and some are from HDTracks. For an example, please see:

http://www.2l.no/hires/index.html

[style]

and a new phono card is the next upgrade:
CP800 full preampli stereo in analog & digital !!

(will be available around 04.2012 -> in Europa)


style

[Skyblue]

Thank you all for the responses. I actually own a number of purchased 192kHz/24-bit recordings. Some are ripped DVD-As and some are from HDTracks. For an example, please see:

http://www.2l.no/hires/index.html

Maybe I dont keep up, I dont know. I havent seen much, is all I am saying.

[slauten]

Classe availability

Has anyone taken delivery of an SSP-800 or CP-800 lately?
I ordered mine a few months ago and it might be here by the end of Oct.
I have talked to multiple Classe dealers all of them agree there are delays getting product. I have not found any dealer in North Texas with an CP-800 to review.

I'm told the CP-800 just went into normal production, and anything out there were preproduction unit or demos.

I would like to know what the heck is going on?

See Ya,

Steve

[bigburner]

Does anyone know if an HDMI input is planned for the CP-800 in a future release?

I ask this question because it's not clear to me how 2-channel people like me will be able to take advantage of hi-res audio on Blu-ray music DVDs.

Nigel.

[mjb]

Does anyone know if an HDMI input is planned for the CP-800 in a future release?

I ask this question because it's not clear to me how 2-channel people like me will be able to take advantage of hi-res audio on Blu-ray music DVDs.

Nigel.

ummm, you must buy an SSP-800 for HDMI and multi-channel, to compliment your 2 channel CP-800.

[stuofsci02]

Does anyone know if an HDMI input is planned for the CP-800 in a future release?

I ask this question because it's not clear to me how 2-channel people like me will be able to take advantage of hi-res audio on Blu-ray music DVDs.

Nigel.

You can always get a BR player with built in HD codecs and analog outputs. Something like the Oppo BDP-83 / 83SE / 93 or 95.. I would go for 95 or 83SE for the better analog outputs.

Cheers...

[bigburner]

ummm, you must buy an SSP-800 for HDMI and multi-channel, to compliment your 2 channel CP-800.

That would be a pity and complete overkill for me.

I have been given hope by reviews of the CP-800 such as this one http://audiophilereview.com/preamps/...o-pay-off.html which states "It also smartly takes 2.1 HDMI audio and video inputs from Blu-ray." I can't find anything on the Classé web site to support this, hence my question.

Nigel.

[bigburner]

You can always get a BR player with built in HD codecs and analog outputs. Something like the Oppo BDP-83 / 83SE / 93 or 95.. I would go for 95 or 83SE for the better analog outputs.

Cheers...

Yes, I agree that would be an option, but one of my motivations for considering a CP-800 is the high quality DAC inside it, particularly as this DAC is designed to convert hi-res audio streams delivered via USB.

Nigel.

[wildtangent]

That would be a pity and complete overkill for me.

I have been given hope by reviews of the CP-800 such as this one http://audiophilereview.com/preamps/...o-pay-off.html which states "It also smartly takes 2.1 HDMI audio and video inputs from Blu-ray." I can't find anything on the Classé web site to support this, hence my question.

Nigel.

Well putting an HDMI video board and full DSP to decode the audio and give you a 2ch down-mix is kind of overkill as well. Some if not all of the few producers of BD-Audio discs, 2L for instance offer 2 channel Hi-Res FLAC files of their disc offerings. These files are a perfect match for the CP800.

Then again the SSP800 DACs are reputed by the same press as the best in class.

[audemars]

Hello, fellow Texan!

I took delivery of my CP-800 ~2 months ago. Purchased new, factory-sealed from Shazad @ digitalear.com. Certainly owe a dedicated post with pics/review, but will say I'm VERY happy w/a 2011 Mac Mini (iTunes via BitPerfect app)-> Transparent USB -> CP-800 -> McIntosh MC452 -> ML Vantage.

My preamp-less foray began w/the PerfectWave DAC + Bridge. Incessant drop-outs (both network and eLyric iPad remote), firmware updates which drastically impacted SQ, collapsed soundstage, low volume resolution, etc. eventually forced a parting of ways. To my ears and others, CP-800 is in another league.

FYI, Robert Adam @ Classe claims the Ethernet update is slated for "sometime" in 2012.

Has anyone taken delivery of an SSP-800 or CP-800 lately?
I ordered mine a few months ago and it might be here by the end of Oct.
I have talked to multiple Classe dealers all of them agree there are delays getting product. I have not found any dealer in North Texas with an CP-800 to review.

I'm told the CP-800 just went into normal production, and anything out there were preproduction unit or demos.

I would like to know what the heck is going on?

See Ya,

Steve

[Aquarius]

I plugged headphones in CP-800 but there is no automatic line selection so there's no sound.

Does anybody knows how to listen music on headphones using CP-800? :/

[wettou]

I was wondering if any of you have ever compared the following for better sound quality for HD music Files?

OPTION 1: Oppo BDP-95 SPDIF to CP-800
Using the DAC in the CP-800 Wolfson WM8741 32-bit/192kHz chip

or

OPTION 2: Oppo BDP-95 XLR- XLR to CP-800
Using the Sabre ES9018 DAC in the Oppo, BDP-95

[Srrndhound]

I plugged headphones in CP-800 but there is no automatic line selection so there's no sound.

Do the speakers mute when the headphones are plugged it? If so, then the unit is detecting properly.

[wettou]

USB cable?

Can you tell me what USB cable you use and does it make a difference?

Any one tried Furutech GT2 cable

http://www.furutech.com/a2008/product2.asp?prodNo=347

Also I read that you need to stay under 3 m, why?

[Aquarius]

Do the speakers mute when the headphones are plugged it? If so, then the unit is detecting properly.

Well, that's the problem. Speakers DO NOT MUTE after plugging the headphones. :/

[beden1]

Well, that's the problem. Speakers DO NOT MUTE after plugging the headphones. :/

Seriously? What's the point of listening to your headphones when you are probably trying to keep it quite in the house at night, if you can't also mute the external speakers?

Hopefully that is just a software glitch!

[Aquarius]

Seriously? What's the point of listening to your headphones when you are probably trying to keep it quite in the house at night, if you can't also mute the external speakers?

Hopefully that is just a software glitch!

The fact is, ONLY right channel mutes. Definitely a hardware failure.

But here's the tip... If you are using CAN-Bus between CP-800 and power amp, you can select power amp through the menu on CP-800 and select MUTE option on power amp. And there you go! Not bad for a 5000 € gear. Damn!

[RebelMan]

Does anyone know if an HDMI input is planned for the CP-800 in a future release?

I ask this question because it's not clear to me how 2-channel people like me will be able to take advantage of hi-res audio on Blu-ray music DVDs.

Thre are no plans for an HDMI enabled CP-800. When I discussed this with Classe' two years ago they said HDMI would not be part of any running changes planned for the existing platform. Their decision was partly due to the added cost the CP-800 would incur plus getting hires content into the unit does not require an HDMI interface for 2CH audio.

[Skyblue]

I was wondering if any of you have ever compared the following for better sound quality for HD music Files?

OPTION 1: Oppo BDP-95 SPDIF to CP-800
Using the DAC in the CP-800 Wolfson WM8741 32-bit/192kHz chip

or

OPTION 2: Oppo BDP-95 XLR- XLR to CP-800
Using the Sabre ES9018 DAC in the Oppo, BDP-95

I have neither, but I know one who has Oppo 95 and SSP800 and he preferred the oppo dac to the ssp800.

[wettou]

I have neither, but I know one who has Oppo 95 and SSP800 and he preferred the oppo dac to the ssp800.

:B:rofl::lol: :W :demon:

[beden1]

I have neither, but I know one who has Oppo 95 and SSP800 and he preferred the oppo dac to the ssp800.

I can't see how this is possible!

[RebelMan]

If your intentions are to keep the signal as faithful to the original as possible then there is no choice but OPTION 1. Less is more in this case.

[wettou]

If your intentions are to keep the signal as faithful to the original as possible then there is no choice but OPTION 1. Less is more in this case.

Except that for SACD it won't work

See the new Mark Levinson with HDMi and DSD :T Only $100 more than the Classé

"Finally, the $6000 No560 Digital Audio Processor has two HDMI inputs, also with DSD-direct capability, two optical and two electrical S/PDIF inputs, an AES/EBU XLR input and three USB 2.0 inputs, plus RCA and XLR analogue outs.

It has 'isolated digital and analogue circuitry with independent power supplies, asynchronous clocking to ensure jitter-free performance from the dual 32-bit DACs, premium quality internal components throughout and many additional enhancements."

http://www.whathifi.com/news/ces-2012-mark-levinson-starts-its-celebrations-with-40th-anniversary-collection

[Srrndhound]

But the 560 has no bass management or EQ. Apples to oranges.

[wettou]

But the 560 has no bass management or EQ. Apples to oranges.

!! OK that's interesting

[RebelMan]

Except that for SACD it won't work

See the new Mark Levinson with HDMi and DSD :T Only $100 more than the Classé

Uhhh, you said.. "music files" No such thing on SACDs.

[alebonau]

could just pick up the nad 51

http://nadelectronics.com/products/masters-series/M51-Direct-Digital-DAC

hell of a lot cheaper and hell of a lot more revolutionary. saw one at the recent melbourne hifi/av show. lovely well made piece that seems quite heavily featured including all manner of digital inputs including hdmi and a high resolution pre amp, and just about all manner of connectivity possible.

[roubaixpro]

SSP-800 / CP-800 Combo Question

I am planning to get an SSP-800 for home theater use but also want to listen to two channel audio using a computer audio setup. I was initially planning to just connect a music server using a separate USB to S/PDIF converter and DAC to the SSP-800.

However, when I visited a Classe dealer, he recommended getting the SSP-800 for home theater use and the CP-800 stereo preamp processor for computer audio use. Regarding the CP-800, my understanding that this has both a stereo analog/digital preamp and an asynchronous USB DAC contained in one component. This means that I can plug an Aurender S10 music server into the CP-800 using a USB cable and output to the SSP-800. The CP-800 accepts PCM data streams up to 24bit/192kHz sampling frequency. The dealer said that the DAC in the CP-800 was far superior to the one used in the SSP-800.

Does anyone have experience using the CP-800 for computer audio use and if so what is the sound quality like compared to a high quality CD player? Classe claims that when playing computer audio files, the CP-800 surpasses the sound quality of a good CD player.

The dealer also said that Classe products are “price protected” and that he could not sell them below the list prices. Is it true that there is no room for negotiation on the list prices for new components? Can the dealer lower prices on only demo items?

[Skyblue]

I have heard the price protected thing as well. However, while the dealer can't give you a discount on the classe, he can throw in a lot of other stuff for free...

[Tweir]

I have heard the price protected thing as well. However, while the dealer can't give you a discount on the classe, he can throw in a lot of other stuff for free...

That's a good way to stay in business!

[beden1]

Since when have Classe dealers stopped offering discounts?

[audioaddict9]

CP 800 Digital Source Unit

Hi all,

Greetings from sunny South Africa

I hope i"m posting in the correct forum here, but here goes!

I recently purchased a CP 800 and i have read numerous opinions stating material sounds better through the USB inputs from a digital source than from a cd player.

Now in the context of my system, my Electrocompaniet cd player sounds far better than with the same cd converted to Apple Lossless and played through my Ipad.

Now perhaps i am doing something wrong. Maybe someone can offer some advice?

My main reason for posting is this: what would be the optimal source unit for this preamp? Would you say a Mac (Macbook or Mini Mac perhaps?) or is there another option that would work better?

Thanks in advance,

AA

[Skyblue]

Setting up a computer to play via usb is a science in itself.

Your ipad is NOT a good audiophile source. Itunes for mac can be, but you'd need to set it up with amarra or some other plugin to make it sound good.

For pc's also require some setup. Either use asio4all with foobar for instance, or try jplay (jplay.eu) or some of the other audiophile players and plugins that exist out there.

Any barebone computer, be it mac or pc, can be improved tremendously when it comes to soundquality.

[audioaddict9]

Thanks for the response Skyblue.

In your opinion would a mac mini with amarra be a fair way to start?

[rgbyhkr]

Here's a great resource for creating and managing DIY computer based music servers:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/Forums/Equipment/Music-Servers

[audioaddict9]

Thanks rq, very informative site that..

[Skyblue]

Thanks for the response Skyblue.

In your opinion would a mac mini with amarra be a fair way to start?

I myself prefer pc's, but macs are used by many. Incl. classe and ayre... Mac mini would be a good start. Also read Ayre's mac setup guide. I used their pc guide and it was very good.

http://www.ayre.com/usb-dac-apple.htm

[audioaddict9]

I think i may head the mac mini route, now which model to buy! Thanks for the input (that ayre guide is the bomb)