Owner`s manual

25
Section 4: System Hookup
4.1 Introduction
Don’t let the quantity of connectors on the SSP-25’s rear panel disturb you. If you have ever connected an
integrated amplifier or preamplifier to an audio system, you are well-equipped to work with the SSP-25.
SAFETY NOTE: The following steps should be followed only after the power amplifiers are connected to their
appropriate loudspeakers and that ALL components, including the SSP-25, are OFF. It is even safer if they
are unplugged from the AC.
4.2 Connect the SSP-25 to Your Power Amplifier(s) . . .
. . . but read the following comment first!
The SSP-25 will work exceptionally well with almost any power amplifier or combination of
power amplifiers you choose. You may elect to use mono-block amplifiers with balanced
inputs for your main Left and Right speakers, a three channel amplifier with RCA inputs
for the Center, Left Surround, and Right Surround speakers, and a self-powered
subwoofer . . . or any other combination that best fits your needs.
The SSP-25 lets you use RCA jacks for all connections, or a DB25 connector for
simplicity and “fail safe” channel continuity. The choice is yours. Ask you Classé dealer
for assistance if necessary. He will be glad to help.
If you use RCA-RCA cables exclusively, be careful to maintain proper channel continuity.
For example, do not run a cable from the SSP-25’s Sub output to the amplifier channel
dedicated to the Left Surround speaker: Neither you nor the speakers involved will
respond favorably.
You may choose the balanced XLR outputs for your main (front) Left and Right channels.
Balanced connections have several advantages and are often preferred by dedicated
audiophiles for two channel music reproduction. Due to space limitations on the rear
panel we have provided RCA jacks for the remaining channels. You may use the DB25
connection to carry signals from the SSP-25 to the amplifiers reserved for Center, Left
and Right Surround, and Subwoofer/LFE (Low Frequency Effects) reproduction.
If you select a DB25 cable as the only connection between the SSP-25 and a power
amplifier, be aware that the SSP-25’s DB25 output is a six channel output. If the
amplifier you use has only five channels, you will need to run a separate RCA-RCA cable
from the SSP-25’s “Sub” output to a separate amplifier dedicated to bass reproduction or
to the line level input of a powered subwoofer.
If you use the DB25 connection only, most of the following instructions will be
superfluous. First, one DB25 cable will connect 5 or 6 channels at once, depending on
the configuration of your power amplifier. A DB25-to-DB25 cable also adheres to a
standard pin-out configuration. This virtually eliminates any channel-to-channel continuity
errors. Note the DB25 connector’s shape -- it can go into a receptacle in only one way so
don’t try to force it! After pressing the cable firmly into place at both ends, use the twist
screws to “lock” the connections into place.