Classé Audio, Inc.
Safety Information 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the SSP-25 to water or moisture. Do not place the SSP-25 close to any heat-producing device such as a radiator, stove, etc.. Connect the SSP-25 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.
Table of Contents Introduction Safety Information CE Notice Thank You Classé Design Philosophy About This Manual Page 2 Page 2 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Section 1: Diagrams 1.1 1.2 1.3 Page 7 Front Panel Rear Panel Remote Control Page 7 Page 10 Page 13 Section 2: Installation Overview Page 17 2.1 System Hookup: Rear Panel Connections 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 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 19 Page 20 2.
5.5 5.6 5.4.4 Input page 37 5.4.5 Input Level Page 38 5.4.6 Analog Input Level page 39 5.4.7 Analog Input Level Setup page 40 Audio Configuration and Delay Page 42 5.5.1 Speaker Description, Size and number Page 42 5.5.1.1 Main Speakers Page 42 5.5.1.2 Center Speaker page 43 5.5.1.3 Surround Speakers Page 43 5.5.1.4 Subwoofer Page 43 5.5.2 Delay Setup Page 44 Delay Setup Worksheet Page 45 5.5.3 Balance Setup Page 46 5.5.4 Subwoofer Limit Page 47 Feature Setup Page 49 5.6.1 Noise Generator Page 49 5.6.
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.
About This Manual The Classé SSP-25 is a very sophisticated preamplifier/processor. Even so, although complete understanding of the SSP-25’s many capabilities may take some study, its elegant design and intuitive interface invites daily use by even the technically challenged. We strongly urge you to read this Manual carefully before you connect and use the SSP-25 in your home theater system. You’ll find answers to almost all of your questions in these pages.
Section 1: Diagrams Use the pictures in this section as your guide to the SSP-25. 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. Once you read them, you’ll understand most of the SSP-25’s capabilities. 1.
SSP-25 Front Panel 3) AUDIO and VIDEO SOURCE LED INDICATORS These red LEDs show the active input. The Input LED will glow red when that input is directed to the Main outputs. The selected input is always directed to both the Main and the Record outputs. (See Sections 2.2 and 6.7 for further details.) 4) STANDBY (“On/Off”) BUTTON Although this pushbutton seems to be a normal “On/Off” control, it is actually more sophisticated.
SSP-25 Front Panel 7) MODE BUTTONS < & > These buttons step back and forth through the SSP-25’s operating modes in the following sequence: DTS® Cinema, DTS® Music, Analog Bypass, Mono (Center), Stereo, Stereo Surround, Dolby Pro Logic®, Dolby Digital® (AC3). Utilizing the two buttons you can quickly arrive at the mode you desire. 8) MUTE BUTTON This button fully mutes the SSP-25’s main outputs. A second push restores the previously selected operating levels. Record output is unaffected.
1.
SSP-25 Rear Panel 4) VIDEO OUTPUTS a) Main (Composite: RCA x 1) b) Record (Composite: RCA x 1) c) Main (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1) d) Record (S-Video: mini-DIN x 1) These video outputs direct video signals from various source components to selected destinations. The Main (Composite) video outputs transfer a chosen source’s video signal and on-screen display information to any monitor or TV set with a composite input.
SSP-25 Rear Panel 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) The Main In jack allows connection of an external IR sensor that functionally replaces the SSP-25’s front panel IR sensor.
1.3 Remote Control 1) DISPLAY This button changes the intensity of the front panel information display by turning off the readout. The display panel itself remains lit. 2) STANDBY This button duplicates the function of the STANDBY button described in FRONT PANEL (#4) above. While in standby mode the SSP-25 will only respond to the standby button. 3) THX The THX button turns on or off THX effects.
Changing the Trim affects all modes and all inputs identically. You may increase or decrease the level of any given channel by 8 dB. Since the intent of “Trim” is to modify the output for an individual movie or piece of music, the effect is not permanent. When the “Standby” mode is selected, or the ON/OF Switch on the rear panel is used to turn the unit fully off, “Trim” memory is erased. Permanent changes to the individual channel levels can made in “Setup” in as discussed in Section 5.
14) AV1 Pressing this button directly selects the Audio-Video 1 input for use. “AV1” will be briefly displayed in the panel window, then the type of audio signal and decoding mode will display. 15) AV2 Pressing this button directly selects the Audio-Video 2 input for use. “AV2” will be briefly displayed in the panel window, then the type of audio signal and decoding mode will display. 16) AV3 Pressing this button directly selects the Audio-Video 3 input for use.
22) MUTE The operation of this button is functionally identical to the same labeled button on the face of the SSP-25. This button mutes the SSP-25’s main outputs. A second push restores the previously selected operating levels. Record output is unaffected. The Mute button provides a convenient way to lower the volume when answering the telephone.
Section 2: Installation Overview This Section discusses the broad concepts of installation, setup, and menu usage. It is an outline for the experienced installer, not a step-by-step guide to all the configuration choices available. You’ll find examples that suggest possible approaches incorporating the SSP-25’s remarkable flexibility. The following Sections contain specific instructions for each topic outlined here. SSP-25 rear Panel 2.1 System Hookup: Rear Panel Connections 2.1.
SSP-25 rear Panel 2.1.2.1 Corresponding connections We have chosen to simplify system connections by associating each of 4 audio inputs with a dedicated Video source. Unlike our high-end SSP-50, which has considerable configuration flexibility, we have delivered with the SSP-25 a product which is powerful and flexible, yet simple. For example, if you’ve connected a DVD player’s video output to the AV1 video input, you must connect the player’s audio output to the AV1 audio input.
SSP-25 rear Panel 2.1.2.5 Analog-only sources: For analog sources with balanced (XLR) connections (high quality D/A converters, like the Classé DAC-1), use AUD1. For RCA connections, use AUD2, and/or AUD3 – (AUD1 can be used for unbalanced inputs (RCA) if a connector which changes XLR to RCA is used and pin 3 is shorted to pin 1 on the XLR). There is one analog audio record output. In most systems the audio output, and its associated video output, would be sent to a VCR. (The SSP-25 has no digital outputs.
SSP-25 rear Panel If the system monitor/projector accepts both composite and S-Video connections, we recommend S-Video for best performance. The SSP-25 allows up to 4 S-Video sources. If the system monitor/projector accepts composite and S-Video, there are 2 approaches to choose from: 1) Use composite inputs and outputs only for all sources and don't use the S-Video connectors. 2) Use S-Video connections for high resolution sources and composite connections for lower quality sources.
This Section describes setup decisions and procedures normally done only during the initial system setup. This Section leads you through a typical setup process and shows you how to save the configuration in non-volatile memory so that your choices do not disappear when power is lost. These settings can be recalled in the future to restore proper system configuration. If something changes in the system after the initial setup (adding a new source, or moving speakers, listening position, etc.
Note: If you upgrade the SSP-25’s software, you must execute a full system configuration again. Begin by following steps 1 - 3 above after installing the new EPROM IC. After resetting all configuration choices, save these settings to the Installation Memory. Then reprogram all User Memories. The current software version number appears in the Lower Display window when you use the rear panel AC power switch to turn the SSP-25 on.
Feature setup gives you the opportunity to setup the internal noise generator (used during Balance setup), to define which language the screen should communicate in, to rest to factory specifications, and to see which software version is currently installed on the processor. 2.2.2.4 Memory You should save these settings as you progress step-by-step through the configuration process so that an interruption will not result in lost effort. (See Section 5.10.2 for details.
Section 3: Getting Started 3.1 Unpacking the SSP-25 Your Classé SSP-25 is packed in high-density foam inside a special cardboard container. To remove the unit, carefully open and spread the box flaps. Remove the top foam cover and then carefully remove the SSP-25 itself. Take it out of the heavy plastic bag and place the SSP-25 on a sturdy surface. Carefully inspect it and report any concealed damage to your dealer immediately.
Section 4: System Hookup 4.1 Introduction Don’t let the quantity of connectors on the SSP-25’s rear panel disturb you. If you have ever connected an integrated amplifier or preamplifier to an audio system, you are well-equipped to work with the SSP-25. SAFETY NOTE: The following steps should be followed only after the power amplifiers are connected to their appropriate loudspeakers and that ALL components, including the SSP-25, are OFF. It is even safer if they are unplugged from the AC. 4.
4.2.1 Connect the SSP-25’s Left Front and Right Front Outputs to the Left Front and Right Front amplifier(s): Choose XLR or RCA connectors depending on which style your amplifier requires. (See the boxed comment above for DB25 connections.) We recommend the balanced XLR connections for Left Front and Right Front channels, if at all possible. First, align the three pins and their receptacles properly and push the connectors firmly into place until you hear a “click.
System Setup Strategy Before you attempt to connect source components to your SSP-25, take some time to think of the most convenient ways to enjoy your system. Remember that the SSP-25 is extraordinarily flexible and will allow you to easily configure your system so that the whole family, even the “technologically challenged,” can use it instinctively. The information in this Section will help you think through your system configuration.
When you select any input, the Input LED associated with that input will glow. In addition, the Name (AUD1, AV4, etc.) will appear for a moment in the Information Display window. These pre-programmed Generic Names cannot be changed. All analog inputs include sensitivity adjustments to avoid overloading and to equalize overall sound levels as you switch from input to input. Section 5.3.3 provides more details. Summary of adjustable characteristics for each input: 4.3.1.
The SSP-25 provides both composite and S-Video signal paths. These signal paths are totally independent. Each can simultaneously pass different video signals. Note that a signal from a composite input will not appear at any S-Video output nor will an S-Video signal appear at a composite output. This can be a substantial benefit for both relatively simple as well as complex systems, so plan accordingly. Or ask your Classé dealer for assistance.
Section 5: Initial System Configuration We’ll make many references to a “menu” In this Section of the manual. Be aware that the SSP-25 provides no onscreen setup, but instead provides all information for setup on its own faceplate screen. The information provided is simple and straightforward. The Main (Configuration) MENU System is a complete series of help screens that lead you through the relatively few steps needed to fully customize the operation of the SSP-25. 5.
SSP-25 SETUP MENU TREE MENU Level 1 MENU Level 2 Press > or < then ENTER to find then select Main MENU Mode Setup (Press "MENU" or “ TRIM” , on remote, to start) MENU level 3 Setup item (with default) Choices Press > or < to find Stereo Sur(round) setup Press /\ to increase or \/ to decrease Type: Natural press > or < to select and go back to next item Natural Concer Stadium Club t Center: +0 dB Surround: +0 dB 2ch PL: Auto-on -6 to +6 -6 to +6 Auto-on Compr(ession).
Center: +00.0 dB Level: -00 dB Noise gen(erator): auto -24 to +12 -24 to +12 -24 to +12 -24 to +12 -24 to +12 -45 auto off Lang(uage): English English EspaΖol Right (front): +00.0 dB R(ight) surr(ound): +00.0 dB L(eft) surr(ound): +00.0 dB Sub-(woofer): +00.0 dB Subwoofer limit: Feature setup Factory reset Software version: TRIM balance: Left: +00.0 dB -12 to +12 Center: +00.0 dB Right: +00.0 dB R-surr: +00.0 dB L-surr: +00.0 dB Sub: +00.
5.2.2 Activating the Menu System Activate the menu system by pressing the remote’s MENU key. The Main MENU screen will appear on your SSP-25 display. This screen allows three choices: Mode setup, Source setup, and System setup. These choices lead, as you can tell from the MENU Tree diagram, to all the selections you will need to make to properly configure your processor. You can only set up the SSP-25 with the Remote wand.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. MENU /\ (the UP arrow key) > (the RIGHT arrow key) \/ (the DOWN arrow key) < (the LEFT arrow key ENTER It’s going to be easy, and it’s going to be fun. 5.3 MODE Configuration 5.3.1 MODE overview Press the “MENU” key to bring up the first display. The Display shows “Main MENU - Mode Setup.” Press the “ENTER” button to reveal “Mode Setup” in the first line and “Stereo Sur(round) setup” in the second.
while you are making this setting and you will be able to immediately hear the affect. When you have arrived at a setting you want and it is in the display, merely press the > or < key to store the setting and go back one menu step. Note: The above settings affect only the “Stereo Sur(round)” effects, not any of the other effects. When playing a CD or DVD in Stereo Surround mode the effects set up above will be in force. Stereo Surround effects will not affect any other playback mode. 5.3.
on any playback mode except AC3, and will only work there if (1): the possibility has been allowed for in the mix, and (2): you want it to. 5.3.5 BAC K TO NORMAL OPERATION Press MENU three times, to back out of the menus and return the SSP-25 to full operating mode. 5.4 SOURCE Setup: Audio and Video 5.4.1 SOURCE ADJUSTMENTS OVERVIEW This section of the setup MENU will quickly show you how flexible and user friendly the SSP-25 is.
Video” (or to a distant remote location) you are required to attach both types between the Audio/Video source and the SSP-25, in order to have both available at the outputs. One of the powerful features of the SSP-25 is its ability to determine the character of the input audio signal, and its ability to automatically choose between up to four different sources on an input. Because AV1 through AUD3 have at least one digital input as well as one analog, you are able to make an input do double duty.
The configuration of “input” allows you to play a trick or two on your system. If you set the “input” to “auto” and direct both digital and analog signals it, it will play the digital signal, but if the source for the digital signal is removed (turned off), the program material on the analog input will immediately begin to play. If you have finished watching a movie on a DVD or laser player and you turn off the player any analog signal being sent to the same input will automatically begin to play at once.
“Level” has thirty-three choices: from +16 dB to +00 dB to -16 dB, in 1 dB steps. The purpose of “Level” is to make it possible for you to set up each Source (AV1 through AUD3) so that as you select each one the output level of each is roughly the same as the others. Thus if you have a CD player with a very high output and a VCR with a low output level you can turn down (in -1 dB steps) the “Level” of the CD player input and/or turn up (in +1 dB steps) the “Level” of the VCR input.
The "An.input" setup is used to adjust the analog input level before the Analog to Digital conversion required to decode a two channel signal into a surround effect. No change to “An. Input” is required if the input is only to be used for a digital source. (NOTE: No A to D conversion is done if a two channel signal is to stay two channel when selected in “Analog Bypass”). The analog input level is adjusted to the highest possible level without clipping.
Setting the correct level with a Test CD is pretty easy. The test tone is constant, and of a long enough duration, that you can just watch the LEDs while increasing or decreasing the level until you see the match you’re looking for. As stated above, merely increase the level until the OVER LEDs just light, then back off 1 dB at a time. A 1 dB reduction should be just enough, because you are attempting to set a –20 dB level.
5.5 SYSTEM Setup: Speakers 5.5.1 NUMBER AND SIZE OF SPEAKERS Speaker setup is relatively easy. You only have to tell the SSP-25 what size and how many speakers are attached to it. In the following section we will show you how to set up the speakers. You should read over this section of the manual before you decide how you will describe the speakers attached to your home theater system.
Although the default for the Main speakers (meaning Left and Right Front only) is set to “Large” you should carefully think about what you want to accomplish and do some experimenting too. When the Front speakers, (including the Center speaker, when one is present) are set to “Large” very little information is directed to the sub-woofer. In fact, the only information directed to the sub-woofer is the LFE signal, (the .1 of the 5.1 specification), and many movies have very little content at LFE level.
available actually are able to provide significant output below 80 Hz. Once you’ve determined the correct choice press the “>” key to move on to the next speaker option: “Speaker setup – Sub: yes.” 5.5.1.4 SUBWOOFER The sub-woofer setting offers you only two options: “yes” and “no.” If you have no sub-woofer and you select “no” all bass information, including LFE, is sent to the speakers which you have defined as “Large.
Please turn to the next page for the worksheet and to continue with the setup. Delay setup work-sheet DECIDE where you will be sitting while enjoying a movie. MEASURE the distance from the seat-back to each of the six speakers and fill in the blanks below. (Use a pencil in case you change something later on). A. FRONT LEFT - ______ ft (to nearest foot) B. CENTER - ______ ft ( “ ) C. FRONT RIGHT - ______ ft ( “ ) D. RIGHT SURROUND - ______ ft ( “ ) E. LEFT SURROUND - ______ ft ( “ ) F.
Press “MENU”, then press the “>” key twice to display “Main menu – System setup.” Select this option by pressing “ENTER”, then press the “>” key to navigate to “System setup – Delay setup.” Press “ENTER” to select this option, the display will change to read “Display setup – Left: 00 ft.” You are now able to begin setting up the sound delay for your theater using the data you developed in the worksheet.
The following instructions assume that you have a sound level meter. Before you begin balancing the output of the speakers in you system you may want to decide on whether to set the internal white noise generator to “auto” or to “man”(ual). If it is set to auto the SP-25 will automatically cycle white noise from speaker to speaker. It will pause at any given speaker when you press either the “/\” or “\/” key on the remote while the speaker is playing noise.
This feature may or may not be useful to you, and perhaps you should just leave this setup option until you find you actually need it. Not all subwoofers are created equal. Many Subwoofers will take all the power which might be expected to be included in a movie or on a Music CD. Other Subwoofers are not as capable. Part of the reason we suggest you delay the setup of the limiter is the danger that you might damage the speaker during setup.
5.6 FEATURE SETUP Feature setup includes two operating considerations, the reset to factory defaults and software version query. Using the remote you can set the operation of the internal noise generator, pick the language you would like it to communicate with, do a complete reset of all operations back to factory defaults, and get a readout of what version of software is running on the processor. It is all very simple. 5.6.
Press “ENTER” to select. Press the “>” key on the remote twice, and “Feature setup - Lang.: English” will appear in the display window. Press “ENTER” on the remote to select. There are three choices, which be reached by pressing the “/\” key on the remote. If you do not wish to select “English,” press the “/\” key on the remote to cycle to “Español” and “Français.” To select a choice be sure it is displayed in the window, then press the “>” key.
Section 6.0: Balance Trim 6.1 Introduction Sometimes even the best installation and most accurate calibration isn’t enough. Sometimes a particular movie soundtrack may not have quite the bass impact you’re looking for. Sometimes the ambient (rear channel) information just isn’t loud enough to convince you that you’re in the Amazon jungle. Sometimes . . .
Congratulations! You’ve just navigated through the entire Main MENU system. You’ve adjusted, selected, or neglected all the choices allowed by the SSP-25. By now, you’ve noticed a consistently easy way to get to all the possible menu screens and should be well prepared to configure your SSP-25 to accommodate any changes you’ll make in your system over the years. Section 7: Operating the SSP-25 7.
REF indicates a correct level setting, REF + OVER is still acceptable. If you see CLIP, redo the input sensitivity adjustment for that input. 7.3 Mode Selection (Front panel and remote) 7.3.1 Introduction The Mode button steps you through the SSP-25’s various operating modes as follows: DTS®, Stereo Surround, Stereo, Mono Center, Dolby Digital®, and Dolby Pro Logic®. 7.3.2 DTS DTS is an advanced multi-channel digital format developed by Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
This unlocks the spatial potential of all Dolby Surround-encoded sources. These include thousands of movie videotapes, many standard television broadcasts, and a variety of games. (Note: The SSP-25 does all Pro Logic decoding in the digital domain for maximum accuracy.) 7.4 Changing Individual Channel Levels 7.4.1 Introduction Sometimes even the best installation and most accurate calibration isn’t enough. Sometimes a particular movie soundtrack may not have quite the bass impact you’re looking for.
7.5 First Aid The SSP-25 control circuitry is based on the most advanced microprocessors available today. As is often the case with personal computers, the SSP-25 might occasionally exhibit some anomalies. With computers, most of these difficulties result from AC line surges, sags or outages, spurious inputs, etc.
Classé Audio, Inc. 5070 François Cusson Lachine, Quebec Canada H8T 1B3 (514) 636-6384 (514) 636-1428 (FAX) The SSP-25 Owner’s Manual was written by Smartalk. Copyright © 1998 by Classé Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
