When I compared my 2000 against the Alpha DAC, the 2000's outdated sound was immediately evident; the comparison lasted about 20 minutes, it was so obvious. The other thing to be aware of is the condition of its capacitors, which will eventually leak due to heat build-up inside the unit; if you were to buy one, get one that's been serviced (there is also an internal fan that's mightily expensive, to the tune of over $100 for the part - typical Spectral construction quality). Some still like the sound of the 2000, but I think it represents very old voicing choices by today's standards. Also keep in mind there is an internal A/B switch on the *digital* input board, that affects the bass output - some sort of impedance adjustment if I remember correctly.
The 3000 is a workhorse and a classic, which I still use and will never replace for a music server or other transport. Despite of well over 17 years worth of operation, its laser's power was still measured at 95% a couple of years ago - more typical Spectral engineering prowess. Just keep in mind that the 3000's error correction was designed to be "light", and it can skip with bad CDs (I've had to return a number of newer CDs to Amazon a number of times, to get a good one) - all of that in order to keep jitter as low as possible. I'll see if I can post pictures of its internals to see the construction quality, with shielding in key places, etc... These units, like most of their products, are designed to outlast the owner.
You are welcome; the only other picture of the 2000's internals I could find is from their own web site
Heard the 2000/3000 today and was mightily impressed. Esp. the 3000! Must be the most beautiful transport in the world. One question remains...will the 3000 be servicable when/if the transport itself fails? Both units had a service from Spectral 1,5 years ago.
Call the factory but I suspect they will be able to service the 3000, assuming the Esoteric ever has a problem. I think more of a problem may be the custom UltraAnalog DACs (if I remember correctly, they have laser-trimmed resistors, a practice that 25+ years ago was exotic), and they should be also tell you if they have any spare left as well.
Heard the 2000/3000 today and was mightily impressed. Esp. the 3000! Must be the most beautiful transport in the world. One question remains...will the 3000 be servicable when/if the transport itself fails? Both units had a service from Spectral 1,5 years ago.
Hi, can you elaborate how the Spectral combo compares to say the dcs that I understand you have? Thanks!
Hi Ack, you mention how older DACs were voiced differently. I recently read someone else's similar statement. Would you please explain the differences in voicing? Thanks!
Then consider that the relation between risetime and 3db bandwidth (i.e., the frequency at which response has rolled off by 3 db) is, for a first order (6 db/octave) rolloff:
risetime = 0.35/bandwidth
where the units are chosen consistently between the two parameters (i.e., seconds and Hz, or milliseconds and kHz, or microseconds and mHz).
Based on that relation, a first order response that is down 3 db at 200 kHz corresponds to a risetime of 1.75 us (microseconds), very close to the 2 us figure you cited.
Now consider in those contexts the specs on the four Spectral amps I referred to:
Bandwidth (3 db): 1.8 mHz
Risetime: 0.4 us
Slew rate: 600 v/us (800 v/us in one case)
Obviously way overkill relative to any conceivable effects that are DIRECTLY audible.
So why have I put the word “directly” in caps? Well, I would presume the designers feel that by designing ultra-fast circuitry they can avoid or minimize effects which may be audibly significant. For example, they may be able to realize the benefits of increased amounts of negative feedback while avoiding or minimizing what would normally be its adverse effects, such as transient intermodulation distortion. Or the higher speed circuitry might help to minimize crossover distortion, or the effects of unwanted energy storage in devices, etc.
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