Topic: Spectral Equipment

[SonicSound]

What has your experience been with Spectral equipment? 

I am currently auditioning a per-amp (DMC-30) in my system which includes: CAL Alpha D/A and Delta CD transport,  Golden Tube Audio SEP-1 pre-amp, Cary CAD 50 MKII mono block amps, and DALI MS4 speakers. I have been listening for over three days know and I can say with confidence that the DMC-30 far surpasses the SEP-1 (IMO).  I am amassed by the natural inter detail and sound that is reproduced by the DMC-30.  I have not experience the typical fatigue that I usually get when listing to SS gear.  I plan to audition CJ 17, CJ ACT2, and ARC (not sure which model).  I have always been a fan of the tube “filter” but very impressed by what Spectral has designed.  I am almost tempted to check out their amplifiers.     
 

[cshepherd]

Why not audition a Cary pre amp to go with your mono blocks? 

Chris

[SonicSound]

Trust me I would if I could find one locally.

Can you loan me one of these...... 

Why not audition a Cary pre amp to go with your mono blocks? 

Chris

[cshepherd]

If you see Invisible around here, he might be able to help you locate a Cary for audition.  That Golden Tube pre is being dragged along for the ride by the rest of your system.  A  new pre (especially the models you're interested in) should pay big dividends.  Do you have a turntable?

Chris

What are you using for ICs and speaker cables?

[SonicSound]

I do not have a turntable (my wife would have me committed).  I am using Cardas neutral referance bi-wire speaker cables.  I would be very interested in checking out the Cary pre and also the CAD 805 or 211.
+T

If you see Invisible around here, he might be able to help you locate a Cary for audition.  That Golden Tube pre is being dragged along for the ride by the rest of your system.  A  new pre (especially the models you're interested in) should pay big dividends.  Do you have a turntable?

Chris

What are you using for ICs and speaker cables?

[cshepherd]

I think turntables are an easier pitch than most guys think.  If you can get a CJ ACT2 past your wife, anything is possible.  It's been my experience that women love listening to records.

Cardas...I would like to check them out sometime.

Chris

[SonicSound]

Anyone listen to the CAD 211 or 805's or the SPL-05?

[SonicSound]

Bump.

Any other pre-amp recommendations?

[cshepherd]

You should check out the Shindo Labs Monbrison Preamplifier.  You can audition it at In Living Stereo in NYC.  The Mastersound PH L5 at $4900 is also a great pre amp with an included phono stage.  They had excellent sound at CES.  We purchased their Compact 845 30w integrated after hearing the PL H5 and 845 mono blocks on display.
 
Chris