There is mounting anticipation as pre-orders for the SSP-800 accumulate, making it one of the most in-demand high-end components in recent memory. It is widely expected to be the benchmark against which surround sound processors will be judged.

The SSP-800 has been designed to accommodate the latest digital source and display devices with HDMI as the de facto connection standard. More than a simple switcher, the SSP-800 serves as an HDMI 1.3a repeater, negotiating video resolution between source and display and both taking digital audio off of and putting it onto the HDMI signal path. The SSP-800 can be said to be a multichannel preamp/processor that has been optimized for digital audio and video interconnections.

The phrase “tailor-made” is typically used to describe things which are custom made to fit particularly well together and it applies perfectly to the Classé CDT-300 and SSP-800.

Unlike our other players, the CDT-300 is an optical disc transport. It has no analog audio output stages, relying exclusively on a digital connection to a suitable processor to bring audio into the analog domain. The CDT-300’s lack of analog audio circuitry means it can be produced at a significantly lower cost with no compromise to its HDMI output.

When paired with the SSP-800, a single HDMI cable can connect both audio and video. The result is a tailor-made package of exceptional value. Audio and video performance is optimized, interconnection is simplified and operation is unified. Only the price is minimized.

When used together, no other combination of disc player and preamp/processor can deliver the performance and value they offer. The CDT-300 and SSP-800 are truly tailor-made for each other.

Blu-ray Disc players offer great potential and have undoubtedly gained popularity in home theater systems. It is worth noting, however, that Blu-ray was not developed as a music format, nor was it optimized for CD or DVD playback. Given the vast library of CDs and DVDs which will never be duplicated on Blu-ray, we know these formats will be with us for decades to come. They will remain the primary sources of music and movies, and as long as disc players are spinning discs, the benefits of a highly evolved component for CD and DVD will remain as important as ever. For CD and DVD playback with the SSP-800, there is no better choice than a Classé disc player or transport.