Spectral amp/preamp

I know Spectral wants users to mate their products together, but I was wondering if anyone has used a different brand preamp with a Spectral amp or vice versa and what they thought.

runner06-13-2019 5:12pm

Showing 4 responses by mdp632

mdp632 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 54 posts 06-15-2019 at 08:54pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @roxy54 Fair enough and look this hobby is so subjective that we all never agree or like same thing. That’s what makes in unique but , I wanted to help @runner out with the original post and question bout Spectral. When it turned to people critical of his question and started to malign Spectral based of their past experiences ; I had to chime in. Yes , maybe I was wrong calling McIntosh midfi and offended the owners on this forum. But, should have stated that it’s not my flavor of ice cream. To each their own.
mdp632 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 54 posts 06-15-2019 at 08:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @roxy54 By choice. They’ve had the same owner for 40 years. How many cars does Ferrari produce a year compared to Toyota? How many high end manufactures at the mercy of audio reviewers ; who in turn write a positive review based on a financial interest of the product they are reviewing ? You are right that you have let your ears be the judge and make your own conclusions. Too bad that there only I think 3 Spectral dealers I think in the us. Additionally , I don’t they have been or dealer has shown Spectral at a us audio show in many years. Just don’t assume that because they are a low volume brand compared to say McIntosh that they lack the engineering or quality of a bigger big box brand. Hardly the case but , as I’ve said most audiophiles will never experience Spectral even at dealer or show conditions because of the points I made above.
mdp632 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 54 posts 06-15-2019 at 03:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @runner You can use a Spectral pre amp with another brands amp but, not vice versa. Personally, I wouldn’t risk voiding a warranty or a service issue. If you have a problem with those requirements or using MIT Cables. I wouldn’t even bother with Spectral. Spectral is really designed as a system. Pre+Amp+MIT Cables As others have stated. There are plenty of other great brands out there to try. @ebm Not over priced garbage. Under priced compared to high end solid state from Europe; in specific Switzerland (Soulution, CH, Dartzel). It may not be your cup of tea but, please Mcintosh isn’t in the same league as Spectral. Current and modern Mcintosh gear although nice is midfi compared to the current Spectral stuff.
mdp632 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 54 posts 06-15-2019 at 05:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @stereo5 Compared to those brands I mentioned it most certainly is. I’m not delusional and I won’t go into a debate with McIntosh owners as this hobby is very subjective but , if we use the car analogy. The only thing a Mustang GT and Porsche 911 have in common is 4 tires and a steering wheel. You’d only be able to tell the diff if one drove them back to back. There is reason the 911 costs more but , won’t dispute the mustang Gt is a great car and value compared to the 911. But at the end of the day ; it’s no Porsche. Likewise at the p end of the day a McIntosh amp isn’t a Spectral or Soulution amp.

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