Classe Audio SSP-60 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
SSP-60
Pre-amplifier/Surround
Sound Processor

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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 attempt to service the SSP-60 yourself. Do not open the SSP-60 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.

2) To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the SSP-60 to water or moisture. If a liquid does enter your
SSP-60 take it to your Classé dealer for a thorough check-up.

3) Do not place the SSP-60 close to any heat-producing device such as your audio amplifier, radiator, stove,
etc., and keep it away from direct sunlight.

4) Connect the SSP-60 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.

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-60 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 that 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.

Manufactured under license 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.

THX® is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
“DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

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Thank You From Everyone At Classé

Thank you for purchasing the Classé Audio SSP-60 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 as heard in a live performance or in the recording studio.

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 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 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 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 from using your Classé unit as we did in
producing it.

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The Classé SSP-60 Preamplifier/Surround Sound Processor is a beautiful sounding high-end two-

channel Preamplifier which also performs the complex task of decoding and processing multi channel
Surround Sound , while remaining simple and intuitive enough for anyone to use. The SSP-60 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 and SACD players.

This owner’s manual will make it possible for you to set up the SSP-60 and begin using it only a
short period of time after you take it out of the box. 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. Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 include instructions on setting up and using the SSP-60’s 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 hookup
errors. You can keep the chart for later reference when you want to add to or subtract equipment from
the system.

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Contents

IMPORTANT: SAFETY INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................2

CE NOTICE ...................................................................................................................................................2

THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT CLASSÉ............................................................................................................3

CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ...............................................................................................................................3

SECTION 1.0 - GETTING STARTED.........................................................................................................................6

1.1 UNPACKING THE SSP-60..............................................................................................................6

1.2 OPTIMAL PLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION NOTES........................................................................6

1.3 VENTILATION...............................................................................................................................6

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE SSP-60 AND THE SET-UP...............................................................................................7

SECTION 2.0 - CONNECTING THE SSP-60.............................................................................................................9

SECTION 3.0 - FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ...........................................................................................................11

SECTION 4.0 - THE SSP-60 REMOTE CONTROL ...................................................................................................12

SSP-60 MENU FLOW CHART................................................................................................................................15

SECTION 5.0 - SETTING UP THE SSP-60...............................................................................................................16

5.1 AUDIO SETUP:...........................................................................................................................17

5.2 SPEAKER SETUP:.........................................................................................................................18

5.3 SOURCE SETUP:.........................................................................................................................22

5.4 DISPLAY SETUP:..........................................................................................................................23

5.5 TRIGGER SETUP:........................................................................................................................24

5.6 THX AUDIO SETUP .....................................................................................................................25

SECTION 6.0 – USING THE TAPE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS......................................................................................26

6.1 RECORDING AUDIO/VIDEO, ANALOG.......................................................................................26

6.2 RECORDING ANALOG AUDIO ONLY..........................................................................................27

6.3 RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO/VIDEO..........................................................................................27

6.4 RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO ONLY ...........................................................................................27

SECTION 7.0 - REMOTE ZONE USE.....................................................................................................................28

APPENDIX A RC5 CODES FOR CLASSÉ SSP-60...............................................................................................29

APPENDIX B SSP-60 MODE CHART................................................................................................................30

APPENDIX C SSP-60 MODE DESCRIPTIONS....................................................................................................32

APPENDIX D SSP-60 THX MODE CHART.........................................................................................................33

SSP-60 SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................34

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Section 1.0 - Getting Started

1.1 Unpacking the SSP-60

Your Classé SSP-60 is packed in high-density foam inside a special cardboard container. Take the unit out
of the heavy plastic bag and place the SSP-60 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 (This one)

2) One detachable AC power cord.

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

4) One calibration microphone with battery and cable.

We strongly recommend that you save the shipping carton and foam inserts. The REQUIRED Replacements
are expensive to purchase. The packaging was designed to protect the SSP-60 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 and installation notes

Please pay careful attention to the safety information at the beginning of this manual (Page 2).
Take care when choosing the location for the SSP-60. Stable, high-strength shelving or equipment racks

specifically designed for audio/video components are best.
Place the SSP-60 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 stacking the SSP­60 with other components, especially tuners, as they may be affected by radio-frequency emissions from the
SSP-60’s microprocessor.

Allow at least four inches of free space behind the SSP-60 to accommodate interconnect cables, power cords,
etc. Four inches of unobstructed free space above the SSP-60’s chassis cover will allow sufficient air
circulation to dissipate the small amount of heat.

Isolate power amplifiers as much as possible from the SSP-60 to avoid stray magnetic fields, often generated
by their large power supply transformers, as well as the heat normally produced by these units. The SSP-60’s
high current output stage is virtually immune to problems sometimes encountered when the power amplifiers
are far away at the end of long cable runs.

Do not place the SSP-60 on a rug or other soft surface into which it could sink. Do not place another unit on
top of the SSP-60. Do not place the SSP-60 on top of a unit that generates heat.

1.3 Ventilation

CAUTION: Ventilation is very important. We do not recommend attempting to operate the SSP-60 if the
ambient temperature exceeds 40°C (100°F). There are components 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.

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A few notes about the SSP-60 and the Set-up

The SSP-60 offers Dolby Digital EX©, DTS-ES Matrix© Dolby Pro Logic II © and THX ULTRA2© decoding and has several
modes that may be used to enhance a normal stereo signal. It also functions as a high quality stereo preamplifier. The 7.1
channel input is equipped with comprehensive volume control facilities and ensures that the SSP-60 may remain
compatible with new multi-channel formats as they appear.

The SSP-60 accepts up to seven digital input sources, ten line-level input sources, one balanced analog input plus a tape
loop and two additional record outputs. It has six composite and S-Video inputs, three component video inputs,
composite, S-Video and component 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-60 has two main modes of operation. In the normal operation mode the SSP-60 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 include a mono down-mix, stereo, Stereo96,
Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II (Movie), Neo6 Cinema and four Music modes: Natural, Party, PLII Music, Neo6:
Music. The user can bypass the digital section of the SSP-60, if desired, and connect, for example, a high quality stereo
source to the Left and Right channels of the 7.1 channel input.

The SSP-60 is supplied with a comprehensive infrared (IR) remote control.
Options for system integration are provided by RC5 jacks to interface with other Classé products, by the three 12VDC

trigger outputs to control external equipment and by communication with a PC or home automation system via the RS 232
interface.

The SSP-60 has a complete and well-thought-out panel of connections that can accommodate a complex audio and
theater system.

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SSP-60 REAR PANEL

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Section 2.0 - Connecting the SSP-60

Use the diagram on the previous page to follow the discussion regarding input and output connections.
SAFETY NOTE: Before you begin work we very strongly advise that all electronic equipment be unplugged from the AC

outlets or be switched off with the AC switch (NOT in Standby). Failure to follow the above advice can result in damage to
speakers and to electronics and perhaps to you.

RCA-style cables should be rotated (twisted) slightly as you insert them into (or remove them from) the SSP-60’s jacks.

2.1 VIDEO INPUTS: There are fifteen Video Inputs (3 Component, 6 S-Video and 6 Composite). The S-Video and
Composite video inputs are assigned to the like numbered analog (AV) audio inputs: VID1 is associated with AV1,
VID2 with AV2, etc.

2.1.1 DIGITAL INPUTS: The seven Digital Audio inputs may be assigned to any Audio source, (AV1 – AV6 and AUD1 –
AUD4). Any Digital input may be assigned to more than one source.

2.1.2 AUDIO INPUTS: When an audio source is selected for listening, the analog (if any) signal assigned to that input
will also appear at the record, record1, record2, and (if selected) at the remote zone outputs. Any Digital input
assigned to the same source will be heard at the Main 7.1 outputs only. When you have both a digital and an
analog input assigned to an audio source the analog signal will appear only at the three record outputs and (if
selected) at the remote zone output. The Digital signal will be processed and routed to the main outputs and also
appear unprocessed at the digital output. The analog signal going to the record-outs does not go through the A
to D and D to A converters. The two signals are handled separately. There is no way to send the processed digital
information to any of the record or remote zone outputs.

2.1.3 PLAY INPUTS: The PLAY input functions as part of a tape loop. It is designed to accept the output from a two­channel tape machine. Pressing the TAPE button on the front panel routes the analog audio signal on the PLAY
input through the digital processor. Refer to Section 6 for more information on Taping.

2.1.4 7.1 INPUTS: These are analog audio inputs, designed to make it possible to listen to new multi-channel formats,
such as SACD and DVD-Audio. These inputs are analog only. The input signal goes only through the volume
control (still affected by your “speaker level” settings) and directly to the 7.1 Outputs.

2.1.5 VIDEO INPUTS: The three styles of video inputs are also separate from each other. A Composite video input
signal will not be converted to S-Video nor to Component video. An S-Video input signal will be present on the
Composite video outputs but not the Component video outputs. A Component video input signal will not be
converted to Composite nor to S-Video. If you want to send video to the remote zone output you have to feed the
SSP-60 a Composite video signal. Thus an S-Video signal can be sent to your television and to a recording VCR,
while only Composite video can be sent to the remote Zone. (S-Video should be sent only over a short length of
cable).

2.1.6 IR IN: There is one IR input which allows you to make a connection from the remote Zone area as well as from
the Main listening/viewing area. The Zone can be controlled from either the Main area or Zone and the Main
area can be controlled from either Main or the Zone area.

2.1.7 IR OUT: This output will permit you to control another piece of Classé equipment by repeating signals received
through the front panel IR receiver of the SSP-60. For this purpose, you will need to install a 2 conductor shielded
cable with 1/8” mini mono plugs at both ends from the SSP-60’s IR OUT to the IR in of the other unit.

2.1.8 MIC: This input will permit you to connect the supplied calibration microphone. See section 5.2.5 for details on
the auto calibration procedure.

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2.2 OUTPUTS: Video outputs for Component, Composite and S-Video formats are provided. Both the Composite
and S-Video formats have outputs with On Screen Display (OSD) and without On Screen Display (NO OSD). The
OSD can be turned off and on. There is a Composite video output for the remote Zone and both S-Video and
Composite video outputs for recording. The S-Video inputs also deliver Composite video output signals. (S-Video
In to S-Video Out will deliver higher quality video). Both analog audio outputs and a digital audio output are
provided from the SSP-60.

2.2.1 7.1 AUDIO OUTPUTS: The SSP-60 has both balanced and single ended 7.1 channel outputs. They deliver both
stereo and multi-channel signals, depending on the source signal and the mode of playback you select. If you
only have one rear speaker use the left SURR REAR 7.1 output.

2.2.2 DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT: The Optical digital output (TOSlink) delivers the same digital audio information that
is present at the digital input of the selected source. Analog information will not be converted to digital for output
here. This digital signal can be routed to another surround processor, digital recorder or to a high-quality digital­to-analog converter (DAC).

2.2.3 REC AUDIO OUTPUTS: There are three record audio outputs. They all carry the analog audio of the currently
selected main Source (NOT the zone source or the PLAY input). Digital Inputs are not decoded through these
outputs.

2.2.3.1 When deciding what input and output cable combinations you will need, you have to first decide how you will be
using the processor. If you use the Remote Zone you can have two sources, each playing in a separate area.
However, you cannot record one source while watching another, unless you use the Remote Zone output as a
tape out. Be aware that to record a Satellite feed when you are listening to a decoded digital signal in the main
area, you must have the analog audio and composite video signals from the Satellite receiver connected to the
corresponding AV and composite video inputs.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• Digital audio from the Satellite Receiver is plugged into COAX1

• COAX1 is assigned to AV1

• Analog two-channel audio output from satellite receiver is plugged into AV1 analog inputs

• S-Video from the Satellite receiver is fed to VID1 S-Video input

• Composite video from Satellite Receiver is plugged into VID1 Composite video input

• Select AV1 as source for Main area

• 7.1 Main outputs will contain decoded digital audio from COAX1

• Record outputs will contain signal only from analog inputs on AV1. The Zone output could also carry the AV1

analog signal, but only if AV1 is selected as the source signal for Zone.

• S-Video output from AV1 appears on S-Video OSD and NO OSD and on S-Video REC out.

• Composite Video from AV1 appears on Composite OSD and NO OSD, plus the REC and Zone Composite

outputs (if Zone has AV1selected as its source).

With only a little thought and planning you can turn the SSP-60 into a versatile control center. To record a source,
or to play music throughout your house you will need to connect both the digital and the analog inputs from
several audio or audio video pieces, such as a CD player, a Satellite receiver or a DVD player. Refer to Section

6.0 for more information on using the tape inputs and outputs.

2.3 TRIGGER OUTPUTS: The three Triggers give you a great deal of control over your total system. Trigger 1 may be
set up separately from Triggers 2 and 3. The triggers may be individually set up to enable and disable various
other system components. The Triggers only deliver a control voltage, but the delivery can be configured in
several ways to allow you to properly signal equipment to turn off and on. See Section 5.5: TRIGGER SETUP for a
full explanation.

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Section 3.0 - Front Panel Controls

SSP-60 FRONT VIEW

The SSP-60 operates intuitively. The seven controls on the face of the processor give you all the options you need
to turn it on and use it successfully day after day.

3.1 The “STANDBY” button toggles the SSP-60 from standby to operate and vice versa. There is an on/off switch
on the rear of the unit, which turns the AC on and off. When in “Standby” the LED above the button glows
green, when in “Operate” mode the LED is out and the display is lit. Please note that if the remote zone is
enabled, the display will read “Zone B On” when the unit is in Standby. See section 7.0 for details on the
remote zone. The “Standby” button will also activate or de-activate the triggers depending on their settings.
See section 5.5 for details on the trigger settings.

3.2 The “MODE” buttons are used to scroll through all the available Modes of operation. The available Modes
depend on the type of the audio input signal. Appendix B shows all the available Modes (subject to change)
and indicates which speakers are active.

3.3 The “INPUT” buttons are used to scroll through the available Sources: AV1 – AV6, AUD1 – AUD4, and the
External 7.1 input. Please note that you have to go into the SOURCE SETUP menu to activate the balanced
input. See section 5.3.4 for further details. Once the Sources are set up, you can select a source and the SSP­60 will begin to automatically process the audio or audio/video information correctly. If you wish to change
the processing style you can use the MODE buttons to scroll to the preferred playback method. Please note
that the availability of certain modes depends on the type of incoming signal. See APPENDIX B for details.

3.4 The “TAPE” button selects the “PLAY” input and sends this signal to the main output for monitoring. The
previously selected Main Source remains as the source and continues to play through the record outputs. (See
the notes in section 6.0 for more information on Taping).

3.5 The “MUTE” button mutes the audio output. Press the button again to return to the previous listening level.
Turning the volume up releases the Mute condition, while turning volume down maintains Mute until the Mute
button is pressed again.

3.6 The unlabeled “VOLUME” knob changes the volume in all of the connected speakers. Turn this knob
counterclockwise to reduce the volume and clockwise to increase it. When the SSP-60 is Muted the volume
can be “reduced” using the Volume control without coming out of Mute, but if the knob is turned clockwise to
increase the volume the SSP-60 will begin playing again immediately.

3.7 The front panel display shows the current operation of the SSP-60, including the selected input, the format of
the signal being played, the selected playback Mode, and the current Volume level (or Mute condition).

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