New Era with Classé Sigma SSP
Classé, Canada’s leading maker of high-performance music and theatre components, has announced the arrival of a new era in power and performance with the Sigma SSP.
Released in Australia, the Sigma features a 7.1 channel Surround Sound Preamp/Processor, multichannel processing and base management. This release of amplifer models are derived from their breakthrough Delta series CA-D200.
The Sigma SSP is a 7.1 channel preamp/processor optimised for stereo but including HDMI switching, multichannel processing and bass management. Its wide variety of input connectors includes asynchronous USB and Ethernet for streaming, augmented by coax and optical; balanced and single-ended analog inputs plus an optional phono stage show how versatile this preamp/processor is despite its compact size. A host of performance-oriented features including digital domain tone/tilt control, and nine-band per channel parametric EQ ensure the best performance with each recording in every room.
This new release promises a number of revised solutions following the Delta series. With an astonishingly low 3 nanosecond dead-band-time, lowering distortion, the Sigma is said to deliver an incredible musical performance. Combined with a series feature benefits, including small size, low heat dissipation and high efficiency, consumers should expect high-performance and versatility.
In addition to the Surround Sound Preamp/Processor, the new range also includes two amplifiers, the AMP2 and AMP5, rated at 2x200W and 5x200W into 8 ohms respectively. Both feature balanced and single-ended analog inputs, connections for USB and Ethernet streaming.
“High-end is about passion, discovery, experience and technical exploration. It’s not just who can make the most expensive things.” Dave Nauber, President of Classé told StereoNET. “Making more affordable products that are truly high-end is a greater challenge, which is why there is a gap in the market between offerings from the mass-market CE companies and the high-end brands. We chose to exploit our cost advantage as part of the B&W Group to fill this void with some exceptional new products.”
“Our goals in designing the Sigma series were to deliver true, high performance for the audiophile, offer versatile connectivity to accommodate a wide range of sources, bundle it with a host of performance-oriented features and package it in a compact and affordable chassis. We have done all that and more. With their efficient use of power, the Sigma series designs generate less heat and are more eco-friendly than other conventional designs.” Nauber continued.
The Classé Sigma series will be available in December 2014.
- Sigma SSP: $7,900 RRP
- AMP5: $7,900 RRP
- AMP2: $5,500 RRP
Classé is distibuted in Australia by Convoy International.
Posted in:Hi-Fi Home Theatre
Tags: classe classe sigma ssp sigma ssp surround sound preampprocessor
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