Sigma SSP MKII

Sigma SSP MKII

Modern high-end audio systems tend to fall into one of two broad categories: stereo and theatre.

But rarely are they used exclusively in those roles. Most have a television display of some kind between stereo speakers or use the surround sound system for playing music. Inevitably, each makes compromises as it tries to accommodate the requirements of the other.

The Sigma SSP MkII is designed to build a bridge between these two categories, optimised as a stereo preamp/processor but with HDMI 2.0 switching (with HDCP 2.2 on input 4) and 7.1 channels of high-performance multichannel processing included.

The stereo preamp/processor circuitry is derived from the latest generation Delta series CP-800, making the Sigma SSP MkII a stunning performer as a stereo preamp.

Test bench measurements are exceptional and invite comparison with cost-no-object designs.

Sonically the Sigma SSP MkII out-performs stereo preamps with stand-alone DACs, while offering superb decoding of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

A variety of connection options supports virtually any source optimally: Stream audio asynchronously from

a computer, storage device or the Internet via the Sigma SSP MkII’s Ethernet connection.

The Sigma SSP MkII supports both AirPlay and DLNA streaming.

Front and rear panel USB connections support asynchronous streaming from computers and iOS devices.

Eight HDMI 2.0 inputs (including one on the front panel) provide the optimum path for Blu-ray players, games and set-top boxes while simplifying system connections.

The Audio Return Channel lets YouTube, Netflix and other online sources decoded at your display play through the Sigma SSP MkII by using the HDMI connection between them.

Coax and optical are provided for those sources lacking the HDMI option.

DSP options for improving performance are available for all sources. Bass management, a nine-band Parametric

EQ and digital domain

Tone Control with their Tilt feature ensure that the system can be optimised for your speakers and room, and every source sounds its best.

An optional phono stage with custom loading may be fitted to accommodate MM and MC cartridges.

The Sigma SSP MkII owes its outstanding performance and value to the unique engineering and manufacturing capabilities of Classé in Montréal and the B&W Group globally.

No other high-end audio designers have access to the resources necessary to deliver such a product at such a competitive price.

The Sigma SSP MkII has been conceived and built as an example of quality and value without peer. It will stand as the seminal reference in the preamp/processor category for many years to come.

Sigma SSP MkII Specifications

USB audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz

USB (Host) charging capability 2 Amps

AirPlay supported formats AAC (8 to 320 kbps)

Protected AAC (from iTunes Store),

HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 kbps),

MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4)

Audible Enhanced Audio (AAX, and AAX+),

Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV

DLNA supported formats Apple Lossless (ALAC), mp3, FLAC,

WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC

Frequency response 8 Hz – 200 kHz < 1 dB, stereo digital bypass

8 Hz – 20 kHz < 0.5 dB, all other sources

Channel Matching (Left to Right) better than 0.05 dB

Distortion (THD+noise) 0.0005%, digital source/bypassed

analog source

.002%, processed analog source

Maximum input level (single-ended) 2 Vrms (DSP), 4.5Vrms (bypass)

Maximum input level (balanced) 4 Vrms (DSP), 9 Vrms (bypass)

Maximum output level (single-ended) 9 Vrms

Maximum output level (balanced) 18 Vrms

Gain Range -93 dB to +14 dB

Input impedance (single-ended) 100 kΩ (single-ended)

Input impedance (balanced) 50 kΩ (Balanced)

Output impedance (single-ended) 100 Ω

Output impedance (balanced) 300 Ω

Signal-to-noise ratio 104 dB, bypassed analog source

(ref. 4Vrms input, unweighted) 101 dB, processed analog source

(re. full-scale input, unweighted)

105 dB, digital source

Channel separation better than 100 dB

Channel matching (left to right) >0.05 dB

Crosstalk (any input to any output) better than -130 dB @ 1 kHz

Rated power consumption 35 W

Mains voltage 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Overall dimensions Width: 17.0” (433mm)

Depth (excluding connectors):

14.57” (370mm)

Height: 3.75” (95mm)

Net weight 18 lb (8.21 kg)

Shipping weight 25 lb (11.34 kg)

Made for

iPod touch (5th generation) iPod nano (7th generation)

iPod touch (4th generation) iPod nano (6th generation)

iPod touch (3rd generation) iPod nano (5th generation)

iPod touch (2nd generation) iPod nano (4th generation)

iPod touch (1st generation) iPod nano (3rd generation)

Made for

iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 5S iPhone 3GS

iPhone 7 iPhone 5 iPhone 3G

iPhone 6S iPhone 4S iPhone

iPhone 6 iPhone 4

Made for

iPad mini (with Retina display) iPad (3rd generation)

iPad Air iPad 2

iPad (4th generation) iPad

iPad mini

Airplay

AirPlay works with iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch with iOS 4.3.3 or later,

Mac with OS X Mountain Lion, and Mac and PC with iTunes 10.2.2 or later.

Original Sigma SSP can be upgraded, please enquire for further details

Brand

Classé Audio

Classé Audio “There has to be something better.” These were the words of Mike Viglas in 1979, sending him on a path to partnership with engineer David Reich and the founding of Classé Audio. Mike knew what it was to work hard and build things. A Greek immigrant, Mike arrived in Montréal, Canada as a young man with little money but plenty of energy and determination. He was welcomed by French-Canada and embraced it in return. Opportunities arose wherever Mike made them and year after year he built on his successes. Winters in Florida and summers in Canada, Mike was comfortable, living the good life. Mike was passionate about many things, especially music. His hi fi system was truly high-end and he loved showing it off at parties. While no one could believe that a stereo could cost so much, everyone agreed it sounded amazing. Then the inevitable happened. BOOM! Lights flickered, silence, a strange odor permeated the room and particles, formerly contained within his beloved vacuum-tubed amplifier descended. As the guests pulled capacitor wadding from their hair, Mike, embarrassed, vowed that it would not happen again. There had to be a better way. The problem is common even today. How to get both performance and reliability from high-end electronics? This was top of mind when Mike met David Reich, a talented young engineer building his own solid-state amplifiers. Mike was instantly taken with the sound of David’s amp and together they set out to realise that vow. Classé was founded. Their first amplifier, the DR-2, was introduced in 1980. It was a 25W stereo amplifier operating in class A, which inspired the name of the new company. Other models followed and Classé quickly earned a reputation for both reliability and its open, natural, authoritative sound. Forty years on, Classé remains at the forefront of audio. The iconoclastic and talented Classé Design team in Montréal now has a global reach, being larger and more diverse than ever. Precision manufacturing at the legendary Shirakawa Audio Works in Northern Japan allows today’s Classé to deliver on the performance and reliability always demanded by Mike Viglas. "We think he would be proud of what we have achieved. Dave Nauber Brand Director – Classé"