First Look: Preamps/Processors

• Price: $6,500
• Output channels: 7.1-channels, single-ended and balanced
• Decoding: DD, DD EX, ProLogic II, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6/DTS 24/96
• Ins and outs: Four coax and two toslink digital audio, one AES/EBU, one 7.1-channel analog, three component video, RS-232, two 12V triggers
• Highlights: THX Ultra2, LCD touchscreen display, auto setup with included microphone, transcoding of composite and S-Video to component video, 24/96 A-D and D-A conversion.

UAV reviewed and heavily dug the picture and sound from Classe's SSP-300; the SSP-600 has all the audio and video accoutrements that impressed us, including the "too cool for school" LCD screen on the front panel, and adds a second linear power supply, a balanced two-channel audio section and a fully balanced, differential output section. In shot, its aim is for uncompromised audio quality. In stores now.