30SL gen.2 vs. 30SS

nirodha

Well-Known Member
Aug 11, 2010
678
293
975
Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a used Spectral pre (without breaking the bank ;)). Until now I used my dCS Elgar plus as a pre. I am thinking about spending 5K. In this price range pre's offered are the 30SL gen2 or 30SS.
Is there a big difference in sound?
Another question...I love the Nagra look and feeling of quality. Can a used Nagra pre be a happy partner to Spectral 360 monos?
Thank you all for helping me choose :)
Cheers,
Wim
 

audiosessions

Well-Known Member
Dec 29, 2010
18
0
906
Chatsworth California
Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a used Spectral pre (without breaking the bank ;)). Until now I used my dCS Elgar plus as a pre. I am thinking about spending 5K. In this price range pre's offered are the 30SL gen2 or 30SS.
Is there a big difference in sound?
Another question...I love the Nagra look and feeling of quality. Can a used Nagra pre be a happy partner to Spectral 360 monos?
Thank you all for helping me choose :)
Cheers,
Wim

Having used both 30SL, SLG2, 30SS and upgraded 30SS to S2.
I prefered the tonal balance of the 30SLG2 with all the coloration.
I sold my 4000S Pro, 250, 30SS S2 upgrade, Mit V1.1 cables, Avalon Eidolons.
And Purchased last year a DMA-260S1, and 30SS S2 High SN# not set up yet pending cables, source and speakers.
Looking into the Magico S5 as the price drops, now at 15k used with the new S7 out.
As for a Source I owned the Berkeley Alpha Dac S1. Loose bottom end, soft med-highs. Been told the Alpha S2 is better. The 4000SL is still to high priced. I would prefer a Server based system.
As for Cables, I have been looking for used Spectral UL60, 350S2 or Mit MA-X cables.
What are you thoughts.
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
6,774
1,198
580
Boston, MA
I told Nirondha to get a 30 SS S2 late serial # as well - huge difference in performance over anything else I have ever used or auditioned, including all the ones you listed. I just can't stand the 30SLG2's colorations and the 30SS's lack of dynamics.
 

nirodha

Well-Known Member
Aug 11, 2010
678
293
975
Hi,
nice to hear you like the 30SL Gen.2. That unit is within my financial reach. About the cables: The MA-X should be great! I am using the MA-X2 and simply love them!
Good luck with your hobby!
Cheers, Wim

Having used both 30SL, SLG2, 30SS and upgraded 30SS to S2.
I prefered the tonal balance of the 30SLG2 with all the coloration.
I sold my 4000S Pro, 250, 30SS S2 upgrade, Mit V1.1 cables, Avalon Eidolons.
And Purchased last year a DMA-260S1, and 30SS S2 High SN# not set up yet pending cables, source and speakers.
Looking into the Magico S5 as the price drops, now at 15k used with the new S7 out.
As for a Source I owned the Berkeley Alpha Dac S1. Loose bottom end, soft med-highs. Been told the Alpha S2 is better. The 4000SL is still to high priced. I would prefer a Server based system.
As for Cables, I have been looking for used Spectral UL60, 350S2 or Mit MA-X cables.
What are you thoughts.
 

WDW

Well-Known Member
May 24, 2011
94
49
925
BC, Canada
Hi,
nice to hear you like the 30SL Gen.2. That unit is within my financial reach. About the cables: The MA-X should be great! I am using the MA-X2 and simply love them!
Good luck with your hobby!
Cheers, Wim

Well this is explosive news....the unobtanium Spectral and, it appear from owners, their product line is inconsistent. I have a certain inappropriate glee...always thought I'd love to have their gear but then you have to kiss their behind and wait forever and then buy MIT (the guy with the Yosemite Sam mustache and an appetite for obscenely priced cables)..and then it's single ended...but balanced is, AFAIK, surely superior to single ended.
 
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