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Spectral DMA 180 Questions

Hello,

I currently use a Spectral DMA 50 power amp in a system that includes Thiel 1.6, Spectral DMC 15, Krell CD 300, and a project RM 5 running through a mccromack phono pre, with MIT cabling throughout.

I got the DMA 50 used several years ago, and it's fantastic. It was much more informative and fuller than the McCormack dna 0.5 I'd been using with the thiels, and it erased any remaining brightness that was there with the mccormack.

I now have the upgrade bug, and I'm considering replacing the DMA 50 with a spectral DMA 180, given that it has a more evolved design, more power, which might result in better bass and more accurate presentations overall. I've heard that the DMA 180 is on the warm side, as is the DMA 50, and I'd prefer this with the thiels. My questions :

1. What is the difference between the DMA 180 series 1 and 2, sonically?

2. What are the opinions in general of the DMA 180? Should I be considering other spectrals, such as the 100, 150 or 90?

3. As far as warmth, would the DMA 180 be a decent match with the thiel 1.6, which can sound bright with the wrong electronics. In my current setupd, there's no problem with brightness or fatigue.

I listen to rock, classical chamber and orchestral music, and old jazz.
Thanks!
robertd

Showing 2 responses by drjoe

drjoe
130 posts
 
If you can afford it, get the DMA 250 or a DMA 100 if you can get by with less
power. Both are rear on the used market. Don't pay attention to the
obvious Spectral haters. Remember to each hie own.
Joe
drjoe
130 posts
 
Lawrence is right on the money .We have talked many times and he also
knows Spectral very well.
No... Lawrence and I are not Spectral shills. We just appreciate what
Spectral does. If you don't do it right I can see why many don't like the
sound. This stuff is the ferrari of audio. Needs very fine tuning.
Joe
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