802D and what processor ( classe or Anthem D2 )

[smjc99]

As you all know it is tough to compare brands of processors as dealers may not carry classe and Anthem Statement

I was thinking of getting 802D's with Classe 5200 5 channel amp .
If the D1/d2 sounds as good as classe 300 then D2 may be a better bet because of its advanced video capabilities

. With D2 then i can get a Pioneer Elie DVD player -Dv 79 and use it as a transport for CD playback using D2's DAC's. This will save me a wad of cash instead of going to a classe DVD player

I am not sure of the processor and need suggestions / experience with classe SSP-300 ( $4000 )and Anthem D1/D2 ( can be bought for $5800 )

[sikoniko]

I was in the same boat. With all the hype for classe on this board, I wanted desperately to hear one, but the closest dealer is 350 miles away.

I needed balanced out's, as my rack is in the rear and my nuforce's are up front with the speakers. That would mean I would need the SSP600. Classe is not commited to putting hdmi in these current models, and will wait until the SSP900 will be released, which is around $15k, i am told.

I opted for the bryston SP2. It is amazing. There is such dynamic imaging, and 3d sound. They have commited to upgrading to HDMI 1.3 when it comes out. They do not include video in their pre, as they feel it allows for a more "pure" signal without video interference.

To get video, most people are going with external scalers anyways, so I think the need for video processing in the pre is decreasing. The new Optoma HD3000 (with the same Gennum VXP scaler, but with more configuration options) that will be coming out will have an HDMI port for audio out, while keeping the video in the unit. That to me is the ultimate combination.

Again, I would love to get classe, but I'm not going to drive 350 miles away to buy something, and if I have any problems, have to drive it back to get worked on. None of my local b&w dealers are interested in carrying classe. they use lexicon (for the automation system integration) or bryston for high end.

[chuck1801]

I have three 802Ds with an Anthem Statement D1 powered with a Classe CA3200 (and an Anthem MCA 50 powering the surrounds). I auditioned the Classe 300 and 600 pre-pros but they did not IMO offer any sonic advantage over the D1. The D1's sound processing abilities do allow you to save a wad of cash by skipping an expensive CDP. I have a Pioneer Elite 79avi as a transport and using the D1's DACs, the 802Ds, CA3200 -- the sound is spectacular. That little video display on the front of the Classe is kind of nifty though.

[stewfoo]

I have 803s running from a Classe ssp-300 and 3200 amp. This was upgraded from rotel 1068/1095. The difference is amazing. Once you go to Classe it is hard to go back. Also, I dont really think you can compare the aesthetics .... Classe is simply artwork.

[jlr_1304]

I've never seen any recent reviews for the D1 or D2 sound quality.

I have a CB3 with extreme dacs and six shooter for analog in for stereo/mch playback. Takes a lot of cables but no pre-pro can touch this combo for sound quality, especially if you have a good transport.

All depends of what you want to do with your HT. It is difficult to demo the CB3 also.