Spectral 300 SV

[LeoR]

Anyone had a chance to audition the new Spectral 300 SV amp?

 

[robbyd]

I have one - very happy - up from a 30sl

 

[BMCG]

I have one - very happy - up from a 30sl

Believe Leo is referring to the new - just released - stereo amp

https://www.analogplanet.com/conten...es-east-coast-debut-innovative-audio-november

 

[robbyd]

Ah yes - I see now - thanks

 

[4music]

Spectral 300SV has been released since, I think on Oct 2019. Waiting for feedback from forum members who were lucky to audition it.
Thanks
Tim

 

[Thieliste]

Hi guys, been a Spectral fan in the 90s but lost track in the past 15+ years.
I wonder how the latest DMC 30SV - DMA 300SV combo would do compared to newer gear like the Audionet Humboldt.
I plan on using a pair of Borresen 03 speakers but will not be able to audition with Spectral as dealers don't carry both brands.

 

[dan31]

If you can't listen to them I would pass.

I think they can be some of, if not the best available. But I wouldn't part with cash without hearing. They need the MIT/Spectral interconnect and speaker cables, or MIT equivalent. If I didn't get my Spectral/MIT cables for a deal I would have passed on Spectral. No doubt the electronics are superlative design.

 

[ack]

I agree with Dan 100%

 

[Thieliste]

Yes i'm aware of the recommended use of MIT cables with Spectral gear, that's not really a problem as Spectral dealers do carry the cables.
The only problem is that there is no dealer where i live, i would have to go to Italy for an audition.

 

[dan31]

Yes i'm aware of the recommended use of MIT cables with Spectral gear, that's not really a problem as Spectral dealers do carry the cables.
The only problem is that there is no dealer where i live, i would have to go to Italy for an audition.

If you can get to Italy and perhaps have the cost of travel credited to the purchase it would be worth investigating. Spectral makes wonderful electronics and they can be rare to get an audition. The recent models have had very satisfying reports. They should match well with the speakers you are considering. If nothing else you will learn something about your preferences. If you can, I would audition the new Avalon Aurora speaker that was designed with Spectral in mind and had input from Keith Johnson of Spectral. He has so much experience as a designer and recording engineer.

Avalon Aurora, https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/the-avalon-aurora-aka-the-spectral-speaker.29137/

 

[Thieliste]

Is there a difference between DMA 300SV and DMA 400SV except power difference ?

 

[dan31]

The 400's are monoblock amplifiers, the 300 is a stereo amplifier. Both incorporate the SV technology. There maybe some small differences between the amplifiers, but the monoblock vs stereo should be a much greater difference.

 

[Thieliste]

Some people who owned Spectral gear say it's unreliable in the long run.
What do you guys think perhaps older series ?

 

[ack]

I'd say this mostly goes back to how the amps are driven, MIT cables vs not, and whether they are all ventilated as instructed.

As prescribed, the only problems I've had over 25 years is caps having to be replaced in the SDR-2000 DAC due to heat buildup, and a tweak to a CD transport (a ~$10 part). The list of problem-free equipment here includes about 7 preamps, 7-8 amps, and the SDR-3000SL transport. All in all, I have probably spent less than $1000 in repairs and shipping. I would call Spectral the MOST reliable brand I've ever had, and in fact, extremely reliable in the long run. They are meant to outlive the owners, when used as prescribed. FWIW, FM Acoustics is also in the same league.

 

[dan31]

As ack noted, Spectral runs their products class A or highly biased class A for the amplifiers. The recent amplifiers, say past 10 years have ventilation in the top plate of the case. My stereo amp draws 250 watts when turned on, sitting at idle.

 

[Thieliste]

I'd say this mostly goes back to how the amps are driven, MIT cables vs not, and whether they are all ventilated as instructed.

As prescribed, the only problems I've had over 25 years is caps having to be replaced in the SDR-2000 DAC due to heat buildup, and a tweak to a CD transport (a ~$10 part). The list of problem-free equipment here includes about 7 preamps, 7-8 amps, and the SDR-3000SL transport. All in all, I have probably spent less than $1000 in repairs and shipping. I would call Spectral the MOST reliable brand I've ever had, and in fact, extremely reliable in the long run. They are meant to outlive the owners, when used as prescribed. FWIW, FM Acoustics is also in the same league.

Do you also use MIT power cords in your Spectral system ?
I'm aware about the use of MIT interconnects and speaker cables but what about power cords ?

 

[dan31]

I have been using Shunyata power cords for my Spectral preamp and amp. I'm using the first generation Alpha HC and Alpha PC's.

I would consider a shielded PC's depending on your available space.

 

[ack]

Do you also use MIT power cords in your Spectral system ?

Here, I would say Never MIT cords for me. All-Shunyata in here as well. The results have been truly jaw-dropping with the latest generation; I have bought 12 cords and a Denali since late July so far (the 12th one bought just today); details at https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/acks-system-end-of-round-1.2740/page-51#post-676786

 

[Thieliste]

I'm going to investigate on DMC 30SV + DMA 400SV.
Will try to organise a trip to Italy as soon as possible for an audition.

 

[ack]

Sounds great, and always listen before you buy. I will stress out again, clean power is a requirement; the question is, what does that look like. The way I have configured things, there is unfettered performance.