Video Asylum

Posted by bagger on April 16, 2002 at 16:24:53

In Reply to: Re: Classe ssp-25 vs ssp-30 posted by Frost on April 15, 2002 at 21:46:07:

I'm running an SSP-30 with Audio Research D-130 amps and Vandersteen speakers (3A Sigs and VCC-5 front, 1Bs rear). I auditioned the SS-25 extensively, but got to wait until the SSP-30 was available. Excellent pre-pro at this price point. See the recent review (one or two issues ago)in Perfect Vision of the SSP-30...I agree with everything they say, although perhaps not quite so over the top.

The SSP-25 sounds almost as good as the SSP-30 for music and surround, but not quite (say 95%). The samples I listened to did consistently have a problem with picking up the first couple of seconds of the audio on CDs whereas the SSP-30 does not. The SSP-30 also has a 7.1 input for future modes (e.g. SACD, DVD-A) - I'm not sure if the SSP-25 does. On the other hand, you should be able to pick up an SSP-25 for WELL below the $3,000 MSRP.

Personally, I'd go for the SSP-30 if your budget allows, but I listen to a lot of music and that lag in the SSP-25 would be really annoying for me. However, if your budget could use the bargain prices available for the SSP-25, you will probably be quite happy with it.