Official Classe SSP-800 thread. - Page 65

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Not to get too far off track in this thread, but I wen't through half a dozen amps last year to see if I could muster some improvement in sound quality out of my system, and I heard little if any difference between them. I'm not trying to start an "all amps sound the same" debate, I'm just curious what sort of differences you guys are hearing.

Originally Posted by chjo100

Hi Tim,

I can't say I've ever heard night and day differences between amps. However, to my ears, I've definitely had amps that sounded different. Some sounded lean, others added warmth, some were smoother, while others introduced some grain (distortion?) Some had better bass control. For the most part, I thought most amplifiers did their job well, but I've had a few that bothered me. But no double blind test, and it's purely from living with an amp for a few months, often times overlapping with other amps. I'm sure I was susceptible to psychological factors. I also have to admit, part of it is the audio bling factor.

Originally Posted by 7ryder

Hmmm, 5 pounds more than one of my subs...lift with your legs!

Originally Posted by hifisponge

I'm guessing that you didn't actually lift that monster upstairs? Lot's of pushing and sliding?

What a tease with that pic of the box. I wan to see what's inside damnit!

Bring on the AV Porn!

BTW - where did you buy the amp? Local?

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Not to get too far off track in this thread, but I wen't through half a dozen amps last year to see if I could muster some improvement in sound quality out of my system, and I heard little if any difference between them. I'm not trying to start an "all amps sound the same" debate, I'm just curious what sort of differences you guys are hearing.

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Successfully updated the dual dsp firmware last night. I was a bit surprised that it took multiple power-downs after the code upload, but thankfully it all went without a hitch.

I have to say that I am happy with how attentive Classe is to resolving issues with the SSP-800. It's a world of difference in the service given compared to the mass market pieces Ive owned prior. You would expect this for the cost of the SSP-800, but you don't always get.

Originally Posted by 7ryder

I had mine up and running for about two hours last night and decided to update the firmware. I am happy to say that I now am the proud owner of a brick The firmware update failed 2X..both the same way and now I don't have a working pre/pro (in the rack anyway, Onkyo might go back in for the weekend).

B&W support is shutdown for Thanksgiving...I don't get it...Classe is a Canadian company...their Thanksgiving was October 12th so why can't I get support?

Not a great way to start off a relationship....

Originally Posted by adidino

Chris - This is the first I'm hearing about a failed firmware update. I've upgraded 3 times without issue. Did you properly follow the instructions. You should be able to reapply the firmware. Why do you think it's bricked? What happens when you power up the unit?

Originally Posted by 7ryder

yes, I believe I followed the instructions correctly. the file transfers to the SSP-800 just fine. After disconnecting the cable and turning on the unit, blue standby light flashes then it stops. Per instructions, turn on the via the standby switch and it is supposedly updated.

When I turn on the unit, a message displays that it is updating the DSP software and there is a progress bar at the bottom of the screen. Progress bar goes to 17% both times and then it jumps to the home screen...screen blanks...then the same home screen comes up (blu-ray source)...screen blanks again and then the following error message appears:

Unable to update internal software. Contact Classe service. DAE: 6 – O (I think it is an ‘O’, could be a zero).

Thanks for the PM, I'll try your suggestion.

Originally Posted by Roger Dressler

Sounds like you loaded fine. Once the code loads to 100%, turn off the SSP rear power switch. Disconnect the PC cable.

Turn on the SSP. It should do the flashing bit--then glow steady as it enters standby. When you bring it out of standby, it will begin the DSP initialization process. It will go part way, then ask you to turn off the power again. After several seconds, turn it on, repeat steps. Is that how you proceeded?

If so, and if for some reason the DSP is not updating, it might be possible to roll back to the earlier code and at least have it running again. If you'd like to try, and you need the code, PM me and I will send you 2.0 code.

Originally Posted by 7ryder

It never asked me to turn it on and off...it went to the home screen a couple of times and then gave me the error message.

I've been on the phone with Classe and we are trying to roll it back, but it has been updating for over 30 minutes now and I have a blank blue screen, no flashing LED light...Québec, I think we have a problem...

Originally Posted by sikoniko

I thought you said they were closed?

we are all crossing our fingers. first I've heard of a failed update...

Originally Posted by 7ryder

B&W support is closed...one of our friendly owners on this list gave me a name and number of someone in Quebec...great to have a work around! Update is running...

Originally Posted by 7ryder

B&W support is closed...one of our friendly owners on this list gave me a name and number of someone in Quebec...great to have a work around! Update is running...

Any harm in taking the feet off the SSP800? I have my other components on cones and I unscrew the feet, and I'd like to do the same to the Classe.
__________________
Jose.

Originally Posted by RobertMcAdam

You would need to experiment with this one. I would hope that Classe had in fact put a decent foot on preamp. Most manufacturers now put some effort into the feet and not just use a plastic after thought. The ones I've seen include a sorbothane type insert in a machined aluminium foot.

Personally I leave feet on but place solid turned copper discs underneath so cabinet metal is damped to shelf(preamp feet are floating not touching shelf).

Be careful re blocking airflow holes. Its also worth experimenting with the location of these feet or cones under preamp. Certainly worth having one underneath power supply.

I use four but three is ok.

I've tried cones but now prefer these solid copper discs. I run solid 30mm granite shelves spiked to an all welded rigid steel frame.

I subscribe to the Goldmund see white paper on web site method of removing resonances or transferring.

In fact I've moved away from spikes and cones generally much prefer my copper discs, aluminum is ok as well.

Worth experimenting as this all influences the sound easily.

Originally Posted by adidino



How's the update coming along?

Originally Posted by 7ryder

It is done, thanks to you and the contact info. Tom is the man and he helped me through it. It seems that I am not the only person that has had a problem with an update (one other lucky guy in Sweden had a problem). No real explanation for the issues...we loaded 2.0 back on it and then the new update.

Interesting in that from some of your comments about the update, it would seem that some instructions came up on your displays about rebooting during the update and I never got that...in fact my screen would go blank (blue screen..not of death fortunately)...happened when we loaded the original firmware on and the update...consequently I would not be able to see the progress bar during the update. During the new firmware update, I got the blue screen from 17% on and after a half hour decided to reboot it and when it came back up, I had 85% progress, saw the progress bar screen for just a few seconds and then blank screen...a few minutes later a message popped up that the software was loaded successfully.

Tom says the screen is not supposed to time-out, so I guess my SSP-800 is "special" He did say that they have been having some discussions about re-writing the update procedures since they are not as detailed as they should be and they don't line up with what really happens during the update.

So all's well that end's well...settling in for some listening and enjoying it.

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Odeon pics?!

Originally Posted by chjo100

Okay, well now that Thanksgiving is winding down had some time for pics. I have to say the Odeon is very impractical due to it's massive size. It's height, depth and weight are way above the norm. I think it might fit my Salamander Synergy rack, but I'll have to remove the door, than try.

I was pleasantly surprised at the condition. The price was rather aggressive (don't want to mention just in case there are future Odeon owners who will sell) so I expected the worse. 2 small nicks in the front and one of the handles on the rear has some cosmetic defects. The thing is one of the prettiest pieces of audio equipment I've had so I may get a replacement handle and see if I can touch up the nicks in the front. This one happened to come with 5 x 200 watt modules and 2 x 100 watt modules which works for me. I'm really taken by the sleek industrial design. The curved silver chassis is very much in the mold of Classe gear.

The pairing with the Classe has so far produced great sound.

Originally Posted by chjo100

Okay, well now that Thanksgiving is winding down had some time for pics. I have to say the Odeon is very impractical due to it's massive size. It's height, depth and weight are way above the norm. I think it might fit my Salamander Synergy rack, but I'll have to remove the door, than try.

I was pleasantly surprised at the condition. The price was rather aggressive (don't want to mention just in case there are future Odeon owners who will sell) so I expected the worse. 2 small nicks in the front and one of the handles on the rear has some cosmetic defects. The thing is one of the prettiest pieces of audio equipment I've had so I may get a replacement handle and see if I can touch up the nicks in the front. This one happened to come with 5 x 200 watt modules and 2 x 100 watt modules which works for me. I'm really taken by the sleek industrial design. The curved silver chassis is very much in the mold of Classe gear.

The pairing with the Classe has so far produced great sound.

Originally Posted by 7ryder

Interesting in that from some of your comments about the update, it would seem that some instructions came up on your displays about rebooting during the update and I never got that...in fact my screen would go blank (blue screen..not of death fortunately)...happened when we loaded the original firmware on and the update...consequently I would not be able to see the progress bar during the update. During the new firmware update, I got the blue screen from 17% on and after a half hour decided to reboot it and when it came back up, I had 85% progress, saw the progress bar screen for just a few seconds and then blank screen...a few minutes later a message popped up that the software was loaded successfully.

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Great stuff Chris! And a bonus that we get to see the rest of your set-up as well. I envy the open space you have for your listening space.

So just let me know when or if you want to tune that EQ in the SSP-800.

Originally Posted by Jose

Very nice!!! Massive!!! Good to know it mates well with the Classe'. Looking forward to a more detailed review when you get the time.
My Sim Titan is about 2" taller but not as deep (19") cause it's only a 5ch. Was just as much a PITA for me. Had to buy a new audio rack when I got it.