Meridian 861 v4 or classe 800 for movies??

Chadnliz,

"Processor sucks"? What does that tell us overall? What other preamps or processors did you compare it to? Was it in your system or at a store demo? Have you heard the SSP-800 or are you referencing your opinion on the SSP-600? I have to disagree totally with your opinion but that's why this site is fun. I've used three different processors before buying the SSP-800. I owned B&K REF 20 then switched to a Denon 3808 and finally the SSP-800. I even sold my Audio Research LS25 MKII because the SSP-800 sounds that good in 2 channel especially using the balanced inputs.I know of another SSP-800 owner who also sold his 2 channel only preamp. If you come to slam at least slam the processor with a detailed explanation?

Statman,

A regular reading of Chadnliz posts, presumably written by Chad rather than Liz, suggest hyperbole is his stock and trade, so when he says a processor sucks it should be taken in that vein. Many more posters praise the sound of the Classe SSP-800.

db

I compare it to a Lexicon MC8 and a Anthem D2V, both I own, I also have 3 Classe amps so I am not bashing Classe IMO the Processoe isnt worth the money. Whoever Db is please save your attacks for somebody in person rather than hiding behind your computer.
I dont care if you like it and you shouldnt care if I dont so do what makes you happy.
Classe doesnt offer 1080p full upsampling scalers it also doesnt offer room correction and on top of that it doesn not even decode the new audio codecs so if you think spending $8000 for something that has the same technology of many 5 year old units be my guest................enjoy!

Chadnliz,

I wasn't attacking you, just trying to provide calibration for those less familiar with the way you express your opinions. At least one of the readers owns the unit you trashed. As I understand it, the purpose of these posts is to exchange ideas and observations. When one poster makes extreme statements about a product, it adds a data point that can mislead readers. It seems to me there are many more posters whose opinion is that the SSP 800 is excellent, and even sonically superior to the Anthem D2V. But if the processor is to be used exclusively for movies without regard to music, then a DV2 or Integra 80.1 may well be the unit of choice. Things are rarely as black and white as your opinions suggest, and you express your opinions as though they represented fact, this product is trash, that product sucks, and so forth.

By the way, what happened to the Meridian 861 in this discussion? I assumed that given the OP's question was about an 861 or SSP 800 sound quality was a major consideration.

db

I think everyone knows everything is opinion and doesnt mean much, maybe sucks was too strong but I think for the Classe to not employ advanced state of the art codecs, correction and video scaling is enough to pass on it. Like I said buy what you want, if somebody owns it thats great but time after time people who like something are going to subjected to those who dont agree.
I think most here are adults and not here for a simple pat on the back so for those who own gear some see issues with I doubt they will be affected by negative opinions.
I also think an extreme statement would require something more brutal than a guy saying he likes the company, owns several of their products but thinks the Processor is a bad deal or "sucks".