Classé Unveils New Reference Disc Player
Montréal, Québec, Canada—January 2007—Canadian high-end audio-video manufacturer Classé Audio has established an enviable reputation for producing truly reference-standard audio and A/V components. Its CDP-202 Compact Disc Player, and CDP-300 DVD Player are internationally accepted benchmarks representing the current state of the art for these technologies. Now Classé has combined the two concepts into a single “reference” disc-player, the CDP-502.
“Classé customers are among the most demanding and discerning in the world,” says David Nauber, Classé’s Executive VP, Brand Development. “And while they might be able to afford both a CDP-300 and a CDP-202, they’d prefer the best of both in a single component. That, in a nutshell, characterizes the new CDP-502 Reference Disc Player: state-of-the-technology performance for both DVD and CD playback, with all the benefits associated with Classé design.”
A truly flexible source component, the CDP-502 accepts audio CDs, DVD-Video discs, DVD-Audio high-resolution audio recordings, and numerous optical-disc variants including DualDisc, MP3, WMA and AAC audio-encoded discs, as well as Video-CD, S-VCD and JPEG discs. The latest Classé player derives its audio sections from the acclaimed CDP-202, Classé’s current CD reference model, and its video sections from the CDP-300 DVD player, the world’s first high-end player to output all HD-compatible resolutions including 1080p. The result—the CDP-502, arguably the most sophisticated DVD/CD player ever created—speaks for itself with unmatched video and audio fidelity, depth, and definition.
The CDP-502 utilizes the highly non-resonant, steel/aluminum hybrid chassis, and multiple, superbly engineered power supplies for which Classé designs are justly famous. The slot-loading TEAC® DVD-ROM mechanism — also used in the CDP-300 and CDP-202 — provides superior disc-handling characteristics, reliability and control flexibility. Of course, the new model employs Classé’s well-known digital-decoding technology, deploying a dedicated CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) and sample-rate conversion to re-construct data as 24-bit/192 kHz signals with rock-steady time-domain performance. Also present is Classé’s proven dual-differential digital-to-analog conversion topology, where both channels are transformed to differential mode in the digital domain, and then converted by a dedicated device for each signal “half.” The resultant signal remains in the balanced mode through reference-grade audio circuits, and passes to balanced-audio output on two XLR jacks; both channels are of course also available as single-ended signals on RCA jacks, which benefit from a completely differential and independent signal path.
On the video side the CDP-502’s designers could not reasonably expect to improve upon the acclaimed CDP-300, and so wisely retained its layout. Consequently, the CDP-502 incorporates the same powerful digital video processing, able to scale output to all HDTV formats up to and including 1080p via its HDMI digital-video output (including 1080i, 720p, and 480/576p). In addition to deinterlacing and scaling functions, the CDP-502’s video DSP also incorporates extensive digital processing to reduce the troublesome “mosquito noise” otherwise so prevalent on HD screens, to adaptively control color and contrast ratios, and to improve chroma transient performance. In short, staggeringly powerful and complex mathematic operations are constantly working to deliver a sharper, clearer, more compelling image than has been heretofore available from any DVD source.
The CDP-502 carries over Classé’s elegantly curved, aluminum industrial design and intuitive control layout common to its antecedents, including the front-panel color touchscreen. Far more than mere “sizzle,” this delivers perfectly, self-prompting operation, convenient previewing of DVD recordings for setup and cueing right at the loading site, and an easy way to manage audiophile-mode “video-off” playback for serious-listening CD and DVD-A sessions. The CDP-502 is supplied with a backlit wireless remote controller, and includes CAN-bus ports for inter-Classé-component communications, RS-232 interfacing for integration into media and whole-house control systems, and IR-remote and DC-trigger interfacing.
Classé’s CDP-502 universal reference DVD/CD player will be available February 2007, at a manufacturer’s suggested price of $8,500 US.
Classé Debuts “Best in Class” Delta Series Surround Processor
New SSP-900 Combines Touch-Screen Control, Separate Preview
Screen, Full Differential Audio Circuits, Broadcast Grade 1080p
Video Processing/Scaling, and Multi-Zone Operation.
Montréal, Québec, Canada—January 2007—Classé Audio, noted for its leading position in high performance audio and audio/video components, introduced its much-anticipated SSP-900 Surround Sound Processor.
A striking visual statement in itself, the new processor combines equally striking audio and video performance. In addition, the SSP-900 builds on user-friendly touch-screen operation with a second front-panel screen dedicated to previewing video information independent of other display devices in a home theater system.
“Today’s home entertainment technology is so intimidating that many people don’t enjoy its benefits,” said David Nauber, Classé’s Executive Vice President of Brand Development, “so the Classé Design Team accepted the challenge of not only surpassing past performance plateaus but also making day-to-day use not just accessible but positively inviting.
The SSP-900 displays the acclaimed curved aesthetic that distinguishes all Classé Delta series components. If the front panel’s most visible feature is the dual screen array, its most attractive element is the uncluttered look afforded by just four controls. That exceptionally clean visage is possible thanks to a sophisticated and customizable touch-screen menu system that provides equal access to all the SSP-900’s capabilities or to a simplified number of choices more suitable for benefit-oriented users.
The SSP-900 also exhibits an unusual level of flexibility and technical prowess. Analog audio inputs include four single-ended and one balanced as well as accommodations for a discrete 7.1 source. Digital audio sources enjoy six coaxial, one AES/EBU, and six EIAJ (TOSlink optical) inputs. The processor accommodates up to four HDMI audio/video sources and features four component, four composite, and five S-video inputs as well.
Outputs include Main and Zone analog and digital audio. The ten Main analog outputs include two programmable for either additional subwoofers or a two-channel stereo downmix. The video output complement includes two independently assignable HDMI outputs as well as component and S-video. A separate OSD (on-screen display) output allows easy configuration in a custom-installed environment.
The SSP-900’s major characteristic, however, is sheer performance. The dual power supplies, one toroid-based linear design for analog circuits and a high-speed switching supply for video and digital processing, combine for optimally efficient use of AC power.
All analog audio circuitry is full-differential for maximum noise rejection and dynamic range. All parts are premium quality, tight-tolerance and were selected only after critical evaluation for their contribution to listening quality. Digital components include advanced Cirrus Logic analog-to-digital (A/D) converters featuring 24-bit/192 kHz conversion. An advanced Texas Instruments microprocessor handles all internal decoding while complimentary Burr Brown digital-to-analog (D/A) converters bring the full-resolution signals back to the analog domain for output as needed.
A sophisticated Gennum video processor/scaler, noted for its use in HDTV broadcast-level applications, provides patented Visual Excellence Processing™ that includes dynamic edge detection, film mode processing, and detail enhancement. The latest algorithms continuously analyze video signals and automatically provide the optimum in both content-based and pixel-adaptive noise reduction for extraordinary edge definition that results in a true film-like viewing experience.
Other conveniences abound. Classé’s proprietary CAN-bus control links allow numerous Classé components to function as one for the ultimate in system integration. Rear panel IR (infrared) inputs and outputs augment the front panel signal receptor so remote control functions regardless of the processor’s location. An RS-232 bi-directional communications port insures the SSP-900’s compatibility with optional touch-screen system controllers and provides an easy path for software/firmware upgrades when appropriate. Individually programmable DC trigger outputs let the SSP-900 control other system components.
“In short,” concluded Nauber, “we didn’t take our responsibilities lightly. We feel confident that the SSP-900 will establish itself as a new standard for surround processors. It is a significant advancement in both performance and accessibility and we are pleased to offer it as the culmination of many man-years of effort by the Classé Design Team.”
The SSP-900 will be available in March, 2007 at a retail price of $25,000 US.