New Spectral 200S power amp released

[docvale]

If you check the bulletin page, Spectral has just presented their new iteration of the DMA-200S power amp.
http://spectralaudio.com/bulletins/0413.pdf

 

[Bobalob]

Thanks for that. Just trying to work out what the suffix S means . Is it different to previous Universal amps? Presume there will still be the requirement for Spectral/MIT cables

 

[docvale]

I'm not a Spectral expert, just an estimator of their family sound. But, AFAIK, the S is not related to the Universal status, which doesn't characterize any current Spectral product.

The S is applied to iterations of previous products. For example, among the preamps, there's been the 30, 30S, 30SL, 30SS. Not only, among at least the latter two, there's also been a generation 1 and 2!

In this case, the DMA-200S, there was one already, which corresponded to the entry level power amp. The new product is the DMA-200S generation 2.

 

[ack]

Actually the 'S' designation has also been used on "Universal" amps, like the 150S and I believe the 160S as well. I think they have now abandoned this practice, but don't really know how they designate "Universal" amps nowadays - I literally lost track and interest. Basically, it's a mess, so it's best to ask a dealer. I never understood why a "Universal" amp is not marked "U".

 

[docvale]

Actually the 'S' designation has also been used on "Universal" amps, like the 150S and I believe the 160S as well. I think they have now abandoned this practice, but don't really know how they designate "Universal" amps nowadays - I literally lost track and interest. Basically, it's a mess, so it's best to ask a dealer. I never understood why a "Universal" amp is not marked "U".

I see.
Anyway, I've never listened to the entry level Spectrals (DMC15 + DMA200S). I'd be curious how they performed, specially with speakers such as the Sophia III.

 

[wizard]

200S with DMC 15SS.

View attachment 11503

View attachment 11504

 

[wizard]

Inside

View attachment 11505

View attachment 11506

View attachment 11507

 

[rockitman]

strange that the pre only offers single ended inputs/outputs.

 

[docvale]

strange that the pre only offers single ended inputs/outputs.

Spectral's philosophy favors unbalanced over balanced connections. The biggest example is their reference CD player, which has a balanced DAC but only RCA plugs...

 

[edwardce]

These are photos of older versions of the DMA 200S and DMC 15. Spectral recognizes that there is no inherent benifit to balanced interconnections in a properly configured system used in a non hostile environment.

 

[wizard]

These are photos of older versions of the DMA 200S and DMC 15. Spectral recognizes that there is no inherent benifit to balanced interconnections in a properly configured system used in a non hostile environment.

You have inside pictures of the newer versions?

 

[Bruce B]

I don't like where the speaker terminals are. One on top of the other?

 

[rockitman]

I don't like where the speaker terminals are. One on top of the other?

I'm still confused why the prefer single ended versus XLR for the pre. It is my understanding that XLR has better noise rejection and can run longer interconnect.

 

[danielk141]

Spectral can "claim' there is no benefit to an all balanced system. I respectfully disagree. My system is fully balanced, source to amp.
My system is dead quiet, and I've worked to make it that way.
When a manufacturer states their philosophy on their website, that's fine with me. When they make statements and announce their opinions as facts, I disregard their products.
It's that simple.

 

[Steve Williams]

Spectral can "claim' there is no benefit to an all balanced system. I respectfully disagree. My system is fully balanced, source to amp.
My system is dead quiet, and I've worked to make it that way.
When a manufacturer states their philosophy on their website, that's fine with me. When they make statements and announce their opinions as facts, I disregard their products.
It's that simple.

The maker of my amp and preamp does not believe in balanced. His terminations are pseudobalanced. I used to think like you. I run a 25 foot SE cable from my preamp to my amp and it is dead quiet.In fact when I bought the amp and preamp (at an MSRP of ~$200K) he said that if there is any noise in the line he would gladly accept return of the gear with a full refund. Needless to say it remains in my system and I will never need another amp or preamp. I have owned many of his products all with the same wonderful results. Perhaps it is the quality of the gear that causes you to make that statement.

 

[MylesBAstor]

cj has always been SE too.

 

[ack]

The problem with balanced is perfect circuit component matching, a virtual oxymoron by itself

 

[Steve Williams]

Spectral can "claim' there is no benefit to an all balanced system. I respectfully disagree. My system is fully balanced, source to amp.
My system is dead quiet, and I've worked to make it that way.
When a manufacturer states their philosophy on their website, that's fine with me. When they make statements and announce their opinions as facts, I disregard their products.
It's that simple.

One last thing

IMHO based on your comment, you have probably discounted some really great gear over the course of time if that statement is your credo

 

[mauidan]

Like danielk141, I prefer balanced cables between my source and amp, which have true balanced outputs and inputs. It sounds better and the system noise floor is lower.

In the case of the Lamm LL1 Signature, “Pseudo-balanced” means it has XLR output connectors, but pin 3 where the negative output would be in a true balanced component is not connected, so it's no surprise that using balanced cables doesn't improve its performance.

If Spectral claims there is no benefit to an all balanced system, I wonder why they have balance outputs on the DMC-30SS Series 2 preamp and balanced inputs on their amps.

BTW, I really wanted to buy a DMA-260, but was turned off when I was told their warranty still requires the use of their cables and preamp for all their products. Maybe I should have thrown caution to the wind like Russ the Mobiusman.

 

[rockitman]

cj has always been SE too.

Tube gear, I understand SE..not for solid state though.