I am a 2 channel guy that wants to get into HT. (Current owner of CP-800) which I am very happy with. Unfortunately it does not decode anything but 2 channels. I wanted to add a processor for HT, from used market that is lagging in some decoding standards, but has a good sound quality and combine it with my CP-800. Enter Sigma - This is the product that covers both sides and it really keeps it simple. (less of cables, less of RC's etc). It was released just in time for my application and needs.
I had a chance to audition new Sigma SSP last Saturday, at my dealer with new Sigma amp and B&W 804D. The source was apple airplay (wired).
Both components were brand new, with maybe 20 hours on them (so probably not fully broken in..).
What was noticeable right from a get go is the veil and granular sound – not very good at all, I thought it was the source ( we played high rez files), and after we changed the source to JRiver and sound did not improve, we switched the amp to Cambridge audio amp (do not know the model – regular high current design) and things improved significantly.
Sigma has a lots of air in mid’s and high’s and it is very transparent. Unfortunately we could not demo it with surround sound, high rez blue ray or so...due to time limitation. Dealer did not have a CP-800 on display, so no direct comparison either..
Overall, Sigma SSP sounds very good in my opinion.
In order to go for Sigma, I would have to sell my CP-800, which I am reluctant about ....Alternatively I could add an older processor to my existing setup..suggestions are welcome.
What did you successfully mixed with CP-800? (beside SSP-800 which is to expensive)
Did anybody have a chance to listen Sigma SSP and CP-800 side by side? How did 2 channel playback compare? What are the impressions?
Thanks for everyone’s help.
Sasha
I had a chance to audition new Sigma SSP last Saturday, at my dealer with new Sigma amp and B&W 804D. The source was apple airplay (wired).
Both components were brand new, with maybe 20 hours on them (so probably not fully broken in..).
What was noticeable right from a get go is the veil and granular sound – not very good at all, I thought it was the source ( we played high rez files), and after we changed the source to JRiver and sound did not improve, we switched the amp to Cambridge audio amp (do not know the model – regular high current design) and things improved significantly.
Sigma has a lots of air in mid’s and high’s and it is very transparent. Unfortunately we could not demo it with surround sound, high rez blue ray or so...due to time limitation. Dealer did not have a CP-800 on display, so no direct comparison either..
Overall, Sigma SSP sounds very good in my opinion.
In order to go for Sigma, I would have to sell my CP-800, which I am reluctant about ....Alternatively I could add an older processor to my existing setup..suggestions are welcome.
What did you successfully mixed with CP-800? (beside SSP-800 which is to expensive)
Did anybody have a chance to listen Sigma SSP and CP-800 side by side? How did 2 channel playback compare? What are the impressions?
Thanks for everyone’s help.
Sasha
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