Decision time: classe ssp-300 or keeping rotel 1098

[BlueSander]

Hi,
I'm running a setup with Rotel 1098 processor couple with Rotel 1075 amp with 802 front and HTM1 center. The amp isn't enough, yes, but while looking at a new amp. I came across a SSP-300. Will it make any different if I hang on to the current amp and "upgrade" my processor to SSP-300. I have heard great things abt Classe so I do want to try it out sometimes in the future (the setup I have always pictured in mind is SSP300/600 + 3200 amp and current speakers)
Thanks

[mjb]

Classé gear is definitely a step up from an already excellent processor, I moved up from a 1098 to an SSP-800 and was blown away by the difference. I'm sure the SSP-300, while older (than the 800), offers a big improvement in clarity - especially if you like the Classé sound.

[style]

Hi,


I agree with Mike.

go with the ssp 300, no doubt.

Style

[Whacked!]

I would throw a different slant at the question.

If your needs are primarily for home theater, I would also consider other options such as the Marantz AV7005, Onkyo SC5508, Integra 80.3 or even the new Rotel 1572. The cost would not be dramatically different and you would get significantly improved connectivity for any future purchases. You would also get room correction. I haven't been able to compare any of these to the 1098 but also suspect that some of these options would surpass the 1098 for two channel.

If two channel is a priority, I'd be more inclined to look at a used Classe CP-500, or something that has a pass through feature for using the 1098 with it.

I do like the classe stuff - it's unfortunately been out of my price range - so don't want to be seen as slamming it, it is nice stuff. But for a processor, the 300 is getting pretty long in the tooth and personally feel there may be better options for similar money.

My 2 cents.

Norm

[madmac]

I would throw a different slant at the question.

If your needs are primarily for home theater, I would also consider other options such as the Marantz AV7005, Onkyo SC5508, Integra 80.3 or even the new Rotel 1572. The cost would not be dramatically different and you would get significantly improved connectivity for any future purchases. You would also get room correction. I haven't been able to compare any of these to the 1098 but also suspect that some of these options would surpass the 1098 for two channel.

If two channel is a priority, I'd be more inclined to look at a used Classe CP-500, or something that has a pass through feature for using the 1098 with it.

I do like the classe stuff - it's unfortunately been out of my price range - so don't want to be seen as slamming it, it is nice stuff. But for a processor, the 300 is getting pretty long in the tooth and personally feel there may be better options for similar money.

My 2 cents.

Norm

Agreeing with the 'home theater' part of the above, but comparing Marantz to Classe gear is like comparing a Lamborghini to a Honda Accord!!! :rofl:

[slauten]

The SSP-300 is a good piece of equipment, however it does not have balanced input/outputs. If you want that feature try to pick up an SSP-600. You can find those used at deeply discounted prices. Either unit is very nice and you will be happy with them.

See Ya,
Steve

[Whacked!]

Agreeing with the 'home theater' part of the above, but comparing Marantz to Classe gear is like comparing a Lamborghini to a Honda Accord!!! :rofl:

Admittedly, it is a bit of a stretch! However the improved conectivity, ability to decode the new audio formats, and room correction available in the newer equipment makes the option viable in my opinion.

Norm

[slauten]

Admittedly, it is a bit of a stretch! However the improved conectivity, ability to decode the new audio formats, and room correction available in the newer equipment makes the option viable in my opinion.

Norm

SSP 600 has room correction with microphone included

See Ya,
Steve

[Skyblue]

Admittedly, it is a bit of a stretch! However the improved conectivity, ability to decode the new audio formats, and room correction available in the newer equipment makes the option viable in my opinion.

Norm

That is actually a valid point. Dont expect your processor to work indefinately. HT formats changes every 5-10 years. I even believe Dave from Classe cited this very fact as a reason for not producing a bluray player.

Within 5 years we probably have 4k2k format for movies. Who knows if they dont add another "20 channel" sound format?

ah here we are. 4kK incomming, 8K being researched:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_High_Definition_Television

And "20 channel" is 22.2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22.2_surround_sound

To quote Charles Hansen of Ayre (from my memory, not an exact quote): The chinese can produce anything very cheaply, so for the japanese to compete they need to keep inventing new stuff they can produce at japanese pay.

Well, that was a bad quote, however the point is the same: The japanese try to out invent the cheap chinese labor. Charles advice was to get the best 2 channel setup you can, and then upgrade your HT processor whenever things change.

[BlueSander]

Agreeing with the 'home theater' part of the above, but comparing Marantz to Classe gear is like comparing a Lamborghini to a Honda Accord!!! :rofl:

Wait, I'm a bit confused here so Marantz is the lambo and Classe is the honda??? I always thought it's the other way around.

Anyhow, the reason I asked about the SSP-300 is because a guy I know is letting it go for 1k, which is super cheap compared to many used one out there. The deal didn't go through and the processor isn't available anymore. I will probably hold out till the next time I see something else interesting.

[weijst]

I went from a RSP1068 to a SSP-300. I would say no! Especially since the RSP1098 is considered to be even better than the RSP1068...

[aarsoe]

I am sorry, but I don't think we will have 4K in 5 years. The physical media is not there and expecting download speeds to increase to a point where 100 GB downloads could be done at close to real time playback is not in the near future.
That doesn't mean that I don't want in. Just that unless something new comes along and more importantly the content owners agree to accept that, then I think 4K will be a cinema play for the first long time..
and that makes me a bit sad..

[madmac]

Wait, I'm a bit confused here so Marantz is the lambo and Classe is the honda??? I always thought it's the other way around.

Anyhow, the reason I asked about the SSP-300 is because a guy I know is letting it go for 1k, which is super cheap compared to many used one out there. The deal didn't go through and the processor isn't available anymore. I will probably hold out till the next time I see something else interesting.

No,no,no

Marantz = Honda

CLASSE = LAMBO

Thx. :lol:

[bigburner]

Does the Marantz look like this?

[madmac]

Does the Marantz look like this?

:rofl: A Marantz will NEVER look like that!!! :lol:

[aarsoe]

In all fairness Marantz have made some absolutely gorgeous equipment in their long history - and still are. They just don't get much attention compared to their entry & mid range.
How about a 5 channel solution using 5 linked preamps? Or their top of line power amps that are really sweet.

[Alaric]

Not too shabby....

[madmac]

Not too shabby....

Beautiful looking player!!. I'm a HUGE fan of Marantz's players in general. Not wanting to sound like a snob though, I would choose Marantz's stuff over Yamaha or Denon for sure. It's just when you go upward amp wise to Rotel, and then onward to something like Classe, you are talking about completely different birds amp wise!! :E

[Glen B]

I find the styling of the SA-11 and SA-15 to be more attractive than the SA-7.

[madmac]

I find the styling of the SA-11 and SA-15 to be more attractive than the SA-7.

Ok that really does look nice!!. Is that a BD/ DVD player or a straight out CD player?? :E