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Old 03-11-2016, 12:49 PM
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BWLover BWLover is offline
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Default Classé Sigma Series

Has anyone heard anything from this new series? Just wondering how it stacks up with it being class D amplifiers and all...

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Old 03-12-2016, 03:33 AM
joey_v joey_v is offline
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I wonder how they sound also. I am very much a fan of Classe... I have the M600
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Old 03-12-2016, 05:36 AM
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I haven't had the chance to do a detailed listening test on the Sigma AMP5 and SSP yet but they did sound good with the 803D3s I heard them hooked up to.

In fact, B&W is using the Sigma SSP and the Amp2 to launch the D3 in some Australian events speaks volume about their faith in the product.
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Old 03-12-2016, 12:18 PM
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I have the Classe Sigma SSP and AMP5 for surrounds and center. My amp for 2 channel is Classe CA-2300. I have Sasha 2 L/R speakers with Wilson Center and focal surrounds.

I switched the Sigma SSP from Classe CP-800 to get surround sound in my system. The 2 channel sound is superb - I do not hear a notable difference between the two.

Surround sound is great as well. The center is connected to the AMP5 and the audio is clear, crisp and detailed. the surrounds are good but my speakers are not as good so it's a little noticeable there but I don't think it's the AMP...plus - not much sound comes from the rear anyway.

I haven't had trouble with any of my sources with the SSP...I have Oppo blueray, Chromecast, Mac Mini and they all work great - great picture and sound. Shameless plug - the chromecast has some great surround sound for the price :-)
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Old 03-13-2016, 10:55 AM
2dparrish 2dparrish is offline
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i have the Sigma SSPAmp 5 combo powering my new 802 d3s, HTM2 d2 center, and 805 d2 surrounds (also DB-1 sub). it gives a beautiful neutral, detailed, yet full-bodied sound. I haven't detected any strain at all in powering the 802 d3, which recently replaced 803d2's I had for about 8 months. I am still breaking in the 802d3s, but I do wonder, while the low end I get with the Amp 5 powering them is well controlled, whether I would get more weight and dynamics using a more powerful/traditional amp such as the 2300. I heard the 802's at Magnolia powered by MacIntosh 452 and I heard quite a bit more weight (although those speakers were no doubt broken in).

I compared this setup to the Nad M-series Class D combo and, while both are excellent, I felt the Classe sounded more neutral (Nad was a little darker and slightly grainy). I hear no graininess in the Sigma (one of the design goals of this series). The Sigma amp is perhaps missing a bit of dynamic punch and low weight typically heard by high-powered conventional amps, and may not have quite the air and high frequency extension I've heard (I've owned a CA-201 and CAV-75 setup with SSP-20 in the past for comparison, as well as demoed a higher power Emotiva amp), but these differences are really pretty small. The overall sound is smooth and refined, and while I hope some day to give the 802s more power, I can't really complain with the sound I'm getting.

The features included with the SSP are quite comprehensive unless you're looking for room correction (although there is a way to fine tune frequency response, just no included software to do it automatically). I tried Emotiva's room correction setup/software and found the software colored the sound in an undesirable way (yes, the DIRAC that everyone raves about). I didn't really care for it...while the software can make the soundfield more cohesive and even out bass response, I found the SSP's preamp/processing sounded better, and my DB-1 came with its own software to smooth out the bass.
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Old 03-13-2016, 11:49 AM
2dparrish 2dparrish is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akfaulkner View Post
I have the Classe Sigma SSP and AMP5 for surrounds and center. My amp for 2 channel is Classe CA-2300. I have Sasha 2 L/R speakers with Wilson Center and focal surrounds. I switched the Sigma SSP from Classe CP-800 to get surround sound in my system. The 2 channel sound is superb - I do not hear a notable difference between the two. Surround sound is great as well. The center is connected to the AMP5 and the audio is clear, crisp and detailed. the surrounds are good but my speakers are not as good so it's a little noticeable there but I don't think it's the AMP...plus - not much sound comes from the rear anyway. I haven't had trouble with any of my sources with the SSP...I have Oppo blueray, Chromecast, Mac Mini and they all work great - great picture and sound. Shameless plug - the chromecast has some great surround sound for the price :-)
akfaulkner,

How would you characterize the difference in sound between the Amp 5 and CA-2300? (Wanting to know in case funds allow a future purchase he he
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Old 03-14-2016, 01:11 AM
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I feel the 2300 is more detailed, effortless and open at lower volumes for stereo music...I don't usually listen really loud so I don't have a good comparison with high volume.

I did feel that I have to crank the amp5 up more when powering the Sasha 2 but I think those speakers are power hungry and need that kick to get the crisp effortless sound that I like.

I love my amp5 though but glad I have the 2300 for stereo music...I dont hear as much difference with movies between 2300 and amp5 personally so if that's your forte go with either.

Take a listen for yourself though!! My ears are different than yours I am sure

Have fun!
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  #8  
Old 03-15-2016, 07:15 PM
2dparrish 2dparrish is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akfaulkner View Post
I feel the 2300 is more detailed, effortless and open at lower volumes for stereo music...I don't usually listen really loud so I don't have a good comparison with high volume. I did feel that I have to crank the amp5 up more when powering the Sasha 2 but I think those speakers are power hungry and need that kick to get the crisp effortless sound that I like. I love my amp5 though but glad I have the 2300 for stereo music...I dont hear as much difference with movies between 2300 and amp5 personally so if that's your forte go with either. Take a listen for yourself though!! My ears are different than yours I am sure Have fun!
Thanks, akfaulkner. I gather the AMP5/2300 combination work well together timbre-wise for home theater?
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Old 03-15-2016, 10:46 PM
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akfaulkner akfaulkner is offline
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Yeah it sounds great!

Side note, I was able to get bstock of the amp5 and ssp for a good discount if you are OK with a scratch or two. I hear no issues compared to the retail ones I demoed.
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  #10  
Old 03-17-2016, 10:58 AM
aardvarkbark aardvarkbark is offline
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I'm eager to see reviews about their new integrated amp. I recently traded in a 9-yr old CAP2100 that was magnificent. I may be setting up a second-room system, like the small footprint of an integrated, and appreciate Classe for excellent product and service.
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