Classe Audio SSP-50 Owners manual

Classé Audio, Inc.

SSP-50

Preamplifier/Surround Sound Processor

SSP-50

Owner’s Manual

Safety Information

(Insert safety page per UL or CSA standards or substitute the following:)

1) To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to water or moisture.

2) Do not place this unit close to any heat-producing device such as a radiator, stove, etc..

3) Connect this unit 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 warranty.

4) Do not open this unit for any reason as 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.

5) If this unit will be out of use for an extend period of time (vacation, etc.), unplug the power cord from the AC
source.

CE Notice

All of us at Classé take extreme care to insure that your purchase will become 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.

This unit 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.

Additionally, this unit is manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. and Pacific Microsonics, 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.
HDCD® and the HDCD logo are registered trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc.

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Table of Contents

Introduction Page 2

Safety Information Page 2
CE Notice Page 2
Thank You Page 5
Classé Design Philosophy Page 5
About This Manual Page 6

Section 1: Diagrams Page 7

1.1 Front Panel Pages 7, 8, 9

1.2 Rear Panel Pages10, 11, 12, 13

1.3 Remote Control Pages 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

Section 2: Installer’s Overview Page 20

2.1 System Hookup: Rear Panel Connections Pages 20, 21, 22

2.1.1 To Power Amplifier(s)

2.1.2 Audio Source Components

2.1.3 Video Source Components

2.1.4 Remote Room Setup

2.1.5 Controlling AC Power

2.2 System Configuration Pages 23, 24, 25, 26

2.2.1 The Menu System

2.2.2 Configuration Procedures

Section 3: Getting Started Page 27

3.1 Unpacking the SSP-50 Page 27

3.2 Optimal Placement Page 27

Section 4: System Hookup Page 28

4.1 Introduction Page 28

4.2 To Power Amplifier(s) Pages 28, 29

4.3 Source Components Pages 30, 31, 32

4.3.1 Audio Considerations

4.3.2 Video Considerations

4.3.3 Patience Is A Virtue!

Section 5: Initial System Configuration Page 33

5.1 Introduction Pages 33, 34

5.1.1. What You’ll Need

5.1.2 The Menu Tree

5.2 Navigation: The First Steps Page 35

5.2.1 General Information

5.2.2 Activating the Menu System

5.3 Audio Configuration (Input Sources) Page 36, 37, 38, 39

5.3.1 Name (Custom ID)

5.3.2 Input Type

5.3.3 Input Level

5.4 Audio Configuration (Speaker Setup) Page 39, 40

5.4.1 Main (L/R) Speakers

5.4.2 Center Channel Speaker

5.4.3 Surround Speakers

5.4.4 Subwoofer

5.5 Audio Configuration (Delay) Page 41, 42, 43, 44

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5.5.1 Measurement Units

5.5.2 Center Speaker

5.5.3 L-Surround Speaker

5.5.4 R-Surround Speaker

5.6 Audio Configuration (Calibrate) Page 44, 45, 46

5.6.1 Left Front Speaker

5.6.2 Right Front Speaker

5.6.3 Center Speaker

5.6.4 L-Surround Speaker

5.6.5 R-Surround Speaker

5.6.6 Auto Cycle

5.7 Video Configuration (Name) Page 46, 47

5.8 Video Configuration (Audio Link) Page 48, 49

5.9 Display Duration Page 49, 50

5.10 Memory (User Setup) Page 50, 51

5.10.1 Introduction

5.10.2 Choosing User Setup

5.10.3 “Write Protect”

5.11 Memory (Installation Setup) Page 51, 52

5.11.1 Choosing Installation Setup

5.11.2 Storing Installation Setup

5.11.3 Recalling Installation Setup

5.12 Memory (Factory Defaults) Page 52, 53

5.12.1 Choosing Factory Defaults

5.12.2 Recalling Factory Defaults

Section 6: Operating the SSP-50 Page 54

6.1 Introduction Page 54

6.2 Upper Information Display Page 54

6.2.1 Master Level Indicator

6.2.2 REF, OVER, and CLIP indicators

6.2.3 HDCD Indicator

6.3 Lower Information Display Page 54, 55

6.4 Mode Selection Page 55, 56

6.4.1 Introduction

6.4.2 DTS

6.4.3 Stereo Surround

6.4.4 Stereo

6.4.5 Mono Front

6.4.6 Mono Center

6.4.7 Dolby Digital

6.4.8 Dolby Pro Logic

6.5 Changing Individual Channel Levels Page 56

6.5.1 Introduction

6.5.2 On-the-Fly Techniques

6.6 Using User Memories Page 56, 57

6.6.1 Introduction

6.6.2 Storing a User Memory

6.6.3 Recalling a User Memory

6.7 Using PATH Page 57, 58

6.7.1 Main

6.7.2 Remote

6.7.3 Record

6.8 First Aid Page 57, 58

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Thank You From Everyone At Classé

Thank you for purchasing the Classé Audio SSP-50 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 philosophy. The goal is simple: 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 same 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 this painstaking approach. The result is an opti­mum balance between the often-conflicting demands of exceptional performance and long-term reliability. Our most
expensive components gain from even tighter tolerance parts and highly segmented and exceptionally robust power
supplies with large reserve-current capabilities.

Our Pride in Manufacturing. Your Pride in Ownership.

We build all of our components to the highest possible standard. From glass-epoxy circuit boards to the massive 3/8”
thick faceplates, every Classé product is a tribute to both the art and science of sound reproduction. We hope that
you derive as much pleasure and satisfaction in using your Classé as we did in producing it.

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About This Manual

The Classé SSP-50 is the most sophisticated product we have ever offered. Although its elegant
design invites daily use by even the technically challenged, real understanding of the SSP-50’s
many capabilities may take some study.

Consequently, we strongly urge you to read this Manual carefully before you connect and use the
SSP-1 in your home theater system. You’ll find answers to almost all of your questions in these
pages. That knowledge will greatly reduce your efforts as you configure your system to take best
advantage of the SSP-50’s enormous potential.

We’ve organized the Manual for both the experienced installer and the novice user.
The Installer’s Overview (Section 2) is written for those with technical experience. It provides an

inclusive picture of the SSP-50’s capabilities and suggests several effective system configuration
strategies.

The following Sections supply step-by-step instructions to help the less technical user configure
and use the SSP-50 effectively.

As in all such efforts, a little patience will go a long way to reducing the chances for frustration.
Remember, it took many talented people a long time to design the SSP-50 and you can’t be ex­pected to learn everything about it in one evening!

So relax. And enjoy. You’re about to enter a wonderful world of high-performance surround
sound.

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Section 1: Diagrams

Use the following diagrams as guides to the SSP-50. They show the locations of all controls, inputs, outputs, remote
keys -- in short, everything you need to know about your new preamplifier/surround sound processor. Read the notes
under each diagram carefully. You’ll find capsule explanations of all important features on the pages immediately fol­lowing a diagram. Once you read these capsules, you’ll understand most of the SSP-50’s capabilities. (Of course,
we’d never say that you won’t need to read the rest of this Manual but who knows . . . !)

1.1 Front Panel

1) VIDEO < & >

These pushbuttons select an audio/video source by stepping from AV 1 through AV 6 (Video >) or from AV 6
back through AV 1 (< Video).

These buttons “wrap” to the next input. For example, if you are enjoying the AV 6 input, pressing “Video >“
will step to AV 1. Conversely, pressing “< Video“ while using AV 1 will select AV 6.

If you press either the “< Video“ or “Video >“ button while listening to an audio-only input, the SSP-50 will
switch to the last-used video input .

2) AUDIO < & >

These pushbuttons work the same way as the Video < & > buttons described above. However, they select
an audio-only source. They “wrap” from Aud 1 to Aud 5 (< Audio) and from Aud 5 to Aud 1 (Audio >).

3) AUDIO and VIDEO SOURCE LED INDICATORS

These multi-colored LEDs show both the active input and its selected Path. The Input LED will glow red
when that input is directed to the Main outputs, green when sent to the Remote outputs, and orange when
sent to the Record outputs. (See Sections 2.2 and 6.7 for further details.)

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1.1 Front Panel (Continued)

4) STANDBY (“On/Off”) BUTTON

Although this pushbutton seems to be a normal “On/Off” control, it is actually more sophisticated.
When the SSP-50 is plugged into a live AC outlet and the rear-panel power switch is in the “On” position, this

push-button activates all of the SSP-50’s audio and video circuitry and displays. The next push turns off all
circuits except for basic elements such as the central microprocessor and remote control sensors.

(Note: The Standby button will not turn the SSP-50 “off” if the on-screen menu is in use. To restore normal
“Standby” operation, simply press the remote control’s Menu button to cancel the on-screen display.)

5) STANDBY (“On/Off”) LED INDICATOR
This LED glows green when the SSP-50 is in Standby or “Off” mode. It does not glow at all when the SSP-50

is fully activated.

6) UPPER INFORMATION DISPLAY

The centrally placed numbers (0 to 60) in this window normally indicate the relative position of the Master
Level Control. In addition, an HDCD indicator will show the presence of an HDCD-encoded digital data
stream from the selected source. Other elements in the display will assist you as you set levels, guard
against overload conditions, etc.

7) LOWER INFORMATION DISPLAY

This lower window normally shows the selected mode (e.g. Stereo, Dolby Pro Logic®, etc.). Other informa­tion (currently selected input, a “no signal” condition, etc.) also appears when appropriate.

8) MODE BUTTON

This button steps through the SSP-50’s operating modes in the following sequence: DTS®, Stereo Surround,
Stereo, Mono Front, Mono Center, Dolby Digital®, and Dolby Pro Logic®.

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1.1 Front Panel (Continued)

9) MUTE BUTTON

This button mutes the SSP-50’s main outputs. A second push restores the previously selected operating lev­els. The Remote and Record outputs are unaffected. The Mute button provides a convenient way to lower
the volume when answering the telephone.

10) MUTE LED INDICATOR
This LED glows green when the SSP-50 is in the mute mode.

11) MASTER LEVEL CONTROL

This large knob changes the relative levels of all active main room channels simultaneously. (It has no effect
on Remote area playback levels.) Each loudspeaker’s relative loudness stays in perfect balance with all
other speakers as programmed during setup. The Main Information Display shows the master level setting in
numbers from 0 (no output) to 60 (maximum output) in the center of the display.

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1.2 Rear Panel. NOTE: For a better view of the back panel, see the last page of the manual.

1) ANALOG AUDIO INPUTS

a) Aud 1 (Line level, balanced: XLR x 2)
b) Aud 3 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
c) Aud 4 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
d) Aud 5 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
e) AV 3 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
f) AV 4 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
g) AV 5 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)
h) AV 6 (Line level, single ended: RCA x 2)

These analog audio inputs accept a line level signal from any component equipped with the appropriate out­put circuitry. With the exception of “a) Aud 1,” a balanced input requiring three pin XLR connectors (Pin 2 =
Hot), all analog audio inputs are single ended circuits with RCA-style terminations. The SSP-50 has no inter­nal provisions for MM or MC phono amplification/RIAA equalization but accepts line level outputs from a wide
variety of external step-up devices if desired.

2) DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS

a) Aud 1 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
b) Aud 2 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
c) AV 1 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
d) AV 2 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
e) AV 3 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
f) AV 4 (multi-format S/PDIF: RCA x 1)
g) AV 5 (multi-format S/PDIF: Toslink x 1)

Except for “g) AV 5,” these digital audio inputs accept standard S/PDIF digital signals via 75 ohm coaxial ca­bles with RCA-style connectors. The AV 5 input uses a Toslink-style optical connector for digital source
components with this type of digital output. AV 5 is ideal for the optical digital output of many laserdisc play­ers.

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1.2 Rear Panel (Continued). NOTE: For a better view of the back panel, see the last page of the manual.

3) VIDEO OUTPUTS

a) Main 1 (Composite: RCA x 1)
b) Main 2 (Composite: RCA x 1)
c) Record (Composite: RCA x 1)
d) Remote (Composite: RCA x 1)
e) Record (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)
f) Main (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)

These video outputs direct video signals from various source components to selected destinations.
The Main 1 & 2 (Composite) video outputs transfer a chosen source’s video signal and on-screen display in-

formation to any monitor or TV set with a composite input. The Main (S-Video) output duplicates this function
for all components using the S-Video (Y/C) signal path.

The Record (Composite) video output directs the chosen source’s video signal to a video recording device.
No on-screen information appears at this output. The Record (S-Video) output duplicates this function for all
components using the S-Video (Y/C) signal path.

The Remote (Composite) video output directs a chosen video signal to a remote monitor or TV. The signal
appearing at this jack can be chosen by using the front panel or remote control Path button to select Remote
distribution.

4) VIDEO INPUTS

a) AV 1 (Composite: RCA x 1)
b) AV 2 (Composite: RCA x 1)
c) AV 3 (Composite: RCA x 1)
d) AV 4 (Composite: RCA x 1)
e) AV 5 (Composite: RCA x 1)
f) AV 6 (Composite: RCA x 1)
g) AV 1 (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)
h) AV 2 (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)
i) AV 3 (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)
j) AV 4 (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1)

These inputs accept video signals from various video source components. Inputs a) through f) accept a
composite video signal while inputs g) through j) accept S-Video (Y/C) signals.

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1.2 Rear Panel (Continued). NOTE: For a better view of the back panel, see the last page of the manual.

5) MAIN AUDIO OUTPUTS (Preamplifier outputs)

a) Multi-channel (L, C, R, LS, RS, & Sub line level, unbalanced: DB25 x 1)
b) Front (L & R line level, balanced: XLR x 2)
c) Multi-channel (L, C, R, LS, RS, & Sub line level, unbalanced: RCA x 6)

These outputs allow you to easily connect the SSP-50 to any power amplifier designed for consumer use.
The multi-channel DB25 output provides a convenient single-cable connection to multi-channel power ampli-

fiers and also insures channel-to-channel continuity between preamp/processor and power amplifier.
The front Left and Right XLR outputs provide balanced (Pin 2 = Hot) connections from the SSP-50 to power

amplifiers with balanced inputs. They are ideal for mixed use (music and movies) systems where the finest
audio reproduction is a prime goal.

The individual RCA outputs provide a convenient signal path to almost all power amplifiers.
You may use any of these connections in any combination that does not duplicate channel assignments. For

example, you may use the Front Left and Right channel balanced XLR outputs to connect the SSP-50 to the
power amplifier(s) for those speakers and either the RCA connectors or the DB25 connector for all other
channels. Similarly, you can use the DB25 output for five channels and the RCA Sub output for the sub­woofer if needed.

6) SECONDARY AUDIO OUTPUTS

a) Remote (L & R line level, unbalanced: RCA x 2)
b) Record 1 (L & R line level, unbalanced: RCA x 2)
c) Record 2 (L & R line level, unbalanced: RCA x 2)

The Remote outputs direct a chosen audio signal to a remote-zone amplifier for subsequent reproduction.
You may choose the signal appearing at these jacks with the front panel or remote control Path button.

The Record 1 & 2 are paralleled outputs that allow easy connection to the line level analog inputs of any re­cording device(s).

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1.2 Rear Panel (Continued). NOTE: For a better view of the back panel, see the last page of the manual.

7) IR (Infrared) REMOTE CONNECTORS

a) Main In (Xantech compatible: 3.5" mini-jack x 1)
b) Main Out (Xantech compatible: 3.5" mini-jack x 1)
c) Remote In (Xantech-compatible: 3.5" mini-jack x 1)

The Main In jack allows connection of an external IR sensor that functionally replaces the SSP-50’s front
panel IR sensor. It is particularly useful in installations where the SSP-50 is placed in a closet or behind the
doors of an equipment cabinet where the front panel IR sensor would be blocked from receiving signals from
the hand held remote controller.

The Main Out jack transfers IR commands received from either the SSP-50’s front panel IR sensor or an ex­ternal sensor connected to the IR Main In jack to a remote IR repeater. This jack allows a wide variety of
source components to receive commands via their own built-in IR sensors.

The Remote In jack accepts signals generated in a different room or listening/viewing area. Commands re­ceived at this jack affect ONLY the Remote audio output (see # 6 above). For example, a “volume up”
command received at the Remote In IR jack would have no effect on playback level for the main system.

8) MISCELLANEOUS

a) AC power switch
b) AC power cord receptacle
c) Microphone input (3.5" mini-jack x 1)
d) 5 volt DC trigger output (3.5" mini-jack x 1)

The AC power switch positively disconnects the SSP-50 from all AC power when it is in the OFF position,
even if the AC cord is connected to a live AC outlet. In the ON position, the SSP-50’s basic circuits (central
microprocessor and remote sensors) are always active (“Standby” mode) providing, of course, that the AC
cord is plugged into a live current source.

The AC power cord receptacle is the standard IEC-type used for test equipment, computers, and high qual­ity audio/video components. It accepts a wide variety of detachable AC power cords.

The Microphone input jack will accept signals from a calibrated microphone expected to be offered as part
of a future hardware/software upgrade. This microphone will measure sound pressure levels during system
calibration. Until then, we recommend the use of a sound level meter such as offered by Radio Shack, Gold
Line, etc. .

The DC trigger output produces +5 volts DC whenever the SSP-50 switches fully ON and reverts to 0 volts
DC when the SSP-50 returns to “Standby.” Other components (certain Classé power amplifiers, for example)
sense these levels and turn on and off in response to them, thus allowing the SSP-50 to control power appli­cation to an entire system without accessory rear panel AC outlets.

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1.3 Remote Control

Note: We have inserted three related “sections” of the remote in the following pages to give you a clear view of the
buttons. We recommend you also have the actual remote nearby when reviewing the operation of the remote. The
operation of the SSP-50 is quite intuitive, but a good understanding of the operation of the different pushbuttons will
still be helpful to your enjoyment of the processor.

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1.3 Remote Control (Continued)

1) PATH

This button directs the signal from selected source components to an output or combination of outputs (Main,
Remote, or Record). PATH allows you to send totally independent signals to each output, to send a common sig­nal to any two outputs -- or all three if so desired. The PATH button also activates the Mix Mode Display to show
the PATH choice.

2) DISPLAY

This button changes the intensity of both the Main (upper) and Secondary (lower) front panel information displays
simultaneously by reducing the operating voltages. Choices are 100%, 66%, 33%, and Display Off.

3) STANDBY
The duplicates the function of the STANDBY button described in FRONT PANEL (#4) above.

4) RECALL

This button recalls most operating parameters (Input, Mode, channel balances, etc.) associated with a particular
pre-programmed User Memory (1 through 10) and implements them for immediate use.

5) MEMORY
Memory provides sequential access to the 10 available User Memories to allow easy system configuration

for particular pre-programmed combinations of Input, Mode, and Channel Balance settings, etc.

6) STORE

This copies all the SSP-50’s current operating conditions to a pre-selected User Memory address (1 through

10.)

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1.3 Remote Control (Continued)

7) MODE

This button, functionally identical to the front panel Mode control (Front Panel, #8, above) steps through the
SSP-50’s operating modes in the following sequence: DTS®, Stereo Surround, Stereo, Mono Front, Mono
Center, Dolby Digital®, and Dolby Pro Logic®.

8) MENU

This calls up the first Main (Configuration) Menu screen, even if a lower level menu screen is currently displayed
EXCEPT when the Main Menu screen is already displayed. In this case, pressing Menu will exit the menu system
entirely.

9) UP (Up Arrow)
Moves the highlight bar in any Main (Configuration) Menu screen to the next highest row. Scrolling capability

(i.e., moving directly to the bottom line when the top line is already highlighted) is standard.

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1.3 Remote Control (Continued)

10) < (Left Arrow)

This button selects the previous menu screen.

11) ENTER

This chooses a highlighted selection (usually a measurement or other variable setting) in certain Main (Con­figuration) Menu screens for immediate use.

12) > (Right Arrow)
This button selects a subsequent Main (Configuration) Menu screen associated with a currently highlighted

choice. (You will see a small > symbol at the right hand side of the highlight bar if that item has any subse­quent menu screen(s) associated with it.)

13) DOWN (Down Arrow)
Moves the highlight bar in any Main (Configuration) Menu screen to the next lowest row. Scrolling capability

is standard.

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1.3 Remote Control (Continued)

14) < VIDEO
This functions identically to the front panel’s < Video button.

15) VIDEO >
This functions identically to the front panel’s Video > button.

16) < AUDIO
This functions identically to the front panel’s < Audio button.

17) AUDIO >
This functions identically to the front panel’s Audio > button.

18) LEFT

Changes function of VOLUME DOWN and VOLUME UP buttons so they affect only the Left channel provided
that either the VOLUME DOWN or VOLUME UP key is pressed within 5 seconds of pressing LEFT. The ad­justment range is -20 to +10 dB in 1 dB steps referenced to the current selected Master Volume.

19) RIGHT
Changes VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons to affect Right channel only. Otherwise identical to

LEFT immediately above.

20) L-SURR
Changes VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons to affect Left Surround (Rear) channel only.

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