Anthem AVM 60 vs Classe SSP 800


If this has been discussed already my apologies as I could not find the information I am looking for. I am looking to replace my Cary 11 which is going south with more than one issue. Sound quality is paramount. I could care less about any video capabilities as my Oppo  takes care of that. Also 5.1 is sufficient as I like to listen to 5.1 SACD’s. I do have amplification as well as speakers for 7.1 if I want to do it. The Classe is dated but it is renowned for its sound quality. How does the AVM 60 compare to the Classe in sound quality? For the price of a used Classe I could purchase a new Anthem unit. Also I have heard that Classe has unfortunately had some ups and downs so are they still supporting their older gear? Either unit would only be used for Surround Sound as I have a separate two channel system .

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I replaced my Classe SSP800 with a Lyngdorf MP50.   I love the Lyngdorf room correction and neutral presentation for movies; however, I truly miss my SSP800.  What a wonderfully musical processor.  I feel it was able to pull me in to movies better than the Lyngdorf due to its ability play the music scores so much better.

My vote would be the SSP800.
Have you considered Classe Sigma SSP MkII? Supports latest audio codecs, such as Atmos. This little prepro is purported to be CP-800 with processor capability and in Simga chassis. That is, processor optimized for music. I would consider it, but I really want 4 Atmos speaker capability and SSP only supports 2.

Classe is rumored to be developing new Delta series SSP, but judging by their new Delta Mono and Pre models, it will be very expensive. 
Classe SSP 800 will be superior sounding and lot more refined sounding than the Anthem AVM60. If you don't care about 4K video, Dolby Atmos, DTS-X setup, go with a used SSP 800. 
However, the Anthem has a phenomenal ARC2 (Anthem Room Correction). If you want superior room correction go with the Anthem AVM60.

For both stereo & multi-channel music the Classe will be way superior more musical sounding preamp processor than the Anthem AVM60......hands down. Especially you mentioned earlier that you like to listen to 5.1 SACD off the Oppo. But the Classe SSP 800's DAC does not decode or support DSD via HDMI, so you will have to run multi-channel analog audio out of the Oppo into multi-channel analog audio inputs on the SSP 800 and set the SSP 800 in analog bypass mode. The SSP 800 is a superb sounding preamp when used as an analog preamp especially coming from an AV pre pro. This is the advantage of the Classe over the Anthem AVM60. 

For movies only, still the SSP 800 will perform better when properly calibrated using its manual PEQ (not my favorite) and make sure your room is well treated and speaker placements are spot on. 

The newer Classe Sigma SSP that was recommended by dmk_hifi is great but lacks multi-channel analog audio inputs that will be needed for your multi-channel SACD playbacks since the Classe Sigma SSP's DAC also does not decode or support DSD. And I wouldn't recommend converting DSD signal to PCM in your Oppo and output it in PCM via HDMI. 

Fyi, in my dedicated reference high end home theater room I used to have the SSP 800 for numbers of years and have had thoroughly enjoyed its sound quality so much for surround sound movies which also includes bluray concert films as well as bluray/4K UHD musical films/movies. But then I wanted Dolby Atmos & DTS-X setup so I sold the SSP 800 and got a Lyngdorf MP-50 instead. While the MP-50 is equipped with phenomenal Room Perfect room correction but I preferred the SSP 800 especially for those bluray concert films & bluray/4K UHD musical films. The SSP 800 sounded more musical. As rshad0000 has stated earlier that the SSP 800 was able to pull you in more into musical scores in the movies better than the Lyngdorf. In comparison to the Lyngdorf the SSP 800 sounded fuller & had more body to the sound smoother  and more refined and tonally the SSP 800 was more balanced compared to the Lyngdorf. 


I didn’t realize Sigma SSP didn’t have multi channel input. I’m also a big fan of m/ch SACD so Classe processor is off my list. Will look for Marantz 8805 or 8802a.