Input on Spectral DMC 30SL

I'm not sure why this thread got posted twice.

I am also considering a Krell KCT.

No Spectral guys out there? Other thoughts on a good match?

greg thanks for all the great information. what i gather from your post is the 30sl, although a very good preamp, may not be the best fit for my current system, unless i get the spectral amps. part of my reason for posting this thread was to get some idea, from the experience/knowledge of others, if it would mate well with the krell amp. it seems your thoughts suggest the krell kct may be a better sounding preamp with the stuff i have.

any other thoughts out there?

barrelchief...exactly what i am asking! really great information, thanks. i have growing concerns about this synergy. i do lean toward the analytical preference in sound but certainly not to the point of sterile and bright. what did you end up replacing it with?

ack...i ended up getting a berkeley alpha dac which i run directly to my amp. i cannot say enough good about this dac. outstanding. at present, i still have the krell but i also have a dma 180 which was just rebuilt at spectral. the dma 180 is listed for sale but i am giving serious consideration to keeping it. i believe it is one of the finest amplifiers and is head and shoulders above most of the amps being sold today. this particular dma 180 is pretty special given all the work that was just done so i am really torn. i also did end up getting some pretty solid information confirming that the alpha dac is appropriate to drive spectral amps. by my ears they are a wonderful match too! if things work out well down the road i hope to end up with the same amps you have. i am guessing you are enjoying the 360's!

the new amps must be amazing. to call the soundstage diffuse on the 180 is a wild statement! compared to just about any other amps it is super etched and detailed. it makes my krell, which sold for twice what it retailed for 10 years later, it is more than polished. i am a big fan of that krell too. i still think the dma 180 is one of the top 10 amps ever.

email me your issues with the 30ss. i find it interesting that you prefer the 30sl.

i do not recall you having the alpha dac...is it new? i could go on and on about that thing. i have absolutely no desire to change digital sources and i do not think that will fade. this is an unusual state for me to be in.