So my 2 cents: if you listen to mainly female vocalists - BUY IT. As others on this thread have remarked, the bass resolution is lacking and the voicing is dated, but the treble is special. Having owned the Berkeley Alpha DAC and EMM DAC2x, I'm keeping my Spectral.
This thread made me want to reevaluate all my various digital sources and DACs. As I mentioned previously, I've always loved my SDR-2000. The best combination with this DAC was to source it with my Mac Mini via the Berkeley Alpha USB. I never thought to take the same SPDIF out from the Alpha USB to my EMM DAC2X (as it has a highly regarded USB implementation). WOW. Can't go back. Amazing bass, soundstage, control. Sad to say, but that combination is going to replace my faithful SDR-2000.
I'm sure it does! Alas, I'm pretty committed to a computer source. Don't mean to come off as negative about the SDR-2000 - it's an AMAZING DAC and I'll keep it for my second system. Enjoy listening to it - I have for several years.
I think the 2000 can only really shine when it is hooked to the 3000 with the spectralink. But I have to agree with all who say that its "voicing" is old school.
What's meant by old school voicing?
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