Classe SSP 300/600 with B&W Speakers

[moonlightdrive21]

Hey guys:

Anyone using either the Classe SSP 300 or 600 as their preamp/processor with B&W speakers?

Anyone try these, and decided to go with another brand instead?

Wondering if any of you found the SSP 600 to be noticeably much better in "sound quality" than the SSP 300 for straight 2 channel audio listening and worth the extra $2000?

I have B&W 802D's

Thanks!!
Dave

[Glenee]

Dave, I would like a answer to that too. I have been thinking about the McIntosh MX135 or the SSP 600. Come on experts chime in.
Glenee

[RobP]

There are a few guys here that can help you on this, Ill attempt to put a copy of this in Club Classe.

[SMB]

I tested both at a dealer's place along with the Krell Showcase. Auditioned 2 channel B&W 803Ds mainly, but listened to the 802Ds for a bit as well. I went with the 600 because the balanced interconnects a made a big difference to my ears (even though I'm using it mainly for home theater). If you're going to listen to a lot of 2-channel, I think you'll be much happier with the 600.

If there's a dealer that carries these products, they should be more than willing to set up a trial for you with various configurations.

EDIT: I should add that in addition to the XLR connections of the 600 to the amp, another big reason I decided to splurge was because I didn't want to have any future regret. Just made me feel better in my own head.

[Kobus]

If you are mainly 2ch, I would go CP500 and SSP300.

This way you get balanced interconnects for 2ch and it is "easier" to upgrade multi channel / ht.

Kobus

[jericho]

I use an MX-135 with the McIntosh 1201 mono blocks to drive my 800d's as front, the HTM-1D and the 802D's as rear.

If you would chose McIntosh, just wait a little because the MX-136 is coming very soon with HDMI connections

Regards
Jericho

[moonlightdrive21]

If you are mainly 2ch, I would go CP500 and SSP300.

This way you get balanced interconnects for 2ch and it is "easier" to upgrade multi channel / ht.

Kobus

Really interesting point. The preamp should last 15 years before the advancements in technology make you want to upgrade. But the HT components might last 5 years.

Makes me wonder if the investment in the 600 is worth it.

Hmmm

[DeepEndX]

With todays technology, blue ray, HD DVD, Dolby Digital HD Dolby Digital Plus, HDMI 1.3, HT technology is going to be upgraded this year.

[moonlightdrive21]

I tested both at a dealer's place along with the Krell Showcase. Auditioned 2 channel B&W 803Ds mainly, but listened to the 802Ds for a bit as well. I went with the 600 because the balanced interconnects a made a big difference to my ears (even though I'm using it mainly for home theater). If you're going to listen to a lot of 2-channel, I think you'll be much happier with the 600.

If there's a dealer that carries these products, they should be more than willing to set up a trial for you with various configurations.

EDIT: I should add that in addition to the XLR connections of the 600 to the amp, another big reason I decided to splurge was because I didn't want to have any future regret. Just made me feel better in my own head.

Thanks for the great info !!