Sigma SSP

About the Sigma SSP

The Classé Sigma SSP is an eight‑channel surround sound preamplifier/processor (7.1) designed for music lovers who also want high‑performance home theater audio, optimized first and foremost as a high‑end stereo preamp/processor. It provides 7.1‑channel analog outputs on RCA with additional balanced XLR outputs for the front left and right channels, plus a balanced stereo XLR input alongside multiple single‑ended analog inputs. Digital connectivity includes HDMI 1.4b video switching with seven rear and one front HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output, USB asynchronous audio (up to 24‑bit/192 kHz) for PC/Mac, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, and Ethernet for network streaming as an AirPlay and DLNA renderer supporting formats such as Apple Lossless, FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and AAC. The processor supports decoding of lossless surround formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS‑HD High Resolution, and DTS‑HD Master Audio, but does not handle immersive codecs such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and cannot pass 4K/UHD video. Signal optimization features include bass management, a nine‑band parametric EQ per channel, and digital‑domain tone control with a Tilt function, but there is no built‑in automatic room correction system. A newly developed switch‑mode power supply with power factor correction (PFC) delivers efficient, wide‑range 100–240 V operation while minimizing noise on the AC line. The front panel incorporates a large flush‑mounted rotary volume control, color touchscreen display, front HDMI and USB inputs, and a headphone output in a low‑profile chassis measuring about 433 × 370 × 95 mm and weighing approximately 8.2 kg. Introduced in late 2014 as part of the Sigma series, the Sigma SSP is positioned as a bridge between dedicated stereo and multichannel systems, including an analog pass‑through mode for purist two‑channel listening and high‑output line stages (up to 9 Vrms single‑ended and 18 Vrms balanced) for driving a wide range of power amplifiers.