Thanks for your responses.
Although I do not know any of you, it is still very interessting to learn from you, Vader007 ;-) And yes I do trust my dealer, that's why I did not try out the 390S (which I had on loan) directly into my Spectral. On the other hand, he, and as a matter of fact the distributor in my country -- The Netherlands -- as well, also predicted the match with my LS2 should be unhealthy for the DMA-150, and after 2 years both are still in very good condition!
Nevertheless they did scare me a bit, so after a few months I tried out the DMC-15 as a possible replacement. In many repects it outperformed the ARC completely, but yet I preferred the warmer sound and deeper soundstage of the LS2. It's all about system synergy, I guess.
These experiences learned me to not just following communis opinio on Spectral gear. One other example: I myself use the factory/dealer advised MIT cables, but I know people who are very satisfied with other brands as well. So I really try to use my OWN head and ears in this minefield of commercial interests and technical complexities.
My cautious conclusion: it's not wise to invest in Aero Capitole as a possible pre-amp, unless I replace the DMA-150 as well (sigh..).
How does that sound? Any rebuttals??? The jury is still out, so please reply!
Although I do not know any of you, it is still very interessting to learn from you, Vader007 ;-) And yes I do trust my dealer, that's why I did not try out the 390S (which I had on loan) directly into my Spectral. On the other hand, he, and as a matter of fact the distributor in my country -- The Netherlands -- as well, also predicted the match with my LS2 should be unhealthy for the DMA-150, and after 2 years both are still in very good condition!
Nevertheless they did scare me a bit, so after a few months I tried out the DMC-15 as a possible replacement. In many repects it outperformed the ARC completely, but yet I preferred the warmer sound and deeper soundstage of the LS2. It's all about system synergy, I guess.
These experiences learned me to not just following communis opinio on Spectral gear. One other example: I myself use the factory/dealer advised MIT cables, but I know people who are very satisfied with other brands as well. So I really try to use my OWN head and ears in this minefield of commercial interests and technical complexities.
My cautious conclusion: it's not wise to invest in Aero Capitole as a possible pre-amp, unless I replace the DMA-150 as well (sigh..).
How does that sound? Any rebuttals??? The jury is still out, so please reply!