Classè has revealed a penchant for Greek letters, and now it has happened Sigma. The series has placed on the surface for a while, and was previewed in Vegas in January. But now it is officially launched and contains three new models.

Sigma series consists of preamplifier / processor Sigma SSP, and two power amplifiers. SSP is an AV processor with capacity up to 7.1, but Class`e emphasizes that it is particularly attuned to reproduction in stereo. They even claim that the performance is quite on par with stereo preamplifiers in "cost no object" segment.

Sigma SSP has in addition to 7.1 RCA outputs a set of balanced outputs. There is also 1 set of balanced inputs, and two sets of RCA. Along with copious digital inputs for both audio and video, there is hardly anything that lacks of connectivity.

SSP also has streaming capabilities and is equipped with Airplay. It is also both USB and network sockets.

There are two amplifiers in this new series - AMP2 and AMP5. And I will not insult your intelligence by telling which of these models have two channels, and which has five. What you will probably not have figured out for yourself, is that the amplifiers are directly derivative of Delta Series CA-D200, which we wrote about during Christmas. In other words, we talk about class-D amplifiers, where Classè by their own words has found a concept which eliminates the classic limitations of this type of amplifier.

AMP2 provide 2x200Watt in 8 ohms and doubles that arrogant to 2x400 at 4 ohms. And AMP2 delivers 5x200 watts into 8 ohms, and also this double performance in 4 ohms, but with 2 channels driven simultaneously.

Prices in the United States is set to:

- Sigma SSP:   $ 5,000

- Sigma AMP2: $ 3,500

- Sigma AMP5: $ 5,000

Norwegian importer's Hi-Fi klubben.

Read more in the press release from Classè:

Classé Launches Sigma Series

CEDIA Expo, Denver, Colorado—September 10, 2014—Classé has announced the availability of a new series of components called Sigma, featuring a 7.1 channel Surround Sound Preamp/Processor, called Sigma SSP and two amplifiers, the AMP2 and AMP5, rated at 2x200W and 5x200W into 8 ohms respectively.

“High-end is about passion, discovery, experience and technical exploration. It’s not just who can make the most expensive things.” said Dave Nauber, President of Classé. “Making more affordable products that are truly high-end is a greater challenge, which is why there is a gap in the market between offerings from the mass-market CE companies and the high-end brands. We chose to exploit our cost advantage as part of the B&W Group to fill this void with some exceptional new products.”

The Sigma SSP has been optimized as a high-performance stereo preamp/processor with video switching, multichannel processing and bass management included. Connections for USB and Ethernet streaming augment the basic HDMI, coax and optical digital inputs. Balanced and single-ended analog inputs, including an optional phono stage, make the Sigma SSP a truly versatile preamp/processor.

According to Classé, the amplifier models are derived from their breakthrough Delta series CA-D200; a Class D topology that addresses the problem of dead-band-time—the time when both halves of the amplifier are off—once thought to be the Achilles’ heel of Class D designs. The Classé solution achieves an astonishingly low 3 nanosecond dead-band-time, dramatically lowering distortion and enabling numerous other design advantages. The result is said to be superbly musical sonic performance along with other class D benefits like small size, low heat dissipation and high efficiency.

“Our goals in designing the Sigma series were to deliver true, high performance for the audiophile, offer versatile connectivity to accommodate a wide range of sources, bundle it with a host of performance-oriented features and package it in a compact and affordable chassis.” said Nauber. “We have done all that and more. With their efficient use of power, the Sigma series designs generate less heat and are more eco-friendly than other conventional designs.”

The Classé Sigma series is available in October.

Retail pricing:

Sigma SSP   $5,000 USD

AMP5         $5,000 USD

AMP2         $3,500 USD

For additional information about Classé visit www.classeaudio.com

Classé is a subsidiary of UK-based loudspeaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins.

Classé Sigma SSP