The Best Audio Audition Experience I Have Ever Had & The Best Preamp-Amp Combination

Mobiusman

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May 24, 2010
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Saturday I went to buy some very special audio equipment and had my faith renewed that there are still individuals who care and will not give in to the sloppiness that has become the norm, if not baseline, of our current US values. Before you discard this thread as some sort of liberal commentary that has little relevance to the reason you logged onto this site, please read a bit more because it is truly related to the pursuit of the best possible sound and musical experience, while hopefully also a reason to stop and ponder a possible re-evaluation of our core values, both personally and as a country.

Let me clarify because you must be puzzled what I am talking about and why on a forum that is focused on the pursuit of the best audio experience. For the past 55 years I have been fascinated, if not obsessed, by audio and have bought an incredible amount of equipment during that time. During the past 6 months I have been at my most aggressive with my audio acquisitions, buying new speakers (Vivid G3’s), the most expensive speaker wire I have ever bought (MIT, which I am now replacing with even more elaborate MIT speaker wire to get the best from Saturday’s purchase).

Now I am buying Spectral Audio’s best and newest preamp with pioneering technologic advances that are unique for the entire audio industry technology, and the stereo version of their Reference Standard amp the DMC-300 RS, also incredibly innovative with regard to design and technology, including transistors with essentially no thermal tails. If the notion of a thermal tail and the benefit of eliminating them is foreign to you, go the Spectral site and read the product descriptions because it makes a ton of sense and the sound is absolutely the proof of the pudding. There is a very clear description of this technology in the “bulletins” section on the Spectral Audio site, #115 for the preamp and #314 for the amp.

Anyone who has been following the battle for the presidency cannot deny that our country, our values, especially our government, are a mess. When the leadership is a mess typically those being led lose focus and quality, purity, prosperity and idealism suffer. Clearly the audio industry is no exception, where during the past several decades marketing and profits supercede the holy grail, the pursuit of the finest and most moving home audio experience.

Unless you are mega rich or just foolish, today it seems impossible to play at the best end of the audio spectrum with amps costing up to $200k, preamps costing up to $100k, turntables costing up to $300k and let’s not even talk about the cost of speakers.

Fortunately, there is an exception to this trend and its called Spectral Audio, the Sunnyvale renegade that does things its own way and also makes incredible and innovative products, including the two that I have just bought, the Spectral DMC-30SV reference preamp and the Spectral DMA-300 RS reference stereo amp. These two products represent probably the best and most realistic preamp and amp combination available at any price, while not cheap, they are relatively cheap for the high end at a combined price of $34K.

How is this possible? On the sound side, go listen for yourself at a Spectral dealer. It will take two bars of any music to validate what I am saying about the auditory experience. It is that much better. On the creation side, just read the Spectral mission statement that follows (taken from their web site spectralaudio.com). These wonderful values and priorities are unfortunately all too rare today.


The Spectral Mission
“The American High End audio industry is a rare species, a stubborn holdout for artistry, perfectionism and iconoclastic value judgments in a world of lowest-common-denominator commercialism. Within this small community is an even smaller group of companies that set the direction and pace of the High End itself. Spectral Audio has always been numbered among these pioneering few. Since our founding in 1977 we have dedicated ourselves to exploring new dimensions of realism in the home reproduction of recorded music. Over the years, Spectral's techniques and tools have been honed to a fine edge. But its mission has never been changed.

Single-minded dedication to advancing the state of the art is a strenuous commitment. But it is a luxury as well - the luxury of relative indifference to price points, market niches and seasonal trends. Spectral designs and builds for an audience of true connoisseurs, serious listeners who are impressed only by exceptional performance and the tangible quality of a beautifully realized instrument. A Spectral product makes a statement only about itself.

The quest for greater realism in musical reproduction is, like the art of music itself, an exhilarating blend of intellect and sensuality. In common with those who choose to own our products we at Spectral are constantly inspired by musical performance and tradition. Preserving and advancing this heritage is for us a source of professiona1 pride and personal satisfaction.”


To have a great audio experience one needs more than a great manufacturer. One needs a dealer network that is totally in synch with the design goals and values of the manufacturer. My decision to purchase involved two Spectral dealers. While I was already looking for the next step to improve my system, I was experiencing the quandary that all but the wealthiest experience---should I spend the money on audio or put it some other use, in my case my lagging retirement following a very expensive divorce.

Alan Goodwin of Goodwin’s High End in Waltham, MA started the process by spending the better part of an hour on the phone with me two weeks ago answering my questions about the gains of upgrading from my excellent Spectral DMA-260 amp to Spectral’s stereo reference amp the DMA-300RS or possibly the much more powerful version using the same technology, the DMA-400RS monoblocks. While we were supposed to be talking about the amp options, Alan could not stop gushing about latest from Spectral, their reference DMC-30SV (Super Veloce) preamp, which is based on unique and pioneering technology seen nowhere else, not just other Spectral products, but NOWHERE else, thanks to Keith Johnson and his lifelong connections in Silicon Valley and the recording industry.

I was so taken by my conversation with Alan Goodwin that I knew that rather than spend $28K on the monoblocks I would be happier if I spent “slightly” more ($6000) and got the SV preamp and the stereo version of the RS amp technology. Then the next stage hit, one that we all know—I had to have both yesterday! After I played the scenario in my mind over several times the $34k total became familiar and a necessity, and since there was no wife to stop me, it was all systems GO.

Now for the bad news. The combination of the SV preamp and either of the reference standard amps is so incredible and obviously superior to everything one has ever heard that there is a back order scenario that can easily take 6 months to fulfill. My audio obsession about this purchase would have rendered me useless for functioning on a daily basis, so another remedy needed to be found.

I emailed Terry Menacker, owner of Overture Ultimate Home Electronics in Wilmington, Delaware. I first met Terry at the long defunct Soundex in Willow Grove, PA in the 80’s, but only had periodic contact since then. When he called me, it was like we had been close friends who last spoke two weeks ago, the typical client owner relationship us old time audiophiles expected, but is all too rare today. Terry worked some magic to seriously shorten my wait time for both pieces.

Now I had no choice but to go and actually listen to what would soon be my two newest pieces of audio gear that would hopefully be the next improvement in my already pretty good system. Although all last week I had a lot of anticipatory excitement about what I would hear, having heard nothing but raves from both Alan Goodwin and Terry, there was no way I was prepared for what I actually heard.

Before I share what my listening impressions, I want to tell you that Terry and I did not listen to any music for at least 30 minutes in his premier showroom. We talked and reacquainted ourselves with each other, like what used to be the norm years ago when audio stores were hobby stores for audiophiles.

The setting was a room dedicated to Spectral equipment demo’s. It was very acoustically treated with a pair of Magico S7’s with a Spectral DMA-300RS in between connected to a rack with MIT’s finest speaker wire where it connected to prince of the demo, the Super Veloce preamp. Feeding the preamp was Spectral’s SDR-4000SL studio reference CD player.

As Terry and I talked, we bonded again without so much as a note of music being played. It was wonderful and every bit as rewarding as hearing the best sound system I ever heard, except possibly for the fabled Jon Iverson Force Field’s which I was fortunate enough to hear at Jon’s lab in 1978.

The Sound
I know that this is why you have made it this far and please pardon me for sharing my personal opinions about declining American values and their impact on the audio industry. As both Alan and Terry predicted, I was sold after about 5 notes. The difference is that much better and that much more real. It truly gave me the excitement that had long since passed with many new additions to my system during the past 55 years that audio has been my hobby/obsession.

Even though the Magico S7’s are large and about 7 feet from where I was sitting, they simply did not exist in my consciousness. There are no words that will allow me to properly covey this aspect of the experience. It was like listening to the artists on a stage and not seeing any part of the prescinium.

Terry and I listened for three hours to many different pieces, some familiar and some totally foreign. I ordered copies of each because they sounded so incredible, and I am quite jaded at this point.

I could go on about the sound, but there is no way I would be even close to offering an accurate description. Put simply, it sounds so real, it will make you wonder how it was recorded so well, with so much subtle detail that you never knew was present.

If you are serious about audio and the price of these two pieces plus some more money (> $10K more) for the necessary MIT interconnects and speaker wire or possibly the less expensive Spectral equivalent, you owe it to yourself to audition the Spectral DMA-300RS and DMC-30SV. Hopefully your experience will be as rich as mine has been so far.
 

Rodney Gold

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Jan 29, 2014
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The G3's allow you to hear every small change you make without sounding overly analytical or surgical.. Its great when your system synergy comes together..enjoy till the next itch to scratch pops up.. :)
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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Russ, keep in mind the 4000SL still uses the old SHHA modules, and I would guess it's due for an update with the latest in the 30SV and those custom JFETs. That would be a player I would love to own; I assume their anticipated new DAC would also make use of the same, but that's just a guess. Great report. So what's your wait time now?
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
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Loved reading your story Russ. But you made a criminal offence in my book. No playlist of what you heard!!! :D Let us share in the experience to some extent with a list of few titles please.

Back to your purchase decision, some of the best lessons I have learned about audio reproduction came from Keith Johnson when we acquired their company (PMI/HDCD) and he became a consultant to me for a year. That he is able to produce electronics with this level of fidelity is not a surprise. OK, I feel better after that name dropping....
 

Mobiusman

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May 24, 2010
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Ack and Amir,

Let me answer both questions. Wait times- Preamp 3 weeks. Amp 14 weeks

Regarding the playlist, I do not have it because Terry is sending me the discs. I will reach out to him for the titles.

Russ
 

taters

New Member
Jun 6, 2012
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I am just curious with this line of audiophile bliss. Since the equipment is supposedly the end all of audio I Imagine that no upgrades are needed. After all If these producers are the cutting edge I guess there is no need for after market power cords, audiophile fuses or quantum chips. Just plug and play and enjoy.
 

Mike Lavigne

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
Apr 25, 2010
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Russ,

congrats on having that ultimate connection experience with a system that presses your particular buttons. it's really about being able to get to that place where you can lose yourself into the music. your post was a great read and I love to see that passion to be all-in for where you are wanting to go.

I'm not knowledgeable about Spectral gear personally; but I sure have read plenty about it and can imagine what's doing based on your description. sounds like a particularly synergistic assembly. the whole greater than the sum of the parts and all that stuff.

enjoy!!
 

PeterA

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Dec 6, 2011
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Russ, that is a wonderful report and I feel that I can appreciate the experience you had that day. Good writing. Half way through, I actually thought that you were going to describe a complex arrangement between you and the two dealers that renewed your faith in traditional dealers. I have met Alan Goodwin and have spent much time there. I have been very impressed with the Spectral gear that I have heard in a few specific demos, the most recent being one with the top monos, the pre, and the Magico S7 and Ssubs. Just incredible.

There is value to a good dealership and there are companies that offer great value and focus on results and sound above all else. Spectral is one of them.

I am sure you will enjoy this gear once it is in your system. Congratulations. I love reading stories like this.
 

edorr

WBF Founding Member
May 10, 2010
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Great report and no question Spectral builds fine gear at reasonable price, and I respect your loyalty to the brand. However, I challenge the suggestion that Spectral sets the standard in price / performance.

I recently replaced my full loom of Spectral gear (DMA 360 Series II, DMC 30SS Series II, MIT HD 90, MIT MA-X) with the new PS Audio BHK 300 amp + Transparent Reference cabling and can honestly say I get better sound for less $$$ (after a false start using the Spectral preamp and MIT cabling with the PS audio amp, which did not work). Now, your gear now doubt takes performance up a notch (or two), BUT keep in mind I have some runway to improve sound as well, specifically by inserting the forthcoming PS audio tube preamp into the chain.

No intent to start a debate about the relative merits of PS audio and Spectral (both are fine companies with loyal following, committed to building great gear at reaonsable price - the former obviously targeting a somewhat more budget constrained end of the market), but just wanted to make this observation, given the fact I was until recently a happy Spectral user myself.
 

taters

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Jun 6, 2012
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Great report and no question Spectral builds fine gear at reasonable price, and I respect your loyalty to the brand. However, I challenge the suggestion that Spectral sets the standard in price / performance.

I recently replaced my full loom of Spectral gear (DMA 360 Series II, DMC 30SS Series II, MIT HD 90, MIT MA-X) with the new PS Audio BHK 300 amp + Transparent Reference cabling and can honestly say I get better sound for less $$$ (after a false start using the Spectral preamp and MIT cabling with the PS audio amp, which did not work). Now, your gear now doubt takes performance up a notch (or two), BUT keep in mind I have some runway to improve sound as well, specifically by inserting the forthcoming PS audio tube preamp into the chain.

No intent to start a debate about the relative merits of PS audio and Spectral (both are fine companies with loyal following, committed to building great gear at reaonsable price - the former obviously targeting a somewhat more budget constrained end of the market), but just wanted to make this observation, given the fact I was until recently a happy Spectral user myself.

If you were so happy with you're Spectral gear why were you looking to replace it?
 

Mobiusman

Well-Known Member
May 24, 2010
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I am not saying that Spectral is the end all. All I am saying is that for me, thus far it was the best sound I ever heard or imagined with the possible exception of Iverson's Force Field. If someone can find the same happiness for less, then they are the smarter ones!
 

LL21

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Dec 26, 2010
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One of the best reads on WBF in a long while...full of passion, enjoyment, fun and totally positive. Enjoy!!! Look forward to reading more perhaps as you get to know your fantastic system even more...
 

Rodney Gold

Member
Jan 29, 2014
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If you are a card carrying audiophile , there is never a real end..angst free audiophile reproduction never lasts but for brief moments..nature of the hobby
 

RayDunzl

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Jun 26, 2014
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If you are a card carrying audiophile , there is never a real end..angst free audiophile reproduction never lasts but for brief moments..nature of the hobby

I haven't gotten a card yet.
 

taters

New Member
Jun 6, 2012
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If you are a card carrying audiophile , there is never a real end..angst free audiophile reproduction never lasts but for brief moments..nature of the hobby

I thought the ultimate goal in all this is to finally find something you are happy with and just enjoy the music.
 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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I am glad but not surprised you had a good experience at Overture audio. I have been there many times.overture often debuts flagship product like Martin Logan Statement, Magico Q5, and Avalon Isis. He always treats us tire kickers with respect?
 

Mobiusman

Well-Known Member
May 24, 2010
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I just want to clarify that I am not saying that Spectral has been the end all historically, BUT this new combination is cutting new ground that is so different from past Spectral offerings that for the interested or curious it is absolutely worth the audition. What is really interesting is the improvement in the sound of the RS amps when driven by the SV preamp. It sounds totally different than the amp sounds when driven by the DMC 30 SS. Since I will be getting the preamp before my new amp (thanks to Terry pulling some favors for me) it will be interesting to hear if my 260 sounds much different when driven by the SV

My sense is that KOJ and RF had an overall plan when KOJ developed the new technology and when the new technology was available for them they decided to focus on bringing it to the amps first and fortunately now the preamp, and supposedly soon a phone stage. Unless you have heard the combination, there is no way to understand why I have made the comments I have without a first hand audition. It is that different.
 

edorr

WBF Founding Member
May 10, 2010
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If you were so happy with you're Spectral gear why were you looking to replace it?

First, I hate being locked into MIT cabling. Second, I just had the opportunity to audition an alternative amp and found I could get better / equivalent sound for less $$$, so I made the switch. I did the auditioning with an open mind and had no preconceived idea I was going to sell the Spectral gear.
 

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