Music Lovers in SF have an ad and picture of it in the latest Absolute Sound. It looks like it's finally here. Love the slightly better casework
Spectral DMA-400
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Thank you! I may get flamed but that sounds pretty reasonable these daysI've got to listen to Spectral
Be prepared to be stunned
Shouldn't the amps be used with their preamp? Shouldn't Spectral or MIT cables be used?
On the DMA 360 series 2, I was surprised how much improvement could be achieved when I put an FM Acoustic 268 or FM Acoustic 266 or the BALabo line stage in front of it.
On my DMC 30SS series 2 with DMA 360 series 2 set up, I had excellent results using Gotham interconnects between them.
On my DMC 30SS series 2 with DMA 360 series 2 set up, I had excellent results using Gotham interconnects between them.
Someone else who has heard the mighty FM268...how good is it exactly? As SOTA as some say? Any chance you could make a few comments? Most curious!
Hi lloydelee21,
Let me start out with an all digital Spectral system connected to Magico Q5 speakers. What happened when I substituted the FM 266 for the DMC 30SS series 2 is superior gain in energy generated by the performers and a noticeably larger soundstage in all dimensions. Now, when I replaced the FM 266 for the BAlabo linestage, there is even more transparency giving me a sense of better stage lighting so that I can "see" the performers with greater clarity. Finally, substituting the FM 268 for the BAlabo, there is a rich creamy texture that is so musically engaging, easy and relaxing to hear.
As for being SOTA, I do not know, but really, who knows? Synergies play a big role in system building. My top favorites in line stages and preamps that I have heard are the top four piece Lamm line stage, the FM 268, the Audio Research SP 3 with all Telefunken military grade 12AX7 tubes and the Syd Smith modified Marantz 7.
You ought to plan a visit to Hong Kong. Go to the Sound Chamber to hear the FM system. The people there are very accomodating and will set up different systems for you to hear. You can mix and match and discover for yourself if you prefer a single brand or mix up the brands to tailor the sound to your liking. You can search google for the website of the sound chamber in Hong Kong. There is also the added attraction of the numerous excellent restaurants you can enjoy in Hong Kong.
While you are in Hong Kong, you can also walk over and visit the dealership that carries Gary's Genesis Dragon speakers. After hearing the Genesis Dragons, there are a few more high end dealerships in the same building that you can visit by just taking the elevator.
Let me start out with an all digital Spectral system connected to Magico Q5 speakers. What happened when I substituted the FM 266 for the DMC 30SS series 2 is superior gain in energy generated by the performers and a noticeably larger soundstage in all dimensions. Now, when I replaced the FM 266 for the BAlabo linestage, there is even more transparency giving me a sense of better stage lighting so that I can "see" the performers with greater clarity. Finally, substituting the FM 268 for the BAlabo, there is a rich creamy texture that is so musically engaging, easy and relaxing to hear.
As for being SOTA, I do not know, but really, who knows? Synergies play a big role in system building. My top favorites in line stages and preamps that I have heard are the top four piece Lamm line stage, the FM 268, the Audio Research SP 3 with all Telefunken military grade 12AX7 tubes and the Syd Smith modified Marantz 7.
You ought to plan a visit to Hong Kong. Go to the Sound Chamber to hear the FM system. The people there are very accomodating and will set up different systems for you to hear. You can mix and match and discover for yourself if you prefer a single brand or mix up the brands to tailor the sound to your liking. You can search google for the website of the sound chamber in Hong Kong. There is also the added attraction of the numerous excellent restaurants you can enjoy in Hong Kong.
While you are in Hong Kong, you can also walk over and visit the dealership that carries Gary's Genesis Dragon speakers. After hearing the Genesis Dragons, there are a few more high end dealerships in the same building that you can visit by just taking the elevator.
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