Spectral DMA 30 SL: Volume Change Sound

Console

Member
Apr 17, 2017
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Timbuktu ;)
Spectral DMC 30 SL: Volume Change Sound

Hi there,

I have bought an used 30 SL G1 in new like condition and love the sound. I habe two questions / observations though:

1. Is the low "motor sound" of the volume control normal, when switching the unit on or changing the volume?
2. On Volume Level 1 (1x LED on) there seems to be a slightly improper Balance between left and right channel. Can the balance calibration be off or change due to age? From LED 2 upwards all is perfect.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!
 
Last edited:

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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#1 If you can hear the motor from afar, then I would say this is not normal; from up close, yes, the motor can be heard
#2 You may be splitting hairs here, as I can't see anyone listening at -90dB; or did I miss something? You may want to contact the factory about this if it bothers you.
 

Console

Member
Apr 17, 2017
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5
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Timbuktu ;)
I hear the motor from my listening position, when I change volume without music playing. It is a low sirring sound. 2.5m away from preamp.
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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Frankly, so can I when the room is quiet (late at night), but it's extremely subtle and I have very acute hearing still
 

Console

Member
Apr 17, 2017
32
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Timbuktu ;)
Interesting observation: I am using a programmable universal Logitech Remote. The inbalance between the channels just happens with the Logitech! Using the Spectral Remote, all is superb! Wow, strange and interesting. So the original remote is on the table! :)
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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Boston, MA
Interesting indeed - no real idea why this would be, but a guess would be that the pulse durations are not the same.
 

Console

Member
Apr 17, 2017
32
5
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Timbuktu ;)
Yes, the original Remote seems to "lock" at certain ranges. The Logitech seems to sit "inbetween" in the lowest volume setting. It 100% reproducable! But the preamp is 100% balanced with the original remote. So... machine is running perfectly. Very happy! The oddity of inbalance was somehow disturbing, though it was just in that 1 setting with the Logitech remote. Very sensitive machine, the DMC 30 SL... :)
 

Console

Member
Apr 17, 2017
32
5
23
Timbuktu ;)
I checked for reference with another 30 SL. The sound of the volume control motor is the same. I don't find it subtle though, Ack. But knowing this is normal, gives me comfort.
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
6,774
1,198
580
Boston, MA
Well, subtle against the volume we play music at :D
 

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