My friend has the old DMA-200, running with DMC 20 and Quad 2912 speakers, and they sound exquisite. He never had DMA-200 recapped. Since it must be about 30 years old, isn't it a time to recap the electrolytic caps? How much does Spectral charge for recapping and other "refurbishment?" Also he only uses MIT Cables. Can one benefit from the megahertz capability of DMA-200 with a "regular" high end preamp? I was thinking he could add some warmness with a tube preamp. What do you think?
Spectral DMA-200 advice
- Thread starter chungjh
- Start date
After 30 years a recap would most likely be needed.it’s a great amp that I have heard many years ago.
I was very satisfied with an Audio Research SP 3 into my Spectral amps.
I run a pair of Spectral DMA 80M into my double Quad 57 speakers in my main system. I use MasterBuilt speaker cables.
In my bedroom system, I use a Spectral DMA 100S into Endeavor E3 Mk II speakers. I also use MasterBuilt speaker cables.
I have no experience recapping Spectral amplifiers.
Experimenting with power cords into Spectral amps have also given me rewarding results. Among the power cords that I like for Spectral amps are MIT AC2, Sensory Power and MasterBuilt.
I run a pair of Spectral DMA 80M into my double Quad 57 speakers in my main system. I use MasterBuilt speaker cables.
In my bedroom system, I use a Spectral DMA 100S into Endeavor E3 Mk II speakers. I also use MasterBuilt speaker cables.
I have no experience recapping Spectral amplifiers.
Experimenting with power cords into Spectral amps have also given me rewarding results. Among the power cords that I like for Spectral amps are MIT AC2, Sensory Power and MasterBuilt.
So, even without the megahertz preamps, are you still seeing the high resolution in the DMAs?
In my experience, you don't need the megahertz preamp for resolution. Once you install premium tubes into the Audio Research SP-3, you might just shock yourelf at how resolving it is. Also, in my experience MasterBuilt cables and center stage footers will help in achieving higher resolution.
SP-3? They are ancient. Have you compared them to Spectral preamps for your DMAs? Did you get them refurbished?
Yes. The Audio Research SP 3 is between 45 to 50 years old by now. It is the only Audio Reaearch pre amp that I kept. To my ears, they are magical when premium after market tubes are installed. As for Spectral preamps and line stages, I do have a few. Since you were asking if a regular preamp will add some warmness, it sure can. If you want to stay Spectral all the way, you can use two Spectral preamps or line stages connected in series. You will not ony add warmth but will also increase the resolutiion.
When you say
When you say "Yes", did you mean you had it refurbished? Do you think SP 3 is better than the current ARC Pres?
I have to clarify. I have two Audio Research SP 3 preamps. One is in its original form but with premium tubes. The other one has been updated by Audio Research. I stopped lsitening to new Audio Research products after the early reference editions. I have no idea how the SP 3 will compare against the current ARC products.
Similar threads
