Classe Audio SSP-30 Owners manual

Classé Audio, Inc.

SSP-30

Preamplifier/Surround Sound Processor

SSP-30

Owner’s Manual

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IMPORTANT: SAFETY INFORMATION

CAUTION: PLEASE READ AND OBSERVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL
AND ALL THOSE MARKED ON THE UNIT. RETAIN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

1) Do not open the SSP-30 for any reason, there are no user serviceable parts inside. An open
unit, particularly if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock
hazard. Refer all questions to authorized service personnel only. Do not attempt to service
the SSP-30 yourself.

2) To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the SSP-30 to water or moisture. If a liquid
other than clear water or pure alcohol does enter SSP-30 take it to your Classé dealer for a
thorough check-up.

3) Do not place the SSP-30 close to any heat-producing device such as your audio amplifier(s),
and also keep it away from direct sunlight, or a radiator, stove, etc.

4) Connect the SSP-30 only to an AC source of the proper voltage. The shipping container and
the rear panel serial number tag will stipulate the proper voltage. Use of any other voltage
will almost certainly damage the unit and will void the warran ty.

5) AC cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them. Do not stress the AC cord by stretching to a plug. If damage
does occur to the AC cord, take it to your Classé dealer for a thorough check-up and
proper repair.

6) If the SSP-30 will be out of use for an extended period of time (vacation, etc.), you may wish
to unplug the power cord from the AC source to prevent any chance of problems from a
voltage surge or lightning strike.

CE Notice

All of us at Classé take extreme care to insure that your purchase will remain a prized investment.
We are proud to inform you all Classé Audio components have been officially approved for the
European Community (CE) mark under CE Certificate Number C401CLA1.MGS granted on 18 July,

1996.

This means that your Classé product was subjected to the most rigorous manufacturing and safety
tests in the world. The CE mark certifies that your purchase meets or exceeds all European
Community requirements for unit-to-unit consistency and consumer safety.

The SSP-30 is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. It is
additionally licensed under one or more of the following patents: U.S. number 3,959,950, Canadian
numbers 1,004,603 and 1,037,877.

Manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and
5,222,059. European patent 0 323 830. Other patents pending.

Additionally, the SSP-30 is manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Dolby® Pro Logic®, and Dolby Digital® are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing

Corporation.
DTS® is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

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Thank You From Everyone At Classé

Thank you for purchasing the Classé Audio SSP-30 Preamplifier/Surround Sound Processor.
We take great pride in offering components that combine exceptional sonic performance and

long-term reliability. To do that, we have invested in extraordinary design and manufacturing
facilities. We trust that you will enjoy your purchase for many years to come.

Classé Design Philosophy

All of our components benefit from the same rigorous design goal: All Classé products must reproduce
music with the harmonic and spatial integrity typical of fine instruments heard in a live, unamplified
performance.

Single Circuit Design

To this end, we make extensive use of carefully optimized versions of the sa me basic circuit precisely
matched to specific power requirements. This means that all Classé line level components and power
amplifiers benefit from years of refinement. However, our efforts do not stop here.

Listening: The Critical Design Element

Once we determine general circuit values for a particular application, we listen carefully while
exchanging and mixing different parts (transistors, capacitors, wiring, PC boards, etc.) and adjusting
specific operating voltages within proper engineering ranges.

Extended Real-World Lifespan

Every Classé component, even the most affordable, benefits from our painstaking approach to design
parameters. The result is an optimum balance between the often-conflicting demands of exceptional
performance and long-term reliability. Our mos t expensive components gain from even tighter
tolerance parts and highly segmented and exceptionally robust power supplies with large reserve­current capabilities.

Our Pride in Manufacturing, Your Pride in Ownership.

We build all of our components to the highest possible standards. From multi-layer glass-epoxy circuit
boards, the full sized power-supplies, and the massive faceplates, every Classé product is a tribute to
both the science and art of sound reproduction. We hope that you derive as much pleasure and
satisfaction in using your Classé unit as we did in producing it.

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The Classé SSP-30 Preamplifier/Surround Sound Processor is a beautiful sounding high

end two channel Preamplifier which also does the complex Surround Sound tasks of
making multi-channel movies out of data, while remaining simple and intuitive enough for
anyone to use. The SSP-30 is the high quality center of any audio and home theater
installation. It will sound and work best in your system when used with other high end
products, such as those from Classé. Classé has a powerful selection of single, dual and
multi channel power amplifiers, and also builds wonderful CD/DVD players, CD players,
and Tuners.

This owners manual will make it possible for you to set up the SSP-30 and begin using
it only a very few minutes after you take it out of the box. The Section 1 quickly details
getting it out of the box and suggests a few precautions. Section 2 explains how to plug in
all the wires from all the associated equipment. Section 3, 4, 5, and 6 include instructions
on setting up and using the SSP-30 stereo and surround sound capabilities correctly.

The most difficult part of the set-up will be attaching all the wires. Classé
recommends labeling each and every input or output wire in your system, including the
AC cables. When you’ve done this you will know what equipment is connected at each
end. Labeling is a simple task which takes a few extra minutes, but which can save hours
of effort if you ever want to change anything, even a single cable or wire.

It is also a good idea to make a chart of all the associated equipment and how you
want to attach everything together. Even a simple penciled flow chart will make your
tasks go faster with fewer hook up errors. You can keep the chart for later reference when
you want to add to or subtract equipment from the system.

Contents

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IMPORTANT: SAFETY INFORMATION 3
CE NOTICE 3
THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT CLASSÉ 4
CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY 4
SINGLE CIRCUIT DESIGN 4
LISTENING: THE CRITICAL DESIGN ELEMENT 4
EXTENDED REAL-WORLD LIFESPAN 4
OUR PRIDE IN MANUFACTURING, YOUR PRIDE IN OWNERSHIP. 4
SECTION 1.0 GETTING STARTED, TAKING PRECAUTIONS 7

1.1 UNPACKING THE SSP-30 7

1.2 OPTIMAL PLACEMENT 7

1.3 VENTILATION 8
A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE SSP-30 AND THE SET-UP 8
SECTION 2.0 - CONNECTING THE SSP-30 11
SECTION 3.0 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 14
SECTION 4.0 - THE SSP-30 REMOTE CONTROL 15
SECTION 5.0 - SETTING UP THE SSP-30 18

5.1 AUDIO SETUP: 19

5.2 LEVEL SETUP: 19

5.3 DELAY SETUP: 20

5.4 SPEAKER SETUP: 21

5.5 SOURCE SETUP: 21

5.6 DISPLAY SETUP: 22

5.7 TRIGGER SETUP: 23
SECTION 6.0 USING THE TAPE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS 24

6.1 RECORDING AUDIO/VIDEO, ANALOG: 24

6.2 RECORDING ANALOG AUDIO ONLY 25

6.3 RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO/VIDEO 25

6.4 RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO ONLY 26
SECTION 7.0 REMOTE ZONE USE 26

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Section 1.0 Getting Started, Taking Precautions

1.1 Unpacking the SSP-30

Your Classé SSP-30 is packed in high-density foam inside a special cardboard container. To
remove the unit, carefully open and spread the Top box flaps. (There are heavy-duty staples
under each end of the lengthwise tape.) Remove the top foam piece(s) and then carefully
remove the SSP-30 itself. Be Careful with it while it is still covered in the protective plastic,
insuring that you do not rest it on its front or rear, as possible damage to knobs and
connectors can occur. Put it down carefully on a flat, soft surface. Take it out of the heavy
plastic bag and place the SSP-30 on a sturdy surface. Carefully inspect it and report any
concealed damage to your dealer immediately.

In addition, look for the following accessories:

1) The Owner’s Manual (which, because you’re reading it now, you’ve already found!)

2) One detachable AC power cord.

3) One remote control handset (with two AA batteries).

We strongly recommend that you save the shipping carton and foam inserts. The REQUIRED
Replacements are expensive to purchase from us. The packaging was designed t o protect
the SSP-30 under almost all circumstances and will be very useful in protecting the valuable
electronic instrument if you move or need to ship the unit for any reason.

1.2 Optimal Placement

Carefully locate the SSP-30. Follow the safety precautions in this manual regarding exposure
to heat and moisture.

Stable, high-strength shelving or equipment racks specifically designed for audio/video
components are best.

Place the SSP-30 close enough to other components to allow convenient connection. This is
especially true for source components where shorter cable runs are best. However, we do
not recommend closely stacking the SSP-30 with other components, especially tuners, as
they may be affected by radio-frequency emissions from the SSP-30’s microprocessor.

Allow at least four inches of free space behind the SSP-30 to accommodate interconnect
cables, power cords, etc. Four inches of unobstructed free space above the SSP-30’s chassis
cover will allow sufficient air circulation to dissipate the small amount of heat.

Isolate power amplifiers as much as possible to avoid the magnetic fields often generated
by their large power-supply transformers. The SSP-30’s high current output stage is virtually
immune to pr o b l e m s sometimes encounter ed when the power amplifiers are far away at the
end of long cable runs. Where you have a choice, we recommend long interconnects and
short speaker cables.

We also do not recommend placing the processor near power amplifiers because they
produce heat.

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1.3 Ventilation

CAUTION: Ventila tion is very important. We do not recommend attempting to operate the
SSP-30 if the ambient temperature exceeds 40°C (100°F). There are componen ts inside which
produce heat. If there is insufficient ventilation around the chassis the processors will
overheat and may act erratically until allowed to cool. Any cabinet should have adequate
airflow to allow warm air to leave and cooler room air to enter. Positive Ventilation is required
in some installations due to the heat generated by the associated electronics.

A few notes about the SSP-30 and the Set-up

The SSP-30 decodes Dolby Digital©, DTS© and Dolby Pro Logic
preamplifier. The 7.1 channel input is equipped with comprehensive volume control facilities and
ensures that the SSP-30 will remain compati b le with new multi-channel formats as they appear. The SSP­30 also has several music modes that may be used to enhance a normal stereo signal.

The SSP-30 accepts up to seven digital input sources, eight line-level input so urces, plus a tape loop and
two additional record outputs. It has six composite and S-Video inputs, composite and S-Video monitor
outputs, composite and S-video record outputs and an S-Video monitor output without On Screen
Display (OSD) for highest quality video performance.

The SSP-30 has two main modes of operation. In the normal operation mode the SSP-30 automatically
senses the type of the incoming signal and selects the best mode for that signal. The user can over-ride
the automatic selection and select different post-processing modes for the incoming signals. These
modes feature a mono down-mix, stereo, Dolby Pro Logic and four Music modes: Natural, Concert,
Club and Party. The user can bypass the digital section of the SSP-30, if desired, and connect, for
example, a high quality stereo source to the Left and Right channels of the 7.1 channel inp ut.

The SSP-30 is supplied with a comprehensive IR remote control control which controls it.
Options for system integration are provided by RC5 jacks to interface with other Classé products, by the

three I2VDC trigger outputs to control external equipment and can communication wi th a PC or home
automation system via the RS 232 interface.

Installation note
This preamplifier generates a modest amount of heat and thus requires ventilation. Do not place it on a

rug or other soft surface into which it could sink. The SSP-30 should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.

CAUTION: To prevent a fire or shock hazard, do not permit this product to become wet. If liquid is
accidentally spilled on it, unplug the AC cord it from the wall. Allow sufficient time for then SSP-30 to
completely dry out before attempting to operate it again. If the spilled liquid is anything but clear water
and/or alcohol, a qualified service technician should examine the processor before it is used again.

Do not remove the cover, or attempt to modify or repair the processor yourself. Refer all servicing to a
qualified technician.

This product is manufactured under license from dts
“Dolby”, the double-D symbol, “Dolby Digital
Licensing Corporation

©

©

, and Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

” and “Pro Logic” are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories

©.

It also functions as a high quality stereo

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